Hawaiian Destinations

Helicopter Tours in Honolulu

September 19, 2010 By Lakaeli

View of the ocean and Molokai from a helicopter

As newlyweds in Hawaii, nothing says romance and adventure like a helicopter tour over Oahu. Or any island, for that matter. But if you’re staying in Honolulu, you will run in to many companies offering helicopter tours over Honolulu alone, along a single coast of Oahu, or perhaps around the entire island. It can be difficult deciding upon a tour, especially since they don’t come cheap, so allow us to guide you with your search!

General Tips

Wear comfortable clothing: You’ll be strapped in and wearing a headset along with four other passengers plus the pilot. Meaning, don’t be worried about your personal appearance for this adventure!

Wear dark clothing: If you’ll be taking pictures (and really, who wouldn’t?), wear darker clothing to diminish glare from the flash on your camera off the window you’ll be peering through.

Book in advance: By advance we mean a week or two. There are online specials you won’t find in person!

Cancel in advance: If your plans change or your wallet has had a sudden change of heart, most companies require at least three days notice in order to give a full refund.

If you’re the type who gets motion sickness be sure to take motion sickness medication (such as Dramamine) before you embark. Meaning, an hour or two before you step onto the helicopter. Or, try picking up a patch from your doctor prior to your honeymoon.

You may not need your camera. Most companies offer a DVD of your personalized tour, audio included (those tour guide pilots can be quite witty), for an extra cost. Sure, you could always do both, but if you’d rather not fuss with a camera and would like to relax and enjoy the amazing sights, don’t bother with it; buy a DVD afterward!

Do Your Research: This is an expensive endeavor, so make sure you picked the best tour for you both! And with that, here’s some research of our own:

The Ali’i Sacred Falls Tour, Makani Kai Helicopters, 60 minute flight, $236/person or $276/person for first-class (fly alone as a couple)

Makani Kai offers many different tours in Oahu, but this one is by far the most appealing as it is a combination of the other tours and more. You’ll get a phenomenal view of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, Sacred Falls, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Turtle Bay, the North Shore and more. Makani Kai also offers combination tours, meaning that they package together a helicopter tour and either a submarine tour or dinner cruise. Honestly, avoid these “packages” as you are likely to save money by booking activities separately. Lastly, if you’re like us, you’re probably going to go straight to Yelp.com to do some research on your own (always a good idea!). Don’t be swayed by their single one-star review; they have outstanding five-star reviews on reliable sites like tripadvisor.com and hawaiiactivites.com.

Blue Skies of Oahu, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, 45 minutes, $190.95/person

This is a more economical version of the Ali’i Sacred Falls Tour, as it is considerably less expensive ($190.95 compared to $236) and is a bit shorter (45 minutes compared to 60 minutes). The only thing you’ll miss is the southwestern tip of the island around the gorgeous Ko Olina Resort. What’s even better…the reviews! Check out Yelp.com, TripAdvisor and more; you won’t be disappointed. Five-star ratings abound!

Waimea Helicopter Tour Package, Genesis Aviation, 60-65 minutes, cost varies (currently ~$185/person but also advertised as $265. Call 1-808-840-1111 for current deals)

This is essentially the same tour as the Ali’i Sacred Falls Tour described above. Two major bonuses here: you’ll save about $50 and their helicopters seat four people compared to six people with Makani Kai Helicopters. Alternatively, you can fly the 40-45 minute Sacred Tour which costs considerably less (anywhere from $75 to over $100 depending on time of year and current deals). That tour focuses on the southeastern portion of Oahu (Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Sacred Falls, etc.). Everything you would see on this tour is included in the Waimea tour.

Whichever company and tour you choose, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Filed Under: Oahu, Tours Tagged With: Big Island, helicopter tour, honeymoon, Oahu

Oahu: “The Gathering Place”

August 29, 2010 By Lakaeli

If you just can’t decide which Hawaiian island to honeymoon in because you want a little bit of everything, then Oahu is for you. And when we say everything, we mean everything: sightseeing, tourism, great food, beaches, surfing, snorkeling, shopping and visiting museums or historical points of interest. Even though Oahu has the largest population of any of the Hawaiian islands, you don’t have to stay where all the people are! The North Shore is about as picturesque as they come and features plenty of ways to relax and unwind.

