Maui Helicopter Blog
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.
Jurassic Park Scenes on A Maui Helicopter Tour
Jurassic Rock and Maui’s Iconic Waterfalls by Helicopter
Did you know that some of Hawaii’s most iconic movie moments were filmed right here on Maui? One of the most famous locations is Keopuka Rock, also known as Jurassic Rock, made legendary by its appearance in the opening scenes of the original Jurassic Park (1993). This dramatic outcrop can be seen near the Garden of Eden Arboretum along the Road to Hana—but the best way to take in its cinematic splendor is from the sky.
How to See Jurassic Rock from a Helicopter
To get the best view of Jurassic Rock, book one of these Hana-focused helicopter tours that fly along Maui’s lush northeast coastline:
These flights offer unforgettable perspectives of the coastline, valleys, and waterfalls that define the beauty of East Maui.
There are also some amazing waterfalls on Maui and Molokai that are not featured in the Jurassic Park movies. You can see waterfalls on any Maui helicopter tour that you choose although some of the most dramatic waterfalls are located in the interior of the West Maui Mountains and the Northshore of Molokai. The West Maui Mountains are one of the wettest locations in the world and receive between 400-500 inches of rain annually. This area is estimated to be 1.7 million years old. The valleys which have been carved out from erosion are breathtaking. The West Maui Mountains is home to the largest waterfall in Maui, rising just above 1100 feet.
To see experience the Wall of Tears, choose one of these tours:
The Northshore of Molokai has the tallest sea cliffs in the world and some of the largest waterfalls in Hawaii. Papalaua Falls towers at 1200 feet and is one of the most photographed waterfalls you will see on your Maui helicopter tour to Molokai.
If you love waterfalls we recommend the West Maui Mountains and Molokai flight:
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.
