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.

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

What a trip! For 5 and a half hours we traveld up the Na'pali coast. We saw whales and dolphins as well as one sea turtle. The crew was great to stop and observe as we saw the various ocean life.

The cruise in this 55' boat was great. We saw places where movies had been filmed and many beautiful views of the rugged coast. On the way back we had a great lunch prepared by Gaylords and we stopped for snorkeling. This is a great adventure and way to see the Na'pali coastline.