Helicopter Tours in Maui

Helicopter Tours

Helicopter flight-seeing excursions can take you over the West Maui Mountains, Hana, Haleakala Crater, even the Big Island lava flow, or Molokai. This is a beautiful, exciting way to see the island, and the only way to see some of its most dramatic areas and waterfalls. Tour prices usually include a videotape of your trip so you can relive the experience at home. Prices run from about $125 for a half-hour rain-forest tour to almost $400 for a two-hour mega-experience that includes a champagne toast on landing. Generally the 45- to 50-minute flights are the best value, and if you're willing to chance it, considerable discounts may be available if you call last minute.

It takes about 90 minutes to travel inside the volcano, then down to the village of Hana. Some companies stop in secluded areas for refreshments. Helicopter-tour operators throughout the state come under sharp scrutiny for passenger safety and equipment maintenance. Don't be afraid to ask about a company's safety record, flight paths, age of equipment, and level of operator experience. Generally, though, if they're still in business they're doing something right.

Air Maui Helicopters. Air Maui prides itself on a perfect safety record, and provides 45- to 65-minute flights covering the waterfalls of the West Maui Mountains, Haleakala Crater, Hana, even the spectacular sea cliffs of Molokai. Prices range from $217 to $286 with considerable discounts available on the Web site. Kahului Heliport, Hangar 110, Kahului. 877/238-4942 or 808/877-7005. www.airmaui.com.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. Blue Hawaiian has provided aerial adventures in Hawaii since 1985, and has been integral in some of the filming Hollywood has done on Maui. Its AStar helicopters are air-conditioned and have noise-blocking headsets for all passengers. Flights are 30 to 65 minutes and cost $125 to $280. They also offer a fly-drive special to Hana with Temptation Tours limo vans. Kahului Heliport, Hangar 105, Kahului. 808/871-8844. www.bluehawaiian.com.

Sunshine Helicopters. Sunshine offers tours of Maui and Molokai, as well as the Big Island, in its Black Beauty AStar or WhisperStar aircraft. A pilot-narrated videotape of your actual flight is available for purchase. Prices are $158 to $425 for 30 to 90 minutes. First-class seating is available for a fee. Kahului Heliport, Hangar 107, Kahului. 808/871-0722 or 800/544-2520. www.sunshinehelicopters.com.