BLOG

HELICOPTER SAFETY

Helicopter Safety, 2022 FRIDAY, December 1, 2022 2:41:00 AM Did you know that fear of heights, also known as acrophobia, is the fifth top phobia in the United States? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 10% of Americans suffer from acrophobia. Because of this, many people may be afraid to take a helicopter tour. What you may not know is that flying with Air Kauai is one of the safest things that you can do on Kauai! With over 25 years of experience and a perfect safety record, they use state of the art helicopters, employ the best pilots (many of whom are military trained), and have the best mechanics who are FAA-certified and factory-trained. That makes an Air Maui helicopter tour statistically safer than: Air Maui prides itself on providing the best experience for its guests. Part of this experience is putting everyone at ease by providing a safe and professional ride without sacrificing an awe-inspiriting, exhilarating, once-in-a-life-time tour. Here is what some guests have to say about their time with Air Maui. “The scenery was gorgeous and breathtaking! The pilot was friendly and informative. We loved the up close views of these remote beaches and waterfalls.” – dtsnoopdol “A great experience for my family! The weather was foggy, but Captain Kirk knew where to go for splendid views. Definitely an unforgettable trip. I tend to get motion sick easily (I can’t ride in the back seat of a car), but the trip was surprisingly easier than I expected. I held the puke bag the whole time, but didn’t need it!” – Adrienne L “The views seen by way of helicopter are amazing, but with the doors off you can have an even bigger & clearer picture of the fantastic scenes below. Highly recommend.” – Paul S “Our. Pilot, Cameron, was excellent. He gave us great view of Maui and Molokai. Awesome waterfalls, deep valleys and to wring sea cliffs. We learned about the history and people of the islands as well. It was a birthday gift to my wife but we both enjoyed it” – Scott B “My only complaint is that the video of our flight did not download. Extremely disappointing. I would have used my cellphone more had I even thought the video would not load. Other than that the doors off experience is must” – PhillyHomeBoy Take a second to visit our tours page or call us directly at 808.877.7005 and let our dispatchers help you pick the perfect flight for you. We would be happy to answer any questions and put your mind at ease! We look forward to hearing from you!

HELICOPTER FACTS

Helicopter Facts, 2022 FRIDAY, October 3, 2022 2:41:00 AM Helicopters are the only aircraft that can move forward, backward, side-to-side, and hover. They also allow you to take-off and land with much less space. This makes them the perfect vehicles for sight-seeing, allowing you to maneuver into smaller or more difficult to reach locations and hover over beautiful sights for that perfect picture. Keep reading to learn more interesting facts about helicopters and helicopter flight. The Basics of Controlling a Helicopter In order to fly a helicopter, the pilot must use three main controls, the collective pitch, the cyclic pitch, and the tail rotor control. In addition, the pilot also uses a throttle control, which is mounted directly onto the collective pitch. The collective pitch is used to control the angle of the main rotor blades. By doing this, the pilot can control the lift created by the blades and move the helicopter up or down. The throttle controls the speed of the blades. The cyclic controls which direction the helicopter flies, forward, rearward, left, or right. Finally, the tail rotor control allows the pilot to turn the helicopter left or right. Obviously it is more complicated than just these basics, but this gives you the general idea! The History of Helicopters Interesting Helicopter Facts Want to learn more about helicopters first hand? Fly with Air Maui Helicopters. Read below to find out what our guests have to say about their experiences. “My only complaint is that the video of our flight did not download. Extremely disappointing. I would have used my cellphone more had I even thought the video would not load. Other than that the doors off experience is must” – PhillyHomeBoy “You feel like you’re flying without the plane. You get up close to so many beautiful views! I would differently do it again!” – Trudy E “This was an extremely enjoyable experience. Our pilot was professional courteous and friendly throughout the trip, providing lots of background about the terrain we were flying over. Takeoffs and landings were smooth. The weather even cooperated to give us a rainbow to nearly fly through. Highest recommendation possible.” – eric “The entire experience was excellent. Everyone at the Air Maui have been very professional, courteous and knowledgeable. They entire time we felt safe and the places we saw were breathtaking. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the Air Maui for making this trip a wonderful experience. Nathan, our pilot was not only an excellent pilot but a very good guide. Thank you. Cris.” – Cris D “Outstanding Experience. On an Island where very little represents value for money this was an excellent experience and value for money given almost 60 minutes of machine time in an AS350. Saw large tracts of the Island including the volcano with excellent commentary from the pilot. Highly recommended.” – nedwob123 Interested in flying with Air Maui Helicopters? Book online through our tours page or call us at (808) 877-7005 if you have any questions!

