West Maui and Molokai
Maverick's 55-minute Molokai Voyage flies over the Molokai sea cliffs, Kahiwa Falls and the Halawa Valley, then back across the channel past Elephant Rock to the Iao Valley and Honokohau Falls. Its 65-minute Hawaiian Odyssey adds a third island: after Kapalua and Molokai it continues to Shipwreck Beach on Lanai. Air Maui covers West Maui and Molokai in 45 minutes, Blue Hawaiian in 50, passing Kahakuloa Bay and Puu Kukui, the highest point of the West Maui Mountains.
Hana, Haleakala and the landings
Air Maui's 45-minute Hana flight climbs to the 10,000-foot summit crater of Haleakala, then descends over the Hana rainforest and the north shore. The 60-minute Complete Island flight takes in the northeast rim of the crater, the East Maui rainforest and West Maui. Maverick's Hana Rainforest flight lands at a former taro plantation in the Wailua Valley for about half an hour, after flying over Paia, Ho'okipa and the Jaws surf break at Peahi. Closed-toe shoes help there: the ground can be uneven and wet. Blue Hawaiian's 90-minute Maui and Molokai Spectacular includes a 20-minute stop at Ulupalakua Ranch on the slopes of Haleakala, with refreshments.
Rules that differ by operator
Maverick flies only with at least four passengers, wants every passenger 18 or older to bring an original photo ID (REAL ID or passport, no copies), asks for check-in 30 minutes before and for a reconfirmation 72 hours ahead. Air Maui needs every passenger's weight at booking, allows no bags, tablets or selfie sticks, and charges for heliport parking by card through a QR code at the entrance. Blue Hawaiian asks for check-in 45 minutes before; parking at the heliport is not included.
