Maui Helicopter Tour suggestions/recommendations

Question

My wife and I (retired) are staying 10 days at Lahaina Hyatt Regency Maui resort in Mid March and would like to take a helicopter tour of the island. This is our first visit to Maui and we will have a rental car. We are looking for recommendations and suggestions for a helicopter tour company,

suggestions on best time of day or day of week, duration, where to sit, locations to be covered etc. Any other tips to make sure that tour selection includes certain itinerary in the tour? Thank you.

Answer

Your helicopter tour in Maui will definitely be a highlight of your trip! With such stunning views of waterfalls, lush valleys, and the rugged coastline, a helicopter ride is the perfect way to see parts of the island that are otherwise inaccessible. Below are some recommendations to help make your experience memorable:

Tour Companies: Maui has a few top-rated helicopter tour companies. Each offers a slightly different experience, so it’s worth considering what you’d like to see during the tour:

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters: Known for its excellent safety record and experienced pilots, Blue Hawaiian offers tours that include the island’s famous Hana and Molokai cliffs. Their helicopters are modern and comfortable, and their pilots are knowledgeable about the island's history and geology.
Air Maui: Air Maui offers tours that focus on West Maui and Molokai. Their tours are highly rated for customer service, and the flight paths cover some of Maui’s most stunning landscapes, including waterfalls and valleys.
Sunshine Helicopters: This company offers a variety of routes, including a "Complete Island" tour which covers both East and West Maui, as well as Molokai. The tours here are praised for their intimate experience and great photo opportunities.

Best Time of Day: Morning flights tend to be the best time for a helicopter tour. The air is typically calmer, which means less turbulence and smoother flying. You’ll also catch the beautiful morning light, which makes for great photography. Avoid mid-day tours if possible, as the sun can be harsh and visibility may be reduced due to heat-related air currents. Flying in the morning also means you’ll beat the crowds, especially during peak tourist times.

Duration: The most popular helicopter tours range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Given your desire to take in the best sights of Maui, I would recommend the 1-hour "Complete Island" or "West Maui and Molokai" tours. These will give you a comprehensive look at both the lush rainforest and dramatic coastline of Maui, as well as views of neighboring islands. If you're keen on seeing waterfalls, the "Hana & Waterfalls" tour is a great option as well.

Where to Sit: In a helicopter, the seats on the left and right side tend to offer the best views, with seats near the front providing more control of the view and better photo opportunities. Many companies offer “front seat upgrades” for a premium fee, and this is highly recommended if you want a more personal, unobstructed experience. However, even from the back, the views are amazing! When booking, ask about the seating arrangement to ensure you're placed in a spot with the best view.

Locations to be Covered: Each tour covers different parts of the island. Some of the best things to request or make sure your tour includes are:

Hana’s Rainforests: One of Maui’s most beautiful and untouched areas, you’ll fly over lush rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic craters.
West Maui Mountains: The towering ridges and cliffs of the West Maui Mountains are breathtaking and make for fantastic aerial photography.
Molokai Cliffs: The cliffs of Molokai are some of the tallest in the world, and flying over them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Waterfalls: Many helicopter tours fly over some of Maui’s famous waterfalls, including the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo Gulch. Some tours even offer the chance to fly above waterfalls on the remote island of Molokai.

Other Tips: - Weather: Maui’s weather can change quickly, and rain can impact visibility. Be sure to have a backup day for your tour in case of weather-related cancellations. - Camera: Bring a camera or phone with a good zoom lens! Helicopter tours offer some of the best photo ops, and you won’t want to miss capturing those incredible views. Just make sure to use a strap so you don’t lose your gear during the flight. - Comfort: Wear light, comfortable clothing. The helicopter has a temperature-controlled environment, but it’s still good to dress in layers. Closed-toe shoes are recommended, and if you wear glasses, make sure they’re secure, as they can easily fall off during the flight. - Booking: Helicopter tours in Maui are popular, so it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak travel months like March. Be sure to check cancellation policies just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Overall, a helicopter tour will provide you with an unforgettable perspective of Maui, one that’s impossible to experience on foot or by car. Enjoy your adventure, and make sure to pick a tour that best fits your interests and time frame!

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