In case you haven’t heard, I’m a wimp when it comes to heights. I’m doing my best to conquer this fear and the best way to do it, seemingly, was to climb into a helicopter with no doors.
Since Kaua’i is made of mostly national and state parks, only 30% or so of it is accessible. This is why helicopter tours have become so popular there: you can’t see it all by car. When my mom suggested we do this tour, I wasn’t sure because of my aforementioned fear, as well as the $200 per person price tag. But there was no way we could not do it.
We signed up with Jack Harter tours, who have been doing it for over thirty years. After arriving at their headquarters in Lihue, we were weighed and measured and placed accordingly in the helicopter.
Our pilot, Chris, told us all about the island, pointing out sights like the Jurassic Falls (as seen in the movie Jurassic Park) and the iconic Na Pali Coast. It’s hard to know what to say about it, so instead, you should look at the pictures.
Grandma says
AWESOME! Keep the photos coming. I really love your haircut! Love you, Grandma
carolineinthecityblog says
Thanks Grandma! Love you too.
Bess says
What a good idea. I was there last June but didn’t do a helicopter tour. I’m afraid of heights too, at least I’ve developed a fear of heights over the past few years. I wonder if that will make it difficult/unpleasant to go on a hot-air balloon ride or a helicopter tour…. How did it go for you?
carolineinthecityblog says
I had a couple of “oh shit” moments when we first took off, but you get used to it. You’re strapped in, so it’s not that bad.
Rebecca says
Totally amazing!!! Pictures are fantastic!!!
carolineinthecityblog says
Thanks!
elleswim says
Oh my God, that’s absolutely beautiful! Riding in a helicopter is one of the things on my bucket list however, when I do it I want to do it over something spectacular…like THIS!
carolineinthecityblog says
I definitely recommend. There are also helicopter tours over the volcanoes on Big Island, which may be cooler since you can’t see lava from the ground right now.
1000fightsbeforeyoudie says
You are so Brave! Thanks for sharing.
carolineinthecityblog says
Thanks guys! Love your blog, by the way.
Don Faust says
Very nice aerial views!
Randy says
Wow! That looks amazing. I’ve always wanted to take a helicopter ride but haven’t had the chance yet.
Pete Heck says
Gorgeous photos! I’m freaked of heights as well. Riding in a helicopter might help ;)
carolineinthecityblog says
Haha yeah it didn’t even seem real. It’s like I was flying over a very detailed model of the island.
wegobyebye@hotmail.com says
Congratulations on conquering your fears. I have always wanted to take a helicopter over Hawaii. Why you ask, because I was a big fan of Magnum PI and TC was always taking Magnum on covert flights to help him with a case. It looked so beautiful.
carolineinthecityblog says
It definitely is beautiful! I recommend it if you’re ever there.
Caz Makepeace says
Gorgeous!! I would love to do this but am also afraid of helicopters. You inspire me.
carolineinthecityblog says
Thanks, Caz! When I was looking at this helicopter on the tarmac, I’m thinking, “But it’s so small!” But the pilot knew what he was doing so I took a deep breath and wished for the best.
Gray says
I love flying in helicopters, but no door??? Gulp. Yeah, that takes guts. It’s definitely a great way to see a place.
carolineinthecityblog says
Yeah that one got me at first, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought.
Matthew Fine says
These pictures are absolutely surreal! I have yet to go to the Hawaiian islands, but have always wanted to. Congrats on riding in a helicopter! I do not ever think I could get in one