Exploring Kauai With Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours

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family standing in front of helicopter

When we started planning our visit to Hawaii we had one goal: see and do as much as we could in the small amount of time we had on each island. We were “island hopping” on our cruise ship NCL Pride of America, and had to stay within our port itinerary. But since this was our first visit for myself and the kids, we wanted to make it count.

Our cruise started in Honolulu with stops in Maui (2 days), Hilo, Kona, Kauai (2 days) and returned to Honolulu. I was most excited about Kauai and cruising the Na Pali Coast. However, due to routine maintenance our itinerary changed and we were notified cruising the Na Pali Coast wasn’t possible. So, we decided to book a helicopter tour instead. Now, we could have booked something through the cruise line, but since we were there overnight, I booked directly with Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours.

A Bucket List Tour-Seeing Kauai From The Air

Waterfall in Kauai
Waterfall in Kauai Photo by MC Barclay

This was the first time the kids had been in a helicopter, and only my second time. I was anxious at how they would handle it, but the breathtaking views of Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as “Jurassic Park” falls and Waimea Canyon or “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” were the perfect distraction. Looking through the windows we felt like we were in a movie scene, lush greenery and huge waterfalls surrounded us.

Na Pali Coast from the aur
Coast of Kauai as seen from helicopter Photo by Kristin Barclay

Our 50 minute tour also took us along Kauai’s north shore, which features the stunning cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. While our guide talked about the rainfall totals, the waterfalls and narrated what we were seeing, our heads rotated right to left to see as much as possible.

coastline of Kauaii
Coastline of Kauai from helicopter Photo by Kristin Barclay

The views were stunning and the ride was smooth despite clouds surrounding us and rain starting to fall as we headed back to base. While our pilot was incredibly knowledgable he spoke in a monotone voice, and stayed with his script. Blue Hawaiian tour guides/pilots are state of Hawaii certified tour guides. Afterwards the kids joked they felt like we were in a National Geographic film, with a professional narrator.

 

Tip: if you plan to take a helicopter tour, wear dark clothes to prevent the reflection off the windows. Also, book earlier in the day so if weather impacts their schedule, hopefully you’ll stilll be able to re-schedule.

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Kristin Barclay
Kristin Barclay graduated from the University of South Carolina with a major in Journalism and Advertising. Throughout her career, Kristin has demonstrated a passion for storytelling and a commitment to providing accurate, timely, and informative news coverage. She has a deep understanding of the issues and concerns facing local communities and has earned a reputation as a trusted source for reliable news and information. In addition to her work as an editor and journalist, Kristin is also a skilled writer and has written articles on a wide range of topics, including politics, business, education, and culture. She has a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling stories that engage and inform readers. Kristin is also an active member of the community and has volunteered her time and resources to numerous organizations and causes. She believes in the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the world around us. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kristin Barclay is also a passionate advocate for local journalism and the role it plays in keeping communities informed and engaged. She believes strongly in the importance of supporting local news outlets and is dedicated to ensuring that quality journalism remains a vital part of our society. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys traveling both for business and pleasure. She loves exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. Whether she's on a business trip or a vacation, Kristin is always eager to discover what makes each place unique and special. Kristin's passions include boots, bourbon, dogs and college football. She is a self-proclaimed boot aficionado and has an impressive collection of cowboy boots that she wears with pride. She also enjoys sipping on a good bourbon and spending time with her husband and beloved border collies. Last but certainly not least, Kristin is the proud mother of two children who bring joy and meaning to her life. She is deeply committed to being a loving and supportive parent, and her children are her greatest source of inspiration and motivation