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Kilauea

We will be visiting friends on Maui from Thanksgiving to Christmas and have gotten lots of good info from this forum on previous tips. Thanks.

I have searched the forum and can't seem to find the right way to phrase the question for any info for a Kilauea sightseeing flight from Maui. Do they exist?

Thanks in advance

Yes, sightseeing flights from Maui to Kīlauea on the Big Island do exist, though they are somewhat limited and typically operated as inter-island helicopter or small plane tours. Since Kīlauea is located on Hawai‘i Island, you would need to either book a chartered flight from Maui or combine a commercial inter-island flight with a local helicopter or fixed-wing tour on the Big Island.

Options to Consider:

  • Inter-Island Helicopter/Charter Tours: Some companies offer private or semi-private helicopter charters that depart from Maui and fly directly to the Big Island to tour Kīlauea and the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. These are usually higher-end, all-day experiences and can be tailored to your interests.
  • Commercial Inter-Island Flight + Big Island Flightseeing: You can fly from Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui to Hilo (ITO) or Kona (KOA) on the Big Island. From there, local helicopter operators like Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Paradise Helicopters, and Sunshine Helicopters offer tours that include Kīlauea, Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, and surrounding volcanic landscapes.
  • Fixed-Wing Aerial Tours: Some fixed-wing operators on the Big Island provide aerial sightseeing over Kīlauea. These tours often depart from Hilo or Kona and offer excellent photographic opportunities, though helicopters allow for closer and lower-level viewing.

Tips:

  • Booking in advance is essential, especially around the Thanksgiving–Christmas holiday period, as tours fill quickly.
  • Check current volcanic activity and park restrictions, as Kīlauea’s conditions can change and may affect flight paths and accessibility.
  • Consider weather patterns; morning flights often offer the best visibility.

In summary, while there is no regular commercial “Maui to Kīlauea” sightseeing flight, combining an inter-island flight with a Big Island aerial tour or arranging a private charter are the main ways to see Kīlauea from Maui.

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