Maui: Helicopter Flight & Hana Rainforest Landing

Land in a Hawaiian rainforest only a handful of people ever reach

You fly 40 minutes over Maui's North Coast in a seven-seat helicopter, see the Road to Hana and Jurassic Rock from above, then land in the Wailua Valley rainforest for 30 minutes of ground exploration on a former taro plantation. Your pilot provides live commentary throughout. The whole experience takes about two hours from airport check-in to return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight and rainforest landing

• Check in at Kahului airport
• Meet pilot and board helicopter
• Fly along Maui’s North Coast
• View sea cliffs, waterfalls, and JAWS
• See Road to Hana and Jurassic Rock
• Land at former taro plantation
• Explore Wailua Valley rainforest

The experience

The helicopter sits on the tarmac at Kahului airport, rotors still. You hand over your photo ID at check-in, meet your pilot, and climb in. The ECO-130 is small, seven passengers plus the pilot, which means you're not just watching Maui from above, you're seeing it from the kind of angle most people never get. The flight takes 40 minutes round-trip, and it moves fast.

As you lift off along the North Coast, the landscape unfolds in layers. Sea cliffs drop straight down. Waterfalls thread through valleys. Your pilot points out the Road to Hana as it winds through the landscape below, then Jurassic Rock: the formation that actually showed up in the movies. You pass over Paia and Hookipa, the famous surf break where the water churns white even from up here. The whole time you're getting live commentary about what you're seeing, not just silence and a view.

Then the helicopter descends into the Wailua Valley, deep in the rainforest. This is the part that matters. You land on what used to be a taro plantation, and you have 30 minutes to walk around. The ground is wet and uneven (closed-toed shoes are worth it), and you're surrounded by banana plants, coconut trees, wild flowers, and canyon walls that rise up around you. Waterfalls are close enough to hear. Your pilot stays with you and talks about the land, the history, the things that grow here. This is not a place you can drive to. You can't hike here without a guide. The only way in is the helicopter, and that's the whole point.

The flight back follows the same route, but you're already thinking about what you just saw. The whole experience (check-in, flight, landing, return) takes about two hours from start to finish. You need a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport, originals only, no copies or digital versions). Bring closed-toed shoes if you're landing. If you weigh over 275 pounds, you'll need to purchase an additional seat, which you arrange with the operator on the day of the tour.

What’s included

• Your experience includes the 40-minute helicopter flight with live pilot commentary, an exclusive 30-minute landing and exploration in the Wailua Valley rainforest on a former taro plantation, and all taxes and fees.
• You'll see the Road to Hana, Jurassic Rock, sea cliffs, waterfalls, and surf breaks from the air.
• Transportation to Kahului airport is your responsibility.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00

Book up to6h before

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

GroupUp to 7

Audio guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 72 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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Maverick Helicopters Maui

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to see Maui's remote rainforest and coastline without hiking or driving the Road to Hana. The helicopter is the only way to reach this particular valley, and the 30-minute landing gives you time to walk around instead of just flying past.

Traveler reviews

4.83★★★★★★★★★★

347 verified traveler reviews

5 ★322

4 ★10

3 ★5

2 ★2

1 ★8

Read all the reviews ›

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 72 h before the start.

What's included in the helicopter tour?

The 40-minute round-trip flight, live pilot commentary, the 30-minute landing in Wailua Valley, and all taxes and fees. You arrange your own transportation to Kahului airport.

Do I need a photo ID?

Yes. All passengers 18 and older must bring an original government-issued photo ID: a driver's license or passport. Photocopies and digital IDs are not accepted. Without it, you won't be allowed to check in.

What if I weigh over 275 pounds?

You'll need to purchase an additional seat for weight and balance reasons. The cost is paid directly to the operator on the day of the tour. The helicopter has a maximum total weight capacity of 1,140 pounds.

Can I choose where I sit on the helicopter?

No. Seating is assigned after check-in based on weight and balance requirements. The operator does not guarantee you'll sit next to other members of your party.

What should I wear?

Closed-toed shoes are highly recommended, especially if you're landing. The ground in the rainforest is uneven and wet.

How long is the whole experience?

About two hours total, including check-in, the 40-minute flight, the 30-minute landing, and return to the airport.

Can infants go on the helicopter?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult's lap during the flight.