Maui Helicopter Tour – Possibly the Best Thing I’ve Ever Done
A helicopter flight had long been on my bucket list. To make it really “worth it”, it had to be someplace stunningly beautiful and inaccessible by ground transportation. So when my daughter asked us to come to Hawaii with them this spring, I knew the time had come. I was booking a Maui Helicopter Tour!
Researching Maui Helicopter Tours
As usual, you know I did my research! There are a few helicopter tour operators and they each offer multiple destinations and durations. With a perfect safety record, fantastic reviews and Maui’s only doors-off helicopter, I opted for Air Maui Helicopter Tours. The doors-off helicopter really sold this for me. If you’re going to go up in a helicopter, why would you want doors restricting those views?? Haha, you don’t need to answer that – Patti would want doors, if I could even get her up there! I booked fairly early but as a solo passenger, you cannot guarantee a “window” seat so I hoped for the best.
The morning of the flight, I have to admit I was getting a little nervous. Not as much nervous about the flight but maybe more anxious. We were staying in Kaanapali so they said to allow 60-70 minutes for the drive. I left with plenty of time and being that it was pretty early, the traffic was mild and I arrived with plenty of time to spare.
Safety First
As you check in, you are provided a jacket and a cell phone lanyard – you are not allowed to bring any items aside from a cell phone (no cameras, GoPros, etc). If you have long hair, it must be tied back securely and of course, no flip flops. Purses, backpacks, etc can be left in the car then your car keys are kept securely by the staff.
After a safety briefing and introductions by the staff, my 5 other flight partners and I were given our goggles and headed outside to be fitted with a fanny-pack style life vest, have a picture taken and have our headsets and goggles securely fixed to our faces. One by one we were shown to our seats and belted in. I was soooooo excited to be given the outside seat in the front row (with the pilot, Dylan, and one other passenger).
Doors Off Take Off
It would be a lie if I said I wasn’t nervous. I do not have the smallest bum and now it was hanging a few inches out of a completely open helicopter door. Video proof below!
But I trusted that the Air Maui folks would not be putting me in a dangerous situation so I tried to relax and hoped Dylan wouldn’t need to make a sharp bank to the left.
Absolute Bliss
The take-off was so smooth as we headed north beyond the airport and across the bay to the West Maui Mountains. As with our Seaplane Adventure in Key West, I was grinning from ear to ear (under my mask) as the pilot played perfectly vibing themed music through our headsets. Think Tom Petty “Learning to Fly”, Foo Fighters “Learn to Fly” and Frank Sinatra “Fly me to the Moon”. I don’t know why, but having a soundtrack to this experience just elevated it even more! Even now, as I type, I am transported back.
We flew through the lush green valleys, changing elevation to rise and fall with the topography. The vivid green landscape is unbelievable.
Across the Pailolo Channel
Then, we ventured across the Pailolo Channel to Molokai. Since it was the height of whale watching season, we were able to see quite a few of them from our viewpoint in the sky. I excitedly kept tapping the sweet lady next to me and pointing like a kid at the whales breaching. In the safety briefing, we were warned not to stick an arm (or anything else) outside the confines of the door frame, but I got a little overenthusiastic and pointed once, had my had blown backwards and scared myself. Haha.
Molokai
Dylan gave us some great background about Molokai. Molokai is Hawaii’s 5th largest island at approximately 10 miles wide by 38 miles long. The island’s largely Native Hawaiian population preserves their rural lifestyle in this wild, untouched area. We flew over farms, streams and waterfalls, where Dylan hovered the copter and turned us so everyone got a spectacular view.
But nothing prepared us for the view we would be coming to. The Molokai sea cliffs. These sea cliffs are the tallest in the world (ranging from 3,600 to 3.900 feet) and inaccessible by car. The view is quite literally breathtaking.
But wait…that wasn’t even the best part! We were about to see one of Hawaii’s most striking yet least viewed waterfalls, Papalaua Falls. These falls are so remote that they can only be seen by helicopter or boat – and even then, the weather conditions must be clear.
Words truly escape me (a rarity, I know) so here is the video.
Return trip
After hovering insanely close to the falls, in the narrow fissure between sea cliffs, we departed back to Maui.
We passed over turtle rock (aka, KanahΔ Rock Islet Seabird Sanctuary) although it looks more like an elephant. This is reportedly a great spot to see hammerhead sharks!
We hit a little rain as we crossed the channel – it was very cool to see the light beaming through the clouds and the different water textures. Then we came swooping along the northern coastline of Maui, saw the Nakalele Blowhole, more whales and lots of surfers as we got closer to Kahului.
I had no idea what the landing was going to be like – I assume a hover and lowering down but it really was more like a very gradual descent with the most gentle touchdown you could imagine.
Undeniably, a Doors Off Maui Helicopter Tour Was the Best Thing I’ve Ever Done
I did not want this experience to end. Yes, admittedly, I was one of those embarrassing people that clapped, cheered, high-fived and hugged the pilot. I could not wipe the huge, cheesy smile off my face. Pure joy!
Interested in more of our Hawaiian adventures?
