Neither my seven year old nor I have been in a helicopter before our trip to Kauai.  I don’t typically get too nervous about flying anymore in an airplane though I was slightly anxious about our adventure with Island Helicopters, but also looked forward to it the most on our trip.

Once signed in, we shuttle from the office in the Lihue airport to the landing strip.  Here we get booties on to protect the grounds once we land at the falls.  We meet our pilot, get settled into our seats, adjust our headsets and prepare for takeoff.  There are floor to ceiling doors and windows which make the trip that much more safe and comfortable.  Along the way the pilot narrates and plays music, any questions are welcomed through the two-way communication microphones.

It was the last full day of adventure on our press trip, so we were going out with the biggest thrill in my book.  My father in law who doesn’t get motion sick mentioned I may want to take Dramamine since he got terribly ill on his first helicopter ride.  I envisioned herky-jerky movements and the stomach-in-your-throat feeling so I dosed both my daughter and myself up prior to our flight.  From takeoff, I was so pleasantly surprised how smooth the movements were! My jitters lessened and we were able to take in the spectacular views of the island from above. The colors were amazing, you could spot waterfalls for days. We soared high above the island and then came down into the Hanapepe Valley as we approached our landing spot.Island Helicopters is the only company on the island that can offer this elite and once in a lifetime experience at the famous Manawaiopuna Falls or Jurassic Falls.  The falls were made famous in the original Jurassic Falls movie and this location is unavailable to the public outside of this tour.Landing at the base of the 400ft waterfalls, the reason for the booties on our feet is to not take any organism from our shoes to this delicate area.  The walk to the falls is short and the view is breathtaking!You feel the mist from the powerful falls and I could have sat there all day to take in the beauty. If this was all we did on this tour, I’d do it again and again, but there was so much more.

In addition to this treat, we continue with the Grand Circle Tour that takes across Olokele Canyon and through Waimea Canyon, dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.I’m pretty overwhelmed at the beauty and ask my daughter how she’s doing and she’s nearly asleep from the Dramamine.  I try to keep her awake to enjoy the beauty but realize, at least neither of us is sick.

Next we enjoy the Na Palai Coast’s 22 miles of cliffs, crevices, waterfalls, lush valleys, and secluded beaches.  Just the day before, we cruised the Na Pali coast by boat, today we were going to fly over it and see the contours of the island in such an awe-inspiring manner.It is so hard to put into words the magnitude of this island’s natural beauty.  I welled up with tears on a few occasions during this 85 minute experience, it’s that powerful emotionally!Above you see Hanalei Bay where we learned to surf earlier in the week!As we make our way back, one last thrill.

Hovering in mid air inside the crater of Mt. Waialeale.

One of our final views that ties into to television history is Wailua Falls below.  Made famous in the opening sequence from the hit show Fantasy Island!Phenomenal.  It’s the word that sums up this amazing excursion.  I would do it again visiting the island, it’s powerful, majestic, awesome, beautiful, and the memories will stay with me forever.  You can’t get the views and perspective anywhere on the island but high above with Island Helicopters, not to mention the exclusive landing at Jurassic Falls!

The flight was so smooth with our preventative motion medication, it was lulling my youngest to sleep.  I would take the medicine again just so my trip isn’t ruined by feeling ill, but for little ones, maybe half a dose would suffice to prevent sleepiness!

Island Helicopters is online at www.islandhelicopters.com and let it be the first adventure you take when visiting Kauai!

Our excursion was part of our press trip, all opinions are 100% our own.

Having been to Kauai for the first time in 2006, I remember hearing about the Na Pali coast and how it was only accessible via hike, viewed from the air or by boat.  The road to drive on ends where the majestic cliffs begin and I was thrilled to be able to experience it on a sail and snorkel cruise with Captain Andy’s!

Leaving Port Allen on a 65′ catamaran, we were briefed on how to stay out of the hull of the boat to avoid sea sickness.  Now I’m pretty stable when it comes to motion sickness, but we haven’t done it much with my 7 year old, so I gave her children’s Dramamine.  At the beginning of the trip, she wanted to stay below at the table, it seemed to be her safety zone despite everyone mentioning that fresh air was best.  After a few pastries from the continental breakfast and something to drink, she was ready to jump up and hang out on the trampoline and take in the spectacular views!The early morning (7:15 am departure) allows for the calmest waters, and the chance to experience spinner dolphins like we did!  It is so amazing how friendly and social dolphins are.  We slowed to stop to enjoy them on a few instances and they loved cruising alongside the boat as we continued on our journey.  Just southwest of Kauai, the private Hawaiian island of Niihau comes into clear view.  Purchased from King Kamehameha in 1864, this island has preserved many of the traditional ways of life including the Hawaiian language and is inhabited by about 200 locals and is available to tour by special invitation.Continuing along, we met up with other vessels who were on a similar amazing adventure and the views got more and more surreal.  Kauai is the oldest island and this 15-mile carved coastline is the result of volcanic activity, rain, wind, and wave exposure. In addition to seagoing skills, the crew will educate you on the history and legends of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited these verdant valleys.I think my mouth was agape the entire trip.  The colors, the contrast, the waters, the amazing landscape is unforgettable.

Midway through our trip, we anchored and had the opportunity to snorkel.  Last time I did it I was slightly panicked and was able to use a snorkel box which is like a huge view finder.  This time both my daughter and I were given boogie boards with a view window that served the same purpose.  The waters were 72 degrees and clear as can be.  We saw some fish but not like on other adventures I’d been on.  My daughter and I floated about with fins and just enjoyed where we were.  Shortly after getting back on the boat, a BBQ was prepared with burgers and beans, while they literally baked cookies on board for dessert.  Food tastes so much better surrounded by beauty!Probably the best part of the trip was viewing the Cathedrals, peaks that seem to touch heaven in all their glory!On our cruise back, we sat atop with the Captain and listened to him talk and steer the boat.  The sun was shining on us, the wind in our hair, and the views still spectacular in every direction! This tour is worth the money ten fold.  It’s 5.5 hours of history, geology, nature’s architecture, and a feast for your eyes and soul.  The food, drink, and snorkel are just icing on the cake.   If you are in Kauai, it can’t be beat and the images in your memory will last forever!

Our tour was part of our Media Trip, all opinions are my own.