While the North Shore may be popular (very popular) for surfing (the “Super Bowl” of surfing occurs between November and December), don’t feel like you have to be a surfer to honeymoon at the North Shore! The seven-mile expanse of white sand beaches (such as Waimea Bay) is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, particularly during the summer months when the waves calm down. In nearby Haleiwa you can get your art and shopping fix; this quiet laid-back town adds the ambiance of simplicity that pervades the North Shore.

Waikiki Beach

In stark contrast lie Waikiki and Honolulu. Only an hour from North Shore, Honolulu, as the state capital of Hawaii, is where you’ll find it all! You will never run out of things to do and places to visit while staying or visiting Honolulu. Some highlights of this busy city: Pearl Harbor (technically in southern Central Oahu; plan for a full day to visit the Arizona Memorial); Hanauma Bay (for some of the most amazing snorkeling in Oahu); and Aloha Tower for dining, shopping and entertainment. Of course, you can’t visit Honolulu without stopping by Waikiki.

It’s is one of the most popular and famous destinations in the world, and rightly so: with every hotel and resort only a couple blocks away from its picturesque waters and soft white sand beach, it’s hard to not appreciate the beauty that is Waikiki. The beachfront is a popular spot for surfing lessons since the waters are relatively calmer compared to other beaches in Oahu. Since Waikiki is only a little less than two square miles, it’s easy to walk along the strip and enjoy all that this area of Honolulu has to offer.

In contrast to the popular North Shore and world-famous south shore of Honolulu and Waikiki are two areas of Oahu you don’t often hear much about: Windward Coast and Leeward Coast. The Windward Coast on the east side of Oahu offers a laid-back beach scene and lush mountains perfect for hiking and enjoying the gorgeous views this side of Oahu has to offer. If you plan on driving between the North Shore and Honolulu, you’ll likely be passing through the Windward Coast. Take a couple hours to enjoy the sights!

While not as lush and green as the Windward Coast, the Leeward Coast has plenty to offer, drawing quite a few visitors year-round to its picturesque white sand beaches. The 43-acre luxurious JW Marriott Resort and Spa, in particular, is what typically brings tourists to this side of Oahu. That and golfing; the Leeward Coast is home to nine golf courses (compared to four courses in Honolulu and three on the North Shore).

Filed Under: Islands, Oahu Tagged With: Oahu

Kauai “The Garden Island”

August 22, 2010 By Lakaeli

Just one of many views you'll be treated to while visiting Kauai

If you’re looking to truly “get away from it all”, look no further than Kauai. With gorgeous expanses of beaches, lots of tiny towns and shops to visit, warm weather year-round, Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast, you will have plenty to do without ever feeling overwhelmed.

To actually get into Kauai you’ll need to land at Lihue International Airport, the only commercial airport in Kauai, located on the southeast coast in the Lihue District. Renting a car is highly recommended during your stay so that you can experience all that Kauai has to offer without relying on tour buses with limited stops. The majority of rental car companies are located right next to the airport and offer shuttles from the airport to your rental car company of choice. The Lihue District also has museums to visit and the easily accessible Wailua Falls.

East Side (Coconut Coast)

The town of Kapa`a in this district is the most populated in all of Kauai, and thus has the most resorts and hotels for honeymooners. Even though it’s the most crowded area on the island, it won’t feel like it, particularly compared to locations like Honolulu in Oahu or even Kailua-Kona on the big island!

Places of Interest: Wailua River for kayaking; the Fern Grotto for a picturesque tour of foliage you thought you’d only see in movies; Nounou Mountain for hiking; and lots of golden beaches to choose from for snorkeling, surfing or relaxing.

North Shore

A hiker's vantage point on the Na Pali Coast trail.

Princeville is a resort area in the North Shore of Kauai that hosts a variety of luxurious accommodations for honeymooners. Its view of Hanalei Bay plus its proximity to the Na Pali coast and a multitude of golden beaches makes this a popular tourist location.

