Maui Helicopter Tours - Introducing The Flight That Goes Around The Entire Island

Maui, measuring some 730 square miles, is Hawaii's second largest region. Via a network of winding roads, you can circumnavigate this tropical paradise in two or three. Don't have that type of times? Then take a Maui Helicopter Tour, which can do a full circuit in little hundreds hour.

By full circuit, I'm referring to a helicopter ride that includes the West Maui Mountains, Upcountry, East Maui (Hana), Haleakala National Park, and South Maui (KÄ«hei, Wailea-Makena). That's a lot to take in so let's break it down by region:

West Maui Mountains

Maui is comprised of two volcanoes joined by an isthmus (the technical term to do this geologic formation is "volcanic doublet"). The older, western volcano has eroded so much that today today it is defined by mist-shrouded peaks (Pu'u Kuki is the highest at 5,788 feet) and lush valleys that are collectively called the West Maui Mountains.

Upcountry

This region is the fertile isthmus that connects Maui's two volcanoes. It is a flat plain of rolling green hills, plantations, flower and vegetable farms, and ranches (home to many of the island's "paniolo," or cowboys) that gently roll up to the foothills of Haleakala.

East Maui

Wild, untamed jungle defines much for this area, including Keanae Valley, Koolau Forest Reserve, and the Hana Forest Reserve, biggest bank of its kind in the U.S. Other highlights are Oheo Gulch, otherwise known as the Seven Sacred Pools, and stunning Waimoku Falls.

Haleakala National Park

Home for the fabulous Haleakala Crater. This geological wonder is 7.5 miles wide, 2.5 miles long, and 3,000 feet deep. The crater's walls are steep and backside is pocked with cinder cones, leading many passengers to compare Haleakala towards the surface among the moon. The tallest peak, know as Red Hill, reaches 10,023 feet.

South Maui

Much of this area is still Haleakala country, which is thinly vegetated and desert like. The beaches here are incredible and punctuate a ruggedly awesome shoreline. Offshore, you'll find the famous crest of the Molokini Crater. Peering north, the recumbent Maalea Sea.

My research shows that flights covering your entire island of Maui (and all previously mentioned sights) run about 65 minutes. Trips leave daily from the Kahului heliport in central Maui. If you don't have your own transport, you can add a hotel transfer for any package. Typically the most popular rides come in the morning (best visibility, smoothest flight) and at sunset.

I highly recommend booking in advance. This Maui helicopter tour is one of many most popular on this island and sells out often. Reserving ahead of time protects you from getting knocked. It also saves you money. Lots of it, especially if purchase your seats anywhere (I'm absolutely convinced that the best promotions are posted by operators on the Web).

For more info on Helicopter tours in Maui review the website.