Maui: Haleakala Crater & Hana Rainforest Helicopter Tour
Three-Quarters of Maui From the Air, Since You Can't Drive There
You fly from Kahului Heliport over terrain that has no roads, seeing Haleakala crater and East Maui's rainforest, waterfalls and coast in 45 minutes with pilot narration. The shared cabin keeps the flight quick and the doors-on option keeps your photos clear. Confirm your departure time 72 hours ahead and arrive knowing the route may shift with weather.
Step-by-step itinerary
Helicopter tour over Maui landscapes
- Meet at Kahului Heliport
- Take off and fly over volcanoes
- View rugged lava flows and rainforests
- Fly over waterfalls and coastline
- See Haleakalā National Park from air
The experience
The pilot's headset crackles and he mentions the weight check one more time, not to be difficult, but because 75 percent of Maui's terrain is unreachable by road. Lava flows, rainforest so dense it swallows trails, valleys that drop straight down. So you're in a six-seat helicopter at Kahului Heliport, and the math has to work before anyone lifts off. It's the kind of detail that makes the whole thing real: this isn't a scenic flight, it's the only way to see half the island.
The 45-minute tour heads northeast toward Haleakala's dormant crater rim, then sweeps over the East Maui rainforest where waterfalls drop through green so thick it looks almost black from above. The coastline appears between the clouds, and the pilot narrates what you're seeing (geology, weather patterns, the names of valleys), while music plays through your headset. You can book the doors-on experience if you want nothing between you and the view, which means the photos come out cleaner and the wind is real. The cabin is small and shared, so you're not alone, but that also means the flight moves fast and doesn't linger.
A few things to know before you book: contact Air Maui at least 72 hours ahead to confirm your check-in time, and wear dark clothes to cut window glare for photos. No bags come on board (nothing, not even a small purse), so plan accordingly. Parking at the heliport is pay-by-QR-code, credit card only. Flight routes shift with weather, so the exact sights depend on conditions that morning. If you weigh 240 pounds or more as a single passenger, or if your group averages over 200 pounds, you'll need to purchase an extra seat at booking. The pilot needs to know everyone's weight in advance, and underreporting it means cancellation at check-in with no refund.
What’s included
- Your flight includes a 45-minute tour from Kahului Heliport over Haleakala crater and East Maui rainforest, pilot narration and music, and views of waterfalls and coastline.
- The doors-on experience is available as an upgrade.
- No bags are permitted on board.
- You must confirm your departure time with Air Maui at least 72 hours ahead and report all passenger weights at booking.
Information
Lasts 45m, runs every day, 7 start times, from US$ 368 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 6 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated today
Operated by Air Maui Helicopter Tours
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the terrain that roads can't reach and don't mind a shared cabin and tight logistics: the weight limits and no-bags rule exist because the helicopter needs to fly safely over terrain where an emergency landing isn't an option.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 2).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's included in the Maui helicopter tour?
A 45-minute flight with pilot narration and music, views of Haleakala crater and East Maui rainforest with waterfalls, and the option to fly doors-on. No bags are allowed on board.
How many people fly on each helicopter?
Six passengers plus one pilot in a shared cabin.
Do I need to book the doors-on experience?
No, it's optional. Standard flights have doors on. Doors-on is a separate upgrade for better photos and unobstructed views.
What if I weigh over 240 pounds?
Single passengers weighing 240+ pounds must purchase an additional seat. Groups of three or more with an average weight over 200 pounds also need an extra seat. All passenger weights must be reported at booking.
Can I bring a bag or camera?
No bags of any kind are allowed on board, including purses, backpacks or fanny packs. A camera is fine.
What if the weather is bad?
Flight routes and sights may vary due to weather. The pilot will adjust the route based on conditions that morning.
When do I need to confirm my departure time?
Contact Air Maui at least 72 hours before your flight to confirm your check-in time and departure.
Is parking included?
No. Parking at Kahului Heliport is pay-by-QR-code, credit card only.
Can I bring an infant?
Infants under 24 months sit on an adult's lap. Infants over 24 months must have their own paid seat. Contact Air Maui in advance if you're bringing an infant.
Is the helicopter wheelchair accessible?
No. There is no wheelchair lift and staff cannot physically assist passengers into the helicopter.
Maui: Haleakala Crater & Hana Rainforest Helicopter Tour
45m · EN
from US$ 368 per person