Places of Interest: 17 mile Na Pali Coast for hiking or viewing (accessible only by foot or viewed from a boat or plane); Kilauea Lighthouse for a great view and a place to take some amazing pictures in a single afternoon; and Hanalei Town for sightseeing and touring the art galleries

West Side

This area certainly isn’t as touristy as any of the aforementioned locations! This area is less populated and boasts more history than anywhere else in Kauai. Stay in Hanapepe Town at one of the few rental properties or inns and enjoy what the West Side has to offer. Hanapepe revolves around its art and history; the buildings are truly historic and mostly untouched, while art galleries abound for tourists and locals alike.

Places of Interest: Waimea Canyon (the “Grand Canyon” of Hawaii) for sightseeing and hiking; and Kokee State Park for more hiking!

South Shore

The South Shore of Kauai is like a combination of all the other districts in Kauai; you’ll find beaches, hiking, resorts and more in this district. Something for everyone! Also, the South Shore is the sunniest area in all of Kauai, perfect for sunbathing. The beach town of Poipu hosts the most accommodations in this area, featuring bed & breakfasts, inns and resorts, so start there in your search for a place to stay in the South Shore of Kauai.

Places of Interest: Poipu Beach Park for snorkeling, swimming and surfing for experienced surfers only (careful, though – it gets very crowded!); Old Koloa Town for some history lessons, McBryde Garden to experience some truly amazing and breathtaking horticulture.

Kauai Summary: Something for everyone, since the entire island is pretty small (driving from the North to the South Shore only takes a couple hours). Rent a car, and you won’t regret it. Kauai has some of the best hiking for the outdoorsy types and beachside resorts that you see in the movies (the kind you think of when you think Hawaii!).

Filed Under: Islands, Kauai Tagged With: Kauai

Hawai’i: Visiting the Big Island

August 22, 2010 By Lakaeli

Short Version

Hilo: Picturesque, laid-back, has an “older” or more “rustic” feel. Rainy. Very green. Lush. Black or mixed sand beaches with limited access. Closer to local waterfalls and volcanoes.

Kona: Sunny, warmer than Hilo. Much less rain. Gorgeous white sand beaches. Not as laid-back; more “hustle and bustle”. Lots of resorts to choose from. Kona coffee. Still have access to touristy parts located on the east side (Hilo).

Long Version

What makes Hawai’i unique? Why choose Hawai’i for your honeymoon over any of the other islands?

Otherwise known as The Big Island, Hawai’i is the largest island (boasting 4,028 square miles compared to Maui, the second largest island, with 727.2 square miles). There are two major cities on this island: Hilo and Kailua-Kona, easily accessible from the continental US. However, choosing one of the two locations doesn’t restrict access to the other; renting a car and driving from one city to the other only takes a few hours, and there are plenty of sites along the way, such as Akaka Falls, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens (plan for a good chunk of time for the tour, or just enjoy the four mile drive getting there) and Waipi’o Valley.

What’s even better about driving between Hilo and Kona is that you can take an alternate route back. If you start in Hilo and take Highway 19 to Kona, you can take Highway 160 to Highway 11 to get back to Hilo. It’s like one giant circle, and only takes a few hours each way! Whichever way you go, you will be in for a breathtakingly scenic drive along the entire coast of Hawai’i.

Whether you stay in Kona or Hilo, you can visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park offers hiking trails, campgrounds, and tours. The highlight of this park, however, is Kilauea, an active volcano that has been continuously erupting since 1983. Visit the park in the evening (arrive no later than 8pm) to truly enjoy the spectacular sight of molten lava. Another option: a lava boat tour, allowing you to witness lava pouring into the ocean. Don’t forget your camera!

