I'm leaving for Kauai on Monday (honeymoon!) and we want to go on a helicopter ride. Which company is the best? Thanks!

Definitely Air Kauai. My flight with them was by far the best experiences of my life! Ask for Chuck as your pilot. Definitely take the morning flight if possible because the waterfalls are better in the am. Air Kauai had the helicopters that give you good visibility regardless of what seat they put you in. Have fun!

I wholeheartedly second that suggestion.

Chuck is the owner and very knowledgable about this island, the culture, etc.

WE had heard great things about Inter-island Helicopters so we have booked them for our ride in Sept. They are recommended and fly the Hughes Helicopers that only carry 4 guests and have no doors (cool) and they do the waterfall landing and lunch as well as leaving from an airport closer to all the sights. It is the most expensive excursion of our trip though for $500 total. My husband insists we have part ownership in the helicopter for this

Just a "heads up" about those open doors -- wear a windbreaker to protect you from the cold, the wind, and any possible rain.

We also did the InterIsland with no doors. We specifically picked it for that feature so there would be no glare to interfere with our pictures. Yes it is expensive but so worth it. They tell you to wear long pants and a windbreaker and we did.

I totally agree with going with Inter-Island Helicopters. We too picked them especially for the "no doors" feature. Our pictures turned out fantastic. We wore a windbreaker and wind pants and was glad since we sat at the back, both of us with window seats.

Do the waterfall tour. It costs more but the extra time at the waterfall was so special. We have great pictures of me frolicking in the pool and waterfall and it still brings a smile to my face everytime. The deli lunch was pretty good too.

I was just there June 12-18 I went with Jack Harter. Pilot was my age 38 but looked about 25, scared me at first, I thought I was going to be with a baby pilot, but he was great!!!!! I think this was as close to a religous experience as I'll ever have. Can't say enough, it was worth every penny.

Hi

Don't worry Inter-Island told us to wear sweatshirts and long pants over our swimsutes. Those of you who have done the waterfall trip, can you tell me if the water in teh waterfall pool is cool? I plan to take lots of pictures so am glad there are no doors.

Kaymit: I did the waterfall tour in May and yes the water is cold but I'm a big woose and I got in okay and swam quite a bit. I even sat under the falls.

It was the highlight of our trip too! My favourite picture is the one of us in front of the waterfall. Very secluded; very romantic.

The $500US was actually closer to $700 Cdn for us but we are both glad we did it. The pictures were amzaing.

Tip: If you have a digital camera, take your extra battery. Mine started to flash "Low Battery" near the end so I was limited in my shots and then it died just as we were landing. (My extra battery was in the car.) I was glad my husband's digital never had a problem and he took amazing pictures. Post card perfect!

BettyinToronto: We are doing Inter-Island to but didn't do the waterfall as we thought it just wouldn't be that extra cool and want to spend time doing something else like the Botanical Gardens but you sound like you really liked it. I don't like cold water though - Cold to me is below 84 or so. (From florida where the water gets extra warm)

Nancy03: Like I said before, I am a HUGE woose. Our pool is at 84 or 86 and I still whine that it's cold. I thought (for about a second) about not going in, but then why pay extra for the tour?

My husband didn't go in because he's not too fond of the water. Good for me because he took some really nice shots of me frolicking in the pool and below the falls.

This was something special for our 10th anniversary and I will remember it forever!!!

Maybe I'll consider it now. You know - you being from Toronto and all. We have Canadians down here in March swimming and I think they're nuts. So I thought cold to you might me a whole lot different than cold to me. Thanks!

OK Betty

I don't care if I freeze my tail off I am swimming in that pool and under a waterfall. You are right and I have paid dearly for the experience. I will take my extra battery with me too!! I am very excited and can't wait for what i think will be the hightight excursion of our trip. We are also doing the zipline safarie so I will let you all know how that goes too. I am such a daredevil (NOT)

this interisland helicopter with the open doors, if there are only 4 seats, I am guessing they all have a perfect view, nobody has to sit in the middle?

I am looking for a helicopter ride where i'll be guaranteed a window or...open air seat...