Which Maui Helicopter Tour Is The Best?

There are many adventures to experience in Maui including snorkel tours, luaus, zip-lining, and hiking. Many would agree that the best way to truly explore Maui is by air. Maui has more flight options than the other Hawaiian Islands and it can be hard to decide which flight to take because they are all amazing! Here are the three best options for a Maui helicopter tour.

Hana and Haleakala

The Hana and Haleakala helicopter tour features the highlights of East Maui. You will view the valleys and waterfalls of Hana along with Haleakala, the worlds largest series of dormant volcanoes. This helicopter tour is the same flight pattern as the Complete Island, minus the West Maui Mountains. It offers less time in the air, so it is less expensive.

West Maui and Molokai

This tour begins in the West Maui Mountains, home to Pu’u Kukui watershed with lush valleys and waterfalls. The tour continues across the Pailolo channel to the north shore of Molokai which features the tallest sea cliffs in the world and the largest waterfall in Hawaii. During whale season in Maui (December-April) you also have a chance to witness humpback whales as you cross the channel. Air Maui offers an exciting Doors Off option for this flight pattern.

Complete Island of Maui

This is one of the more popular choices to see all of Maui in one hour. It includes the highlights of both East and West Maui and features the Hana rainforest, Haleakala Crater and the West Maui Mountains. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers this tour with an added private landing at Ulupalakua on the slopes of Haleakala. It is called the Maui Spectacular and it is 90 minutes total time.

A few more things to consider when choosing your Maui helicopter tour:

There are three types of aircraft to choose from:

• The A-star aircraft is an industry-standard built with sightseeing in mind. It costs less to fly in an A-Star than an Eco-Star.

• The Eco-Star was also built for sightseeing and it also has 23% more space inside with wraparound windows for better viewing.

• Doors Off. There is only one option for a Doors Off helicopter and that is with Air Maui on their West Maui and Molokai flight.

Seating:

• The helicopters hold six guests plus the pilot. Seating is based on the weight and balance of the passengers and is determined by the tour provider. Air Maui and Blue Hawaiian offer a guaranteed front seat upgrade for a fee.

  Experiencing Maui by air is one of the most exciting things you can do on this beautiful island. You will not be disappointed!

Helicopter Tour Prices in Maui (2025 Edition)

Taking a helicopter tour in Maui remains one of the most thrilling and unforgettable ways to experience the island’s dramatic natural beauty. From soaring over the Haleakalā Crater to gliding alongside Molokai’s towering sea cliffs, nothing compares to the aerial perspective a helicopter offers.

If you’re wondering, “How much does a helicopter tour cost in Maui?”—you’re not alone. Pricing for Maui helicopter tours typically ranges from $290 and up for base fare. After taxes and mandatory fuel surcharges, most guests pay between $321 and up.

👶 Children’s Pricing: Helicopter tours in Maui do not offer child rates, but infants under 24 months fly free when seated on an adult’s lap.

🛩️ Why Do Maui Helicopter Tour Prices Vary?

A few key factors impact the final cost of your flight:

1. Type of Helicopter

There are three main aircraft types used for Maui tours:

• A-Star – The industry standard. Comfortable and scenic with panoramic windows. Great value.

• Eco-Star – A roomier, quieter upgrade with 23% more cabin space, wraparound glass, and captain-style seating. Eco-Star tours cost more due to the premium experience.

• Doors-Off A-Star – Exclusively flown by Air Maui, this open-air adventure is only available on the West Maui & Molokai 45-minute tour. Offers an adrenaline-filled, unobstructed view of waterfalls, sea cliffs, and valleys.

2. Flight Duration

Longer flights = higher cost. Here are the most common durations:

• 45 minutes – Perfect for quick scenic highlights like West Maui & Molokai.

• 55 minutes – Ideal for routes that include Haleakalā and the Hana Rainforest.

• 65–75 minutes – Extended routes often include multiple islands or private landings (like the Blue Hawaiian Maui Spectacular).

3. Landing Tours

Some premium tours include a landing segment, often in remote rainforest valleys or private estates. These landings enhance the experience but add to the price. For example:

• Hana Rainforest Experience by Maverick Helicopters includes a 30-minute rainforest landing and champagne toast.

• Maui Molokai Spectacular by Blue Hawaiian includes a scenic mountaintop landing with Haleakalā views.

