Maui or Kauai?

[BeachBunny]

For all you Hawaii experts. If you can only afford to do one helicopter tour when in Hawaii, would you choose to do it in Maui or Kauai and why?
Sandy

[oppis]

No question about it: K A U A i.

Take a 45 minutes helicopter tour and its an experience you´ll never forget in your life.
See the famous waterfalls, the Waimea Canyon and for me one of the wonderfullest places on earth: Napali coast.
We have been there in february and saw humpback whales with theirs babies. But one thing you must do, take an early flight, because around noon its getting misty and you might not see some of the most beautiful parts of this island.

On Maui take a tour in a small van around the island, Hana Highway and all of these famous things or depending on the time you go, (december to february) take a tour to see the humpback whales.

Thats why we were there (but not with a cruise) for our 25th wedding anniversary, Maui with the whales, Kauai with the helicopter flight. All my dreams came true.

So, this is my advice for you.

Marita and Uwe (now married for 31 years)

[BearCat]

I agree with Oppis, definitely Kauai all the way! Awesome scenery and terrain you can only see from the air.
Brian

[Sunprincess]

I did the helicopter in Maui & loved it. Sorry, did not do it in Kauai so I cannot compare.

[NancyN]

Having done both, I can honestly say that either one is a winner! But, if I had to choose only one, than I would go with Kauai. As BearCat metioned, much of Kauai is inaccessible other than by air - and it just happens to be some of the most beautiful scenery on the island. There is much more to do in Maui and its unique beauty is easily visible from land.
Nancy

[Oggy Boy]

I have to agree with Nancy and Oppis. Kauai seems to have been built for the helicopter tour. In my opinion, the best place to fly from is the Princeville Airport. The helicopter flys over Hanalei Bay, up Hanalei Valley to the Ala Kai Swamp (the wettest place on Earth) and then enters the Wiamea Canyon with a spectacular and dramatic drop down the canyon walls. After doing the canyohn it will head north to the Na Pali Coast and finally return to the Princeville Airport.

An absolutely memorable flight well worth the effort and money to do it. It is also great from the other airports, but the flight up Hanalei Valley is a great beginning to a memorable flight.

Tom

[BeachBunny]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Kauai it is!
Sandy