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.