Capture Maui's iconic landscapes like never before on a doorless helicopter photography tour. Soar over Makawao and the famed Jaws surf break with expert photographer Daniel Sullivan guiding you every step.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness is required; you must be able to sit and hold your camera comfortably during the flight.
Wildlife
History
Makawao is an historic upcountry town known for its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage and arts community.
Conservation
Efforts are underway to protect Maui’s marine environment and native forests, emphasizing responsible tourism and minimizing impact on fragile ecosystems.
Maui Photography Tours
Capture Maui's iconic landscapes like never before on a doorless helicopter photography tour. Soar over Makawao and the famed Jaws surf break with expert photographer Daniel Sullivan guiding you every step.
Maui Photography Tours is a Makawao, Hawaii–based photography tour company led by award-winning photographer Daniel Sullivan. The company offers a focused range of guided photography experiences across Maui, designed for photographers at all skill levels who want to capture the island’s unique wildlife, landscapes, coastlines, and night skies.
Each tour combines hands-on instruction with access to carefully chosen locations. Popular offerings include birding sessions that concentrate on Maui’s endemic species, full-day scenic photo tours that travel the North Shore and Road to Hana, and short-format landscape or sunset excursions in Upcountry areas. Night-sky workshops teach Milky Way and astrophotography techniques at coastal and mountain vantage points.
Several tours include provided snacks and drinks; some allow or recommend packing a lunch for all-day trips. Photo Flights present a distinctive option: doorless helicopter flights over Maui, Molokai, and Lanai for aerial photography, including views of the famed Jaws surf break during big wave season.
Tours vary in duration from approximately three to four hours for many photo expeditions to full-day outings for sunrise-to-sunset itineraries. Participants are encouraged to bring camera bodies, lenses, and any preferred accessories. The company emphasizes practical guidance, scenic routes, and opportunities to shoot both iconic and lesser-known Maui locations, all delivered in a professional, third-party setting based in Makawao.
Location
Makawao, Hawaii
Based on Maui’s Upcountry region
Tours Offered
8 unique tours
Range from 3-hour to full-day
Lead Photographer
Daniel Sullivan
Award-winning photographer leads tours
Typical Duration
3–4 hours
Multiple shorter and full-day options
Reserve a tour with an award-winning photographer — limited small-group spots fill quickly.
Bring a Secure Camera Strap
Ensure your camera is securely fastened to avoid accidental drops during the open-door flight.
Wear Wind-Resistant Clothing
Dress in layers and wear windproof jackets as open-door flights can be quite breezy at altitude.
Charge Your Camera Batteries
Make sure your camera batteries are fully charged as there won’t be any opportunity to recharge during the tour.
Use Polarizing Filters
Bring polarizing filters to reduce glare and enhance colors for more vibrant photos over the water and landscapes.
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
A high-quality camera is essential for capturing the sharp details of the landscapes and surf.
Secure Camera Strap
Prevents your camera from falling during the open-door helicopter tour.
Polarizing Filter
Helps reduce reflections and enhances water and sky colors for landscape shots.
Windproof Jacket
Protects against strong winds while flying in the open-door helicopter.
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