Experience the Road to Hana from above with a scenic helicopter flight over Maui's lush rainforests and coastal terrain. Choose from quick 45-minute aerial tours to comprehensive six-hour land and air combinations.
Likely to Sell Out Explore the Road to Hana by luxury limo-van and helicopter, featuring waterfall swims and lunch on a black sand beach.
Fly over the Hana Rainforest and land at a historic taro plantation on this 40-minute Wailua Valley helicopter tour.
Free Cancellation Fly over Haleakala’s crater rim and the East Maui rainforest to see remote waterfalls and the rugged coastline.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Road to Hana — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Combining the world-famous Road to Hana with a helicopter flight is the ultimate way to experience Maui's rugged eastern coastline. You get to skip the exhausting 10-to-12-hour drive and instead take in the 620 hairpin curves, plunging waterfalls, and dense tropical rainforests from the sky.
Fly directly over miles of dense, untouched tropical canopy. From the air, you can truly appreciate the sheer scale of East Maui's lush ecosystem fed by abundant rainfall.
Many flights head straight for the northeast rim of Haleakalā. Looking down into the massive, dormant volcanic crater offers a stark contrast to the lush green coastline.
See Waiʻanapanapa State Park's striking volcanic black sand contrasting with the deep blue ocean. Combo land-and-air tours often include a stop here for lunch and exploring.
Spot towering 80-foot cascades right off the highway from a bird's-eye view. The helicopter provides an unmatched vantage point of the deep valleys and freshwater pools.
Look down on this rugged volcanic peninsula where powerful waves crash against jagged lava rocks. You'll also see traditional taro ponds still cultivated by local residents.
Helicopter and combo tours have strict regulations and logistics you need to be aware of before booking your spot.
Due to FAA regulations, all passengers are weighed at check-in. If you weigh over 240 lbs or 275 lbs (depending on the operator), you will be required to purchase an extra seat. Misrepresenting your weight can result in cancellation without a refund.
You can choose a quick 45-minute aerial overview, a flight that includes a 30-minute landing deep in the rainforest, or a 6-hour combo tour where you drive the road in a luxury limo-van and fly back.
Every passenger over 18 must present an original, government-issued photo ID (like a REAL-ID driver's license or passport) at check-in. Digital copies or photocopies are strictly prohibited and will result in denied boarding.
Operators highly recommend wearing dark, solid-colored clothing to minimize reflections on the helicopter windows, which ruins photos. If your tour includes a rainforest landing, closed-toe shoes are a must for the wet, uneven ground.
You cannot bring any bags on board the helicopter. This includes purses, backpacks, and fanny packs. You'll need to leave them in your car or at the terminal.
Helicopters do not have wheelchair lifts, and staff cannot physically lift passengers into the aircraft. Guests must be ambulatory. Walkers and scooters are also not permitted on the limo-van combo tours.
Flights are heavily dependent on weather and FAA rules. If your flight is canceled due to low visibility or high winds, you will typically be offered a reschedule or a full refund.
If you book a land-and-air combo tour, the hefty logistics of driving the road are handled for you. These tours usually include your Waiʻanapanapa State Park entrance fees, a certified guide, and lunch.
| Luxury Limo-Van & Heli Combo | Heli Tour with Rainforest Landing | Hana & Haleakalā Aerial Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6 hours | 1 hour 15 mins | 45 mins |
| Best for | A complete land and air experience without the driving fatigue | Unique on-the-ground access to remote areas | Quick, comprehensive views of the crater and coast |
| Includes | 3.5-hour guided drive, lunch, Black Sand Beach entry, 36-min flight | 40-min flight, 30-min private rainforest landing, live commentary | 45-min flight, crater views, pilot narration |
| Price from | $599 | $341 | $368 |
Helicopter Tours: Flight times vary by operator, usually running from early morning to late afternoon. You must arrive at the terminal at least 40 minutes prior to your scheduled flight time for weigh-ins and safety briefings. Failure to do so can result in cancellation without a refund.