The Big Island's 5 shield volcanoes

Hilo

Hilo is located on the east coast of Hawai’i and boasts gorgeous views, resorts, condominiums for rent, bed and breakfasts, waterfalls and more for you and your new spouse to enjoy. Rainbow Falls is a popular tourist location; try to get there after a light rain (which is often) at sunrise. At this time of day you’re more likely to enjoy this waterfall’s namesake: a gorgeous rainbow! Visit Lili’uokalani Park for a relaxing afternoon or Richardson Beach Park for snorkeling. Hilo receives, on average, between 150 to 200 inches of rainfall per year, giving Hilo its lush tropical feel year round. Avoid March, April, November and December if you’re not into dealing with too much rain.

If you’re looking to laying out on warm, sunny beaches day after day for your honeymoon, Hilo probably isn’t the place for you. But if you’re into green (very green) scenery, waterfalls, breathtaking views, museums and quaint stores, definitely consider Hilo for your honeymoon.

Kailua-Kona: The West Side of The Big Island

When you first hear “Kona”, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? Coffee! You can find Kona coffee anywhere in Hawaii, but check out where this coffee is actually grown. There are many Kona Coffee farms to choose from, but no matter which you visit, sit and enjoy a delicious cup of Kona coffee – from the source!

While Hilo is lush with plenty of rainfall, Kona is relatively warm and dry year-round. Stay in Kona if you’re into relaxing on sunny, sandy beaches and don’t mind the influx of tourists. There’s also plenty of shopping, whale watching, and did we mention shopping?

Kona is divided into South Kona District and North Kona District. They both have their subtle differences, such as the greater number of coffee farms in South Kona, but you will find white beaches in either area.

Filed Under: Islands, The Big Island Tagged With: The Big Island, Volcanoes

Choose the Perfect Hawaiian Island for Your Honeymoon

August 22, 2010 By Kalika

The view from a hike up the Napali Coast

Hawaii may be only one state, but it encompasses distinct islands each with their own flavor. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that it’s all the same, because you will be rudely awakened when your honeymoon doesn’t quite meet expectations. So the next question is, what do you want to do on your honeymoon?

Kauai aka the “Garden Isle”

This island is aptly named for its lush environment and natural setting. Choose this island if you’re looking for a relaxing atmosphere. This smaller island is a taste of isolation, with plenty of scenic hikes to choose from and hidden waterfalls worth discovering, especially if you’re not afraid to jump off them. Take a catamaran up the Napali coast and go snorkeling. Or, you can hike the coast itself. This island is best suited for the outdoor adventurer, who may feel the need to conquer Waimea Canyon, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’.

Maui aka “The Valley Isle”

Want to hang out by the waves? Walk in white sand? Go dolphin spotting? Maui is known for its beaches and if you want to get in the water and surf, body board, or snorkel–then it may your perfect island paradise. We recommend taking the bike down Haleakalā, the island’s dormant volcano. Getting up before dawn may seem like a pain, but watching the sunrise on the top of a volcano is worth waking up for. As you ride down, there are black-sand beaches to stop and rest, also worth the trip.

O’ahu aka “The Gathering Place”

O’ahu is home to the largest portion of the Hawaiian population, with the capital city of Honululu located on the southeastern side. If you’re looking for nightlife, restaurants, museums, theaters, and an elite shopping experience than this may be the island for you. Want to see Pearl Harbor? The Diamond Head Crater? If you’re ready to immerse yourself in some Hawaiian history, then this is your best bet.

Hawai’i aka “The Big Island”

This island has a little bit of everything, from fine dining, lazy beach days, to trips up active volcanoes within Volcanoes National Park; home to one of the world’s largest rings of natural volcanoes. Do you have an affinity for coffee? Check out the Kona fields, where only coffee grown in this region can be considered ‘Kona’. Visit a waterfall with your new spouse, and take in the beauty of the Hawaiian islands.

Molokaʻi aka “The Friendly Isle”

East of Oah’u, lies a smaller island of Hawaii which may prove perfect for the couple looking for escape into beauty and as little annoyances as possible. The pace is simply slower, with no active nightlife, no tall buildings, but still completely tourism friendly. Enjoy snorkeling in coral reefs, fishing, rain forests, waterfalls, mountain biking… or just relax and get away from the crowds.

Filed Under: Islands, Romantic Attractions Tagged With: Island Comparison