Sunshine Helicopters is the only company that we have that offers you the ability to pay more to guarantee that you will sit in the front of the helicopter. This first class option allows riders to get an unobstructed view of everything on the front and sides of the helicopter. Not only did we have first class seating but we also departed from a first class location, the Princeville Airport. Most of the helicopter tours leave from the main airport in Lihue, or from the small airport in Port Allen. Sunshines north shore departure point makes it very convenient for those who are staying in the upscale hotels in the Princeville and Hanalei communities.
When we arrived to the airport the Sunshine Helicopters representative who was waiting for us at the check in desk greeted us. As soon as the other passengers arrived we watched a safety video and then we loaded onto the helicopter. Once we were all aboard and buckled in to our safety harnesses our pilot commenced his final takeoff procedures before he lightly pulled back on the control stick and gently lifted the helicopter of off the ground.
Our tour began by making our way up the Hanalei River Valley towards the Keyhole of the island. The Keyhole is the name that has been given to the central most valley on the island. The valley makes a ninety-degree left turn before it abruptly dead ends. This valley is known for the tremendous amount of rainfall that occurs here, on most years there are more then 400 inches of rainfall in this area (normally making it the wettest place on the planet).
After viewing the keyhole we then made our way across the southern side of the island towards the Waimea Canyon. The Waimea Canyon is known as The Grand Canyon of the Pacific and once you see it from the air you will know why. The rich red color of the earth, the layering of the dirt and the sheer size of it make it seem much like the Grand Canyon of Arizona. After exporing the Waimea Canyon we made our way up over the Kokee forest to the cliffs of the Napali Coast.
The Napali Coast is the area between Kee Beach on the north and Polihale Beach on the south. This area cannot be accessed by car because the extreme topography makes it impossible for workers to be able to build a road. There is a trail that can be hiked on, but it is too difficult for all but the most seasoned hikers. The easiest way to see the cliffs of Napali is to take a boat or an air tour. We viewed the cliffs and then journeyed up inside some of the valleys for a better view.
We eventually made our way past the cliffs and sea caves of Napali to the north shore. We passed over Kauais amazing north shore beaches as we made our way back towards the Princeville Airport just on the other side of Hanalei Bay. When we landed I looked around and saw large smiles on all of the passengers faces. Once we unloaded I took some time to talk with everyone, and it was confirmed that the flight exceeded the expectations of everyone who went on it.