Maui & Molokai: Scenic Helicopter Tour with Waterfalls

Summary

Fly above Maui and Molokai for wild sea cliffs waterfalls jungle views

You’ll lift off from Kahului and soar above Maui’s lush valleys before crossing to Molokai for dramatic sea cliffs and waterfalls—plus ancient fishponds seen only from above. With live commentary from your pilot and panoramic windows all around, this scenic helicopter tour gives you sights (and feelings) you won’t shake off quickly.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to process the safety briefing at Kahului before we were climbing into the helicopter—my hands were already a little sweaty, honestly. Our pilot, Mike, cracked a joke about “first-timers” (guilty) and then we lifted off so smoothly it felt like cheating gravity. Maui just dropped away beneath us, all green folds and those tiny dots of surfers you’d never notice from the ground. I could smell the faint tang of salt even up there, or maybe that was just my nerves.

The first time we crossed over to Molokai, I didn’t expect how sharp the cliffs would look—3,000 feet straight down in some places. Mike pointed out Kahiwa Falls (I almost missed it because I was staring at the ocean), and someone behind me gasped when sunlight hit the water mid-drop. The valleys looked impossibly deep, like they belonged in a movie. We hovered near ancient fishponds on Molokai’s south coast; Mike explained how they’re hundreds of years old, built by hand. I tried repeating one of their names—Li laughed when I butchered it in Hawaiian—and then we banked back over the Pailolo Channel toward Maui again.

I kept thinking about how small everything looked—the West Maui Mountains were just shadows under clouds, but you could see every crease in them from up here. We swept past Honokohau Falls (the tallest on Maui) and caught a glimpse of Haleakala far off, half-lost in haze. The whole ride was only about 55 minutes but felt longer in that good way where your brain can’t keep up with what your eyes are seeing. When we landed back at Kahului heliport, my legs wobbled a bit stepping out—I still think about that view over Halawa Valley sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter tour of Molokai and Maui

• Meet pilot at Kahului heliport
• Board helicopter and take off
• Fly over ocean and spot surfers
• View Molokai’s sea cliffs and Kahiwa Falls
• See Halawa Valley and fish ponds
• Fly over Molokai coral reef and ancient fishponds
• Return over Maui’s western side
• View Iao Valley and West Maui Mountains
• See Honokohau Falls and Haleakala volcano
• Return to heliport and end tour

Top questions

How long is the Maui & Molokai helicopter tour?

The flight lasts approximately 55 minutes from takeoff to landing.

Where does the helicopter tour depart from?

The tour departs from the heliport in Kahului, Maui.

What will I see during the helicopter ride?

You’ll see Molokai’s sea cliffs and waterfalls, ancient fishponds, Maui’s rainforests, Honokohau Falls, West Maui Mountains, and more.

Is there live commentary during the flight?

Yes, your pilot provides live commentary throughout the tour.

Are hotel pickups included?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at Kahului heliport.

Do I need to bring ID for this tour?

Yes, all passengers 18 years or older must show photo ID at check-in per FAA regulations.

How many people fit in the helicopter?

The helicopter seats up to 7 passengers plus the pilot.

What’s included

Your day includes a 55-minute scenic helicopter ride with panoramic windows for views over both Maui and Molokai islands; live commentary from your experienced pilot; all taxes and fees are covered before returning to Kahului heliport after landing.