Flying over Kauai

We got room service in our room again this morning….steak and eggs for both of us. We had to get to the Blue Hawaiian Helicopter offices by 9:45. After a safety video and picking up our safety pouches, we took a van to the airport with 10 other people. They have 2 helicopters flying once an hour—quite a business! We were surprised when they led us to the helicopter, the EcoStar, and showed us to our front row seats. I was seated next to our pilot, Dawn, and Mom had the window seat—with amazing views.
What a spectacular way to see the island.

We took off and headed to the Hanapepe Valley, then to Mana Waiapuna (also called Jurassic Park Falls). We flew through the Olokele Canyon and into Waimea Canyon (The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”).

We saw the most beautiful waterfalls and stunning scenery before flying to the Na Pali coast and the Bali Hai Cliffs.

Dawn flew us into Mt Waialeale, the heart of an ancient volcano and the wettest spot on earth—with an average rainfall of 450-500 inches annually. It was breathtaking to fly into the center of a crater with 5000 foot walls and 3000 foot waterfalls surrounding us.

The 50 minute ride literally flew by and we were landing back at the airport—the highlight of our trip!

We stopped to do some final shopping before heading back to the ship for our last night. We had lunch at the Lazy J, did some last minute shopping before we started our packing.

We stopped for a class in making “Towel Animals”.

Every day our housekeeper would leave us these charming little animals on our bed—made from just a few bath towels.

Our last evening and we enjoyed the sail-by of the Na Pali coast with a glass of wine and canapés. Absolutely lovely!

George, Our Butler

Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant and we ended the evening with a Jacuzzi bath. So relaxing!

The Skyline Restaurant

Photos courtesy of Flickr