West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour: Waterfalls and Sea Cliffs

Waterfalls, knife-edged ridges, and the world's highest sea cliffs in one flight

This 50-minute helicopter tour from Maui flies through the deep valleys of the West Maui Mountains and crosses to Molokai to see Hawaii's tallest waterfall and the famous Kalaupapa peninsula. Your pilot is a State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guide who narrates the history and culture of each site over 2-way headset communication. The Airbus EC 130 helicopter is designed specifically for air tours, with noise-cancelling headsets and large windows for unobstructed views.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Maui and Molokai

• Fly over Maui shoreline and West Maui Mountains
• See 'Iao Valley and learn its history
• Fly past Waihe'e ridge lines
• Fly over Kahakuloa Bay fishing village
• Fly by Mauna Kahālāwai peak
• Fly over Molokai's sea cliffs and Kalaupapa
• Fly past Kapalua beaches and golf courses
• Fly over Pelekunu Bay and valley

The experience

If you land in Maui with a free afternoon or want to see the island's most remote terrain without a car, this tour covers ground no road reaches. The helicopter departs from the heliport after a 45-minute check-in that includes a safety briefing and weight verification. Once airborne, you fly into the rainforest valleys of the West Maui Mountains: steep, mist-shrouded terrain where waterfalls drop from towering cliffs into streams below. The pilot points out 'Iao Valley, a former political center of Maui, and explains the history woven through the landscape as you pass Waihe'e's lush ridge lines and Kahakuloa Bay, one of Hawaii's most remote former fishing villages.

Halfway through the flight, you cross the Pailolo Channel to Molokai, the "Friendly Isle." Here the terrain shifts to something starker: Pelekunu Bay marks the entrance to Pelekunu Valley, which holds one of Hawaii's last free-flowing streams and uniquely preserved ancient Hawaiian fauna. The real draw is the sea cliffs (the world's highest and most spectacular), and the sight of Kalaupapa, the famous peninsula below them. The aircraft is an Airbus EC 130, built for touring with oversized windows, electronic noise-cancelling Bose headsets, and two-way communication so you can ask the pilot about what you're seeing. The whole flight runs 50 minutes, though wind and weather can shift the exact route.

After landing, you get a video preview of the flight at the heliport, and optional photo and video packages are available for purchase if you want to keep the images. Wear dark clothing so you don't reflect in the windows, and bring a credit card if you want to buy footage or souvenirs. Check-in is 45 minutes before departure. Arrive early to account for traffic, as late arrivals may not be accepted.

What’s included

• Use of Bose Aviation-grade electronic noise-cancelling headsets.
• 2-way microphone communication with the pilot.
• a State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guide pilot.
• video preview of your flight at the heliport after landing.
• all fees and taxes.

Information

Lasts 50m, runs every day at 09:15, from US$ 499 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 timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:15Another time? ›

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.2 with pickup ›

Book up to12h before

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters - Maui

Is this one for you?The 50-minute flight is continuous and seated, so it suits travelers who want to see remote valleys and sea cliffs without hiking or a full-day commitment. If you're visiting Maui for just an afternoon or prefer to stay off the ground, this tour reaches terrain no road accesses and returns you to the heliport in time for dinner.

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Top questions

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 the difference between the West Maui and Molokai sides of this tour?

West Maui shows deep rainforest valleys with waterfalls cascading from cliffs, including 'Iao Valley and Waihe'e's dramatic ridge lines. Molokai features the world's highest sea cliffs, Hawaii's tallest waterfall, and the Kalaupapa peninsula: terrain that is accessible only by air or a steep mule trail.

Can I bring my family with young children on this helicopter?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and all areas of the aircraft are accessible. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels since you remain seated throughout the 50-minute flight.

What happens if I weigh over 240 pounds?

For safety and weight balance, passengers over 240 pounds require an adjacent empty seat. The second seat costs half the regular tour price and should be arranged after you book.

Will the pilot explain what I'm seeing?

Yes. Your pilot is a State of Hawaii Certified Tour Guide and communicates with you over 2-way headset microphones throughout the flight, sharing the history and culture of each site as you pass it.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

Tours and flight times may vary according to wind and weather conditions. The operator will work with you to reschedule if conditions make the flight unsafe.

Do I need to arrange transportation to the heliport?

Public transportation options are available nearby, and all transportation options to the heliport are wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the heliport, though parking fees are not included in the tour price.