Kauai is known as “the Garden Isle” because of the lush tropical landscape throughout the island. A majority of the island is inaccessible by car so being able to view the beautiful island by air is the perfect alternative. In my opinion, no vacation to Kauai would be complete without a helicopter tour.
Our tour began early one morning at the Safari Helicopter Tour office in Lihue (pronounced: Lee-hu-ay (like ‘hay)). We arrived 45 minutes early in order to check-in, get weighed, and go over the safety information.
We began the tour along the south side of Kauai, flying over the area where Indiana Jones ran from the Indians in the opening scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Our pilot, Paul, showed us Jurassic Falls, where the opening scene of Jurassic Park was filmed. He informed us that the helicopter didn’t actually land in the waterfall, it was all in the magic of Hollywood.
We got an up-close and personal look of the extinct volcano, Kawaikini, which helped create Kauai over six million years ago. Six Million Years… Wow, that’s a long time! The views from the helicopter were breathtaking. The contrast of the bright green mountainous landscape against the bright blue, azure color of the ocean was awe-inspiring.
Next, we flew into the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, also called Waimea Canyon. The rust colored rock formations plunging 2,000 feet at its deepest part, was a sight to behold.
We then flew along the NaPali Coast, weaving in and out of the majestic valleys. At times getting so close to the waterfalls that we felt as if we could reach out and touch the water. Experts say that it takes 50 years for a single drop of water to touch the center of the island and work its way out to the ocean (amazing, isn’t it!).
We finished our tour along the northern coast of Kauai, flying into the Wai’ale’ale Crater, which is one of the wettest places on Earth, receiving more than 432 inches of rain per year. It is said that only twice per year is the sun directly overhead, creating no shadows. With its 3,000 foot walls, covered in green and filled with beautiful waterfalls, it is a mesmerizing experience.
If you take the time to go on a helicopter tour, you will not be disappointed. We bought the DVD when we went on our tour, which allows me the opportunity to re-live that adventure time and time again. 🙂
Pictures and Plane Tickets 
Beautiful photos! I’ve always wanted to go there, especially the area where Jurassic Park was filmed. Awesome stuff.
Kauai is amazing. I like that there have been many movies filmed all over the island, pretty cool movie trivia if your into that stuff. 🙂
A truly beautiful Island. Nice shots and some good information too!
Thanks, sayvan!
Nice pictures,beautiful places.
That Napali Coast must be breathtaking. Not just the view, but the helicopter ride as well.
Boarding a helicopter is something I had done, but not to “gasp” on wonderful views.