Maui: Private Air Tour for 2-5 with Waterfalls & Lava Views

Summary

Circle Maui by private plane soaring over waterfalls lava beaches

You’ll board a private plane in Maui with your small group, flying above waterfalls, volcanic fields, and famous beaches like Kaʻanapali and Mākena. Listen to local stories through your headset as you circle Haleakalā and spot hidden coves along the Road to Hana. Expect moments of quiet awe mixed with laughter and easy conversation — it’s all included in your day.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — that low hum as our little group squeezed into the cabin at Maui Plane Rides. The metal felt cool under my hand, and honestly, I was a bit jittery (I don’t fly much). Our pilot, Kimo, had this easy way about him — he asked where we were from and pointed out his favorite spot to get poke in Paia before we even left the ground. We put on our headsets and suddenly the world outside went quiet except for his voice.

Taking off felt like slipping out of gravity for a second. Maui just dropped away beneath us — green cliffs, wild blue water, then these sudden streaks of red earth near Mākena. Kimo banked us gently toward Honolua Bay and you could see surfers like tiny dots. At one point, I tried to take a photo of Molokini Crater but got distracted by how the sunlight hit the lava fields instead — it looked almost fake, like someone painted it on. The air up there smelled faintly metallic but clean, if that makes sense? My partner kept nudging me every time we passed over another beach (“look at Kaʻanapali!”) until I gave up trying to keep track.

We circled Haleakalā’s base and there was this weird hush — nobody spoke for a minute as clouds drifted past the crater rim. Kimo told us stories about Red Sand Beach near Hana (he said locals used to sneak down there after school), and I tried saying “Haleakalā” right but totally butchered it; he just laughed. Somewhere over the Road to Hana I realized my palms weren’t sweaty anymore — just pressed against the glass watching waterfalls flicker below. It didn’t feel real until we landed again and I heard birdsong outside the hangar. Still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Maui private air tour highlights

• Start at Maui Plane Rides
• See Nakalele Blowhole
• Fly over Honolua Bay
• View Kapalua beaches and golf courses
• Enjoy incredible aerial views
• Overfly Kaʻanapali Beach
• Pass over Front Street
• Soar over Olowalu Beach
• Marvel at Molokini Crater
• Fly over Makena State Park beaches
• Overfly Maui's lava fields
• Circumnavigate Haleakalā volcano base
• Pass over Hana's Red Sand Beach
• Soar over Road to Hana
• See Paia plantation town from above

Top questions

How many people can join the Maui private air tour?

The private air tour seats up to five passengers per booking.

What sights do you see on this Maui circle island flight?

You’ll fly over Honolua Bay, Kaʻanapali Beach, Molokini Crater, Mākena, Haleakalā volcano base, Red Sand Beach near Hana, Road to Hana, Paia town, Kapalua resorts, Olowalu Beach, Nakalele Blowhole, and lava fields.

Is pickup included for this Maui air tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you begin and end at Maui Plane Rides’ location.

Are drinks or snacks provided during the flight?

Beverages are included during your private air tour.

Will we have a guide explaining what we see?

Yes, live commentary is provided onboard via headsets so you can hear your guide clearly throughout the flight.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No; full mobility is required for this experience.

How long does the circle island air tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers a full circle around Maui’s coastline with all major landmarks included.

What type of aircraft is used for this Maui flight?

You’ll fly in a private cabin airplane made of metal with non-tinted panoramic windows for clear views.

What’s included

Your day includes guaranteed skip-the-line boarding at Maui Plane Rides’ hangar, live local commentary through personal headsets so you don’t miss any stories or sights along the coastlines or volcanic fields, all landing fees covered for peace of mind, plus cold beverages served onboard before returning gently back to earth together at day’s end.