Online Scams in Maui

Fake Online Helicopter Tour Bookings

Maui helicopter tours — which typically cost $200–$450 per person for legitimate 30–60 minute flights over Haleakala, the Hana coastline, and the Molokai sea cliffs — have attracted a cluster of fraudulent booking websites and social media sellers offering tours at $80–$120. These fake operators collect deposits or full payment online, provide a confirmation number, and either disappear entirely or claim on arrival day that "weather caused a cancellation" while refusing to refund. Kahului Airport's general aviation terminal (where helicopter operators are based) has no walk-up ticket counter, meaning visitors show up to find no aircraft and no staff member to contact.