West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour: 45-Minute Flight

Tallest sea cliffs in the world from the air, with the pilot pointing out what you're seeing.

A 45-minute helicopter tour over West Maui and Molokai's North Shore, flown with doors on for unobstructed views and photography. The shared cabin holds six passengers plus a pilot who narrates the route. Flight paths vary with weather. Infants under 24 months sit on an adult's lap. Passengers over 240 pounds or groups averaging 200+ pounds per person must purchase an additional seat at booking. Wear dark clothing to reduce window reflection for better photos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Maui and Molokai

• Fly over West Maui Mountains north shore
• View rainforest, coastline, and beaches
• Fly over Molokai north shore
• See tallest sea cliffs, rainforest, waterfalls

The experience

Forty-five minutes aloft covers two islands. The route starts over West Maui's North Shore (rainforest, coastline, beaches), then crosses to Molokai's inaccessible North Shore, where the sea cliffs rise higher than anywhere else on earth. The pilot narrates throughout, and the doors stay off so you shoot straight through the open frame without reflections in the glass. A shared cabin means six other passengers on board. The flight is timed and scheduled, so you arrive, brief, and depart on a set clock.

Photography is the main event here. Dark clothing cuts the glare bouncing off the windows, which matters when you're framing shots of waterfalls and ridgelines. The doors-on setup is built for that. Nothing between the camera and the view. Music plays during the flight. The pilot's narration tells you what you're seeing as it passes below.

Check in at least 72 hours before your flight by contacting Air Maui directly for your departure time. Parking at the heliport requires a QR code (credit card only). No bags of any kind come on board: no purses, backpacks or fanny packs. Weight must be declared at booking. Underreporting your weight can result in cancellation at check-in with no refund. The helicopter is not wheelchair accessible, and there is no lift or staff assistance available for wheelchair passengers.

What’s included

• 45-minute helicopter flight over West Maui and Molokai.
• doors-on setup for unobstructed views and photography.
• pilot narration and music throughout the flight.
• shared cabin with up to six passengers and one pilot.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 08:45, the last at 15:15

Book up to1d before

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

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.

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?The doors-on setup and pilot narration make this tour built for photography and for travelers who want to understand what they're seeing as it passes below. The shared cabin keeps the cost lower than a private flight, and the 45-minute duration fits a morning or afternoon into the rest of your Maui day without eating the whole schedule.

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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 are the sea cliffs on Molokai's North Shore like from the helicopter?

Molokai's North Shore holds the tallest sea cliffs in the world, and the 45-minute flight passes directly over them so you see the sheer rock face, the rainforest behind it, and waterfalls running down the slopes. The doors-on setup gives you an unobstructed view and a clear shot for photos.

Can I bring a camera bag or backpack on the helicopter?

No bags of any kind are allowed on board: no purses, backpacks, fanny packs or camera bags. Bring only what fits in your pockets or hands.

How many people fly on each helicopter?

The shared cabin holds six passengers plus one pilot on each flight. If you book a private tour, you can arrange a different setup. Otherwise, you fly with five other travelers.

What if I weigh over 240 pounds or I'm traveling in a group?

Passengers weighing 240 pounds or more must purchase an additional seat at the time of booking. Groups of three or more where the average weight is 200 pounds or more per person also need to purchase an extra seat. Weight must be declared accurately. Underreporting can lead to cancellation at check-in with no refund.

Does the flight route change, and what if the weather is bad?

Flight routes and sights may vary due to weather. The pilot adjusts the path based on conditions on the day, so you might see a slightly different sequence of valleys and coastline depending on wind and visibility.

Can my infant come on the helicopter?

Infants under 24 months must sit on an adult's lap and do not need their own seat. Infants over 24 months must occupy a paid seat. Contact Air Maui directly before booking if you're bringing an infant under 24 months.