Road to Hana (Driving): The highway is a public state road open 24/7, though driving at night is highly discouraged due to safety hazards. If your combo tour includes park stops, note that specific attractions have set hours (e.g., Waiʻanapanapa State Park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
Heliport Location: Most helicopter tours depart from the Kahului Heliport, located near the main Kahului Airport (OGG). The GPS address is typically 108 Lelepio Place, Kahului, HI 96732. It takes about 60-70 minutes to drive here from the Lahaina/Kaanapali area, and 30-45 minutes from Kihei/Wailea.
Driving the Road: If you are doing a combo tour, the driving portion begins in Kahului and follows Route 36 and Route 360 along the coast. The road features 620 hairpin curves and 59 narrow one-lane bridges.
Time of Day: Morning flights are generally best for clearer skies and calmer winds, especially over Haleakalā Crater, which tends to cloud over by the afternoon. If you are doing a driving combo, early morning departures (between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM) help beat the large tour buses.
Time of Year: The shoulder seasons offer drier, more stable weather, reducing the risk of flight cancellations or flash floods on the ground. The peak winter rainy season can trigger sudden road closures and poor flying visibility.
Helicopter Flights: Helicopters are not wheelchair accessible. There are no wheelchair lifts, and staff cannot physically assist or lift passengers into the aircraft. Guests must be ambulatory to board. Wheelchairs can usually be left at the terminal during the flight.
Combo Tours: Walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters of any kind are strictly not permitted on limo-van tours due to space constraints and the rugged nature of the stops. Guests with severe heart or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
At the Heliport: Parking is available at the Kahului Heliport. You must pay for parking using a QR code at the entrance (credit card only). Restrooms are available at the terminal. Remember that absolutely no bags (including purses and fanny packs) are allowed on the helicopter.
On the Road: Facilities are sparse. There is only one gas station past Pa'ia, located in Hana. Cell phone service is practically non-existent along the highway. Combo tours usually provide lunch and cold beverages, but it's always smart to stay hydrated.
Extremely strict. Because of FAA safety regulations, all passengers are weighed at check-in. If you weigh over 240 lbs or 275 lbs (depending on the specific tour operator), you will be charged for an additional seat. Lying about your weight can result in your tour being canceled with no refund.
Yes. The FAA requires all passengers over the age of 18 to present an original, government-issued photo ID, such as a REAL-ID driver's license or a passport. Digital photos or photocopies of your ID will not be accepted and you will be denied boarding.
You should wear dark, solid-colored clothing. Light colors reflect off the inside of the helicopter windows and will ruin your photos. If your tour includes a rainforest landing, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended because the ground is often wet and uneven.
No. Bags of any kind are strictly prohibited on board the helicopter. This includes backpacks, purses, camera bags, and fanny packs. You will need to leave them locked in your vehicle or at the terminal desk.
Yes. If you book the luxury limo-van and helicopter combo tour, the operator secures the mandatory advance reservations and covers the entrance fees for Waiʻanapanapa State Park (the famous black sand beach).
Helicopter flights are subject to FAA flight rules and weather conditions. If the pilot determines it is unsafe to fly due to heavy rain, low visibility, or high winds, your tour will be altered, rescheduled, or you will receive a refund.
Unfortunately, no. Helicopters do not have wheelchair lifts, and the staff is not allowed to physically lift passengers into the seats. Guests must be ambulatory to board. Limo-van combo tours also do not permit wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters.
Flight times vary by the tour you select. A standard aerial tour over Hana and Haleakalā takes about 45 minutes. Combo land/air tours usually feature a 36-minute flight back, while landing tours include a 40-minute flight plus 30 minutes on the ground.
Yes, but rules apply. Infants under 24 months are required to sit on an adult's lap. Children over 24 months must occupy their own paid seat. For van combo tours, toddler car seats can usually be requested in advance.
Many Road to Hana helicopter tours fly directly over the northeast rim of Haleakalā before heading to the windward coast. However, flight routes are always subject to change based on daily cloud cover and wind conditions.
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