How early should I book?
 

I am planning a day trip to Hilo on Oct 27 and would like to know how long in advance should I book a helicopter/plane ride? I don't want to book in advance just in case my flight from HNL to ITO gets cancelled or delayed and I miss my heli flight and lose money. I was hoping to be able to fly in and pay on the spot for a ride and if there are no seats hire a car and drive to the park. I am planning to fly in at 2:41P and then take a 4/4:30 flight by either of the foll:

http://www.hawaiiislandhoppers.com/

http://www.hawaiidiscountactivities....age=1&island=1

http://www.hawaiiactivityworld.com/b...icopter_tours/

Is this plan realistic? Thanks.

I kind of doubt that you can get a copter flight that late. I believe they fly only in the AM and maybe early afternoon. Too windy in the afternoon. I'm betting you'd have trouble finding a seat at the last minute. How long will you be on the Island?

Hi

thanks for your reply. I will be there from 2;40P to 8P. I called all three companies and they said that they have regular flights around that time. If I make a reservation do you know if they will put me on a later flight should I miss my original flight for some reason?

You should be fine.

Hilo weather is very variable. It could be raining. It could be beautiful and clear. But even if overcast, the helicopters fly fairly low, and the weather at the Pu'u O'o vent could be totatlly different than what's in Hilo.

I would call the company (and my own recommendation is Blue Hawaiian) and ask what happens if the flight is cancelled because of weather.