5 Top-Rated Kahului Helicopter Flights & Tours

Kahului, on the island of Maui, is an excellent base for helicopter flights & tours because of its central location and proximity to some of Hawaii’s most breathtaking scenery. From here, you can take in views of towering volcanoes, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and even neighboring islands—all from the comfort of a helicopter. Whether you’re interested in a quick scenic flight or a more extensive adventure that includes multiple islands, Kahului offers options that suit different interests and budgets.

What makes Kahului especially appealing is the variety of tours available. You can choose short 45-minute flights over Hana’s rainforests and Haleakala crater, or opt for longer excursions that include Molokai or even a trip to the Big Island’s volcanic landscapes. Many tours are rated highly for their safety, scenery, and knowledgeable pilots, making Kahului a hub for those seeking memorable aerial experiences. For detailed options, check out the Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater 45-min Helicopter Tour, which combines Maui’s iconic landscapes into a compact adventure.

Quick Overview

In this guide, we’ve included a curated list of the best helicopter tours in Kahului, ranging from 45-minute scenic flights to longer, more comprehensive experiences. Some tours focus on exploring Maui’s diverse landscapes, like rainforests, waterfalls, and the coastline, while others expand to neighboring islands such as Molokai and even the Big Island. Each offers a unique perspective, whether you want a quick glimpse or an in-depth exploration. Now, let’s dive into each of these top tours.

1. Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater 45-min Helicopter Tour

This 45-minute flight offers a bird’s-eye view of two of Maui’s most iconic landscapes: the Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater. Starting from the Keolani Pl heliport, your pilot will guide you over the summit of the dormant Haleakala volcano, revealing its vast, moon-like surface. Then, you’ll descend over the lush eastern side of Maui, where the dense rainforest is carved with waterfalls and winding streams, perfect for photography and awe.

What makes this tour special is its combination of volcanic and rainforest scenery in a relatively short time. Passengers rave about the clarity of the views and the chance to see Maui’s natural beauty from above. The pilot’s commentary helps you understand the island’s volcanic history and the importance of Haleakala, which stands at 10,023 feet. The flight’s value lies in its efficient route, delivering spectacular vistas without the long time commitment.

Bottom line: If you want a quick but comprehensive look at Maui’s volcanoes and rainforests, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for travelers short on time but eager to see Maui’s most famous features from a new perspective.

2. West Maui and Molokai Special 45-Minute Helicopter Tour

This tour offers an unbeatable combination: explore the West Maui Mountains‘ rainforests and then cross over the channel to Molokai to see its famous waterfalls and sea cliffs. Starting from the same location in Kahului, your pilot will take you across the channel, with commentary on each island’s unique features.

What makes this flight stand out is its visit to Molokai, often called the “Friendly Isle,” which remains less developed and offers raw, untouched scenery. You’ll see sea cliffs as high as 3,000 feet and waterfalls that cascade down steep ravines. Reviewers frequently mention how humorous and knowledgeable the pilots are, with one describing the experience as “SPECTACULAR” and highly recommendable.

Priced at $347 per person, the flight provides ultimate value for the views of both islands in just 45 minutes. It’s best suited for those who want to see Maui from above but also crave the thrill of crossing to a less-visited island and viewing its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers interested in seeing both Maui and Molokai’s rugged coastlines, with a good mix of scenery and expert commentary.

3. Maui and Molokai: Spectacular Helicopter Tour

This 1.5-hour tour takes you over the lush valleys and rainforests of West Maui, then to the intriguing island of Molokai, capped off by a landing at Ulupalakua Ranch. It’s the most extensive experience on our list, and the one for travelers who want an in-depth view of Maui’s landscapes, as well as a taste of Molokai’s dramatic cliffs.

The tour stands out because of the land landing at Ulupalakua Ranch, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy refreshments while soaking in panoramic views. The pilot’s insights help illuminate the islands’ history and geography, making it both scenic and educational. Passengers consistently praise the pilot, Marco, for sharing interesting facts and making the flight engaging. Reviews highlight how close the aircraft gets to the mountains and the waterfalls, creating a sense of connection with the landscape.

Given the higher price point ($559), this tour offers exceptional value for those eager to combine aerial sightseeing with a land experience and a longer flight time. It is best suited for travelers with a bit more time and a desire for comprehensive exploration.

Bottom line: A top choice for those seeking a detailed, multi-faceted tour that combines aerial views with a land stop, perfect for photography and education.

4. Maui to Big Island: Big Island Volcano Helicopter & Bus Tour

For travelers staying in Maui who want to see active volcanoes, this full-day tour includes a helicopter flight to the Big Island and a bus tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. At $1,300 per person, it’s a splurge, but the experience is unparalleled for volcanic landscapes.

The helicopter takes you directly over Kilauea Iki Crater and the Chain of Craters Road, revealing recent lava flows and volcanic activity. The bus tour that follows enriches this experience with visits to hot spots and geological sites, plus cultural insights about Hawaii’s volcanic history. The tour’s length (11 hours) means it’s best suited for those with a full day to dedicate.

Reviews note that the flight shows the most current volcanic activity, and the combination of land and air makes this a comprehensive trip. However, be prepared for the early start, long day, and the high cost.

Bottom line: Ideal for dedicated volcano enthusiasts or those who want to see the Big Island’s fiery landscapes without leaving Maui. It’s a premium experience that offers a deep dive into Hawaii’s volcanic activity.

5. Maui: Hana Rainforest Helicopter Tour

This 50-minute helicopter flight takes you over East Maui, focusing on the Hana Rainforest, waterfalls, and Hana town. Starting from Kahului, you’ll soar above the lush forests and rugged coastline, with expert commentary enhancing your understanding of Maui’s diverse ecosystems.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the Hana region’s natural beauty, including waterfalls that cascade down from the mountains and the cliffs along the coast. Many riders mention the “beautiful beaches and rugged sea cliffs,” and the tour provides a great overview of Maui’s varied landscapes. The 50-minute duration makes it a comfortable option for those who want a slightly longer experience than the shortest flights.

The price ($419 per person) is quite reasonable considering the comprehensive views and the chance to see Hana’s rainforest from above. Reviewers appreciate the “expert commentary” and the opportunity to see the “hidden waterfalls” that are often inaccessible by land.

Bottom line: Perfect for those keen on experiencing Maui’s rainforest and coastline in a single flight, offering excellent value and memorable scenery.

How to Choose

When deciding between these helicopter tours, consider your interests, budget, and schedule. For a short but diverse overview, the Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater is ideal. If you want a combination of Maui and Molokai, the Spectacular Helicopter Tour offers a great balance of scenery and depth.

For travelers interested in volcanoes, the Big Island Volcano Tour provides an unmatched view of Hawaii’s active lava flows, though it requires a full day. If your focus is on rainforests and waterfalls, the Hana Rainforest Helicopter hits the sweet spot with a longer, scenic flight.

Always check availability in advance, especially during peak season, and consider the flight duration and price relative to what scenery or experience you most want to enjoy. Many tours are highly rated, so your choice should align with your specific interests and how much time you want to dedicate.

Final Thoughts

From quick 45-minute flights over Haleakala and Hana to comprehensive days exploring both Maui and neighboring islands, Kahului offers a rich variety of helicopter adventures. For those on a budget or short on time, shorter flights like Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater deliver stunning views efficiently. For travelers craving an immersive experience, the Maui and Molokai or Big Island tours are hard to beat.

No matter which you pick, booking early and confirming availability will ensure you don’t miss out on these spectacular aerial views. Remember, these tours are about making memories—so choose the one that best matches your adventure style and enjoy the ride.