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 Jack Harter
Helicopters started the helicopter tour business in Kaua'i, and they
came recommended by the B&B owner I was staying with.
They use six passenger Eurocopter AStars
custom-equipped with the largest windows and a unique cabin layout, giving
passengers the best views possible. They also offer doors-off
flights with their Hughes four passenger helicopters for those of you who want
an extra thrill, or for dedicated photographers who want to avoid window
reflections in their photos. I learned from my trip to the Grand Canyon
that helicopters are an excellent way to see the country, so I decided to spend
the money on this tour.
Waimea CanyonDriving to Waimea Canyon by car presents some spectacular vistas, but seeing this canyon from a helicopter is a whole new experience. As we approach the canyon from the south, we catch glimpses of the colors and water courses that make this canyon so interesting. The red rock and soil that makes up so much of Kaua'i is laid bare in this area of high erosion.
The vistas from the head of the canyon looking back south show the way the layers of mountain ranges fades into the sea, and we get an excellent view of Barking Sands from high atop the ridge just before we dip over the top and catch our first glimpse of the Na Pali Coast. Na Pali Coast
The Na Pali coast is awe-inspiring. The photos should give you an indication of just how special this place is. There is no substitute for seeing the Na Pali coast from a helicopter. As we leave the Na Pali coast and head past Ha'ena Point, the beautiful Hanalei Bay comes into view. Hanalei & Central Mountains
The wettest place on earth are the central peaks of Kaua'i - Wai'ale'ale and Kawaikini. Nearby are the beautiful Kohalalele Falls. As we fly back toward Lihue and the end of our tour, we see Wailua Falls and look north along the east coastline over Hanama'ulu Bay. We float down on the helicopter pad and return to our land-based existence. East Coast & Lihue
What was the highlight of the helicopter tour? The Na Pali Coast was a clear winner, although seeing the Waimea Canyon from the air was interesting after having driven there the day before. The Hanalei Valley is even more beautiful from the air. Incidentally, the narration from the helicopter pilot was amazing. He had facts, figures, answered our questions, and had some very interesting stories to tell the whole time we were airborne. He even knew when to be quiet, and let us enjoy the amazing views! I enjoyed this helicopter tour immensely - this is a vacation highlight you should not miss!
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The tours start at the Lihue heliport, which is
adjacent to the main airport, but you need to check in at the Jack
Harter Helicopter office, which is located very close to the airport. You
will be briefed on safety procedures
and then driven to the heliport. Takeoff was smooth - an indication of the
rest of the flight. We proceeded around Kaua'i in a clockwise direction,
so the first sight to see was the south shore.
