Adventure Collective Journal

Adventure Collective Journal

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Private Maui 5-Island Air Tour: 90-Minute Panoramic Flight Over Molokini, Lanai & Kahoolawe

Private Maui 5-Island Air Tour: 90-Minute Panoramic Flight Over Molokini, Lanai & Kahoolawe

Lift off from Kahului and trace five islands in 90 minutes: Molokini’s crater, Lanai’s shipwrecked coast, Kahoolawe’s wartime scars and Maui’s lava fields. This private cabin flight pairs close-up clarity with live pilot commentary for photographers and culture-minded travelers.

Kahului, Hawaii
75–90 minutes
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Weight disclosure is mandatory

Enter each passenger’s weight in pounds when booking — the operator uses this for safe weight-and-balance calculations.

Fly morning for calmer air

Book early departures to avoid afternoon thermals; mornings usually offer smoother flights and clearer visibility.

Bring motion-sickness remedies

If you’re prone to airsickness, take antiemetics or bring ginger tablets and choose a forward-facing seat.

Protect your camera gear

Use a lens hood and polarizer to cut glare through the window; secure straps so gear doesn't slide on the floor during taxi and landing.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Aerial view of Nakalele Blowhole — see the coastal blowhole rim and rugged headlands from above
  • The patchwork lava plates of Makena — distinct fractures and flows are best appreciated from the air rather than a beach view

Wildlife

  • Spinner dolphins
  • Humpback whales (seasonal, Dec–Apr)

Conservation Note

Respect conservation rules and cultural sensitivities — Kahoolawe is off-limits for casual landings, and pilots often brief passengers on viewing etiquette around marine life.

Kahoolawe was used as a naval bombing range during WWII and later became the focus of long-term cultural restoration and protection efforts.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Morning for calm air and clarity, Golden hour for warm coastal light, Midday if you need the softest shadows over reefs
Key viewpoints:
  • Over Molokini Crater for reef patterns
  • West Maui coast above Honolua Bay for cliff-and-reef contrast
  • Makena lava fields for stark black-on-blue compositions
Subjects to capture:Aerial coastline and lava fields, Coral reefs and crater rims, Boats, surf breaks and occasional whale spouts

What to Bring

SunglassesEssential

Reduces glare when looking out large panoramic windows and when moving between terminal and plane.

Camera with polarizing filterEssential

Polarizer helps reduce surface glare over reefs and improve contrast through cabin windows.

Light wind jacket

A thin layer is useful on the tarmac and for cooler mornings at altitude.

Motion-sickness medication or gingerEssential

Helps prevent nausea on potentially bumpy coastal legs.

Common Questions

How long is the flight?

The tour runs approximately 75 to 90 minutes, depending on weather and the day’s routing.

Can children fly on this tour?

Yes — children can fly, but the operator requires full names, ages and weights for all passengers at booking.

What happens if weather closes the flight?

Flights are canceled for unsafe weather; you can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours prior or the operator cancels due to conditions.

Is the tour private?

This is a private cabin flight for your group (2–5 people depending on booking), with dedicated commentary from the pilot.

Do I need to bring ID or any documents?

Bring a government-issued photo ID for each adult and ensure you provided passenger weights and full names when booking.

Will we land on other islands?

No — the tour is an overflight only; it provides aerial views of Molokini, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Maui without ground stops.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

75–90 minutes

Location

Kahului, Hawaii

Difficulty

easy

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels but full mobility is required to climb into the small cabin and exit quickly

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Kahului?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

Check Availability & Book Now