Plane or helicopter on Maui?

What is the difference between a plane and a helicopter tour on Maui?

The plane is private and covers more ground; the helicopter is shared and gets closer to the terrain.

Which is cheaper for two people?

The 60-minute private plane flights, at $760 for two; helicopters run about $808 to $1,027 for two, and the 90-minute plane $1,072.

The 60-minute private flights are the cheapest way into the air for a couple, at $380 each. The 90-minute five-island flight is $1,072 for two. Helicopters charge per seat with no minimum, which makes them the cheaper choice for one person and the pricier one for a family of five. The numbers are in Maui private flight prices.

Which gets you closer to waterfalls and valleys?

The helicopter. It can slow down, turn on the spot and fly into the West Maui valleys.

The Complete Island listing promises to "fly deep inside the West Maui Mountains, where there aren't any trails". Guests on both Air Maui flights describe pilots swinging the helicopter round so that each side gets the view. A plane keeps moving and flies wider lines.

One guest on the 90-minute plane flight wrote: "Plane didn't very close to anything. We wish we took the helicopter." That is one review out of 818, but it is the honest trade-off.

Which covers more islands?

The 90-minute plane: its stop list takes in Maui, Lanai and Molokini, and guests describe Kahoolawe and Molokai as well.

The helicopters here focus on two islands at most: Maui and Molokai on the doors-off and Maverick flights, all of Maui on the Complete Island tour. If ticking off the islands of Maui County is the point, read the five islands of Maui County.

Is a private plane tour really private?

Yes. The listing says only your group will participate, while helicopter seats are assigned by weight and shared with strangers.

On the Maverick flight, seating is "based on legal weight & balance limits" and the operator does not promise you will sit together. A family of four on the Complete Island flight wrote that two more passengers were added and their knees were pressed against the seats. On the plane, nobody joins you, and you can ask the pilot anything for 90 minutes.

What about a doors-off helicopter?

Air Maui's 45-minute doors-off flight over West Maui and Molokai is the open-air option, with strict rules.

Children must be at least 10, anyone 10 to 18 needs an adult, and only passengers aged 16 and over sit on an outside seat. Only a phone on a lanyard is allowed: no other cameras, hats, bags or sunglasses. Goggles and a windbreaker are provided. Weight rules start at 230 lbs per passenger. It is $452 per person.

Want the wind in your face? The doors-off flight crosses to Molokai in 45 minutes, for ages 10 and up.

★ 4.8 · 45 minutes · from $452

Explore the doors-off helicopter → Tour details

Which is better for nervous flyers or motion sickness?

Neither is calm every time; both can bounce over the mountains.

Plane guests mention air currents jostling the cabin, and one got airsick; helicopter guests write about wind bumps and recommend Dramamine. Other guests on both describe smooth landings and pilots who explain each bump before it comes. A window seat and an eye on the horizon help. More in Maui air tour tips.

Which should you book?

Match the aircraft to your group and what you want to see.

• Couples and families who want privacy: the private plane.
• Waterfalls and valley walls up close: a helicopter.
• Open air and big photos: the doors-off helicopter, ages 10 and up.
• Solo travelers: a helicopter seat, since the plane needs two.
• Five islands in one go: the 90-minute private flight.
• Someone who wants to fly: the 60-minute plane flight, which offers a turn at the yoke.

Frequently asked questions