kauai and photography
 

I'm looking for the best times to see different sides of the island. I want to see the Napali coast line. What is the best way to see this- boat or helicopter? My fiance and I are planning on doing both but I'd like to know if anyone out there knows what time of day is best to do either one. Best for lighting, etc. thanks! Michelle

To mhohol:

Definetely would recommend the boat ride. We took the Catamaran, and were completely thrilled. The Helicopter ride was not as exciting as we thought. Its nice, but not worth the price. We are not professional photographers, but are best pictures came from the boat ride during sunset. They were stunning. The helicopter ride gets you close access to some beautiful waterfalls, but the helicopter windows take away something from the pictures. Hope you enjoy.

Richard

IMO the Napali coast is much more dramatic seen from the air. Though rharr is right about reflections from the helicopter's canopy messing up some of your pictures, there are some things you can do to minimize that. And if you're up to it, at least one outfit flies without doors; problem solved.

Oh, and the best light would be the first rides in the morning, or as rharr suggests, towards evening, in the golden light of the sunset.

InterIsland is the company without doors. And they offer an hour lunch stop at a private waterfall. Maybe the most exhilarating two hours of my life.

Definitely do Inter Island with no doors for your helicopter ride. Our pictures are absolutely awesome.

Our photos of the NaPali Coast from the sunset boat ride are also very good, but nothing to compare to the helicopter photos.

You will be glad you spent the extra money for the InterIsland helicopter tour.

I don't know about the helicopter or boat, but I got some spectacular shots while hiking the Kalalau Trail along the Napali coast line. I would suggest hiking at least the first two miles of the Trail to really get some authentic pictures. Then go up to the Kalalau Lookout in Kokee State Park for more awesome views.

We took the early morning trip and I thought the coast line looked kind of foggy, misty. It seemed to have cleared off by the time we headed across to Niihau. Because of my inexperience of taking pictures and the awesome size of the cliffs I don't think I captured what I was really seeing. We had a great time but I can see the advantage of doing it by air. We had a great time