MAUI PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Maui Plants and Animals, 2022 FRIDAY, September 1, 2022 2:41:00 AM2:41:00 AM Maui is home to some unique and interesting plants and animals. Since Hawaii is one of the most isolated places in the world, there are some plants and animals that can only be found here. Maui also contains many different biomes, from desert, to rainforest, to aquatic. This is especially amazing when you consider its small size, only 727 square miles! If you have a chance to view Maui from the air, you will be astounded by the diversity and beauty of the island. Below is some more information on some of Maui’s different plants and animals. Native Animals There are only two mammals that are native to Maui, the monk seal and the Hawaiian hoary bat. Both are endangered. Currently there are 44 species of birds that are found only in Hawaii (there used to be 142, but 95 are extinct). 33 of these birds are endangered. The Maui parrotbill is a species that is only found in Maui, on the windward side of Haleakala. The Nene goose, Hawaii’s state bird, is another endangered species that has one of its larger populations in Maui. Hawaii also has many unique fish, in fact, more than 20% of Hawaiian reef fish cannot be found anywhere else in the world! Although the humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Hawaii’s state fish) is native to Hawaii, it can be found in other regions as well. Native Plants Hawaii is home to more than 2,500 unique kinds of plants. The Ōhi’a tree is native Hawaii and is the first tree to grow in a new lava field, about 100 years after the flow. Its flowers, Lehua blossoms, have no petals, but are brush-like, and usually red in color, although they can also be orange, yellow, or white. Silversword are only found on Haleakala between 7,000-10,000 feet. Koa trees are the largest native trees in Hawaii. Koa wood is beautiful and one of the most expensive woods in the world, used to make furniture and other goods, and was the used to make some of the first surfboards. Other Plants and Animals of Interest Some additional animals that are a must see in Maui include whales and sea turtles. Humpback whales migrate to Maui from Alaska, arriving around the beginning of October and staying through mid-May. There are three different types of sea turtles that are native to Hawaii including the Green, Hawksbill, and Leatherback. The Green Sea Turtle is the most common. If you are lucky, you might get the chance to see these animals from the air if you decide to take a helicopter tour. Spinner dolphins, manta rays, and Molokai mountain goats have also been spotted on flights! Some additional plants that are important to Maui include ti leaves and taro, which are used in traditional Hawaiian foods, and orchids, plumeria, and kukui nuts, which are used in traditional lei. Invasive Species Invasive species are non-native plants or animals that cause negative effects to the natural habitat. Some invasive animals on Maui include the mongoose and the axis deer. Mongoose were brought to Hawaii in 1883 in an attempt to get rid of rats. Since rats are nocturnal and mongoose hunt during the day, this didn’t really work. Mongoose threaten the native bird population. Axis deer were brought to Maui in 1959 for hunting. Since they have no natural predators, their large population threatens forests. Eucalyptus trees are also an invasive species. Brought to Maui in 1870, they choke out other native plant life. Here is what some of our guests have to share about seeing the scenery of Maui from the air, including its beautiful rainforests, deserts, coastline and exciting wildlife! “What a ride! Vince, our pilot, was great, showed us so many awesome, untouched areas! We were honeymooners but also had a family of 4 with us, just right amount of people. Great pics. Safety video reviewed prior to flight and instructors were thorough. I took Dramamine Incase but flight was very smooth! Would for sure do again and recommend!” – TravelingRayofSunshine “Very enjoyable! Always felt safe, pilot was great and the views were phenomenal! Would love to go again!” – jrt5550 “Our Air Maui experience was the absolute best. Our pilot was awesome and flight was on time. Be sure to pay extra for front row seats. It’s worth it !!!” – cww3823 “We live in Maui and wanted a special gift for my husband’s birthday and this was it, he loved it, my daughter and i also loved it! Great pilot who gave us insight and overview of what we were seeing every step of the way. We didn’t realize Maui was so vast, it looked so big from above, great to get a different prospective of the island, definitely a worthwhile tour of Haleakala and Hana from above!” – Voyage49220323332 “Seeing Maui from the air is truly a unique experience. It’s not the same as what you see driving or hiking. The pilot was also knowledgeable and interesting in his commentary.” – Jennifer S If you are interested in seeing these sights from the air, visit our tours page or call us directly at 877.238.4942. We look forward to hearing from you!

HALEAKALA CRATER, 2022

Haleakala Crater, 2022 MONDAY, August 1, 2022 2:41:00 AM Haleakala Crater is one of the most beautiful locations on Maui. Its surreal, moon-like landscape is amazing to behold, especially when seen from the air. The brilliant colors of the sand and the unique cinder cone formations formed from more recent eruptions are an awe-inspiring sight not to be missed. Haleakala is not a typical crater, but was formed by eons of erosion that eroded away the summit, and continued small eruptions that filled back in the valley. And, although Haleakala is expected to erupt again, don’t worry; it will not do so any time soon! Here are some more interesting facts about Haleakala: House of the Sun 30,000 acres Silversword Considering the beauty and uniqueness of Haleakala, it’s no surprise that there are over 1 million visitors to the park each year. Instead of spending two hours in a car on a winding road (and braving the freezing temperatures in the winter!) to visit Haleakala, why not see the wonders of the crater from the air? Here is what some guests have said about seeing the crater with Air Maui: “This experience was exceptional from start to finish. Safety was emphasized and service was prompt. Our pilot Nathan was awesome and provided points of interest and history. Views were unlike any other. Many waterfalls to be seen as well as valleys, crevices, and dazzling coastlines. Highly recommend the doors off experience. My family sat 4 in the back and we all had great unobstructed views. 2 o the era sat in front with the pilot. It was perfect!” – Noreen P “Wow! What great fun this tour is! The views are spectacular and you’ll see things you can only see from the air” – Sightsee427772 “Loved it! Worth every penny. Took the doors off your, out pilot Captain Vince was amazing, engaging, knowledgeable, relaxed and safe. I’ve recommended this tour to all my friends. My cheeks were hurting for hours after from smiling so much.” – Marko M “Absolutely worth it, definitely recommend this – was an awe inducing experience and despite the hefty price tag, I still think its worth every penny. We had Captain Vince as our pilot who provided us with a calm, engaging and knowledgeable tour.” – Zahra S “Worth every penny. Capt. Kirk was a great pilot and guide. He was informative, and injected humor throughout the flight. The vistas of the valleys, the cliffs, the waterfalls were amazing and that you would otherwise not be able to visit.” – Nicholas Cifelli Take a second to visit our tours page to learn more about our Hana/Haleakala tour, or call us directly at 877-238-4942 and let our dispatchers help you pick the perfect flight for you. We look forward to hearing from you

MAUI 4TH OF JULY, 2022

Maui 4th of July, 2022 THURSDAY, June 30, 2018 2:41:00 AM00 AM If you are planning on being in Maui for this Fourth of July, check out some of these events below! There are lots of fun events to check out including fireworks shows and more. Fireworks Show in Lahaina After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular will return to West Maui this 4th of July! There will be live music in Campbell Park begins at 5:00pm. Many restaurants and stores are having 4th of July specials and a fireworks display lighting the night sky over Lahaina is scheduled for 8:00pm. You can find more info and donate to the display here. Fourth of July Fireworks Cruises One great way to see the fireworks show is on a special Fourth of July cruise. Lots of sailing companies offer great dinner or cocktail cruises on the Fourth of July and the fireworks are beautiful from the water. Some of these include Trilogy, Pride of Maui, Alii Nui, and more. If you plan on taking a cruise, you should buy tickets soon as they tend to sell out. Lāna’i Pineapple Festival If you would like to visit Lāna’i, there is a great opportunity to do so on July 2nd for the Pineapple Festival! There will be crafts, games, food booths, activities, prizes, exhibitors and entertainment. You can find out more info here. Makawao Events This year there will be the Makawao Stampede Rodeo. The pre-rodeo Bull Bash starts at 5 pm on Friday July 1st at Oskie Rice Arena in Olinda. The Rodeo finals are on July 2 and 3. These include entertainment starting 11 a.m. The Rodeo finals start at 1 p.m. This year the parade will be in the rodeo facility instead of the annual parade through Makawao Town. You can find tickets here or call 808-268-2322 or 808-960-0137 for more information. If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience this Fourth of July, Air Maui Helicopter Tours will be open all day! Join us for an awe-inspiring trip where you will view the beauty of Maui from air. Enjoy waterfalls, amazing sea cliffs, rainbows, and more! Read some of our reviews below to find out more about what we have to offer: “This was our favorite thing in Maui. This might not be for everyone- it is a high adrenaline ride with the doors off. It was beautiful and we saw things only able to be seen from a helicopter. Pilot was seriously amazing.” – Taylor H “This was a great experience for our family! You will see waterfalls, mountains and the coast only accessible by helicopter. We are so happy we did this. It is windy up there and cool, that is the reason for nothing in your pockets and having to wear the goggles provided and jacket provided. Highly recommend this tour!” – Jamie54171 “My husband and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary by taking a helicopter tour with Air Maui. It was a fantastic experience all the way around. We did the West Maui/Molokai tour. Our pilot was very informative as we took the tour. We saw so many beautiful and interesting things. The staff was very friendly and helpful.” – Marti D “It was incredible! Air Maui staff was very friendly and helpful, our pilot Richy was great, they play Hawaiian music through the noise cancellation headphones which really added to the experience. Also, extra money for the doors-off ride is definitely worth it. Try to get an edge seat if possible! ” – Devansh C “So glad we decided to book the doors off helicopter ride!! Awesome views of Maui and the cliffs/waterfalls of Molokai that we would not have otherwise gotten to experience.” – Mom of 5 We would love to talk to you here at Air Maui and help you plan your trip with us. You can book online through our tours page or call us at (808) 877-7005 if you have any questions!

