For any of you that have been to Kauai and done both a helicopter tour and one of the snorkel/boat excursions, say from the Holo Holo people, which do you think is better?

We want to see and experience the NaPali coast of Kauai and we also enjoy snorkeling. I am leaning towards the boat excursion as it is for about 7 hours vs. just an hour or so for the helicopter. Price is about the same as the helicopter.

A friend did the Holo Holo boat tour and really loved it. While I have posts about boat excursions and helicopter rides, I have not seen one suggesting which is the better way to enjoy some time in Kauai.

These activities are quite expensive and I don't think we want to do both, however if you have done both, you advice would be most appreciated.

Hi,

We were able to take the Will Squyres Heli tour last minute! Yes, it is expensive, but you are not able to capture God's creation of the different parts of Kauai from a boat tour. (Canyons, Napali coast, waterfalls, etc!!!)

Depends on how much you love snorkeling and what you like to see... that's a big toss up. (I've been able to snorkel in some of the most beautiful waters outside of HI.. so.. my choice.. heli tour!)

There were pre-recorded video tapes available from Will Squyres. (They also say, that you will lose the breathtaking views if one is too busy trying to take pictures! this is true!)

There are opportunties to get a free heli tour if you sit in on one of those condo selling presentations!
Like the ocean.. you can have a smooth ride or a bumpy ride!!!

Good Luck and have fun!

Depends on what time of year you go. I think there was a Kauai boat tour thread recently that mentioned a big problem with sea sickness during a recent November Napalli coast tour.

when are you going? seas are more likely to be rough at certain times of the year. for some, that 7 hours can be the worst of their lives.

Thanks for the help.

We are going February 7-14.

Hi - we did both when we we honeymooned in Kauai the end of April. We did the Jack Harter helicopter ride and the Captain Zodiac snorkeling. They're each very different and I'm so glad we did them both. The helicopter ride provided the most incredible views I've ever seen. We got absolutely amazing pictures, taken right through the glass doors (with no reflection), of the whole island, and I wouldn't trade those pictures for anything. The Capt. Zodiac trip was a lot of fun too, and we got to see the Na Pali coast close-up, which was just incredible. I say if you can afford it, do them both. I don't think you'll regret it. But if you have to choose just one, do the helicopter.

Since you are going in February, you are likely to encounter very rough seas. If that is a concern for you, I would suggest the helicopter tour.

If you have to chose one, I'd opt for the helicopter ride. We were fortunate enough to get 2 two for ones by attending timeshare presentation and did both for one price! Worked out great!

Thank you all so much for the suggestions.

I think we will do the helicopter first and then decide if we still want to do the boat excursion.

I am sorry to hear that the water conditions are rough that time of year. We really didn't spend enough time deciding when to go I guess. We just wanted to go during winter here in Michigan.

Don't think rough water will bother us. We once went snorkeling in Cozumel where they took us out to the reefs in a small row boat (with motor) in very rough water with the boat leaping over the waves. We were quite concerned about our safety. My wife wouldn't get in the water but later wished she had when I told her that once in the water with your head down snorkeling you really didn't notice the waves.

Mary - what timeshare presentation did you sit through? Might be willing to consider it if it's painless & results in a significant savings!

Gordon, I know it can be expensive but you should try to do both. as snorkelers the boat tour is a must, how could you go to Kauai and not snorkel? on the other hand the heli tour allows you to see things you would not otherwise be able to see. You only live once, and how often do you really get to go to Kauai? splurge do them both, you can make a great vacation an unforgettable one. Report back please.

My wife and I did both the helicopter and boat excursions during November 2002. I would do the helicopter ride over the boat ride. However, I very much enjoyed both. Words can't explain the greatness of the heli tour. My wife did not do very well on the boat, nor did about five other people. I was told by a boat captain that roughly 10% of the people get sea sick. We took the Holo Holo tour and I would definitely recommend it, if you go. Holo Holo personnel were great, as was the tour. We did the 5.5 hour tour, and I think that was plenty of time. The snorkling was not that spectacular. Don't do this tour if you are most interested in snorkling. Good luck.