Which Maui Helicopter Tour Is The Best?

Maui offers an incredible range of adventures—from snorkeling and luaus to zip-lining and hiking. But if you truly want to take in the island’s breathtaking beauty, there’s no better way than from the sky. Helicopter tours in Maui offer access to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world, many of which are unreachable by foot or car. With several flight patterns and aircraft types to choose from, picking the best Maui helicopter tour can be tough. This guide will help you choose the perfect flight for your itinerary, budget, and bucket list.

1. Hana and Haleakala Tour

Explore the lush rainforests and remote waterfalls of East Maui as you soar over the famous Road to Hana. This flight also includes an aerial look at Haleakala Crater, the world’s largest dormant volcano. If you’re looking for a shorter and more affordable option than the full island tour, this flight delivers incredible scenery in less airtime.

2. West Maui and Molokai Tour

Fly deep into the valleys of the West Maui Mountains, then cross the Pailolo Channel to Molokai’s jaw-dropping north shore. You’ll witness the tallest sea cliffs on Earth, enormous waterfalls like Papalaua Falls, and Molokai’s historic fishponds and Kalaupapa Peninsula. In whale season (December–April), keep your camera ready—you may spot humpback whales in the channel. This tour is also available in an exciting Doors Off configuration for photographers and thrill seekers.

3. Complete Island of Maui Tour

Want to see everything? This 60-minute flight showcases both East and West Maui: Hana’s lush jungle, Haleakala’s volcanic summit, and the majestic ridgelines of the West Maui Mountains. For an upgraded experience, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers the Maui Spectacular, a 90-minute adventure that includes a private landing in Ulupalakua.

Aircraft Types: What You Should Know

• A-Star Helicopter: The industry standard. Spacious windows, smooth ride, and more affordable than the Eco-Star.

• Eco-Star Helicopter: Offers 23% more space, wraparound windows, and theater-style seating for better views and comfort.

• Doors-Off Helicopter: Only available on Air Maui’s West Maui & Molokai tour. A must for photography lovers and adventure junkies.

Helicopter Seating Tips

Each helicopter seats six passengers plus the pilot. Weight and balance determine seating and are managed by the operator. Want the front row? Both Air Maui and Blue Hawaiian offer a guaranteed front seat upgrade for an additional fee.

Final Thoughts

A helicopter tour over Maui is not just a sightseeing trip—it’s an unforgettable experience that offers a unique perspective of the island’s remote, untouched beauty. Whether you're flying over Molokai’s cliffs or gazing into Haleakala’s crater, you’re guaranteed to make lifelong memories.

🛫 Start planning your aerial adventure today and experience why a helicopter tour is a must-do in Maui.

What Maui Helicopter Tours Leave from Kapalua airport?

Short answer: none. While Kapalua offers a convenient airport for regional flights, all Maui helicopter tours depart from the Kahului Heliport, located just 5 minutes from Maui’s main airport (OGG).

✈️ Why No Helicopter Tours Depart from Kapalua?

Although the Kapalua Airport (JHM) serves the west side of Maui and offers inter-island commuter flights to Oahu and Molokai, there are no sightseeing helicopter tours that operate out of this airport. All aerial tours of Maui and neighboring islands—whether 45-minute, 60-minute, or 90-minute tours—originate from Kahului Heliport.

🚁 Types of Maui Helicopter Tours

From the Kahului departure point, guests can choose from a variety of flight durations and aircraft options:

• 45-Minute Tours – Perfect for quick, high-impact sightseeing.

• 60-Minute Tours – The most popular and balanced option.

• 90-Minute Tours – Offers the most extensive island coverage.

Scenic highlights include:

• Hana waterfalls

• Haleakalā Crater

• The lush West Maui Mountains

• The iconic sea cliffs of Molokaʻi

You’ll also choose from premium aircraft options:

• A-Star Helicopters – A reliable industry standard.

• Eco-Star Helicopters – 23% more cabin space and wraparound glass.

• Doors-Off Tours – Available exclusively with Air Maui for serious photographers and thrill-seekers.

🗺️ Travel Time to Kahului Heliport

• From Kapalua (West Maui): ~45–60 minutes

• From Wailea/Kihei (South Maui): ~20–30 minutes

Even though you’re staying on the west side, driving to Kahului is well worth it. The views from the air are some of the most breathtaking and exclusive experiences on the island. In fact, over 70% of Maui’s landscape is inaccessible by road and can only be seen by air.

🎯 Is It Worth the Drive to Kahului for a Helicopter Tour?

Absolutely. A Maui helicopter tour from Kahului is consistently rated as one of the top things to do on the island. Whether you're staying in Lahaina, Kaanapali, or Kapalua, the journey to the heliport is well worth the reward.

Pro Tip: Pair your helicopter flight with local eats or nearby attractions in Kahului or Paia to turn your day into a full adventure. For recommendations, check out our Maui Helicopter Tour Day Trip Guide

How to take the best photos on a Maui Helicopter Tour

Capturing stunning photos during your Maui helicopter tour is one of the best ways to relive the adventure and share the beauty of the islands with friends and family. From lush rainforests to dramatic waterfalls, the aerial views are simply unforgettable—if you know how to capture them. Here are five tips to help you take the best photos during your flight:

1. Choose the Most Scenic Flight Path

Not all helicopter tours are created equal. If your priority is photography, be sure to book a flight path known for its dramatic scenery. The West Maui & Molokai tour is one of the most visually breathtaking options. You'll fly past the Wall of Tears, see Papalaua Falls (Hawaii’s tallest waterfall), and witness the world’s highest sea cliffs along Molokai’s northern coast.

2. Select the Right Helicopter Model

Helicopter design matters more than you might think. Eco-Star helicopters offer 23% more cabin space than A-Star models and feature wraparound glass windows with theater-style seating. These upgrades allow for a wider field of view and less window glare, helping you capture cleaner, more expansive photos.

3. Book a Doors-Off Experience

For the bold and adventurous photographer, nothing beats a doors-off helicopter flight. With no barriers between your camera and the elements, you’ll get crystal-clear shots of waterfalls, cliffs, and coastlines. Keep in mind: most doors-off flights only allow smartphones for safety. If you're serious about photography and want unobstructed views, this is the way to go.

4. Wear Dark Clothing

It might sound odd, but your outfit can make or break your aerial photos. Light-colored clothing causes reflections in the helicopter windows, which can show up in your shots. Instead, wear black or dark long-sleeved clothing to reduce glare and prevent visible reflections of your arms or clothes in the glass. Your photos will thank you.

5. Add the Flight Video to Your Package

Sometimes the best moments happen when you're not looking through a lens. Most Maui helicopter companies offer the option to purchase a video recording of your actual flight—either captured by exterior helicopter cameras or in-cabin views. It’s a great way to enjoy the ride without stressing about getting the perfect shot. You'll also receive a pre-flight photo of your group standing in front of the helicopter.

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:

• Hana & Haleakala

• Complete Island

• Complete Island with Landing

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:

Complete Island

Complete Island with Landing

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:

Molokai Voyage