Soaring Above West Maui & Moloka‘i – Helicopter Tour with Air Maui

This site uses affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when you use our links and make a purchase without incurring additional fee yourself. Many thanks for supporting this website. Please see our disclosure page for more details.

If you want the thrill of soaring above the magnificent natural wonders of West Maui and Moloka‘i, then you will love this exhilarating helicopter tour with Air Maui! On our last day in Maui, Kev and I jumped at the chance to go on our very first helicopter flight, and ever since, we couldn’t stop dreaming about the untamed wilderness and serene seascapes of West Maui and Moloka‘i! Hands down, it has to be one of the best activities in Maui we’ve ever done. Think I’m exaggerating? Let me take through our one-hour journey in the air and judge for yourself!

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

Welcome Aboard the West Maui & Moloka‘i Helicopter Tour!

We couldn’t hide our eager excitement when we arrived at Kahului Heliport. After checking in, we impatiently waited to hop on the flight. It was such a beautiful day and we couldn’t wait to immerse yourselves in all the beauty and splendor Hawai‘i has to offer. But safety first! The staff gave each of us a life vest to put on and briefed us on safety procedures before entering the helicopter.

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

Our pilot, Captain Kirk, greeted us with a big smile and a warm “Aloha!” as we stepped into the seats next to him. Prior to taking off, he ensured our seat belts were fastened, noise-cancelling headsets were in place, and for the one last time that we were familiar with the safety tips. And… off we went!

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

Up in the air, we flew! Soaring above West Maui, we looked down on the lush Waihe‘e Valley and the magnificent (and lesser-known) Wall of Tears, a series of 17 waterfalls near the summit of Pu‘u Kukui.

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

Waihe‘e Valley

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

Wall of Tears

The magical beauty of Hawai‘i continued as we headed towards The Friendly Island, Moloka‘i! This tranquil island, with a population of 7400, preserves the rural Polynesian way of life, without much tourism development, and offers a taste of unspoiled Hawai‘i.

[bctt tweet=”Get on an exhilarating helicopter tour w/@airmaui to explore the stunning sceneries of #Hawaii! #maui #travel” username=”fortwoplz”]

We paid a visit to Moloka‘i’s oldest community, Hālawa Valley on the east shore. We followed the historic valley all the way to the end where we were greeted with the enchanting Moa‘ula Falls.

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

Moa‘ula Falls

The northern shore of the Moloka‘i stretches 38-mile long and is the home fo the tallest sea cliffs in the world, dropping 3,315 feet to the Pacific Ocean. Nestled deep in the Papalaua Valley is one of Hawaii’s tallest and most jaw-dropping waterfalls, the 1,200-foot Pāpalaua Falls. Shortly after, Captain Kirk maneuvered the helicopter so we could snap a postcard shot of Moloka‘i northern shore.

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

northern shore of Moloka‘i

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

Pāpalaua Falls

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

northern shore of Moloka‘i

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

northern shore of Moloka‘i

The real gem lies on the southern shore, which boasts 30 miles of fringing reef that is truly pristine and unspoiled. The incredible colours of the ocean and rugged coastline left us in undeniable awe! I would want to swim, snorkel, and even paddleboard here!

Read more: Stand-Up Paddleboarding – Why You Should Try It On Your Maui Vacation

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

southern shore of Moloka‘i

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

southern shore of Moloka‘i

Our adventure almost came to an end. We flew above the ‘Au‘au channel in between Maui, Moloka‘i and Lana‘i as we slowly made our way back to Maui. These warm, shallow and protected body of waters between the islands offer the best place to see humpback whales in the winter months!

Before we touched back down at the heliport, we caught glimpses of the Kā‘anapali shore and the busy Lāhainā Town. What a perfect end to our Maui vacation!

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

Kā‘anapali shore

West Maui Molokai Helicopter Tour Air Maui Hawaii

touching down to Kahului Heliport

Things to Keep in Mind

Isn’t this the best way to explore the stunning sceneries of Hawai‘i? If you’re going on a helicopter tour with Air Maui, I recommend you:

  • book online to get internet discount
  • choose the front seating for the best viewing ($50/person for the upgrade. Or, you can state that you prefer front seating when making a reservation; however, an upgrade is not guaranteed in this case)
  • wear dark colored clothing for picture taking
  • bring your camera and sunglasses!
  • check in at the heliport 30 mins prior to the scheduled flight time
  • For a little more excitement, book a doors-off tour! (only cell phone is allowed on this flight)

Even if you don’t get to go on a helicopter ride in Maui, there are many opportunities to do one in other Hawaiian islands, e.g., Novictor Oahu Helicopter Tours in Honolulu!


