nikicla1

Trying to decide if we want to do a boat tour or helicopter tour or neither in Kauai. I always thought the helicopter would be cool but after checking the prices I am leaning towards a boat tour. We do not care to snorkel just cruise and sight see. I do have issues with sea sickness but planning on taking Dramamine and wearing my motion sickness wrist bands. What is your suggestion, boat, helicopter or skip both? If you do suggest one of these tours, what tour would you suggest? We will be in Kauai for 5 days. Thank you.

Kathie

Personally, I would choose the boat tour of the Napali coast. The scenery is beautiful, and you are likely to see whales and giant turtles. There are a number of companies that offer this. We went with Captain Andy's. I understand they are all pretty much alike.

I find the helicopter tours everywhere to be obnoxious - loud and disturbing to the locals. Some people feel their helicopter tour was the highlight of their trip. I'd rather experience things at ground level.

So, as you can see, I have a particular bias. Think about what you enjoy doing/seeing and whether the helicopter tour seems like something you would enjoy or whether you would prefer the boat trip to the Napali coast.

Obviously, you don't have to do either one. There is plenty do do and see on Kauai without either activity. It really depends on what you enjoy.

marnie1

I did a helicopter tour on Maui and Oahu. The Oahu tour was boring and the Maui tour was amazing. The helicopter took use through places you would never see.

jamie99

I've done the helicopter twice including once with doors off and at least 7 boat tours so I would take the morning boat tour (it is much calmer in the morning). You see a lot more of the Na Pali coast up close, with the heli you only spend 10-12 minutes flying over parts of it. The boats usually stop for snorkeling at least the morning ones but you don't have to get in the water, many do not. It is just a stop while the crew prepares lunch. I've been out with both Captain Andy and Holo Holo and enjoyed both.

rncheryl

In one glorious day we took a jack harter helicopter tour, saw the Napal'i coast from above, as well as the rest of the island. Then we drove to the west coast and went with Holo Holo for an afternoon cruise. It was great seeing the sights from the morning at eye level. Spinner dolphins, and a fabulous sunset.

Lots of options

nikicla1

Thanks for your suggestions. After reading these I think we will not do a helicopter tour and do some research in finding a boat tour. Thank you.

If any of you have any other suggestions of things to do while we are there, I would love to hear them!

hpeabody

Check into Captain Andy's from Port Allen.

FaceInTheCrowd

Where you're staying will make a difference, since boats depart from both north and south shores. Our favorite so far is Captain Sundown from Hanalei, but we recently took Captain Andy's from Port Allen and enjoyed it too. One reason we like north shore departures better is tours from that direction aren't fighting wind and currents until the turnaround point, after you've seen the beautiful NaPali coast. From the south, you'll fight against wind and current, sometimes getting wet, until the turnaround point, so it's almost like the tour doesn't really start until then.

nikicla1

I have researched the boats a lot since everyone's great reviews on them. I thought I had decided on the Na Pali Experience. Now I am questioning if any of the boats will work because my husband has back issues. I know that there are disclaimers on all of them saying no pregnant women or people with back issues, but a lot of things say that and we ignore them. There was a review from a lady saying that she didn't have back issues but the water was so choppy that she kept coming off of her seat and slamming down causing severe back pains. She also claimed that she was told that was just about the middle of the road type of water chop. So is this person over reacting or is it that bad? We live close to a great lake, Lake Erie, and have a boat so we understand that the waves can change from day to day, hour to hour or even minutes to minutes. We wanted to go back into the caves so didn't want one of the real big boats but obviously we know that the raft kind would be rougher to ride in. Advice?

edjim

Do a morning tour. Things get much more choppy in the afternoon. We found that out the hard way.

Kal

Alohaaa...did I miss the month you will be there?
The No'shore can get waves up to 20-30 ft from Dec/Mar.

We have done 2 helicopter rides. One Pre-Iniki and one post-Iniki.
Glad we did the first one with Jack Harter. Even got Jack, himself.

It was sad how a lot of green had turned to brown or red dirt after Iniki.

nikicla1

Kal, We will be there from September 23 - 29.

Songdoc

I've done Captain Sundowner from Hanalei twice. I was really impressed with the crew and the views were INCREDIBLE. Both times were in the summer and the waters were not smooth. I used an anti-motion sickness drug and I was fine. But it is not a gentle, relaxing ride. Parts of it are more of an "adventure."

I have not done a helicopter ride yet...but I will.

My guess is that all the tours (helicopter and boat) are pretty much the same. I've never heard a bad thing about any of them.

MoonFish

Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour in Kauai is amazing, since most of the topography is remote and only able to see by air.

Captain Andy's has been around for decades and does a great job.
For Napili boat tour, go in the morning, while smooth for better snorkelling and if seasick is an issue too.

Food..hit up Keoki's paradise or Dukes for happy hour.
Red Salt, Beach House, Josselin for tapas and Happy Talk lounge or Tiki Iniki in Princeville for food and drink.
Grand Hyatt Kauai for drinks.

Costco for gas, food/drinks/cocktails and the food court.

Shar

on all of these tours you are on the open sea and it is very rough on the way back. Bad Back....I wouldn't do it. Have done several with a couple of different companies. On our last excursion in May several people were very sea sick! Rough waves coming back. On one trip I actually was thrown to the floor because of the waves on our way back. I love them and we do them for snorkeling and the views. A lot of $ if you are not going to snorkel. You might enjoy a dinner cruise along the Napali or better yet a tubing adventure down the old plantation canals. Very fun!

Helicopter tour gives you an outstanding overview of the island which can't be beat with a boating trip. They are totally different.

Kathie

Shar, a dinner cruise along the Napali coast would likely be rougher than the daytime cruises. (Do they even have dinner cruises along the Napali coast?) Did you mean a dinner cruise along the southern coast? I know there are a number of dinner cruises there where the waters are calmer.

Kal

nikicla...I'm thinking you may run into calmer seas in Sept.

CindyA