Hawaii Helicopter Tour FAQ

We Answer the Top Questions

Hawaii Helicopter Tours are an incredibly popular attraction among tourists who seek a one-of-a-kind experience to witness the breathtaking landscapes of the islands. As a result, numerous inquiries frequently emerge regarding these captivating tours. To address your curiosity, let’s delve into a comprehensive compilation of the most frequently asked questions and their informative answers.

Helicopter tours in Hawaii offer an incredibly exhilarating and awe-inspiring experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the islands. As you soar through the skies, you’ll be treated to panoramic views that showcase the mesmerizing landscapes and natural wonders.

Before embarking one of these grand adventures, it’s common to have questions. To address some of the most frequently asked inquiries, here are key insights and answers that will help you make the most of your helicopter tour in Hawaii.

How much is a Maui helicopter tour?

Helicopter tours in Maui, known for their exceptional ratings, typically start at around $225 per person, inclusive of taxes and fees. It’s important to keep in mind that the actual cost may vary depending on factors such as the specific tour chosen, duration, and the availability of any special promotions when making a reservation. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, it is recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly.

Planning an unforgettable helicopter experience in Maui has never been easier!

How safe are helicopter tours in Hawaii?

Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to any aviation-related activity, and this holds true for helicopter tours as well. In Hawaii, reputable operators prioritize safety by diligently adhering to the stringent safety regulations mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These operators consistently maintain their helicopters to the highest standards, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

Moreover, their pilots undergo comprehensive training and possess extensive experience, guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable experience for passengers. However, it is important to acknowledge that, like any mode of transportation, there is always a minimal level of inherent risk associated with helicopter tours.

When is the best time to go on a helicopter tour?

Hawaii is undeniably stunning at any time of day, but if you want to capture those picture-perfect moments, it’s worth considering booking a helicopter tour during the early morning or late afternoon. The magical lighting during these times adds an extra touch of beauty to your photos, making it an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create breathtaking memories in paradise!

Do you need to book in advance?

Helicopter tours are incredibly popular and tend to fill up quickly, particularly during peak travel seasons. To ensure you secure your desired date and time, it is highly recommended to book your tour in advance. By doing so, you can guarantee an unforgettable experience and avoid any potential disappointment.

Will you get motion sickness during the tour?

Motion sickness can vary from person to person, so if you’re prone to feeling queasy during travel, it’s a good idea to consider taking an over-the-counter medication before embarking on your journey. Additionally, it’s worth noting that many helicopter tour operators provide sick bags as a precautionary measure. Taking these steps can help ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Can one choose their own route?

When it comes to exploring the breathtaking sights of Hawaii, most companies have got you covered with their pre-planned routes. However, if you’re someone who loves to customize your experience, there are a few companies that offer customizable tours for an additional fee. Take Air Maui Helicopter Tours, for example, where you have the option to purchase the two front seats for a premium experience.

Before embarking on your adventure, it’s always a good idea to do some research. So, get ready to witness the awe-inspiring landscapes and create memories that will last a lifetime.

How much do you tip a helicopter tour pilot?

Tipping a helicopter tour pilot is not obligatory, but it’s appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for their service. According to various online sources, a tip of $10 to $20 per person is generally accepted and appreciated. However, the final amount you decide to tip can be influenced by your overall satisfaction with the tour and personal discretion.

Some sources recommend tipping 15-20% of the tour cost. This guideline aligns with the standard tipping practices in many service industries. However, it’s important to note that if the pilot also owns the aircraft, the etiquette around tipping might differ.

Tipping your helicopter pilot is more than just a monetary gesture; it’s an expression of appreciation for the exceptional experience they’ve provided. Remember, these are guidelines and the final decision is up to you. Tipping should reflect your appreciation for the pilot’s skill and the overall experience of the tour.

What to wear on a helicopter tour of Hawaii?

When preparing for a helicopter tour of Hawaii, comfort is key. Helicopter cabins are climate-controlled, so shorts and short sleeves are acceptable attire. However, if you’re someone who gets cold easily, it might be a good idea to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket to go over a short-sleeved shirt.

Another important aspect to consider is your footwear. It’s recommended to wear lace-tied sneakers or boots for safety. Moreover, if you’re planning to take photographs during the flight, wearing darker clothing, preferably without patterns, can help reduce glare on the windows.

Accessories like sunglasses are okay to wear as the headset will hold them securely to your head. It’s also suggested to dress appropriately for a doors-off helicopter flight, as the cabin can get very windy and chilly. Overall, clothing should be comfortable and casual for an enjoyable flight experience.

