Maui: 60-Minute Helicopter Tour & Haleakalā Crater Views

Sixty minutes, two sides of Maui, one unforgettable flight.

You board a six-seat helicopter at Kahului Heliport and spend an hour flying over Maui's two halves: East Maui's rainforest and waterfalls, then West Maui's mountains and coastline, with Haleakalā Crater's 10,000-foot rim as the centerpiece. The pilot narrates throughout, and you get unobstructed forward-facing views. Call 72 hours ahead to confirm your departure time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Maui landscapes

• Arrive at Kahului Heliport
• Board luxury air-conditioned helicopter
• Listen to pilot-guide narration
• Fly over Haleakala Crater
• View East Maui rainforest and waterfalls
• Fly over West Maui mountains and coastline

The experience

"When do we get to see the crater?" The pilot smiled and banked left, and there it was: Haleakalā opening up below like something from another planet. The helicopter holds six passengers in forward-facing leather seats, and from the moment you lift off from Kahului Heliport, the island stops being a map and becomes a landscape you're floating through. Stereo music plays through your headset while the pilot narrates what you're seeing: the dormant volcano's summit sits above 10,000 feet, and the scale of it only hits when you're suspended above the rim.

The flight splits itself between two worlds. First comes East Maui, where the Hana Rainforest rolls beneath you in shades of green so dense they look almost black from up here, and waterfalls cut through the canopy like white threads. Then you cross over to the West Maui mountains: rainforest again, but this time with beaches and coastline stitched between the ridges. The whole thing takes an hour, and the pilot keeps talking, pointing out what you're seeing, but mostly you're just looking. The windows are big and unobstructed, which is why they ask you to wear dark clothing: less reflection means better photos, and you'll want them.

A few logistics matter before you book. The helicopter is shared, so you're flying with up to five other passengers. Weight restrictions apply. If you're over 240 pounds solo, or if your group averages over 200 pounds, an extra seat gets purchased at booking for safety and balance. No bags come on board, not even a purse or backpack, so travel light. You'll need to contact Air Maui directly through the booking platform at least 72 hours before your flight to confirm your check-in time, and parking at the heliport is paid separately by QR code, credit card only. Weather can shift the route, so what you see depends partly on conditions that morning.

What’s included

Your 60-minute flight includes a seat in the six-passenger helicopter, forward-facing views of East and West Maui, narration and stereo music from the professional pilot, and unobstructed sightlines over Haleakalā Crater, the Hana Rainforest, waterfalls, and West Maui coastline. Parking at Kahului Heliport is paid separately by QR code at check-in.

Information

Lasts 1h, runs every day, 8 start times, from US$ 513.33 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 6 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday: 07:45, 08:15, 08:45 and 11:00Tuesday: 07:45, 08:15, 08:45, 10:45 and 13:00Wednesday: 07:45, 08:15, 08:45 and 09:15Thursday: 07:45, 08:15, 08:45 and 13:00Friday: 07:45, 08:15, 08:45 and 13:15Saturday and Sunday: 07:45, 08:45, 11:00 and 13:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (2 and older) · Infant (under 2)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Air Maui Helicopter Tours

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to see Maui's scale and geography from the air without spending a full day driving. The flight is 60 minutes, which means you're in and out of Kahului Heliport in a morning or afternoon, and the shared cabin keeps the cost lower than a private charter, though you will need to call 72 hours ahead to lock in your departure time.

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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 60-minute helicopter tour?

The flight itself, pilot narration with stereo music, views of East and West Maui, Haleakalā Crater, rainforest waterfalls, and coastline. Entry to the helicopter and the seat are included. Parking is separate.

How many people fly on the helicopter?

Up to six passengers plus one pilot. Seats are forward-facing leather seats in a shared cabin.

Are there weight restrictions?

Yes. Single passengers over 240 pounds, pairs totaling 420 pounds or more, or groups of three or more averaging over 200 pounds per person must purchase an additional seat at booking for safety and balance.

Can I bring a bag or camera on board?

No bags are allowed, not a purse, backpack, fanny pack, or camera bag. You can bring a camera or phone in your hands, but nothing else.

Do I need to call ahead?

Yes. Contact Air Maui through the booking platform at least 72 hours before your flight to confirm your check-in and departure time.

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.

Can infants fly?

Infants under 24 months must sit on an adult's lap. Infants over 24 months must have their own paid seat. Contact Air Maui directly if you're bringing an infant.

Is the helicopter wheelchair accessible?

No. There is no wheelchair lift, and staff cannot physically assist people into the helicopter.

What should I wear?

Dark clothing is recommended to reduce window reflection and improve photo quality during the flight.

How do I pay for parking?

Parking is paid separately at the heliport entrance using a QR code and credit card. Air Maui's office also has the QR code if you need it.