Who would do such a crazy thing??? Well, us of course! We chose to go with Mauna Loa Helicopters, because the helicopters were smaller, so everyone got a window seat. And you had a choice of whether to have the doors on or off. We chose OFF!
We took off from the Lihue Airport, and went along the southern coast of Kauai for a while. After going past the harbor, my first recognizable spot was this scene from the film "The Descendents," one of my favorite movies.
We also flew over an ATV course.
And we arrived at our first-of-many waterfalls, Manawaiopuna Falls, commonly known as Jurassic Falls, because it was in the movie Jurassic Park.
Then on to many more waterfalls.
I love the pools under each of the falls.
We then went over a few ridges and ended up in Waimea Canyon, where we were hiking the other day.
Waipo'o Falls is the waterfall we saw from the road the other day. Notice the itty-bitty helicopter.
Another shot of the falls.
And another of Waimea Canyon.
From there we went out to the Napali Coast.
Wow!
This is a sea cave where the roof has collapsed.
And a nice arch -
Complete with waterfall.
This is part of the 11-mile trail we were on the other day, although much farther than we went.
Whee!!!
From there we went up a canyon to see this huge waterfall.
And then we flew into Wai'ala'ale Crater, known as the wettest spot on earth, but fortunately not today.
Its 3000-foot water-etched walls was the spiritual center of the ancient Hawaiian universe, according to my guidebook. On a rainy day, all those vertical ridges are waterfalls.
On our way back to the airport, we flew by Wailua Falls, aka Fantasy Island Falls.
Coming in for a landing with all the other helicopters. Wow! It was a great trip. We loved being in a smaller helicopter, and Guy, our pilot was great.
What a great way to see the sights. I bet you kept the seat belt tight:)
ReplyDeleteWow oh Wow! what a great sunshiney day to do this! gorgeous photos, and no door jambs in the way.
ReplyDeleteBet it was a lot of fun. Thanks for pointing out all the sights. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteReally neat pictures... THanks for posting them.
ReplyDeleteI have many hours riding in choppers but never with doors on or a seat belt. They are great for sightseeing.
ReplyDeleteWhat more can one say but WOW! BREATHTAKING thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool way to see the island! Doors off is the only way to go!
ReplyDeleteWow you got fabulous pictures riding with the doors off. Not sure I'm that brave. I'd sure love to see Wai'ala'ale Crater when its waterfalls are flowing. Looks like they gave you a great over view of the island. Cool that you could see from the air places you'd been on the ground.
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