West Maui and Molokai Helicopter Tour: Oceanfront Landing

Sea cliffs, waterfalls, and a landing on the sand

A 75-minute helicopter tour from Kahului Heliport that flies over West Maui's rainforest and the tallest sea cliffs of Molokai, then lands at Air Maui's private oceanfront site on Maui's North Shore before returning to base. The pilot narrates throughout and the doors-on cabin gives unobstructed views for photography. Shared tour with up to six passengers; weight restrictions apply for safety.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Maui and Molokai

• Take off from West Maui heliport
• Fly over West Maui ridges
• Cross Pailolo channel to Molokai
• View Molokai sea cliffs, rainforest, waterfalls
• Land at Air Maui oceanfront location
• Enjoy views at oceanfront landing
• Fly back over West Maui Mountains
• Return to Kahului heliport

The Experience

The helicopter lifts off from Kahului Heliport and climbs over the ridges of West Maui, crossing the Pailolo Channel toward Molokai. From the air you see the island's rainforest and the sea cliffs that rise thousands of feet above the ocean, with waterfalls dropping down the face. The pilot narrates what you're passing over and plays music through the headsets. Because the doors are on, there's nothing between you and the window—no reflective surfaces cutting into photos, which is why Air Maui asks passengers to wear dark clothing.

The tour turns back toward Maui and descends to Air Maui's private oceanfront landing on the North Shore. You touch down on the sand, step out, and stand on the beach with the ocean in front of you—this is the moment most people come for, a few minutes to take in the views and reset before climbing back in. Then the pilot takes off again, flying back over the West Maui Mountains and returning to Kahului Heliport to land.

The whole flight runs 75 minutes from takeoff to landing. You're in a shared cabin with up to five other passengers and one pilot. No bags are allowed on board—not a purse, backpack or fanny pack—so pack light or leave things at your hotel. Parking at the heliport requires a QR code and a credit card. Weather can shift the flight route and which sights you see, so the exact path changes from day to day.

What’s included

• The tour includes the 75-minute flight with pilot narration and music.
• doors-on cabin for unobstructed views.
• the oceanfront landing on Maui's North Shore.
• and a shared helicopter with up to six passengers total.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Air Maui Helicopter Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to fly with other passengers and land on the beach—the shared cabin keeps the price lower, and the oceanfront stop gives you time on the sand between the two flights. If you'd prefer to fly alone or with your group only, choose the private helicopter option at checkout instead.

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Top questions

What are the sea cliffs of Molokai like from the air?

Molokai's sea cliffs are the tallest in the state, rising thousands of feet straight up from the ocean with rainforest covering the slopes and waterfalls streaming down the rock face. The helicopter flies close enough to see the detail but stays at a safe distance; the pilot points out what you're looking at as you pass.

Can I bring a camera or phone to take photos?

Yes—cameras and phones are fine. The doors-on cabin and the oceanfront landing both give you unobstructed views. Air Maui asks that you wear dark clothing to reduce reflections in the windows, which improves photo quality during the flight.

How long does the entire tour take?

The tour is 75 minutes from takeoff to landing. That includes the flight over West Maui and Molokai, the oceanfront landing on the North Shore, and the return flight to Kahului Heliport.

Is this tour private or shared with other passengers?

This is a shared tour. The helicopter holds six passengers plus the pilot on each flight. If you want a private helicopter, that's a separate option available at checkout.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes the 75-minute flight, pilot narration and music through headsets, the oceanfront landing on the North Shore, and the doors-on cabin experience. Hotel pickup is not included, and you'll need to arrange your own parking at Kahului Heliport using a credit card and QR code.

Are there weight restrictions I should know about?

Yes. A single passenger weighing 240 pounds or more, two passengers with a combined weight of 420 pounds or more, or groups of three or more with an average weight of 200 pounds or more must purchase an additional seat at the time of booking for safety and comfort.