Aerial Tours in Maui

Helicopter flight-seeing excursions can take you over the West Maui Mountains, Hana, Haleakala Crater, even the Big Island lava flow or the island of 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 DVD of your trip so you can relive the experience at home. Prices run from about $200 for a half-hour rain-forest tour to more than $500 for a 90-minute megaexperience 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 or book online.

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 shy; 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 $256 to $338 with considerable discounts available on the Web site. Charter flights are also available. Kahului Heliport, Hangar 110, Kahului, 96732. 877/238-4942 or 808/877-7005. www.airmaui.com.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. This company has provided aerial adventures in Hawaii since 1985 and has been integral in some of the filming Hollywood has done on Maui. Its EcoStar helicopters are air-conditioned and have noise-blocking headsets for all passengers. Flights are 30 to 90 minutes and cost $220 to $560. Charter flights are also available. Kahului Heliport, Hangar 105, Kahului, 96732. 808/871-8844 or 800/745-2583. www.bluehawaiian.com.

Sunshine Helicopters. Sunshine offers tours of Maui and Molokai in its Black Beauty AStar or WhisperStar aircraft. A pilot-narrated DVD of your actual flight is available for purchase. Prices start at $200 for 30 to 105 minutes. First-class seating is available for an additional fee. Kahului Heliport, Hangar 107, Kahului, 96732. 808/270-3999 or 866/501-7738. www.sunshinehelicopters.com.