| The islands of Hawaii are different than many islands of the world
in that the vast majority of their landmass is inaccessible via roadways
or even footpaths. Fully 75% of most of the islands of Hawaii are
so remote that they are only visible from the air.
Hovering by helicopter over the scenic valleys, dense rainforests,
razor sharp ridges, beautiful coastlines, pristine waterfalls and
remote beaches is by far the best way to experience the Hawaiian
Islands in their natural state. The remote areas of Hawaii which
can be seen from the air, are in most part, the same Hawaii that
would have been visible centuries ago.
Each of the islands has its special aerial allure:
KAUAI:
Kauai was the first of the islands to rise from the ocean floor
and nature has had the most time to carve her spectacular features.
Kauai boasts the wettest spot on the planet at Mount Ele Ele averaging
over 400 inches a year. The tremendous rainfall has produced
the most remarkable sheer valleys and offers flyers incredible
viewss of waterfalls over 2,000 feet high.
Another favorite sight is the the pristine NaPali coastline which
stretches for 11 glorious miles and is free of human habitation.
Another "must see" is Waimea Canyon, also known
as "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific". Carved thousands
of years ago by rivers that flowed from Mount Waialeale's summit,
Waimea Canyon measures 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and over than
3,500-feet deep. Viewers can see evience of the different volcanic
eruptions and lava flows that have occurred over the centuries
in the lines covering the canyon walls.
Lush, green, Hanalei Valley, ancient Hanapepe Valley,
and Manawaipuna Falls (where they shot the landing scene
for Jurasssic Park) are a few of Kauai's other helicopter tour
highlights
MAUI
(including the neighbor island of Molokai):
Maui is really an island divided into two parts. East
Maui is formed by the great mountain of Haleakala, Maui's
dormant volcano. Haleakala rises 10,000 ft. above sea level and
from its crater rim descends about 3000 ft. to the crater floor.
If there were any place on Earth that resembles the surface of
the moon, this would be it.
On its eastern border the crater shoulders the beautiful forests
of the Hana region. This is an area of exceptional beauty
and has been the backdrop of many Hollywood features.
West Maui is comprised of the hauntingly exotic and beautiful
West Maui Mountains. Although its highest peak of Puu Kukui is
only about 4 miles from the seacoast town of Lahaina it is about
as remote a spot as can be found anywhere on Earth. This truly
seems like the "land that time forgot".
The Island of Molokai lies just across the channel from
Maui and is the site of Father Damien's Leper Colony on the Kaulapapa
peninsula. Flights depart daily from Maui to view the "highest
sea cliff waterfalls" in the world and the flight across often
offers a magnificent view of the visiting Humpback Whales during
the winter months.
THE "BIG
ISLAND" OF HAWAII:
The "Big Island" of Hawaii features the newest
of the Hawaiian Islands. It's so new in fact that it is still being
formed. The flights over the Kilauea Volcano are a special
treat often offering glimpses of volcanic activity and hot glowing
lava spewing from surface vents and lava tubes. Steam and volcanic
gases can sometimes be seen rising high above the ocean surface
as the searing earth finds its entry into the blue Pacific.
OAHU:
Although it is only the third largest of the islands it
has more population than all the other islands combined.
The views of Honolulu, Waikiki, Diamond Head and Pearl
Harbor are best seen from the sky above.
One of the most popular trips flies you through the valley corridor
that provided the pathway for the Japanese when they surprised
the pacific fleet at "Pearl" in 1941. |
