We did the Holoholo sunset cruise and it was great. It's not really about the sunset, but just like you said, all about seeing the Napali Coast up close and personal. We had planned to do the snorkel tour, but DH had a mishap and couldn't go, so we opted for the other. You will enjoy it very much.

excited_confused: "My family is going to kill me for so many planned activities..."

I honestly thought my DS was the same way. Prior to the trip, he showed NO interest in helping me plan or reading in order to make an educated choice. His remark was always: "We can decide later - let's just get there!"

So, I built in some chill time and did NOT make definite plans for all the meal places. Later, he knowingly added yet another 'tour' to our agenda, knowing it was going to eat up most of our 'chill time.'

But, when we were there, he seemed to think I had (even though I kept telling him I had not). After one 'event' he was always asking me "what's next?" or "What are we doing tomorrow?" or "Where are we going to eat lunch/dinner", etc.

So, I was glad I had some notes downloaded from Fodor's along with me so I could make suggestions. Also, the Blue Book helped.

I hope that is the way it works for us too! On our last trip to Maui & Big Island, we could not do a couple of activities with the companies that were recommended because we called after we got there & they were full.It's probably better to have a reservation & then cancel if necessary. I'm also hoping that it is not too hot for things like the botanical gardens & boat cruise.

OK, last call for advice since we leave in 6 days. I still cannot decide ifwe should change the helicopter tour to a plane tour with Air Ventures for example & also do the Holohola sunset tour to the Napali coast? Or should we stick with just doing the helicopter with Inter-Island? My other fear with doing both is the time, we have only 2 days to relax in Poipu (2 driving to the North Shore & other 2 have activities booked)& the boat tour, even though it is in the afternoon, will cut into one of those free 2 days. Opinions?

I'd just go with the heli tour - that's what we did. No bumpy water that way - the surf usually increases in the afternoon, as I understand it. If you change the heli tour, won't you lose $$?

Hey, I hope you will please post a trip report & pics when you get back. Have a marvelous time, as I know you will! ((R))

And remember--travelers fell in love with Kauai before all the excursion companies existed.

Thanks LindainOhio,I just have to remember that & stop feeling like I missed out on something if we only do one! OSB, I believe they allow cancellations 24 hours in advance as do the boat tours. We are booked for the 11.30 heli tour, what time was yours? I hope that is a good time, I can change to the 10.30 if the visibility is generally better earlier in the day? I don't think the kids would go for anything earlier than that!

I can't be certain, but I think the Big Island one was booked at 9:30AM & the Kauai one was ( I am certain of this one) at 10:30 AM. They require you go to through an orientation session which is
about 30 minutes, so you will not be actually flying at the appointment time.

Also, just FYI, we bought one of the dvd's they sell after the flight (an additional $25).
Well, I finally got around to watching it the other day & the quality of the taping was terrible. Many stop glitches and the coloring was totally dull & 'off'. I

I'm sorry, I'm on a borrowed laptop that is awkward for me to use. I was just going to finish by saying I would not bother with the dvd again, myself.