savvynomadadventures

Ok, I won’t lie, I was skittish. My heart was aflutter. Maybe I’m growing dastardly in my old age, but the thought of taking a ride in a helicopter just wasn’t as appealing as it once was. I mean, how could I be afraid? I once BASE jumped out of a helicopter for crying out loud. But there I was: sweaty, timorously scheming a way out. But there was no way out. I promised her sloths… and we aren’t going to see any sloths in Hawaii. I need to suck it up and get in this damn whirlybird and get it over with, nerves and all. I mean, what could be COOLER than a helicopter ride over the majestic island of Kauai? Turns out NOTHING!

As we boarded the chopper we were introduced to our lovely travel companions. All of us teaming with excitement. I placed the headsets over my ears and I was immediately transported to another dimension. The oh-so-soothing opera music was unlike any I’ve ever heard. Our Pilot Kyle comes on and says hello and asks if we are ready. In unison we all exclaim YES! And away we go!!

As we take flight Kyle dives into Kauai history. Pointing out waterfalls, canyons, plantations and even gets into geologic explanations. All of it incredibly informative and extremely interesting. Did you know that you have to water sugar cane crop for a year and a half before it produces any sugar? And when it does it takes 1 ton to produce 3 sugar cubes? CRAY CRAY!

We chose Safari Helicopters and they were THE BEST in every way! I highly recommend them if you are planning a trip to Kauai. There is no better way to experience Kauai then from a helicopter. We were able to see things that are only visible from the air. The owner of Safari Helicopters is a close friend of Keith Robinson, the Private land owner of 51,000 acres in Kauai and owner of the Island of Niihau a.k.a “Forbidden Island”.

Niihau has been privately owned by the the family since 1864 when it was purchased for 10,000 from King Kamehameha V! Can you imagine that? I’ll take that island please, and oh, that one, and that one too! Photo Credit

Niihau is forbidden to outside visitors and it’s 130 residents do not have electricity, running water or cell phones. Their aim to to preserve the local Hawaiian culture and history as much as possible. Kyle talked about the eccentric botanist Keith Robinson and how he has single handedly saved several plants species from extinction. We never thought that when we landed on his property in the middle of the island that we would actually get to meet this man! And eccentric he was! Wowzer! This guy was a character!

A quick Eco-stop and chat with Keith and we were back in flight! Next stop… Na Pali Coast!

The views were breathtaking. Words simply cannot describe the magical beauty of this island. I literally started crying it was so exquisite.

It’s Humpback Whale Season in Kauai. As we flew over the ocean Kyle pointed with excitement and said “LOOK!!! Whales breaching!” NO. WAY. As if this wasn’t epic enough. We look down and the tree are three Humpback Whales breaching out of the water putting on a full show for us! It was INSANE! What an epic way to end the ride!!

PERFECT in every way! Thank you Safari Helicopters for an afternoon of a lifetime!