Tags
aerial photography, aerial photography Maui, Hawaii, heli tour, helicopter tour, Kaanapali, Kahului, Kapalua, Lahaina, landscape photography, Maui, Maui photography, Molokai, Napili, Pailolo Channel, photography, Ritz Carleton, sea cliffs, West Maui mountains, world's tallest sea cliffs
Let me start by saying that today’s post can be summed up in one word: breathtaking. Your jaw will most likely be hanging open and you’ll be transfixed on the images! This was the absolute highlight of our trip/honeymoon in Maui! There was never a question as to whether we’d take a helicopter tour on our trip; my husband loves planes and most likely should have pursued a career as a pilot rather than working in engineering, so needless to say it was on the top of our list! We knew there were so many amazing places that are only visible by air on Maui. We also knew that the neighbouring island of Molokai is home to the world’s tallest sea cliffs, something that we couldn’t pass up seeing! So we chose a tour that was a combination of both: the West part of Maui and then flew across the channel to tour Molokai.
There are a number of different companies that offer heli tours so we did a lot of research and decided to go with Blue Hawaiian. They’re one of the oldest companies and also have the best safety record (which was comforting for me)! This was our first ever flight in a helicopter and it was actually pretty smooth compared to what I was expecting (although I took gravol just in case). When we booked, my husband requested the front seats for us meaning that we had the best view of everyone on board (if you’re ever planning on going on a heli tour ask to sit in the front)! A helicopter tour is by no means cheap but it was an amazing experience that I’m not quite sure I can even translate into words. All I can say is, I highly recommend it! If you’re still not convinced, you will be once you’re done looking at the pictures! Enjoy!
Wailuku
West Maui Mountains
Golf Course at the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua
Our first glimpse of Molokai – so beautiful!
So many waterfalls!
Molokai, home to the world’s tallest sea cliffs
Papalaua Falls, Molokai – among the tallest waterfalls in all of Hawaii at 1200 feet
In a bowl shaped valley – this region of the island receives more than 400mm of rain annually
The gorgeous coral reef in the distance
My favorite picture, the coral reef was simply breathtaking!
Flying across the Pailolo Channel between Molokai and Maui
Kaanapali, Maui
Lahaina, Maui
West Maui Mountains – accessible only by helicopter
Valley between the West Maui Mountains and Haleakala, which can be seen in the distance
Kahului, Maui
Kahului Harbor
Sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see
Please note: If you’d like to share any of my photos please let me know!
If you’ve missed any of my previous posts about Maui, you can see them here.
Always Maylee said:
OH my gosh. The pictures look amazing, I cannot even imagine being there and seeing it from the air like that! What an awesome experience. Breathtaking is right!
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
Pearls and Lace said:
Thanks Yi-chia! It’s simply beyond gorgeous! xo
how bout some cake said:
I just emailed this to my fiancé. Hope we get to do this while we’re there!
Pearls and Lace said:
It’s a must! If you have any questions about Maui, don’t hesitate to ask! I’d be more than happy to help you out 🙂
Ashley said:
I am going to Maui for Christmas, I will definitely be hitting you up for tips 🙂
xo SideSmile,
Ashley
SideSmile Style Blog
Pearls and Lace said:
You’re going to love it Ashley! I’m jealous, I can’t wait to go again! Definitely hit me up with any questions, I’m glad to help! 🙂 Thanks for checking out my blog!
xo jen
twenty-something said:
These pictures are just beautiful, and what a great experience!! I love the shot of the coral reef and also the one of Papalaua Falls. John has his private helicopter pilot license and I have been begging him to take me on a ride…I’ve never been in one!
Stephanie
Pearls and Lace said:
Thanks Stephanie, it was so amazing! Seeing the waterfall was incredible, it was so big I can’t believe I lucked out with the shot that I got! My husband would be so jealous of your boyfriend, he’d love to have his private pilot’s licence. You have to get him to take you up, I’m sure Florida is even prettier from the air! xo
Lisa @ Floating Along... said:
Wow – your pictures are just amazing!! My husband did a heli tour when he went to Maui with his family and I am just dying to go!
Pearls and Lace said:
Lisa you have to do it! I feel like it’s one of those “once in a lifetime” things. It’s so beautiful just being there but you get a whole other perspective from 2000 feet! xo
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