45-Minute Crater Helicopter

Hana Rainforest and Haleakala Crater Helicopter Tour runs through Air Maui Helicopter Tours. Rated 4.7 across 155 reviews. Runs 45 minutes. From $368.

Overview

This 45-minute flight with Air Maui Helicopter Tours lifts off from the Kahului Heliport and crosses East Maui toward two of the island's signature sights: Haleakala Crater and the Hana rainforest. The crater is a pass-by rather than a landing, so the whole experience happens from the air, with the pilot narrating over music as the landscape unfolds below. One reviewer described the back side of Haleakala as full of waterfalls, canyons and old cinder cones, and unlike anywhere else on the island.

The helicopter is a shared cabin holding six passengers plus the pilot, with doors on. That seating is close quarters, and one reviewer who bought empty seats for extra room felt it was worth doing so. It also works for nervous flyers: one reviewer mentions companions who were terrified before takeoff and still had an amazing time.

Everyone meets at the heliport at 108 Lelepio Pl in Kahului, where Air Maui occupies the last hangar on the left. Hotel transport is not part of the package, and parking at the heliport is paid by QR code, card only. Weather can reshape the route, since the listing states that flight routes and sights may vary with conditions.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Kahului HeliportCheck in at Air Maui Helicopter Tours, 108 Lelepio Pl, Kahului, the last hangar on the left. Parking is paid at the entrance by QR code, credit card only.
2. Board the helicopterPassengers board the shared cabin, where infants under 24 months sit on an adult lap. No bags of any kind are allowed on board.
3. Haleakala National Park flyoverThe 45-minute flight passes by the park, crossing toward the crater. This is an aerial pass with no landing inside the park.
4. Hana rainforest pass-byThe route continues past Hana and over the rainforest, with waterfalls visible along the slopes, as conditions allow.
5. Return to heliportThe flight ends back at the same Kahului meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape this flight, from what you can carry on board to how weather can change the route.

• Travel light. No bags of any kind are allowed on board, including purses, fanny packs and backpacks. Plan to leave everything in the car. A flight recording on USB is sold separately and is not part of the base package.
• Dress dark, shoot clear. The listing recommends dark clothing to cut window reflection and improve photos. One reviewer was disappointed when the onboard camera failed, so bringing your own approach to photos matters.
• Shared six-seat cabin. The helicopter carries six passengers and one pilot, and the seating is close.
• Weather calls the shots. Flight routes and sights may vary with weather, and the listing is clear that no route is guaranteed. Treat any specific sight as conditional on the day.
• Weights must be accurate. All passenger weights must be given at booking, and understating weight can mean cancellation at check-in with no refund. Extra seats must be purchased for passengers or combinations over the listed weight thresholds.
• Confirm your timing. Air Maui asks passengers to contact them directly for check-in and departure times at least 72 hours before the flight. Gratuities are not included.

Common issues. The cabin is shared with up to six travellers in close quarters, and there is no wheelchair access or lift, and staff cannot physically assist passengers into the helicopter. A minimum number of travellers is required, and if it is not met the operator offers a different date, a different experience, or a full refund. Hotel pickup, gratuities and the USB flight recording all cost extra, and parking at the heliport is paid by card.

Before You Book A Seat