My wife and I will be in Kauai over the Christmas period. We are thinking of pre-booking a helicopter tour of the island; however, my wife is very susceptible to motion sickness. If she takes a scopolomine patch she can fly on large carriers, but travel by sea is questionable. To those of you who have been on this tour before could you please indicate how turbulent this ride can be. Do you thing the tour is possible? Thanks in advance, John

Hello, What a great trip you'll have! We did a helicopter tour a few years ago over my protestations about the cost. I don't get motion sick, but I do get claustrophobic and I hate flying. All misgivings were forgotten when we took off. It was utterly smooth and I felt completely safe. However, the helicopters are basically big glass bubbles and they put the heavier people in the center, lighter people to the sides. So sitting at the side you are next to glass from floor to ceiling, and if you look down you see the motion beneath you. I do not know how this would affect a person who gets motion sickness.

BMarie

I do not get motion sickness but I must say, I kept needing to tell myself to "breath" during the helicopter ride because I was so afraid I was going to be sick. It was ABSOLUTELY spectacular, BUT, I really felt sick during the ride. I sat at the side and my husband was in the middle. We are going again this winter with my children and I am going to suggest that he takes my older two on the ride but I will pass this time!!!

We went with Jack Harter and I couldn't have been more pleased. Everything is set to music but their communications system is two way head-sets so you can communicate and talk with the pilot. Our pilot was some serious eye candy and very nice. They are so professional and friendly and every one associated with them just made it a great reward. I know helicopter tours are expensive but it is a trip of a life time, and if you don't beleive in God or a higher power now you will after seeing the beauty and majisty of Kauai.

We also used Jack Harter, and loved it. My husband is typically afraid of heights, and I tend to get a little motion sickness, but neither of us had any trouble. It's smoother than a typical plane ride. Next time, we're planning to try the helicopter with no doors. I wouldn't miss it - it was a major highlight of our trip.

I'm scared of heights so I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy a helicopter tour, but I loved every minute. The flight was not turbulent but my son, who is prone to motion sickness, was airsick.

Another vote for doing it. It's the only way to fly! ><

I have a tendency toward motion sickness and I asked the folks at Jack Harter about it when we checked in. He said they average roughly one person a day who has to use the airsickness bag but--I thought this was very interesting--it's nearly always someone on the closed helicopters as opposed to the no-door variety. I guess all the fresh air you get on the open helicopters really helps.

I was worried about it, so I took some Bonine the night before just in case and I had no problems at all. With that in mind, I'd give it a try. The helicopter tour was by far the most fabulous thing we did. IMO, it's definitely worth the risk.

I am also notorious for getting motion sickness. We visited Kauai & I used a scopolomine patch for the first time to do the Helicopter tour out of the North Shore airport.( I can't remember the name of the company-it was recommended by the Princeville Resort) I was fabulous. I did not feel sick at all. I applied it the night before as directed. It is a view that I will never forget. The Napali coast,mountains, valleys & beautiful waterfalls were awesome. It was not a rough ride at all. The pilot smoothly circled so that passengers on both sides could view the waterfalls. She will love it!