by AngelaMHaven

Indianapolis, Indiana

March 12, 2004

We did not have any problems with motion sickness. I got a bit queasy when we lifted off but focused on looking around me, and that took care of that! Do the helicopter tour! It's worth it!

by beesweet

New Milford, Pennsylvania

February 15, 2004

by marcmuff

Sacramento, California

July 28, 2003

We also explored the Mount Waialeale Crater, which is the source for the most majestic waterfalls on Kauai that cascade to the valley's floor below. Before we landed at Lihue Airport, we passed by Wailua Falls (better known as the "Fantasy Island" waterfalls).

Our starting point was the Island Helicopter Office which is right next to the heliport at Lihue Airport. We had coupons from the Entertainment Book for 25% off of this tour and also had a printout of the internet site showing 37% off if you book on-line. We called them after we got to Kauai and they gave us the internet rate ($133.12 per person -- tax included)

After the flight, we each received an outstanding, professionally made videotape (two videotapes for three of us), which was included in the price and was one of the reasons we chose this company. We really enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime experience. My daughter said it was the best experience of her life.

by smileygirl

Cleburne, Texas

January 30, 2003

We went with Air Kauai because (at the time) it was the only helicopter-tour company that actually shuts off its engines while boarding or exiting the aircraft. The company does this for safety and out of courtesy. It has a perfect flight record, too. That sure helps to know that, right?

What an exhilarating ride! You hear the soft flowing music in the background of your Bose headsets while enjoying the sights all around you. Air Kauai provides a deluxe 60 minutes air tour of Hawaii''s most beautiful island. They fly over Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, Mt. Wai''ale''ale Crater and places you wouldn''t ever dream of seeing unless you were flying high above Kauai.

Would we do this again? You bet. Just as long as it''s with Air Kauai!!!

by Waso

Warroad, Minnesota

January 21, 2003

We were greeted by Auntie Mylie at the check-in site. She is one unforgettable character with her stories and music. As you are waiting for your flight she makes a tea leaf lei to protect you during your flight.

Our pilot, Warren, was very professional and did an excellent job of explaining the tour, which encompassed the entire island. A musical background is provided during the tour, which makes it a very moving experience.

We were told before the tour "one must see Kauai from the air". We truly understand that statement now and would highly recommend this tour.

by smmmarti guide

Lahaina, Hawaii

December 7, 2002

A visit to Kauai offers compelling incentive to overcome such distrust. No where is the aerial view quite so spectacular and in general there is no better method for witnessing the stunning views than in one of the highly maneuverable high-flying wasps that buzz over Kauai‘s skies like so many seabirds. Yet, the very element that forged Kauai’s deeply gorged cliffs and canyons - the 500 inches of annual rainfall - can likely cause your flight to be washed out and possibly dangerous.

There were a number of "incidents" in recent years when helicopter companies headed out in inclement weather or competed with one another as to which could fly the closest to natural features. Guidelines were put into place and limitations now state that copters must stay clear of mountains by at least 500 feet. As for when to cancel a flight, that remains discretionary.

If we we had paid in advance for a flight, we would fly come rain or come shine. So, I stalled on the idea during those first few rainy and questionable days in Kauai and decided I’d take the tour the day of our departure - providing the weather was conducive and we could grab a flight without committing any cash in advance. We’d be at the airport then, anyway, and wouldn’t loose any island time.

What seemed like plenty of time was cut short when we learned that we needed to check in 40 minutes prior to scheduled flight time. It didn’t seem reasonable as we mainly spent the time getting to know our "flight mates" in the Helicopter office and watching the Chicago-Greenbay game on TV. Maybe this approach helps de-jangle nerves or something.

After a weigh-in to determine who will sit where in the copter and safety briefing that basically said don‘t walk into the rear rotor, we were herded to the landing pad and boarded the craft one by one. It was a tight fit! Luckily I had the rear window or I might have been a bit claustrophobic. Before I had time to think about it, we were lifting off, floating over the broad open valley of Kauai on our flight over the spectacular Waimea Canyon, Na Pali coast cliffs and the North Shore.

Waiting had been wise. We were gifted that day with a perfectly dazzling, rare morning. Even the top of the volcano, almost always shrouded by clouds and rain, gleamed. The canyon, a rainbow of colors, revealed nature’s masterstrokes, and waterfalls materialized from every crevice, pumping from the heavy rains earlier. We gasped, we sighed, and when the music in our earphones played a coordinated crescendo as we flew over the top of Mt. Wai`ale`ale, we silently wept.

by yngvi

seattle, Washington

June 25, 2001