Best Hawaii Activities, Inc. : Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should we take a helicopter tour in the first place?
How do I know that these tours are ‘the best?’
How safe is flying in a helicopter?
Where and when is the best place to fly?
Are we guaranteed to see the sights mentioned in the tour descriptions?
How do I make a reservation and get confirmation?
What should we wear?
Can I request a specific seat?
Will I need to take motion-sickness pills?
What are the taxes included on each ticket?

Why should we take a helicopter tour in the first place?

Between 70 and 80 percent of Hawaii is invisible to the naked eye from the road. Many of the islands’ lush valleys, soaring cliffs, and majestic waterfalls are tucked far out of reach of even the most adventuresome rental Jeeps. Seeing these sights from the comfort and safety of a helicopter is one of Hawaii’s most enduring memories.

How do I know that these tours are ‘the best?’

We live, work, and play here in Hawaii. We have had continued relationships with the operators we showcase here because they have consistently proven themselves in terms of safety, professionalism, and sheer airborne enjoyment. Take our word for it: you will not be disappointed with any tour you choose.

How safe is flying in a helicopter?

Don’t take this the wrong way, but you have a statistically greater chance of getting into a car accident on your way to the heliport than while you’re in the air. All our operators are TOPS certified (Tour Operators Program of Safety), as well as licensed through part 135 of the FAA’s rigorous certification program (to the same standards as all major air carriers).

Where and when is the best place to fly?

Each island is unique in its particular beauty. Kauai’s rugged sea cliffs and razor-sharp canyon ridges are quite striking, and Oahu’s bustling city center is breathtaking at night. Maui has access to Molokai and Lanai, as well as its own amazing waterfalls and sweeping valleys. For active lava flows, the Big Island is your spot! As for time of day, mornings are generally more pleasant with less wind and higher visibility, but what more can be said about a sunset flight? Booking early ensures that you get your choice of flight times.

Are we guaranteed to see the sights mentioned in the tour descriptions?

Particular points of interest mentioned in the descriptions are the highlights of each tour. While every effort will be made to see as many sights as possible during the tour, Mother Nature ultimately decides the course of each flight. After all, safety and comfort are the absolute top concerns.

How do I make a reservation and get confirmation?

You may fill out our online request form, located here or feel free to call us toll free at 877-661-6655 and speak with one of our agents. Your reservation will be confirmed and you will be sent an email confirmation of your flight details, usually within 2 hours. In most cases, payment is due upon confirmation of the reservation. All flights require 48 hour advance notice of cancellations for full refund.

What should we wear?

While the helicopter cabins are not pressurized (the altitude is not high enough to warrant it), the interior is quite pleasant, not too warm or too cool, although you might want to consider a sweater if your tour will be making a landing at some higher elevation. We highly recommend wearing dark colors, as it cuts down on the glare in the windows and makes for much clearer pictures.

Can I request a specific seat?

We always can take requests, but seating on the helicopter is based on the weight distribution of your particular flight. The height and body weights of you and your fellow passengers are input into an FAA-approved computer program that determines the safest seating configuration. On many flights, however, you can still talk to your friends or family through the 2-way radios in your headset.

Will I need to take motion-sickness pills?

Unless you are particularly prone to air- or motion-sickness, no. Each state-of-the-art helicopter is stable and quiet, and if conditions look like they could cause a rough flight, the pilot will not hesitate to delay or cancel the flight. Again, passenger safety and comfort are key.

What are the taxes included on each ticket?

The FAA mandates a 7.5% Federal Transportation Excise Tax in addition to a $3 ‘segment fee’ per ticket. These go to continually improving the system to ensure that each passenger flies safely.