⏰ When Should I Book My Helicopter Tour?

• Morning flights (especially 8:00–10:00 AM) offer the clearest weather, especially for Haleakalā.

• Tours sell out fast, so advance booking is highly recommended—especially for peak travel seasons like summer and holidays.

• Afternoon flights may experience more cloud cover, particularly over mountain terrain.

📸 Tips to Maximize Your Tour

• Wear dark clothing to reduce glare in photos taken through helicopter windows.

• Seating is assigned by weight and balance, not by preference. Some companies allow front seat upgrades for a fee—worth it for the extra views and legroom.

• Weight Limits:

  • A-Star: ~240 lbs before a comfort seat is required

  • Eco-Star: ~240–300 lbs (varies by company)
    Comfort seat charges range from 50% to 100% of the fare depending on your tour operator.

✈️ Which Tour Is Right for You?

If you're looking for:

• Most Affordable:
  → West Maui & Molokai (45 min) — Doors On or Doors Off options available.

• Most Scenic:
  → Hana & Haleakalā (55 min) — Lush rainforest, crater views, and coastline.

• Most Immersive:
  → Hana Rainforest Experience (75 min) — Includes landing in remote rainforest.

• Most Luxurious:
  → Maui Spectacular (Blue Hawaiian) — Extended air time + private mountain landing.

🛫 All Flights Depart From:

Kahului Heliport (OGG Airport area)
📍 Lelepio Pl., Kahului, HI 96732
✔️ Free parking available

·         It can be confusing deciding which flight and aircraft to choose that meets your desires and your budget. Need help deciding? Give us a call! Our local concierge has experience all of the Maui helicopter tours first hand and are happy to help you choose the right trip for you. 

What Maui Helicopter Tours Leave from Kapalua airport?

Maui has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and it said that 70% of the island can only be seen by air. We offer 45 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90-minute helicopter tours. They have different flight patterns and some of the highlights include Hana waterfalls, Haleakala Crater, West Maui Mountains and the island of Molokai. You will also choose from different types of aircrafts including A-Star, Eco-Star and even a doors-off option!
The one thing you cannot choose is what part of the island your helicopter departs from.

There are no helicopter flights that leave out of Kapalua or the west side of Maui. All of the helicopter tours in Maui depart from the Kahului heliport just 5 minutes from the main airport. The drive time to the Kahului heliport from the west side of Maui is 45-60 minutes and from the south side it is 20-30 minutes. If you are traveling inter-island, Kapalua airport offers commuter flights to Oahu and Molokai. Mokulele airlines also offers a Father Damien Kalaupapa tour out of Kapalua several days a week. This tour begins with a flight across the Pailolo Channel where you will experience the tallest sea cliffs in the world and some of Hawaii’s tallest waterfalls. After landing, you will be taken on a guided tour of Kalaupapa Settlement and learn about the rich history and the life of Father Damien.

You may be thinking “Is it worth driving back to the airport to do a Maui helicopter tour?

The answer is YES! A tour of Maui by air may be the most exciting thing you do on your Maui vacation. Plus, there are a lot of fun things to do in the Kahului area before or after your tour. Looking for ideas? You can check out some things to do on this Maui helicopter tour blog post.

Things to Do After Your Maui Helicopter Tour

You have booked your Maui helicopter tour. You are probably wondering where exactly does it depart from and is there anything else to see in the area. All of Maui ‘s helicopter trips depart from the Kahului heliport which is 5 minutes from the airport. While there is not a whole lot to see in do in the town of Kahului, unless you consider the nearby Costco as a great vacation stop, there are many things to do and places to eat in the surrounding area after your Maui helicopter tour.

A vacation to Maui would not be complete without visiting the town of Paia which is only 15 minutes from Kahului heliport. Paia is known for its restaurants, art galleries and local boutiques.  In addition to restaurants near the Maui heliport, there are few parks and attractions that are worth visiting before or after your Maui helicopter tour. Check out all of our recommendations below.

 Mamas Fish House – located on the north end of Paia, Mams Fish House does not disappoint. They have the same menu for lunch and dinner and the view is outstanding. Their menu features fresh fish and Pacific Rim Cuisine. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Flatbreads Pizza – located in the heart of Paia, Flatbreads pizza is known for its all natural, wood fired, clay oven pizzas. Trust us, they have the best pizzas on the island. They use locally sourced ingredients and their menu has a lot of options.