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS 2022

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS 2022 Monday, March 2, 2022 2:41:00 AM Mother’s Day is coming up quick. Still don’t have a gift picked out? Here are some Mother’s Day gift ideas to help you out. Whether you are looking for a popular gift idea for Mom, or something unique and different, check out the ideas below. But don’t forget, whatever you decide to get your mom, what most moms say they really want is time with the people they love, and that’s you, so don’t forget to spend some time with your mom! Most Common Mother’s Day Gifts Unique Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Mother’s Day Memories that Last a Lifetime Interested in taking your mom on a special Mother’s Day flight? We have a variety of Maui Helicopter tours that each feature unique and beautiful scenery. Any tour you choose is sure to make this the best Mother’s Day your mom has ever had. Some highlights include a Sunset Dinner Landing that includes a tour of West Maui and Molokai or a Hana and Haleakala tour with a Cliff Side Landing. You can even charter your own helicopter and to go wherever you would like, including other islands! Check out our tours page to see all of the different tours that we offer! Interested in taking your mom on a special Mother’s Day flight? We have a variety of Maui Helicopter tours that each feature unique and beautiful scenery. Any tour you choose is sure to make this the best Mother’s Day your mom has ever had. Some highlights include a Sunset Dinner Landing that includes a tour of West Maui and Molokai or a Hana and Haleakala tour with a Cliff Side Landing. You can even charter your own helicopter and to go wherever you would like, including other islands! Check out our tours page to see all of different tours that we offer! We offer great customer service and we will treat your mom like a queen. If she is new to Maui, or if she has lived here for years, or her whole life, there is nothing like seeing Maui from the air. It is an experience that will bring tears to her eyes, and will be even more special if it is something that she can experience with you! We also offer pictures and videos of our flights, so that she can have a wonderful memento of the day to cherish forever! We might be bias when we say that the beauty and excitement of our helicopter tours will blow your mom away, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Here is what some of our guests have to say about their great family experiences with Air Maui. “West Maui Molokai with my family was amazing!!! My 75 year old mom after the flight said “I want to do it again” The whole trip was narrated with Music the pilot was extremely knowledgeable and funny. Beautiful helicopter lots of big windows. I recommend Air Maui 100% definitely worth every dollar !!!” – Megan R “Our family (Mom, Dad, 11mo old daughter) did the West Maui Mountain/Moloka’i tour and it was the best! They made us feel very safe with our baby and she loved the helicopter tour! Dylan was our pilot and he had great commentary and the best playlist for the flight. We saw many waterfalls and amazing cliffs/canyons! We will go back to Air Maui when we return for another flight!” – mikejmattingly “I took my 77 year old Mom with me to Maui, the helicopter tour was the absolute highlight of our trip! Thank you Air Maui for the amazing experience!” – Denise N “Both my mom and I loved it and would love to do it again. Captain Kirk was friendly and knowledgeable. ” – lyo978 “My sister and I took our parents on Air Maui’s Maui Light 30 min tour for my mom’s bday. It was fantastic. The staff were very friendly and reassuring. And the pilot was also very friendly, reassuring and did a great job of pointing out areas of interest in Maui and providing background, without spending the entire time talking.” – redwren38 Book online or call us now at 808-877-7005 to book your Mother’s Day flight. Make this Mother’s Day the best your mom has ever had by experiencing something truly amazing together!

Scroll to Top