Maui Activities Blog

Another Doors Off Maui Helicopter Review

Haleakala Crater

“I went on the Alex Air Doors Off Hana/Haleakala tour this week.  Wow, it is a very different experience with no doors!!!  Quite a bit more of an adrenaline rush.  Before our flight, we had our safety briefing, got into our flight suits, and off we went.

It was a beautiful day and Captain Janette took us along the northwest slope of Haleakala and up around the Halemauu Trail for a look at the inside of the crater from that angle as well as up the Koolau Gap for views of the cinder cones inside.

Then we traveled to Kipahulu a bit upslope to see the origins of some of the streams, plenty of waterfalls too.  We turned around just before Oheo and came back along the Hana coastline for a different perspective.  The whole time Captain Janette provided a full narration of everything we were seeing, including history, geology, celebrity homes, and also throwing in plugs for some of the other activities.

We flew over Piiholo Ranch and she mentioned the zipline & horseback tours.  She talked about Skyline & Pony Express, van tours to Hana, and pointed out Molokini, mentioning the snorkel trips.  If you say, “We’ve already been on a helicopter”, well this tour is a whole different animal.  I loved it, and so did the other passengers.  Everything is so clear and exciting when you’re not looking through plexiglass.

**Reminder on the HH tour to bring a sweater or sweatshirt..chilly up there.”

Rogers

Alex Air Doors Off Helicopter Tour

Do It Without the Doors!

Maui Doors Off Tour

Wow!  WOW!  What an exhilarating and exciting way to experience the breathtakingly beautiful views of our islands!

I LOVED IT!  Once you go “Doors Off”, you’ll never go back!  The initial apprehension, ok FEAR, of leaving the ground and knowing you are riding in an open shell with the big bad ocean all around is the first adrenalin rush.  The next wave came as our pilot flew over the peaks of Molokai and into the most beautiful, lush, untouched valley with 1000-2000 foot waterfalls cascading down the crevices of the mountains.  The pilot banked the helicopter and at first it seems you could fall right out but the view from that vantage point is spectacular!  I will never forget it.  It was mystical, profound, just awesomely beautiful. 

A little farther and we flew over the cliffs and found the ocean beneath us once again.  Our pilot shared a lot of interesting information as we went.  We flew all along the Molokai coast almost to Kalaupapa and back again.  I couldn’t stop smiling for 2 days and would do it again in a heartbeat!

Book the Maui Doors Off Helicopter Tour!

Quicksilver Dinner Cruise

Aloha everyone,

Enjoying dinner with the best views!

After first checking in, we got in our shot (picture), we were then greeted by the crew members.  As soon as we got on board there were a veggie and fruit platter set out to start the evening.  We then made our way to the front of the top deck area to begin our adventure.  We cruised heading in the direction of lana’i where we saw some whales breaching and as we looked back we saw breathtaking views of the west maui mountains, oh was it a beautiful sight. I was very impressed by the stability of the boat while being out there. We then started heading in closer to the coastline to have dinner. 

Quicksilver

I would definitely recommend you to go out on this Maui dinner cruise if you have not already done so.

Mendes Ranch Horseback Ride

Beautiful Maui Horse

My wife and I just went on the Mendes Ranch horseback tour along the Waihe’e Valley.  First off, let me say that I’m not all that experienced on a horse.  In fact, the idea of sitting on top of an animal 3-4 times my size presented a bit of a mental obstacle.  Nevertheless, I managed to give it a try.  My wife, on the other hand, was comfortable and used to the experience.  

Immediately, my tension was eased as our guides grouped us into experience level and gave us horses that matched our horseback skills.  My horse was slow, lazy, and extremely gentle.  PERFECT!  My wife had a horse with a bit more pep, and she appreciated this.  Having these professional cowboys (Paniolo’s in Hawaii) help us with our beautiful horses made everything simple and a lot of fun.  

Mendes Ranch

We started on the trails and saw some parts of Maui that I’ve never seen.  Incredible waterfalls in the distance, fertile valleys, and pristine coastal landscapes made this tour much more than a ride on a horse.  We had the opportunity to chat with our guides while on the trail.  These guys are so nice, and really interesting.  Who ever thought you’d meet professional cowboys in Hawaii??

After our ride, we came back to the ranch and were treated to a fantastic meal, ranch-style!  We talked on long wooden benches with our fellow riders and recapped our journey.

I highly recommend this trip for any level rider.  It was perfect for me, and my wife was able to do some serious galloping ahead of me.  Great ride!

You can book this activity by calling 1.888.700.3764 or online at Maui Horseback Tours.

Welcome to our new Maui Activities Blog!

Aloha!  This is where we’ll be adding reviews, information, photos, and more about our island of Maui and the fun things to do here.

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