Frequently Asked Questions.
Why should I plan my activities before I arrive?
Would you wait until after you arrived in Hawaii to make your hotel reservations? Reserving your tours and activities in advance, gives you the freedom to relax and enjoy yourself when you get here. 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. top of page
Are gratuities included in the activity price?
Gratuities are not included in the prices listed; we feel that tips should be at your discretion and should be earned not expected. This encourages your activity guides to work extra hard to make your day more special. top of page
Are there any further discounts for children, senior citizens, travel club members, multiple bookings, etc?
We have worked long and hard to bring you the best rates around. All children prices are listed on the information page of each tour. Children prices are always less than adult prices. There are some senior discounts on specific activities. Many times throughout the years we have specials with FREE CHILDREN. Please ask your internet concierge for more details. top of page
Do I have to pay sales tax?
Hawaii has structured their tax system in such a way that every dollar gets taxed - whether it be for goods, services or...anything. Hawaii has a 4.166% excise tax which, unfortunately, has to be paid no matter what. There is an additional 2% harbor tax that applies to any boating events. Helicopter activities are an additional 3% plus $3.00 Home Land Security fee. One other taxes on your rental car and additional 4% airport concession recovery fee , a $3.00 daily Hawaii state vehicle rental surcharge, $0.17-$0.50 daily vehicle licensing and registration fee. We wish the tax laws here were different, but it's the price we pay for living and working in the world's most beautiful island paradise. top of page
Do you have discount activities on other islands?
Yes. We represent almost every activity vendor throughout the state. We can even give you discounts while you are on the other islands. We will either E-mail or Fax you your tickets, or send them directly to the activity vendor. Our goal is make your activity reservations as easy as possible no matter where you are in the State of Hawaii. top of page
Does Mauis-Best offer other tours and attractions not listed on this web site?
Absolutely! We offer over 450 activity providers throughout the state and we’d love to list them all, however, our web site represents some of the most popular activities at the best value ! Please ask us about anything you don’t see listed and we will be happy to assist you. top of page
How can I check the safety record for your tour companies?
Safety is always our biggest concern, you can check the safety record of our tours online at the Department Transportation Website: www.dot.gov.
How do I get directions to the activities I book with you?
All pertinent information, including directions and/or pick up locations and times will be stated on your tickets. You also get confirmation, receipt and guidelines either emailed to you, faxed to you or best of all given to you with maps, coupons and other goodies given to you in person from your personal internet concierge when you pick up your tickets when you arrive on Maui. top of page
How do I receive my tickets?
We'll issue your tickets and send them to you via email. You can print the tickets on your home computer and bring them with you to Hawaii. Just present them at check-in and you're all set! If you're already here in the islands or you don't have access to a printer, we have a variety of other convenient options available including fax service, regular mail, Federal Express - we can even deliver them to you at your hotel. Just let us know which delivery method is most convenient for you. top of page
I have more questions or special needs. What should I do?
Call us at (866) 808-8661. This site can answer most of your questions about the particular activities here in Hawaii but sometimes there's no substitute for a real person with real answers. We're here in Hawaii and we've enjoyed just about all the things there are to do in these islands. We love to answer questions and can provide some insiders tips that may help you plan your vacation. top of page
I have never snorkeled before. Will the tour company show me how?
All companies that off snorkeling will give you a personal demonstration on the use of their snorkel equipment. If you are on a snorkel excursion they will provide you with all of your snorkel gear all the snorkel lessons that you wish and many different types of floatation devices to make you feel comfortable in the water. Usually the snorkel companies will put a lifeguard in the water with you.
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I just want to make a reservation. Can I pay when I arrive for the event?
the tours and activities you see here have limited availability and are sold out in advance. To overcome the high percentage of 'no shows' that come without prepaid reservations, activity companies in Hawaii require a guaranteed form of payment in advance to secure your place at the event. top of page
Is swimming safe for children?
Resort areas have protected ocean swimming areas, enclosed lagoons and usually swimming pools. When going into the ocean and there is an outside reef, the water will usually remains calm. However, always check how deep the water is and if there is a sandy bottom. When there are waves, it's best to steer clear or use extreme caution, especially in the winter months. top of page
Is there a fee for canceling?
No, as long as you are outside of 24 hours BEFORE the actual activity (some activities require 48 hours notice) you can change or cancel your reservation at NO CHARGE. Once you are in that last 24 hour period, these are guaranteed reservations. If weather cancels your activity, you will receive a full refund. Example: You reserve your luau for Monday May 9th; check-in is 4:30pm. You can change or cancel at NO CHARGE until 4:30pm on Sunday, May 8th. Once in the last 24 hour period activities are non-cancelable. Do not no show, you will be charged.
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Is there a shuttle boat that will take me between the different islands?
With the exception of shuttles between Maui and Molokai there are none. Inter island travel is done primarily on Hawaiian and Aloha Airlines. top of page
It’s my birthday/anniversary/wedding/honeymoon! Can I arrange for a something special for the activity that we have selected?
We love to special services on special days, if you are interested in making your activity more memorable just give us a call and we should be able to set something up to suit your needs. top of page
I've seen other sites offering 'discount' and 'cash-back' tours. What does this mean?
There are many sites that offer many different offers. We are the largest wholesaler of activities on Maui. We have HUGH BUYING POWER! We are by far the least expensive website to sell activities to the general public. We guarantee that! We never charge you a service charge for cancellation, a surcharge for using a credit card or a ticket issuing fee. We have no hidden charges. top of page
Once I make my reservation, will I receive tickets for my tour?
If you would like we can email your tickets, or fax you your tickets. However, we like to meet our clients. Each client is unique and we like to give you the best vacation experience possible. We also have many, many freebies like 2 for 1 dinner coupons, Free IQ cards, Free Maui dining cards maps, and good “old Hawaii aloha advice. We prefer you meet us at our internet service center at 900 Front Street (Lahaina Shopping Center). Call 1-866-888-MAUI(6284) for exact directions.
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What are Maui-Best Hours of Operation?
Our reservations office is open 365 days a year from 5:00 AM until 9:00 PM, Hawaii Standard Time. Please call us right now, we are on Maui and waiting to talk to you!! You can call us Toll Free at 1-866-888-MAUI(6284), or simply Email us and an internet concierge will get back to you shortly. top of page
What happens if my schedule changes or I need to cancel?
As long as you are outside of 24 hours before the event you can change or cancel at no charge. If there is a medical emergency with doctor’s note, we make exception. Remember once you are in the last 24 hours period things cannot be cancelled or refunded for any reason other than weather or medical emergency. Do not no show to your scheduled activity, you will be charged. top of page
When is the best time for a helicopter flight?
Because of the tendency for clouds to form over the mountains as the day progresses, morning tours in general tend to be weathered out less often. However, the weather is always unpredictable and some days a late afternoon flight will offer spectacular viewing and the enhanced colors of late afternoon flying. top of page
When is the best time of year for whale watching?
Humpback Whales come to Maui from Alaska every year at the same time to bear there young. Official whale watching season is from December 15th to May 15th every year. top of page
When is the best weather in Hawaii?
The coolest months are November - March (70 - 85 degrees) with mostly evening rain showers, but keep in mind we have a saying in Hawaii, no rain , no rainbows. September and October are our hottest months (78 - 95 degrees) with the highest humidity. top of page
When is your peak season?
Our peak tourist season is between Thanksgiving and Easter with the busiest time at Christmas. July and August are also quite busy. If you want to avoid the crowds, come in May or Sept/Oct. During busy season be sure to book extra early for any activity you want to do. Water temperature ranges from 72F in winter to 80F in the summer. top of page
Which tours accommodate young children under 5?
Snorkel, air & bus tours are able to accommodate young children. Many tours are free for children under 6 years old. The exception is air tours. Helicopter flights charge full fare per seat.
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Important: Also, feel free to call us at:
1-866-888-MAUI (1-866-888-6284)
Toll Free from USA.
We will be more than pleased to answer all your questions.
Please call at ANY TIME. |
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