Which helicopter tour in Maui is best?

Maui Tickets For Less offers the finest helicopter tours in Maui. With a variety of aerial tours to choose from, they cater to diverse preferences and budgets, allowing visitors to fully experience and marvel at Maui’s breathtaking landscapes. From mesmerizing waterfalls and verdant rainforests to the awe-inspiring Haleakala Crater, their tours provide a comprehensive and unforgettable exploration of Maui’s beauty.

The West Maui and Molokai tour is truly exceptional and stands out among the rest. This tour allows passengers to fly over the breathtaking sea cliffs and waterfalls of Molokai, which are recognized as the tallest sea cliffs on earth, along with the stunning West Maui Mountains. These sights provide an unparalleled perspective and views that are typically inaccessible by land.

Another notable offering from Maui Tickets For Less is the Complete Island tour. This comprehensive tour covers the entirety of Maui, showcasing stunning views of the Haleakala Crater, Hana Rainforest, and various beautiful beaches. It’s an excellent choice for those who wish to experience all the marvels Maui has to offer.

Safety is also a paramount concern for Maui Tickets For Less. They operate state-of-the-art helicopters equipped with modern safety features, ensuring a safe and comfortable flight experience for all passengers. Their pilots are experienced and well-informed, providing engaging commentary throughout the tour to enhance your experience.

If you’re seeking the best helicopter tour in Maui, Maui Tickets For Less should be your top choice. Their diverse range of tours, commitment to safety, and unparalleled views of Maui’s beautiful landscapes make them a top pick for any visitor to this beautiful Hawaiian island.

How long is a helicopter tour?

The duration of helicopter tours offered by Maui Tickets For Less varies to accommodate a range of preferences and interests. Generally, these tours last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. This timeframe allows you to take in the breathtaking views of Maui’s diverse landscapes, including its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning coastline.

A popular option among tourists is the 45-minute tour. This tour typically includes flying over the West Maui Mountains and the island of Molokai. Despite its shorter duration, it promises an unforgettable aerial adventure filled with spectacular sights.

For those looking for a more extensive exploration, the 90-minute tour is a great choice. This longer tour provides ample time to soak in the majesty of Maui’s landscapes, including the impressive Haleakala Crater and the largest rainforest in the United States. A unique feature of this tour is a private landing, adding an extra layer of excitement to your aerial adventure.

Regardless of the tour length you choose, each flight promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience, unlocking hidden wonders only visible from above. Capture jaw-dropping moments and create memories that will last a lifetime with Maui Tickets For Less. It’s recommended to check with them for specific details on what each tour entails.

Are their weight and height restrictions?

Based on the information available, helicopter tour companies do have weight limits for the safety and balance of the aircraft. Most companies set weight limits around 250-300 pounds per passenger, but this can vary depending on the specific helicopter model and tour company. For example, some companies have a maximum combined passenger weight of 550-850 pounds depending on the type of helicopter used for the tour.

In terms of height, most helicopters do not have a strict height restriction. As long as passengers can physically fit in the cabin comfortably, they should be able to participate in the tour. Typically, passengers under 6ft 6″ tall can easily fit in the cabin without issue. However, it’s always best to check with the specific tour operator for their exact restrictions.

It’s important to note that these restrictions are in place for the safety of all passengers and crew. Helicopter weight and balance change with every flight due to passenger weight, pilot weight, and length of flight (fuel weight). Adhering to these guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

What happens if the Maui is experiencing bad weather?

Bad weather, such as very heavy rains or storms, can significantly affect helicopter tours. These conditions can hamper the pilot’s visibility, making it difficult to fly safely. In such cases, the tour could be delayed or even canceled until conditions improve.

Helicopters are capable of flying in the rain and tours are generally not canceled simply because it’s raining. However, conditions like fog and limited visibility might cause weather-related delays or cancellations. If the FAA determines Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IFR) are present at the scheduled time of your reservation, the tour might be postponed or canceled.

In the event of unfavorable weather conditions, Maui Tickets For Less may need to postpone or cancel helicopter tours for the safety of all passengers involved. The company prioritizes passengers’ safety and will not operate in conditions that would compromise this. The final decision regarding weather-related cancellations or postponements lies with the tour operator.

If a tour is cancelled due to bad weather, Maui Tickets For Less offers several options to its customers. They can reschedule their tour for another date, or if rescheduling isn’t possible, they can receive a refund. However, all activities are subject to a refund processing fee of 15% up to 48 hours prior to check-in.

It’s important to note that for a full cash refund, customers need to cancel their tour more than 7 days prior to the tour start date. If the cancellation occurs within 72 hours of the check-in time, the purchase is 100% refundable unless the activity requires a longer notice period. It is recommended that customers review these policies before booking a tour to understand their obligations and rights.

Is a doors-off helicopter tour worth it?

A doors-off helicopter tour is an unforgettable adventure highly praised by travelers, despite its higher price tag of approximately $250 per person for an hour. The tour provides not only remarkable views of stunning landscapes like the Na Pali coast and Jurassic Falls but also offers a thrilling and memorable experience, with the added excitement of wind rushing past you. It’s considered a valuable experience even for solo travelers.

The staff are often commended for their friendliness and contribute to the overall exceptional encounter. For those in search of a unique and exhilarating way to see breathtaking scenery, a doors-off helicopter tour comes highly recommended.

What are the best seats on a helicopter tour?

Front seats next to the pilot are often considered the prime spots for a helicopter tour, offering unparalleled views compared to the back seats. However, it’s important to note that seat assignments are typically not available for advance booking. The seating arrangement is determined based on factors like weight distribution and maintaining balance within the helicopter.

While all seats offer a fantastic experience, some passengers have expressed that the edge seats can be a bit unnerving at first, especially when the helicopter dips to its side. However, these seats also provide an unobstructed view of the breathtaking scenery below, which many find worth the initial unease. Front seat guarantees are sometimes available for an extra fee, ensuring you get the best possible view during your tour.

Despite these general observations, it’s important to remember that all seats in the helicopter will give you an amazing perspective of Maui’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re soaring over Haleakala Crater, lush tropical valleys, or along the West Maui coast, each helicopter tour promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

What sights will I see?

This depends on the tour you choose. From shorter trips like Haleakala, Hana or West Maui to a longer flight to circle around the whole island. Maui is covered from end-to-end. Then there are tour options that will take you island hopping like heading over to Molokai. You can see everything from the beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, and waterfalls to the active volcanoes on Big Island, or the historic sites of Pearl Harbor. Regardless of the route, you’re guaranteed breathtaking views that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

When you choose a helicopter tour with Maui Tickets For Less, you’re in for an unforgettable aerial adventure that showcases the best of Maui’s diverse landscapes. From your lofty vantage point in the sky, expect to see a dizzying array of sights ranging from lush rainforests and tumbling waterfalls to the azure blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. The bird’s-eye view provided by these tours offers a unique perspective on Maui’s natural beauty, transforming familiar sights into awe-inspiring vistas.

A major attraction on the tour is the famous Road to Hana, a winding route that traces the eastern coastline of the island. Known for its lush valleys, towering cliffs, and numerous waterfalls, the Road to Hana is a sight to behold from the ground – but from the sky, it’s even more spectacular. Viewing this iconic route from above allows you to fully appreciate its scale and grandeur, offering a completely different perspective on one of Maui’s most popular attractions.

Another highlight of the tour is Haleakala National Park, home to the world’s largest dormant volcano. Seeing the crater of the volcano and the surrounding landscape from the sky is a truly unique experience. The contrast between the barren volcanic landscape and the vibrant greenery that covers much of the island is striking and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The tour may also take you over the West Maui Mountains, a dramatic landscape characterized by deep valleys and rugged cliffs. These mountains are largely inaccessible by land, so a helicopter tour offers a rare chance to see their untouched beauty. Viewing these remote landscapes from the sky gives you a sense of their scale and majesty, providing a memorable addition to your tour.

Finally, the coastal views provide another highlight of the helicopter tour. Maui’s beautiful beaches and clear waters look even more spectacular from above, with the sunlight sparkling off the ocean surface. If you’re lucky, you might also see whales or dolphins swimming in the waters below.

Take the Leap and Experience Hawaii Like Never Before!

We’ve covered all your burning questions about Hawaii helicopter tours, addressing everything and providing clarity on safety protocols, ideal timing, and more. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to confidently plan this thrilling adventure. But remember, reading about it is one thing; experiencing the sheer awe of Hawaii from a bird’s-eye view is another.

The thrill of soaring over emerald mountains, vibrant volcanic craters, and crystal-clear waters is something you need to experience firsthand. Don’t let these questions keep you grounded. It’s time to spread your wings and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Book your Hawaii helicopter tour today and create memories that will last forever. The sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning!