What to know before a Hawaii helicopter tour
Departure points, weight, children, doors off, check-in and cancellation, from the rules each operator publishes.
The short answer
Book on the island you stay on, since every flight returns to where it started. Expect to give or confirm your weight: depending on the operator, an extra seat is due from 240 to 275 lb. Be there 30 to 60 minutes early depending on the operator, and no scuba diving in the 24 hours before. Most flights can be cancelled up to 24 hours ahead; Rainbow (2 days) and Maverick (3 days) need more notice.
See which flights still have places on your dates
FAQ
Where do helicopter tours start on each island?
Oahu: Honolulu. Kauai: Lihue, around Ahukini Road and Akahi Street, and Princeville for one Blue Hawaiian flight. Maui: Kahului, at the Kahului Heliport or Maverick's hangar at Kahului Airport. Big Island: Kailua-Kona (Rainbow), Waikoloa and Hilo (Blue Hawaiian).
Can I fly from one island to another?
Not on these tours. Every flight returns to its base. Maui flights cross to Molokai, and Maverick's Hawaiian Odyssey to Lanai as well, but they fly back to Kahului.
What is the weight limit?
It depends on the operator. Blue Hawaiian: an adjacent seat at half price above 240 lb. Air Maui and Air Kauai (doors on): an extra seat from 240 lb or 420 lb per pair. Safari: from 250 lb or 420 lb per pair. Rainbow: a fee of 50 % of the seat from 250 lb, a second seat from 275 lb. Maverick: an extra seat from 275 lb. Ali'i and Mauna Loa do not fly passengers over 275 lb. Doors-off limits at Air Kauai and Air Maui are lower, from 230 lb.
Do I have to give my weight when booking?
At Air Maui and Air Kauai, yes: weights are required at booking, and understating them can lead to cancellation at check-in without refund. Safari also asks for accurate weights. Ali'i, Mauna Loa and Blue Hawaiian weigh passengers at check-in.
Can babies and small children fly?
On doors-on flights, yes. Blue Hawaiian seats infants up to 23 months on a lap for free, Maverick under-twos with a birth certificate. From two years every child needs a paid seat. Safari lists its flights as unsuitable for children under 2.
What is the minimum age for doors off?
10 at Air Kauai, Air Maui and Jack Harter, with an adult for anyone under 18. 7 at Ali'i and Mauna Loa, where children up to 11 fly with the doors on or sit next to a closed door. Rainbow sets a minimum weight instead: 80 lb in the R44, 100 lb in the Astar.
What can I take on a doors-off flight?
At Air Kauai and Air Maui only your phone, on a lanyard they hand out, with goggles instead of sunglasses. Jack Harter allows one camera or phone on a neck or wrist strap, Ali'i one photo device per person. At Air Kauai, Air Maui and Jack Harter, hats, bags and loose items stay on the ground.
How early do I need to check in?
Blue Hawaiian 45 or 60 minutes depending on the flight, Safari one hour, Air Kauai doors off 45 minutes, Mauna Loa 40 minutes, Maverick 30 minutes. Late arrivals can lose the seat without refund.
Do I need ID?
Maverick requires an original government photo ID for everyone 18 or older (REAL ID driver's license or passport, no copies or digital images). Blue Hawaiian and Safari list a passport or ID card under things to bring.
How late can I cancel?
Rainbow through GetYourGuide: 2 days before, through Viator: 24 hours. Maverick through either: 3 days (72 hours), with no refund after that. All other flights on this site: 24 hours.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Routes can change: Air Maui, Air Kauai and Blue Hawaiian say sights vary with the weather. If Blue Hawaiian cancels Discover Hilo or Mauna Loa cancels a flight for weather, you can pick another date or get a full refund. Ali'i may adjust or cancel up to 30 minutes before departure.
Can I scuba dive before a flight?
Not within 24 hours. Rainbow, Blue Hawaiian and Maverick all state this.
Are the flights wheelchair accessible?
Blue Hawaiian says its heliports and helicopters are, with a lift at the base for boarding. Air Maui and Air Kauai say they are not and cannot lift passengers into the helicopter.
What should I wear?
Dark clothing, which Blue Hawaiian, Air Maui and Air Kauai recommend so it does not reflect in the windows. Closed-toe shoes for doors-off flights and for Maverick's Hana landing, where the ground can be wet. A jacket for doors off.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Rainbow, Blue Hawaiian, Maverick, Air Maui and Safari list hotel transfers as not included, so plan to drive or take a taxi to the base. Air Maui and Blue Hawaiian on Maui also charge for heliport parking.
Compare the islands
Flight times, departure points and current prices per island.
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