Maui is famous for its stunning landscapes—craggy coastlines, lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, and volcanic craters. What’s the best way to see it all? A helicopter flight, of course. Flying over Maui allows you to take in sights that are otherwise inaccessible—think deep valleys, towering sea cliffs, and secret waterfalls. Some tours even land on remote sites or fly doors-off for unobstructed photos. Whether you’re looking for a quick thrill or an in-depth exploration, Maui’s helicopter tours deliver breathtaking views and memorable experiences. We particularly love the West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour for its access to cliffs and waterfalls, and the Road to Hana Luxury Limo-Van Tour with Helicopter Flight for combining land and sky in one epic day.
Quick Overview
Maui’s helicopter tours encompass a variety of experiences—from quick scenic flights to full-day adventures. Some focus on the dramatic sea cliffs and waterfalls of Molokai, like the Molokai & Maui Scenic EcoStar 130 Helicopter, while others offer a land-and-air combo, such as the Road to Hana with helicopter. For those craving adrenaline, the Doors Off West Maui and Molokai provides an open-door flying experience. Budget and time vary widely, but all these tours promise the chance to see Maui from a new perspective.
1. West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour
Rated 5.0/5 with 727 reviews, this tour offers a stunning 45-minute flight over West Maui’s valleys and waterfalls, and a crossing to Molokai’s spectacular sea cliffs. Flying past inaccessible rainforests, deep valleys, and the world’s tallest sea cliffs (at 4,000 feet), this tour is a quick but comprehensive introduction. The narration provides context about the landscape and history, making each view more meaningful. The pilot, Vince, is often praised for his knowledge and friendliness, with many reviews mentioning how the doors-off experience intensified the views. For those wanting a quick yet immersive flight, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers short on time but eager to see Maui’s most iconic sights with excellent commentary and stunning visuals.
2. Road to Hana Luxury Limo-Van Tour with Helicopter Flight
At number 2, this 6-hour adventure combines a plush Limo-Van tour along the famous Road to Hana and a 36-minute helicopter flight. The ground tour includes stops at Wai’anapanapa State Park and a waterfall, with options for swimming and a beachside lunch. The highlight is the helicopter ride back, offering aerial views of Haleakala and remote waterfalls. The small-group size (limit of 6) ensures a personalized experience, and reviews mention the professionalism of guides like Gail and the thrill of seeing waterfalls inaccessible by land.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a luxurious, in-depth day—combining ground exploration with spectacular aerial views.
3. Doors Off West Maui and Molokai 45-minute Helicopter Tour
This is the only doors-off helicopter tour on Maui, rated 5.0/5 by 417 reviewers. It offers an adrenaline-pumping 45-minute flight over rainforests, waterfalls, and the towering sea cliffs of Molokai and Maui. The absence of windows means you can snap photos without glare, and the feeling of flying with the wind in your hair adds to the thrill. Many rave about the views and the pilot’s professionalism—some saying they would do it again in a heartbeat. The open-door setup makes it a favorite for photography and adventure seekers.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those craving a high-adrenaline experience with unobstructed views and photo opportunities.
4. Molokai & Maui Scenic EcoStar 130 Helicopter
Rated 5.0/5 from 312 reviews, this 55-minute flight explores both islands from Kahului. It offers close views of Kahiwa Falls, Halawa Valley, and the tallest sea cliffs in the world. The EcoStar helicopter provides panoramic, unobstructed views, and the pilot shares insights about Molokai’s Kahiwa Falls and Maui’s Iao Valley. Reviewers mention seeing surfers, whales, and dolphins, with some noting it as a highlight of their trip. The tour’s balance of time and coverage makes it a strong choice for those wanting a comprehensive aerial tour.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking a balanced, scenic journey that covers the best of both islands in one flight.
5. Hana Rainforest Helicopter Flight with Landing from Maui
Rated 5.0/5 with 213 reviews, this 1-hour 15-minute tour combines a scenic flight over Hana’s lush rainforest and a landing at Wailua Valley. The flight showcases Jurassic Rock, Jaws surf break, and the coastlines of East Maui. The landing provides a rare chance to explore in person, walking through a former taro plantation and soaking in panoramic views. Guests often mention the incredible scenery and the chance to step into untouched nature.
Bottom Line: Best for nature lovers who want both aerial views and a ground visit to a remote Hawaiian valley.
6. Maui: Road to Hana Helicopter & Waterfall Tour with Landing
At 75 minutes, this tour offers a longer flight over Hana’s rainforest and waterfalls, with a landing in Wailua Valley. You’ll get a chance to walk on a former taro farm and marvel at cascading waterfalls, as well as see the famous ‘Jaws’ surf break from the air. It’s ideal for those who want a detailed look at Maui’s east side. The reviews praise the spectacular views and the smoothness of the flight.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a deeper dive into Hana’s scenery with an accessible ground exploration.
7. Central Maui: Two-Island Scenic Helicopter Flight to Molokai
Rated 4.9/5 from 150 reviews, this 55-minute flight takes you over Maui and Molokai, highlighting Honokohau Falls and Iao Valley. The flight offers a comprehensive view of West Maui’s rainforests, sea cliffs, and Molokai’s remote coastlines. Reviewers mention the impressive waterfalls and the safety and professionalism of the pilot. It’s suitable for travelers wanting a mid-length, well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: A good choice for those wanting to see both islands in a short, scenic flight.
8. Oceanfront Landing 75-Minute Event Helicopter Tour
Rated 5.0/5 by 72 reviews, this tour combines West Maui, Molokai, and a waterfront landing. The oceanfront landing adds an extra layer of excitement, with views of Molokai’s cliffs and Hawaii’s untouched landscapes. The aircraft’s six forward-facing seats ensure everyone gets spectacular views. Several reviews mention how the landing and the ‘off-the-beaten-path’ scenery make this tour stand out. It’s ideal for those looking for a luxury, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a special touch, including a landing and plenty of photo opportunities.
9. Complete Island 60-Minute Helicopter Tour
Rated 4.5/5 from 183 reviews, this full island tour sweeps over East and West Maui, Haleakala, and Molokai. It’s a comprehensive flight that covers valleys, waterfalls, and the crater of Haleakala. The 360-degree views and narration make it a favorite for those wanting to see everything in one quick trip. Reviewers highlight the quality of the pilot and the value of seeing the entire island from above.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a broad overview of Maui’s highlights in a single, well-organized flight.
10. Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater Helicopter Tour
This 45-minute tour takes you over East Maui’s rainforest and the Haleakala Crater. It’s perfect for those focused on volcano and rainforest scenery. The flight offers stunning vistas of waterfalls, valleys, and the volcano summit at 10,000 feet. Reviewers mention the incredible views and the guidance provided about the landscape. The combination of volcanic and rainforest scenery makes this a well-rounded option.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers interested in both volcanic and rainforest environments.
11. West Maui and Molokai 60-Minute Helicopter Tour
Rated 4.5/5, this 60-minute tour covers mystic ridgelines, waterfalls, and sea cliffs. Reviews describe it as “truly memorable,” with great views of Halawa Valley and the tallest sea cliffs. The flight path offers a good balance of nature and seascapes—a highlight for those wanting a longer scenic flight without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who want a more extensive aerial tour of Maui and Molokai.
12. Waterfalls of West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour
Limited to 18 reviews but rated 5.0/5, this 50-minute tour emphasizes waterfalls and valleys, including Haleakala’s waterfalls and West Maui’s lush terrain. It’s perfect for waterfall enthusiasts and those short on time. Reviewers call it “one of the top 10 experiences,” emphasizing the spectacular views and expert pilot.
Bottom Line: Great for waterfall lovers or travelers seeking a short but stunning tour.
13. Maui: 3-Island Hawaiian Odyssey Helicopter Flight
This 65-minute flight explores three islands—Maui, Molokai, and Lanai—showcasing cliffs, beaches, and reefs. It’s a rare opportunity to see three Hawaiian islands from above and is perfect for those short on time but wanting the maximum coverage.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a comprehensive, multi-island aerial experience.
14. Three Island Helicopter Adventure
Rated 4.5/5 by 11 reviews, this 1 hour 5-minute tour offers views of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Highlights include Elephant Rock, Shipwreck Beach, and distant volcanoes. The pilot’s narrative adds depth, and the flight is suitable for anyone interested in a full island overview.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting to see multiple islands and iconic sights in one flight.
15. Maui & Molokai Spectacular with Exclusive Landing Helicopter Tour
This 1 hour 30-minute tour features an exclusive landing at Ulupalakua Ranch, where you can relax with drinks amid the scenery. The tour covers West Maui, Haleakala, and Hana, making it perfect for those seeking a luxury experience with a personal touch. Reviews praise the high-end service and the diversity of landscapes.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a premium, personalized helicopter experience with a unique landing.
16. Maui to Big Island: Volcano Helicopter & Ground Tour
This full-day 11-hour trip takes you from Maui to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It includes a round-trip flight, a 45-minute helicopter tour over Kilauea, and visits to Rainbow Falls and Liliuokalani Gardens. It’s perfect for those who want to combine airborne adventure with ground exploration of Hawaii’s most active volcano. The price reflects the all-day experience, but reviews highlight how memorable and unique it is.
Bottom Line: Best suited for passionate volcano enthusiasts or travelers eager for the ultimate multi-island adventure.
$1,399.99 per person
How to Choose Your Maui Helicopter Tour
Choosing among Maui’s helicopter tours depends on your budget, available time, and specific interests. If you want a swift but spectacular overview, the West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour offers a concise, breathtaking experience. For those seeking a full day, the Road to Hana with helicopter combines scenic land and sky views. Adventure fans will love the Doors Off West Maui and Molokai for its open-air thrill. Meanwhile, travelers interested in remote locations and exclusive experiences should consider the Ulupalakua Ranch tour. Always book early, especially for the popular tours, and check the weather forecast—Hawaiian skies can be surprisingly fickle.
Final Thoughts
Maui’s helicopter tours offer a broad spectrum of experiences—from quick scenic flights to elaborate land-and-air adventures. For a short but intense taste of the cliffs and waterfalls, the West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour is a standout. Want a luxury day that combines both land and sky? The Road to Hana with helicopter delivers, along with the chance to swim in waterfalls. For thrill-seekers, the Doors Off tour is hard to beat.
No matter your choice, Maui’s aerial views are a must-do for any visitor eager to grasp the scope of these islands’ wild beauty. Book early, dress appropriately, and prepare for some truly unforgettable vistas.