helicopter versus boat tour in Napali Coast

Hi there, we are definitely taking a helicopter tour while we are there but wanted to know if it is worth it to also take a boat tour as well. We are on the island 5 days before we head to Maui. So wondering if it is worth it from both a time and money stand point. thanks!!

helicopter versus boat tour in Napali Coast

IMHO - YES! My wife and I spent a week on Kauai in May (our only trip to Hawaii ever). She now tells people that the two highlights of the trip were the helicopter tour and the sunset NaPali cruise that we took with Holoholo Charter.

And I would say that you get two entirely different perspectives of the NaPali coast from the air and from the water.

The sunset cruise takes less time and money. The morning cruises will take you snorkeling. But we weren%26#39;t that big on snorkeling and you can snorkel other places. I think we had to be at Port Allen at 2:30 pm and got back to our car about 7:45 pm. We took our drive up the Waimea canyon on the same day as the sunset cruise so that we got both of these in the same west island trip.

Aloha,

Doug

helicopter versus boat tour in Napali Coast

We just returned a couple of weeks ago and the helicopter and boat tours were the two most memorable experiences (next to getting married on the beach!). We went with NaPali Explorer and rode on the smaller raft/boat. It didn%26#39;t have shade, held fewer people(about 12), and was a rougher ride than the slightly larger boat that leaves together. But the small boat was more exciting, could get up to the coast, and check out entrances to caves.

We stopped as groups of dolphin approached and watched them swim around. We saw turtles floating on the surface. The view of the mountains was breathtaking, sometimes surreal. We had lunch where there was the remnants of an hawaiian village. Snorkeling was great.

However, on the return trip, the seas were very rough. Opposite of when we were going up the coast. Whitecaps as far as you could see. I was sore for days. I felt like I was riding a bull (probably looked like I was too). Anyone with health problems or spine issues shouldn%26#39;t ride the small raft - don%26#39;t know about the slightly larger one. I would still do it again. It was so much fun.

Also, this company takes pictures of your trip and adds them to more great pics they have collected and offer it on a CD they sell when you return - so you won%26#39;t ruin your camera.

A lot of that depends on the weather. When we did the helicopter tour, the weather was great and views were unbelievable.

We did 2 Napali tours. The first one was very disappointing because the waters were rough that day and mist was being thrown onto the mountains. Could hardly even see them. The second time we had a much better weather and the views of the mountains were great. We did the early morning one, though, so did have the harsh sunlight coming through the mountains at us. I think an afternoon or sunset cruise would be best for the beauty aspect.

The only disadvantage with the helicopter tour over the cruise is that the helicopter one is so short! BUt if I only did one or the other, I%26#39;d definately to the helicopter tour!

If you don%26#39;t think you%26#39;re ever going back, I%26#39;d recommend spending the money and doing both! But do check on the weather. We%26#39;ve always gone in the winter and the weather can be fickle then.

Aloha! We enjoyed a fantastic week on Kauai doing helicopter on Memorial Day and Na Pali Sunset cruise the next day. Both were outstanding experiences; not sure I could choose one if you made me. They will likely be the two highlights of your visit if you decide to do them both.

If you want to swim/snorkel you will obviously go in the morning. The sunset cruises don%26#39;t offer the swim option but may be more picturesque. We used HoloHolo and I can definitely recommend them!! 25% off coupons are available in the Entertainment Book (currently selling for $9.99 + $5 shipping at Entertainment.com), which will save you over $20 per person. There are 3 coupons in the book--likely enough to cover your entire party.

HoloHolo%26#39;s boat may not be as large as some others, but it is fast. We left the larger Blue Dolphin boat in our wake and made it to where we could see Ke%26#39;e Beach (though not close enough to see the sand), so got to see all of Na Pali coast. And this was after spending time on an unusual whale sighting at the end of May. Can%26#39;t promise that, but we were the only boat to find mom and calf.

They promise a light meal and drinks and deliver as promised. The ride can get a bit rough and you will likely get wet--your option to get soaked. Cruises tend to be ';barefoot'; (you%26#39;ll leave your shoes at the dock) so dress accordingly. Have fun!!