About Air Maui
Website: 
http://www.airmaui.com/
Contact: 
letsfly@airmaui.com

If you want the thrill of soaring above the magnificent natural wonders of West Maui and Moloka‘i, then you will love this exhilarating helicopter tour with Air Maui!

Disclaimer: This post is written in partnership with Air Maui. As always, all opinions on For Two, Please are my own and I only recommend services that I 100% stand behind.

Previous Post:Hotel Wailea: Luxury Adults Only Hotel in Maui Next Post:Maui Must-Do’s: Whale Watching, Dolphin Sighting, Lanai Snorkelling

78 Comments Leave a Comment »

  1. What a beautiful trip. I have seen the pictures of Maui from the air and it never fails to take my breath away. I have yet to book a helicopter tour, but I don’t think I could leave Maui without taking the trip. It looks absolutely stunning.

  2. Wow, this genuinely looks like such a fantastic experience and one that I’d be keen to try out if I ever made it to Hawaii! The tips at the end of the post are super useful (daark clothing – I’d never have thought of that!) and I thought your photos were so beautiful. All that contrast between green and blue was gorgeous. I’m inspired to visit for sure 🙂

  3. One word is not enough to express and explain the beauty of this place. The green mountains from your aerial shots is amazing in every angle. The clear and prestige water is too inviting. 

  4. Such incredible photos of what you saw. Really enjoyed reading about your fabulous experience flying over this beautiful island. That reef is truly like nothing I’ve seen before. Guess you have to get up in a helicopter to ever witness some of this beauty. This would be a great adventure for a special occasion. Wow.

  5. Wow. Maui looks so gorgeous from Helicopter. I have always wanted to see such place from a hot air balloon or helicopter. A bird’s eye view is always better and exclusive experience. Lucky you!

  6. What an amazing adventure! I’ve never had the chance to go on a helicopter ride and this looks like the perfect spot! What insanely beautiful views. We always travel with the kids and when they get a little older…this adventure is one we’d like to try!

  7. What a thrilling adventure! I enjoyed reading your article and put this tour on my bucket list. The photos are awesome too. Thank you for sharing.

  8. I’ve never been on an helicopter before. It must have been one awesome experience. I must say the first time I heard of Maui is from the movie Moana! Maui looks just spectacularly gorgeous & green!

  9. I think I have done this helicopter tour, isn’t this where Jurassic Park was filmed? You guys had the perfect weather, it was raining and cloudy when I took mine. Your photographs of the waterfalls are stunning. Good tips on how to book and get the front seat.

    • I believe so! I remember the pilot mentioned about Jurassic Park at one of the spots. We were very lucky to have a sunny morning. Too bad you went on a cloudy day, that means you gotta go back again for another ride 😛

  10. OMG I’ve always wanted to do this! Those photos you’ve captured are AMAZING! I want to see Moa‘ula Falls and that dramatic cliffside meeting the Pacific. Wow, I am just speechless at how beautiful it is, I really want to go to Hawaii right now and get a helicopter tour!

    • Prior this tour, we were already on the island for 8 days and it still blew my mind how beautiful Maui is. Plus, revealing the magical beauty of Molokai!

  11. Oh my gosh how lucky are you to get to do that! Just gorgeous! And the colour of that water!!! I’ve gotten to do a few helicopter riders here in Canada. Sounds like a must-do on the island, thanks for sharing your experience.

  12. Wow! Stunning views. If there’s a place to enjoy a great helicopter ride, it has to be Hawaii. These pictures really showcase some spectacular places.

    Really want to try it!

  13. Never had a chance to ride a helicopter but would love to try one day. The view from above is astounding. Every photo you took are fascinating and eye candy to anyone. Loved this fresh perspective of Hawaii.

    • Thank you! It is such a memorable experience. They also offer different tours like the one over Hana and Haleakala – next time I’d love to go on that!

  14. Wow, this is incredible! The views that you get doing something like this are amazing! Also, loved the tips at the end for this helicopter ride. Why do you recommend wearing dark clothing?

  15. This tour is super, hipper, giga awesome!! These views are breathtaking. Definitely going to book that kind of a tour when I visit Hawai one day.

  16. Your pictures are absolutely stunning and are making me long for an island vacation! I love seeing things from the air and this tour looks like the best way to do it. Thanks for sharing that you can get a better rate by booking online, good to know!

  17. What a fascinating tour this is. The views from the helicopter are breathtaking. I am definitely doing this tour.

  18. What an incredible experience. Maui is one of my favourite spots to vacation to. I love exploring the island on ground, but to see these islands above ground would be such a memorable experience. The Moloka‘i shore is out of this world. Thanks for sharing. 

    • Thanks, Riely! I agreed with you that it is a whole new level of experience. It wasn’t until this helicopter tour that I got to see the side of Maui that I didn’t get to explore on land, moreover, finding out the beauty of Molokai!

  19. Beautiful photos, Cat! I’d totally shell out $50 for the front seat upgrade, the views from the cockpit are insane! Definitely signing up for a heli-ride the next time we’re in Maui. Will be playing the Jurassic Park theme song the entire ride 😛

  20. ARE THESE PICS FOR REAL! (I know they are! but this was my initial reaction!) such stunning views! I am sold. The greens and blue are therapeutic to the eyes! 🙂 Cannot wait to do this. It is definitely worth every penny you spend!

    • Right?! Words can’t describe the beautiful scenery in front of me. I can’t believe such a place even exists! I hope you do experience this in person one day!!

  21. What an amazing trip it must have been! Your post is awesome and so is your photography! Maui must be an amazing spot for a holiday

    • It really is! And whale-watching (rainy) season is the best time to visit! That’s the time when the waterfalls are flowing heavily and rainforests are lush!

  22. Wow what incredible scenery. I have never been up in a helicopter and not sure I could stomach it if I am truthful as I am not a huge fan of flying but with views like this it would make me potentially reconsider. I just wouldn’t want to pay the often high-price tag for a trip I then had to back out of at the last minute through to flying fears.

    • Aww I understand your concern. I had my doubt before going on one too, but the experience turned out to exceed my expectation. I hope you won’t let your fear hinder you from this amazing experience!

  23. OMGGG these photos look awesome!! Maui looks gorgeous! I want to go to Maui and Big Island next time I head to Hawaii. Definitely a helicopter ride would be awesome. We didn’t have time to the helicopter ride in Kauai, but definitely the next time we will do it!

  24. Hawaii is so amazing even from the sky. So much lush green and the shore lines are stunning! I’d love to experience it one day too

  25. What an amazing way to enjoy the Maui in an adventurous way! The waterfalls, the greenery all around looks so stunning. You captured the scenic ride where beautifully, this definitely a must do while in Maui.  

  26. Wow, this looks like THE perfect way to see the beautiful island of Maui. The lush green mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, and shoreline are just breathtaking. Definitely on my bucket list now!

  27. This looks EXCELLENT. It’s something I’ve never done but really hope to one day. I can’t imagine a better way to really see a place like Maui.

  28. great photos! really amazing nature when observed from the air

  29. Can i just say holy shit to these pictures? Some literally look like a screensaver! I have never been to Maui, only Waikiki but plan on going back very soon! BTW, I am traveling around Canada next month alone so we should totally meet up!

    • Thank you! The views are stunning and we were so lucky to have such great weather that day! Yes, definitely! If you’re visiting Banff and nearby, send me a note!

  30. How cool! I’ve always wanted to see that side of the island and all those waterfalls. Still with Haleakela, Maui remains my favorite island.

  31. I am not really comfortable flying. But considering the kind of mind blowing views you got, I think I can try this out too. Some of these shots look straight out of movies…

  32. Wow, stunning photos of Maui from the air, Cat! Never been on a helicopter ride and this account of your experience sure makes me yearn for one! 🙂

  33. Wow, this looks absolutely incredible! The photos are beautiful. What an amazing thing to do in Hawaii! 

  34. Wow, the Waihe‘e Valley looks so green. Makes me want to listen to Hawaii 78!

  35. Molokai looks gorgeous! It is the only Hawaiian Island I haven’t visited. Hālawa Valley and Moa‘ula Falls are stunning.

  36. Looks beautiful. I would like to try this when I visit!

  37. What an incredible place for a helicopter tour! Adding this to my bucket list 

  38. My husband and I took this tour with Air Maui!  AMAZING!  If I ever go back I want the doors off your. Words cannot describe the beauty and the incredible sea cliffs. If you don’t do any other excursion, do THIS!

    • So happy you did, Lynoitte! It was one of my best experiences in Maui and I still dream about it when I think back to our time on the island. And I’d totally go back and do the doors-off too! It sounds a little bit more adventurous 😛

  39. Wow the sights here are truly phenomenal. You know I would’ve loved if you had the chance to get down into that fringing reef to show us the sights down there. I can’t believe his name was Captain Kirk too, how good is that!

  40. Pingback: 12 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON MAUI - Journey Era

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *