Kauai FAQs

What is the cancellation/change policy?

We understand that sometimes things come up and you may need to cancel a reservation. In order to rebook the seats, though, we have to ask that any cancellations or changes be made at least 48 hours prior to the start of the activity. You may be charged a cancellation or change fee if the specific activity requires one is charged. The mass majority of the activities we do bookings for do not require any fee for cancellations or changes. Please ask our friendly agents for any details about any cancellation or change fees upon booking, 'cancellation fees are mainly for Sportfishing bookings'. Reservations can normally be rescheduled up to 24 hours prior, depending on availability and circumstances.

Do I have to buy all my activities on this website?

No, but you will find that it is always easier working with only one company. You need to remember only one phone number, we have all of your information in one place, and oftentimes you get to speak with the same person who's been helping you from the beginning. We provide you with the very best tours and activities to choose from, and with the very best follow-up service, you know you are in good hands.

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 professionalism, safety, service, and sheer enjoyment. Take our word for it: you will not be disappointed with any tour you choose.

Are my reservations confirmed as soon as I fill out the online form and send the request?

No. Activities can sell out and details can change, so your reservations are not confirmed until you are sent an email confirmation, usually within a few hours. You may be called prior to this email to clear up any questions or go over any details with you, but the email confirmation is essentially your ticket; you don't have a reservation until you have the confirmation.

How do I make a reservation and get confirmation?

You may fill out our online request form, 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 trip details, usually within 2 hours.

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 activity, the activity vendors themselves ultimately decide the course of each tour. After all, safety and comfort are the absolute top concerns.

Can my large group get a special discount?

For most activities, we can offer a 10% discount for groups of 15 or more, as long as they are paid in one form of payment, such as one credit card, one check, etc.

Can I have everyone in my large group call in their own credit card number?

Of course. We understand that it can be difficult to coordinate a large group so we have a system that makes it simple and easy. We will set up a reservation under the group leader's name and hold a few more seats than are needed, just in case. The group leader will be sent an email with all the details of the reservation (including the client number for reference), which can then be forwarded to everyone in the group. By a certain date, everyone should have called in with the size of their party and a credit card number, and we will reconfirm all the counts with the group leader, charge the credit cards, and send confirmation.

What time is it in Hawaii?

We are in the Hawaii Standard Time zone, which is 3 hours behind the mainland West Coast during the spring and summer, and 2 hours behind during the fall and winter. Hawaii does not recognize daylight savings. Our offices here are open from 8 am to 8 pm everyday, HST.

When can I call you?

Our office in Lahaina is open everyday from 8 am to 8 pm, Hawaii Standard Time. You are always welcome to leave a message if calling after hours, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

When is the best time of year for whale watching?

The official Hawaii whale season runs from December 15 to May 15. While whales are present during the beginning and end of the season, the peak time for whale activity is February to April. This is when the calves are born so there is much frolicking going on. It really is an amazing sight.

Are tips/gratuities included in the prices?

No, because we feel that tips should be earned, not expected. If you feel that your activity crew made your time super special and showed you what aloha means, a $5 -10 tip per person is appropriate. However, do not feel obligated to tip.

I have more questions! What should I do?

The quickest and easiest way to get answers to any of your questions, no matter how odd you may think they are, is to call us toll free at 877-661-6655 and speak with an agent. Sometimes there's nothing better than a real person with real answers. We've been doing this a long time so we've heard it all; don't be afraid to ask us anything.

Do I have to pay sales tax?

All tours are subject to 4.166% Hawaii GET, but some have additional taxes and fees. These are broken down for each activity in the checkout phase. For instance, boat trips on Maui have an additional harbor tax of 3% while it is lower on other islands, and helicopters have their own FAA taxes. If you have any questions about particular taxes or fees, please call us at 877-661-6655.

Do I have to pay for my activities in advance?

In most cases, yes. Unless otherwise noted on your confirmation, credit card charges will be processed by 'Best Hawaii Activities' when you make the reservation. Some activities are charged directly by the vendor on the day of the activity.

Why should I plan my activities before I arrive on island?

Because you wouldn't wait until you arrived to make hotel reservations, would you? Reserving your tours and activities in advance gives you the freedom to relax and enjoy yourself when you get here, without having to spend the whole first day just figuring out what to do. Besides, the best activities and adventures are usually sold out from several days to several weeks in advance. Many people find that when they arrive in Hawaii the best things to do are unavailable. Our free service allows you to avoid the lines and headaches associated with trying to plan your vacation after you've arrived. As we say, we love to help you take a vacation from your vacation.

What's the deal with the $100 cash back promotion?

You will notice when you arrive on island that vacation ownership programs are very prevalent.  We have found the best of the best timeshare options available, and for only 90 minutes of your time at a presentation in Lahaina, you will receive $100 cash. It's that simple. There is no obligation whatsoever to buy, and you'll even get breakfast or lunch. There are just a few minor qualifications for the tour, so please call us toll free at 877-661-6655 to speak with an agent about this exciting opportunity to own a piece of paradise.

Do you offer tours and activities that are not on this website?

The featured activities and tours you see on these pages are some of the most popular and exciting ones around. We are always adding new vendors and activities, though, so if you are looking for something in particular and can't find it here, please don't hesitate to call us toll free at 877-661-6655. From luaus and snorkeling trips to exclusive luxury charters, we can help you with it all!

How do I find directions for the activities I have reserved?

Your email confirmation will include all the information you need to know, including activity locations and directions, and a local phone number for more personal help. When you arrive, however, you will likely discover that finding your way around an island is rather simple: you've got makai (toward the sea) and mauka (toward the mountains).

How can I get from island to island? Are there helicopters or ferries?

Maui has ferry service to Molokai and to Lanai, two smaller islands just a few miles away, but other than that, inter-island travel is primarily done by commercial air carrier. Island Air and Hawaiian Airlines are the largest.  It is possible to travel by helicopter, also, but due to the distances involved and the fact that there is not much to see while flying over the water, there are no regularly scheduled inter-island helicopter flights.  Please call us toll free at 877-661-6655 if you are interested in chartering a private helicopter for an inter-island flight, or just to do some sightseeing.

How can we celebrate our special occasion, such as a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, graduation, etc?

We love to make all of your occasions special, but for those really big days, we can suggest options from the romantic to the extreme, so call us at 877-661-6655 to see how we can help you celebrate.

Which activities are good for young children?

While some tours have age or height limits on children, many activities welcome families with small children.  Prices are always lower for children, and oftentimes kids under 6 are free!  There are several snorkeling boats, for instance, with glass-bottom viewing rooms for who ever might not want to get in the water.  Children also love luaus, with the music and the lights and all the great food. For other ideas, call us at 877-661-6655.

Can we go on a snorkeling trip even though we've never done it before?

Of course, because the best time to learn is now! All snorkeling trips include gear and full instruction, so you'll be a pro in no time. To build your confidence, there are many types of flotation available on each boat, from foam 'noodles' to boogie boards and of course life vests. Many boats also have plastic fish ID cards that let everyone from novices to seasoned veterans know exactly what they are looking at.

Which day of the week and what times of day are best to do these activities?

As we like to say, when you're on vacation, every day is Saturday, so it really doesn't make a difference on which day of the week you do which activities. They are all likely to fill up about the same.