Paia Fish Market – this iconic Maui restaurant is known for its fresh fish tacos and the most delicious fish sandwiches on the island. Reasonably priced and super casual, Paia Fishmarket is a local favorite.

Haleakala Crater National Park – Most people think that the only way to see the crater is going during sunrise but the crater is great to see in the morning and for sunset too. Plus, to see the sunrise you have to get up at 2 am to get to the crater in time. Going in the day avoids the early wake up time! The Haleakala Crater is only 1-1.5 hours from the heliport so it makes a great destination on your Maui helicopter day.

Iao Valley State Park – The site of the famous battle of Kepiniwaia, this valley is abundant in history and culture. It also features Kuka’emoku also known as the Iao Needle which is a natural steep ridge which rises 1200 feet and can be viewed from a short half a mile walk.

Maui Tropical Plantation – Many visitors to Maui like to visit the Maui Tropical Plantation and take a 40 minute tropical fruit tram tour which also features a 15 minute coconut husking demonstration. If you are there more towards the evening you may want to check out the The Mill House for dinner located at the heart of the plantation.

Discover Molokai: The Island Off West Maui with Towering Cliffs and Rich History

If you're staying in West Maui, chances are you've looked out across the ocean and wondered, “What is that island over there?” The answer: Molokai—Hawaii’s fifth-largest island and home to some of the most dramatic landscapes and deep cultural history in the entire archipelago.

From the shores of Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua, Molokai is clearly visible on the horizon. But to truly understand its beauty and historical significance, the best way to explore it is by helicopter tour. On a West Maui and Molokai helicopter flight, you’ll fly over the tallest sea cliffs in the world, remote valleys, massive waterfalls, and the powerful story of the Kalaupapa Peninsula.

The Majestic North Shore of Molokai

Molokai’s north shore is one of the most remote and visually stunning places in all of Hawaii. Towering sea cliffs, some rising more than 3,000 feet, were formed over 1.5 million years ago when a significant portion of the island collapsed into the Pacific Ocean. This cataclysmic event carved out the rugged, awe-inspiring coastline visible today—accessible only by air or sea.

Your helicopter tour will also take you over the Kalaupapa Peninsula, which juts out dramatically from the base of these cliffs. Unlike the rest of Molokai, the peninsula was created by a submarine volcanic eruption roughly 250,000 years ago.

Kalaupapa: A Place of History and Healing

Beyond its geological wonder, Kalaupapa carries a deep human story. In the mid-1800s, Hansen’s Disease (commonly known as leprosy) spread through the Hawaiian Islands. With limited medical understanding and widespread fear, King Kamehameha V enacted the "Act to Prevent the Spread of Leprosy" in 1865. This law required patients with severe cases to be isolated, and Kalaupapa was selected for its extreme remoteness.

The first group of patients arrived in 1866. Over the next century, more than 8,000 individuals lived out their lives on the peninsula. One of the most revered figures of this era is Father Damien, a Belgian priest who dedicated his life to caring for the residents. He ultimately contracted the disease himself and passed away in 1889. His legacy is honored throughout Hawaii and the world.

If you’re interested in a deeper understanding of this chapter in Hawaiian history, the novel "Molokai" by Alan Brennert offers a powerful and emotional look through the lens of historical fiction.

Kalaupapa Today

Today, Kalaupapa is a U.S. National Historical Park. While a small number of former patients still reside there by choice, the area is mostly protected and preserved for its historical importance and natural beauty. Access is extremely limited—there are no roads in or out, and hiking in is no longer permitted due to trail damage.

The only way to fully appreciate the dramatic cliffs, the history, and the untouched beauty of Molokai’s north shore is from the sky.

Experience Kalaupapa and Molokai’s Wonders by Helicopter

To see this extraordinary region, we recommend the West Maui and Molokai helicopter tour. These flights depart from Kahului Heliport on Maui and provide breathtaking views of:

• Molokai’s sea cliffs and waterfalls

• The historic Kalaupapa Peninsula

• The lush Halawa Valley

• Scenic coastline and mountain terrain of West Maui

This is a once-in-a-lifetime aerial adventure that connects you to both the natural and cultural essence of Hawaii.

Book your West Maui and Molokai tour today and experience one of Hawaii’s most incredible hidden gems.