Hawaii is a dream destination for vacationers and travelers. The average daily visitors to Hawaii in 2016 were 220,000. With breathtaking scenic views, exotic forest, islands, sand beaches, and colossal bird species, it’s indefinitely one of the favorite spots to visit. Hawaii also features stunning cliffs, waterfalls, and intense waves suitable for surfers.
One of the best places to visit in Hawaii is Oahu. Measuring 597 square miles, it is the third-largest island in Hawaii. The best way to enjoy what Oahu has to offer is by taking Hawaii helicopter tours. You’ll appreciate the magnificent attractions and join other visitors for sightseeing adventures. Here are some tips to make your helicopter tour memorable.
1. Identify Sights You Will Be Interested To See
Takes some time to identify some great sights and priorities of what you desire to see. This will help you make the best use of your budget and time. A flight over Maui will provide you with views of national parks, scenic waterfalls, and breathtaking views of a host of other spectacular sites. You might even want to spend your time touring a specific area such as Hana Rainforest. Identifying some interesting sights beforehand will enable you to choose the best tour location.
2. Safety
When choosing a helicopter touring company, ensure it is committed to safety. Consider aviation in terms of flight certification, regulation, and pilot licensing. Certified companies that have aviation awards and certification such as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Awards of Excellence are the best choice. FAA ensures that the tour operators meet high standards experience and training than other aviation operators.
You will also want to consider the crash and accident records of a certain tour operator. You can quickly get this information from National; Transportation Safety Board. The accident databases are large, so narrow down your search to Hawaii area. Then select touring areas and type of aircraft. Note that it is possible for deceitful companies to hide some records.
3. Seating Arrangement
Before boarding a helicopter, ensure you know the seating arrangement. Most helicopters accommodate either four or six people. Six passengers’ helicopters have four passengers at the back and two at the front. If you will be seating in the cabin, ensure you choose a seat next to the window for maximum view. The middle seat has an obscured view. This means you will have to stretch to get a good view of the scenery. The most common helicopters for air tours are A-star and Eco-Star. Both helicopters are designed with large windows and spacious cabins for great external visibility.
4. Do Research to Choose the Best Company
Online reviews also help significantly to get a suitable company. TripAdvisor and Yelp are some great ways to get started. It will be helpful to assess what previous customers say about a tour and the company you are considering to use. Check whether the trips meet the customers’ expectations including whether the helicopter ride Oahu ride was comfortable and if the passengers saw what they expected. Were the staff and pilot well informed and courteous? With this information, you will be in a position to make a better informed decision.
5. Know the helicopter in Use
Ensure you learn about the helicopter to be used in your helicopter tour. What is its safety reputation? Ensure you know the number of passengers required and if the views are clear enough. A good helicopter should also be relatively quiet. One of the safest and most comfortable helicopters is ECO (EC-130). It features cozy theater seating, noise reduction rotor, and wraparound windows.
6. Book in Advance
After choosing the desired Hawaii helicopter tour, it is essential to book well in advance. Since helicopters have limited seating, booking ahead of time will ensure you get the flight of your choice. Research and book a helicopter to ensure you get the best experience.Tour companies can also offer discounts to encourage booking. However, these offers sell out fast, so you should seize the opportunity when you can. Reservations also guarantee you best prices.
In conclusion, wear appropriately before embarking on your Oahu helicopter tour. You should avoid jewelry, sandals, and loose clothing. Carry medication if you’re prone to motion sickness.