39 Comments
Colin and Mitch VeryTastyWorld
What an absolutely incredible adventure. The whales over the Pailolo Channel from above and the sheer beauty of the Molokai sea cliffs were amazing but the highlight was the magnificent waterfall, Papalaua Falls. Fantastic photos and video as well. We would love to do this one day. Thanks so much for sharing this joyful trip.
Big Sister
Thank you so much for reading! Definitely an unforgettable adventure!
Paul (Paul Passing Through)
This would definitely be one of the places I would try to put my irraional of flying behind me to do a helicopter tour. That’s great the conditions were clear for you to see that waterfall. It’s always impressive to think things like that exist in the world.
Big Sister
I hope you try it someday – it is so incredibly beautiful and crazy to think that there are places still so untouched and remote!
Chalk and cheese travels
Fantastic and I love it π what a cool adventure. As a fan of waterfalls I so want to see that Molokai waterfall it looks amazing π
Big Sister
Thanks so much! That waterfall was insane!! So tall and seemed to just pour into the mountain.
Barry
This was obviously an incredible flight. The photos are beautifuk, especially the ones of the waterfall. The mountains look llike they have been dusted in greenm such is their verdant colour. I didn’t realise that the mountains were so high, so sheer on the coast and so full of ridges – quite unique-looking. If ever I get to Maui this is what I would love ro do.
You don’t mention how much it was to buy and the website – I’d be interested in knowing and finding out more from them.
Big Sister
Thanks so much Barry! The green was so vivid and covered everything! Absolutely stunning. I just checked the website, https://www.airmaui.com/doors-off-west-maui-molokai, and it says $304 USD (on special) but I only paid $285 USD so I think the prices may change seasonally?
Shireen
You definitely picked an amazing place to take a helicopter ride! What a scene. I love that you clapped haha.
Big Sister
LOL, I was out of my mind giddy! Thanks so much!
Wanderingkellers
So amazing. We did a helicopter ride in Alaska. This looks amazing and we may be heading to Hawaii this summer so maybe something to add to the adventure. Great post and amazing videos.
Big Sister
Thank you! Oh, I hope you do – not sure which island you are going to but I’ve heard the Kauai helicopter tour is even more incredible!
Wanderingkellers
This looks amazing. We did a helicopter ride in Alaska and it was truly a spectacular experience. Glad you got an outside seat and had a great time. Love the videos. We are headed to Hawaii this amsummer and may have to add on this adventure.
Becky Exploring
Wow! This Maui helicopter tour looks amazing – how lucky to get the seat by the door! The scenery is so breathtaking! Those waterfalls and gorgeous sea cliffs are exactly what I think of when I think of Hawaii. I think I’d want the Jurassic Park theme song for the background music though.
Big Sister
The Jurassic Park theme would have been perfect coming around the edge of Molokai to see that waterfall! Thanks so much!
Travel for a while
You’re so brave! I don’t think I would ever board a helicopter, but if I would, Maui definitely looks like the place to do it. The views are gorgeous, beautiful scenery.
Big Sister
I’ve just wanted to do it for so long, I tried not to think of the scariness! The views were 100% worth it!
kmf
Beautiful! Would love to take a helicopter tour in Maui. We did one at the Grand Canyon and it was fabulous.
Big Sister
The Grand Canyon must have been incredible! It is definitely not a view that everyone gets. Thank you for reading!
Steven Jepson
I couldn’t have done it Peggy. Not with the doors off… Not sitting next to the doors off…. Kudos!!
Big Sister
Oh, I know your fear of heights! It was truly so peaceful but I know not everyone feels that way. Could you do an inside seat?
Carina | bucketlist2life
OMG the views are breathtaking!
Big Sister
Thank you so much, Carina! I feel so blessed to have seen them!
Gabriela
What an experience! Maui is so far a dreamed destination, but if one day comes true, I would love to go on this helicopter tour. Thanks for showing it!
Sydney Brown Travels
Wow. I also have no words! This looks incredibly beautiful. Papalaua Falls is just… wow… gorgeous! If I ever visit Maui, I am absolutely doing this helicopter tour!
Big Sister
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you visit someday!
Stefan
Love the soundtrack. Kudos to you for going on a ride without doors. Those Papalaua Falls & the Molokai Sea Cliffs are out of this world. I’ve never been to Hawaii but in my mind it must be the most beautiful place on earth. Thanks for sharing.
Big Sister
The soundtrack just put the experience over the top – can’t explain it! It is definitely one of the most beautiful places. Thanks for reading!
Vanessa Shields
How fun and what an incredible bucket list experience! I’ve only been in a helicopter with doors but I’d imagine you can get way better pics with the door off. The views of the island are amazing!
Big Sister
Thank you so much, it was incredible! I still can’t believe it π
stephen
Whoa. The Molokai Sea Cliffs. I can’t imagine the impact that must have on you in person. And from a helicopter, too? Wow. I would also like to do a heli-ride one day. I think it’s pushing my comfort zone a bit, but I would def’ like to do it. You sure did pick somewhere that really counted for your first time! Way to go! Just gorgeous.
Wendy White
wow this truly is a bucket list item. I would love to take a helicopter tour over Maui – the scenery is spectacular. Just need to get over my fear of heights and not sure how I’d go without a door!
Big Sister
Itβs definitely a little unnerving, but so worth it!
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Saskia
Lovely article. Thanks for sharing!
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