Captivating Kaua'i - Day 1 (Helicopter Tour )

       Kaua'i - Hawaiian Island with majestic peaks,  burnt orange canyons, lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls and unique flora and fauna ,is truly an "Abode of God". 

Kauai has more of a rural, country feel and a laid-back attitude all its own. The oldest and northernmost of the major islands, Kauai is almost untouched by major development. 

The main Kaua'i Island airport is Lihue Airport (LIH). Accommodations are available in Princeville, Kapaa, Lihue, Poipu and Waimea area.

We stayed here for 3 days and were able to cover major attractions. 

Day 1 : Helicopter Tour..

Our first destination was "Opaekaa Falls", one of Kauai’s best-known and main waterfalls. Best seen from a lookout off  Kuamoo Road. The name “Opaekaa” means “rolling shrimp” in the Hawaiian language. The waterfall was named after the shrimp that were once in abundance in its stream and pool. Interesting, isn't it ?

Opaekaa Falls

Opposite to falls was Wailua Heritage Trail,such a beautiful view it was .

Roughly 20% of Kaua'i is accessible by car or foot. The most beautiful parts of Kauai are unreachable by foot, and can only be explored by hiking, air tour and kayaking. The beauty of the island is best seen from the air tour, that was the reason we decided to go for a Helicopter Tour, and we were really very excited about it.

Everyone On board..Let the journey begin !!

Seen from the air, the island's terrain offers a number of breathtaking views. The journey started with the flight to spectacular Hanapepe Valley. We then flew by the magnificient scenic waterfall,  Manawaipouna Falls, commonly known as "Jurassic park Falls".

Jurassic Park Waterfall

 The helicopter then passed through Olokele Canyon on its way to gorgeous Waimea Canyon.This canyon is a gorge and well known for its similarities to the Grand Canyon.Thats the reason it is also known as " Grand Canyon Of Pacific".

Waimea Canyon as seen from the Helicopter 

Then we saw  Kauai's  epic beauty, Na Pali Coast. It provides you with glimpses of picturesque cliffs, mountains, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. We felt as if we had come to an entirely new world.

Napali Coast

The helicopter also passed over popular destinations like Hanalei Valley, Princeville Resort, and the Lumahai Beach.  It was a thrilling experience to slowly hover past 3000-foot tall cliff. The Helicopter was wobbling due to heavy wind , we got very scared. But when the pilot told us it was normal for helicopter to respond in such a way due to wind, we felt better :) 

Hanalei Bay

The next view took our breaths away!!  The pinnacle of any Kauai helicopter tour is the Mt Wai'ale'ale - the wettest spot on earth with an average rainfall of 450-500 inches annually. We saw island's highest and indescribably beautiful waterfalls.

Wai'ale'ale Falls

On the way back we could not stop thinking about the amazing time we had. That was a remarkable experience !

Tips

• Helicopter Tours are  generally 55 mins long.
• Good companies that offer Helicopter tour are - Safari,Blue Hawaiian,Jack harder, Hawaii Active.
• Check weather before booking. You will not be able to see much on a cloudy day.
• Seating in front seats will give you a great view and a good opportunity to take nice pictures. If possible book front seats.
• If you are prone to motion sickness, take a medicine.
• Discount coupons for Helicopter/Boat Tours are  available in local magazines. Check it out before booking.
• Napali Coast Boat Tours are also available. They are mostly 5-6 hours long and offer breakfast,lunch,soft drinks and snorkeling.

- Dhara Desai