Maui Private Air Tour: 3-Island Flight Over Molokai, Maui & Kahoolawe

Climb into Maui’s only private air cabin and spend an hour flying over Nakalele, Honolua, Molokai’s sea cliffs and the restricted island of Kahoolawe. This intimate 3-island tour blends geology, history and marine spectacle with practical logistics for photographers and first-time flyers.

Kahului, Hawaii•

1 hour

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

You step into a small metal cabin, the runway shrinking beneath you like a ribbon until the engines lift and Maui rearranges itself. The coastline stencils the island in jade and aquamarine; Nakalele’s blowhole spits white against basalt, and far offshore a low, forbidden silhouette—the island of Kahoolawe—sits like an unread page of history. Inside, the pilot’s voice is calm; your headset translates geography into story as the plane banks and the world opens.

Before You Go

Report Accurate Weights

Operators require each passenger’s weight at booking—this is essential for safe weight-and-balance calculations.

Prepare for Motion Sickness

Flights include low-altitude turns; take anti-nausea meds if you’re prone and choose a window seat facing forward.

Bring Camera Gear That Works Through Glass

Use a polarizing filter and fast lens to cut reflections and capture reef color through the panoramic windows.

Expect Weather Cancellations

Trade winds and brief squalls can cancel flights; book early in your visit and keep itinerary flexible.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Aerial views of lava flow textures on Haleakala’s lower slopes
•Fringes of remote coral gardens off Molokai’s east coast visible from low passes

Wildlife

•Spinner dolphins
•Green sea turtles

Conservation Note

Operators emphasize reef protection and cultural sensitivity—stick to companies that brief passengers on marine conservation and Kahoʻolawe’s restricted status.

Kahoolawe was used as a military training and bombing range in the 20th century; it remains culturally significant and access is restricted to restoration efforts.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Early morning (calmer sea, softer light), Late afternoon (dramatic cliffs and shadows), Midday for maximum reef clarity

Key viewpoints:

• Low pass over Molokai’s eastern sea cliffs
• Above Nakalele Blowhole and the adjacent basalt coastline
• South Maui over Makena State Park for reef and beach contrasts

Subjects to capture:Coastal landscapes, Coral reefs from above, Sea cliffs and geological formations

What to Bring

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Full-frame or APS-C camera with wide lensEssential

Wide angles capture sweeping coastlines and coral gardens through the cabin windows.

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Polarizing filterEssential

Reduces glare on water for truer reef color and crisper shots.

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Light windbreaker or fleece

Cabins can feel cool at altitude; a thin layer keeps you comfortable.

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Motion-sickness tablets or wrist bandsEssential

Useful on small aircraft with tight turns and low-altitude maneuvers.

Common Questions

Is this a private flight?

Yes — the cabin is private for your booking (2–5 people), with live pilot commentary and the option for a guest to handle the yoke under supervision.

How long is the tour?

The flight lasts about 60 minutes with roughly ten minutes of ground briefing before takeoff.

Are there age or weight restrictions?

There’s no strict age cutoff but full mobility is required to board; you must provide each passenger’s weight in pounds at booking for safety calculations.

What happens in bad weather?

Flights are cancellable for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance; operators may also cancel for weather and offer refunds or rebooking.