Maui Helicopter Tour: East & West Island Sights in 60 Minutes

Summary

Soaring above haleakala crater and hana’s wild rainforest coastline

You’ll lift off from Kahului Heliport for a 60-minute helicopter tour across Maui’s wildest corners — soaring above the Road to Hana rainforest, peering into Haleakalā Crater, tracing hidden waterfalls and rugged coastlines with live narration from your pilot-guide. It’s equal parts awe and adrenaline, with moments that linger long after you’re back on solid ground.

What’s the experience like?

I was honestly a little nervous walking up to the Kahului Heliport — you know that fluttery feeling when you’re about to do something way out of your usual? The pilot, Mark (he had this easygoing island accent), greeted us and did a quick run-through. He even made a joke about how dark shirts make for better photos, which I’d never thought about before. We climbed into these leather seats, all facing forward, and suddenly it was just the six of us and the windows, no bags or anything to distract you.

The takeoff was smoother than I expected. There’s this moment when Maui just drops away beneath you — like someone pulled back a curtain. Mark started pointing things out right away: the Road to Hana twisting below, tiny cars inching along, waterfalls threading through green so thick it looked almost fake. The air up there felt cooler and sort of metallic, if that makes sense. At one point we hovered near Haleakalā Crater; he said it rises over 10,000 feet but from up here it looked more like another planet. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just stared — sometimes you forget to use your camera when your jaw’s open.

We crossed over from East Maui’s rainforest to the West Maui mountains, where the coastline gets all jagged and dramatic. There were beaches tucked between cliffs, and every now and then sunlight would flash off the water so bright it hurt my eyes. Mark kept up his stories — he talked about old sugar plantations and pointed out places where locals still fish. I remember catching this weird scent in the cabin, almost like wet leaves after rain mixed with engine oil (not unpleasant, just real). Someone behind me laughed because they spotted their hotel from above — that made everyone lean in closer to their windows.

The whole thing only took an hour but honestly time bent around itself up there. I still think about that view into Haleakalā Crater — how silent it felt even with the rotors thumping overhead. After we landed, I realized my hands were still gripping my seatbelt pretty tight… guess I didn’t want it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How long is the Maui helicopter tour?

The flight lasts 60 minutes from takeoff at Kahului Heliport.

Does the tour include narration by a guide?

Yes, your professional pilot also serves as your guide with live narration during the flight.

What will I see on this Maui helicopter ride?

You’ll fly over Haleakalā Crater, East Maui Rainforest including waterfalls along the Road to Hana, plus West Maui mountains and coastline.

Are hotel pickups included for this helicopter tour?

No, you’ll need to make your own way to Kahului Heliport for departure.

Is there a weight limit for passengers?

Yes—passengers over 240lbs or groups averaging over 200lbs per person must purchase an extra seat for safety reasons.

Can infants join this helicopter tour?

Infants under 24 months can sit on an adult’s lap; those over 24 months need their own paid seat.

Are bags allowed on board?

No bags are allowed in the helicopter cabin—including purses or backpacks—for safety reasons.

What should I wear for better photos?

You’re asked to wear dark clothing to reduce window reflections in photos during your tour.

What’s included

Your experience includes a full hour-long flight covering both East and West Maui sights—like Haleakalā Crater and lush rainforests—with live narration by a professional pilot-guide; all flights depart from Kahului Heliport in shared cabins seating up to six passengers plus pilot (no bags allowed on board).