We just returned from a great visit to Kauai. What a beautiful island, the absolute highlight was a kayak trip down the Napali coast. We chose to go with the company Napali Kayak on the northshore and we are glad we did. Our guide's were great not just great kayakers but great people. The napali coast is just so amazing and to be in such good company made the difference. They were always encouraging and positive. We got to go into some sea caves that were straight out of the movies. I have kayaked before, ok only 2 times, but i have never experienced anything like this. It is definitely a long, physical trip but sooo worth it. I would definitely recommend Napali Kayak, you can check out there website, thats how i found them. Napalikayak.com

My friend and I were hesitant about taking a helicopter tour (although there are SO many!) because neither of us had ever been in one before. However, it turned out to be the highlight of our visit and we both agreed that it was the best thing we did on the Hawaii trip. One of the most amazing sights we saw while in the air was the Na Pali Coast. Because you can't drive to the coast and get the view that is meant to be seen, you MUST take a helicopter tour to see the Coast in all its beauty. You won't regret it!

Helicopter Tour Air Kauai 50-60min.
If you only do one thing on the island, this is it. It is a great way to see all the spectacular sites of the island including Waimae? Canyon, the Na Pali coast, and the many beaches and water falls that cannot be reached by land. As I mentioned in my other reviews, see the sights by land and sea first and save the helicopter for last. Otherwise, its just so beautiful in the air that when you see it by boat or land its not the same. The very knowledgeable local concierge (Amanda Vegas) here at Embassy Vacations the Point at Poipu said her personal favorite was Air Kauai because the windows are bigger. Most of the helicopter companies are pretty similar. All use Bose noise cancellation headphones, pleasant music to calm nerves while flying, and a narration. Air Kauai also has the two way intercom system so you can talk to your pilot and ask questions but, that wasn’t used so I don’t think this is a big perk. The selling point for me was the big windows which is pretty important. I thought they did a really great job. Cost will vary depending on which time share presentation you attend because each helicopter company is partnered with different timeshare companies.

Cost:
Retail price is $269/person
If you call them direct or book online 25% off $219/person
If they are trying to fill the flight same day or next day its $199/person
Book through Brenneke’s Activity Center in Poipu Beach with a Marriot Timeshare presentation, its 2 for 1. Total cost for 2 people = $200 + $38 in airport taxes = $238.

Holo Holo 3.5 hour Sunset Cruise to the Na Pali Coast
For those that don’t want the snorkel part of the boat tour and would rather just enjoy the scenery with a sunset, then I highly recommend this particular tour. We saw the beautiful coast, dolphins, whales, and places that you just wouldn’t be able to get to. Let me forewarn you what this is not. This is not a dress up, swanky, quiet romantic, gourmet cruise. The first thing is that you have to take off your shoes and you get them back at the end of the cruise. It’s as if you are walking around in a big bathtub so you don’t slip I advise if you are wearing long pants, make sure you can roll them up. This means you also go to the bathroom, barefoot. There is an open bar with unlimited Mai tais, bear, soda, and wine. I chose to not drink anything because I really didn’t want to go to the bathroom barefoot, but everyone else in my party had no problem using the facilities. Then again, I’m squeamish about walking around barefoot.
You will get mildly wet from the spray of the ocean. Bring a towel. It gets pretty choppy and windy, so an anorak or a light jacket is a must. The crew was awesome, very knowledgeable locals, and made the trip a lot of fun. We saw spinner dolphins, and being whale season, we saw humpback whales too. It takes about an hour or so to get out to the Na Pali Coast and we got a pretty good narrated tour down the coast. On the cruise, they serve heavy appetizers and Champaign toast at sunset. The food was served in plastic containers lined with banana leaves. It consisted of Caesar salad with or without chicken, spinach quiche, baquette with spinach dip and hummus, fruit, and veggie wraps. Nothing really fancy but definitely satisfied the appetite while we were out there. The sunset was beautiful and well worth it.
Things to bring: Sunglasses, a towel even if this is not a snorkel cruise you will get wet from the spray of the water and the seats get wet, a camera, jacket.

Cost: $100.86 / person
We went to the Point at Poipu Timeshare presentation and got $100 towards any activity. Note: you can choose $100 towards any activity or 2 for 1 Helicopter ride with Will Squires ($200 value) However, Air Kauai was recommended superior over Will Squires which I agree with. Go to Brennecke’s activity center at Poipu Beach to sign up for the Marriot Vacation Club Timeshare presentation to receive 2 for 1 with Air Kauai.

Na Pali Coast
A must see on your trip to Kauai. You can only see this larger than life cliffs by sea or by helicopter or by an 11-mile hike for the not faint of heart experienced hikers (you also need a permit to hike this trail). I highly recommend seeing the Na Pali Coast BOTH by boat and by helicopter in that order. We did it the other way around, and when you see the coast by air first, it doesn’t look as spectacular by boat. You definitely see different things from the air and the boat. So try boat first then helicopter. We asked about the hike, and we were told every year someone goes missing. The first two miles are very well kept, but after that its not as clear cut. You can’t hike it during the winter because of the rainy season making the trail into mud and clay. Parts of the trail are only a foot or a foot and a half wide and follows the coast where the edge is a 200 foot drop. One misstep and your gone. I think I’ll stick to the boat and the helicopter.

Please see my other reviews on Holo Holo 3.5 hour Sunset Cruise to the Na Pali Coast and Air Kauai seeing the Na Pali Coast by Helicopter