Fly Like a Bird — Almost! and other Kauai, HI Off The Beaten Path Tips

This has to be the most amazing thing I've done while on the islands! You get to fly as high as a bird with a view unhindered by windows. You will feel the rush of air on your face with a view limited only by how far you can turn your head. And, every which way you turn, you are greeted with a view that will leave you panting in anticipation for the next.

It is simply exhilarating!

To see my video slide show of this flight all set to classical music, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQMqJgYA7zs.

We flew with Ultralight Adventures Kaua‘i (http://www.kauaiultralight.com).

We originally booked a 1-hour flight with them. Then, on the day of our flights, we were talked into a 90-minute flight that offered a more dramatic excursion into Kalalau Valley (FYI: The $270.00, 90-minute flight is not listed on their website). It was worth every extra penny!

Our flight path went from Port Allen Airport, over Waimea town, up over Waimea Canyon, down into Kalalau Valley, along Nâ Pali Coast, down close to Kalalau and Honopu Beaches, then down along the Polihale, buzzed 20 feet above the deck of Barking Sands Beach, and then skirted the southwestern coast back to the airport.

For some, these flights may prove to be too expensive. But, if you are considering a helicopter flight AND want to get some nice photos AND can afford it, you may want to consider the few extra dollars for this experience instead.

While a helicopter tour is a great experience (I flew with Air Kaua‘i), you are still behind the windows and unable to get real clear views because of glare from the cockpit interior.

I took over 100 photos and several video clips just on this ultralight flight. The few photos I can post here do not do it justice. Therefore, I have posted all the photos that made the cut right here http://bluecollar.myphotoalbum.com/.
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Phone: 808-645-6444
Website: http://www.kauaiultralight.com/

Just about everyone who goes to Kaua`i manages to drive up "mauka" to see Wailua Falls. It's one of the easiest waterfalls on the island to see, albeit you only get to experience its beauty from a distance.

So why is this tip in the "Off the Beaten Path" section? Because an adventure awaits at this spot.

If you've read the "Revealed" guidebook, you'll know that there is more to see and do here than just gaze at a beautiful waterfall from behind a fence.

In October 2006, I did the hike down to the bottom of the falls mentioned in the book. Just look at all my photos. It was easy! BUT, the tough part is coming back up. The elevation change is dramatic. Get ready to huff and puff.

Here's my video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC0Kg9UxUC8

It was worth it, though.

Some thoughts:
On my way down, I ran into a couple who was returning from a failed attempt. They made it to the "wall" and thought they had to cross the river but could not find a way.

The "wall" is a section of the embankment that is almost verticle and a little intimidating. But if you fall, it's no major deal because you are at water level (Just make sure you do NOT have your camera inhand if you do).

Look at the "wall" and find the worn areas on the rocks. Find the tree roots hanging from the wall and be sure to test them before putting all your weight on them. It will become apparent how to traverse this area to make the entire trip feet-dry WITHOUT crossing the river. I did.

Warning: If you go down here during flash-flood advisories, you are risking your life. While I was down there, the debris line from previous floods was very high and would make a trip down here very troublesome. Be cautious.

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The odd thing about me putting this tip in this category is that THIS IS a beaten path! :) It’s just one that leads you away from all the other beaten paths on the island.

The Kalalau Trail runs most of the length of Nâ Pali Coast on the rugged north shore of Kaua‘i. Starting at Ke‘e (kay-ay) Beach and terminating at Kalalau Beach, it is eleven miles of hiking along one of the most beautiful coastlines.

Some precautions: This area is remote and can be dangerous. You’ll encounter narrow rocky trails with steep drop-offs. If it rains, runoff flows on and across the trail (see video linked below) and can be strong. Bring a poncho in case it rains. Cell phones do not work out here and help is always a long hike back to Ke‘e. So be very careful. Bring a couple liters of water per person and some high-energy snacks. Wear a good sunscreen, maybe a hat, and an easy-going attitude.

Although it is not required to hike too far on the trail to get some awesome views, most people simply choose the two-mile hike to Hanakapi‘ai (hah-nah-kah-pee-eye) Beach. If you're really in for a long day-hike, from that beach you can venture inland for another two miles to Hanakapi‘ai Falls. I've never done it, but they say it's really nice.

I have put together my pictures and video of the three hikes we have made along this trail. You may view it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOlWDfPLVQs .

If you would like to hike beyond Hanakapi‘ai Beach, the trail continues along the coast for about another 9 miles to Kalalau Beach. However, to go further, the state requires you to obtain a camping permit.

I have another video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQMqJgYA7zs ) of my ultralight flight over Nā Pali. It has some good shots of this entire coast. It gives you a better idea of the ground on which you are walking

Whichever way you choose to see Nâ Pali, you cannot lose. Just be sure to experience it!

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Nâ Pali Coast is one of the most breath-taking sites on Kaua‘i. Whether you hike the Kalalau Trail to be on it, view it from a helicopter tour, or see it from boat, you'll certainly be mesmerized by the dark green, lush, spiring peaks jutting from the deep blue ocean and sprinkled with a few small, isolated, white-sand beaches below them. It seems to be screaming PARADISE at you.

During our trip in 1997, we rode a hard-hulled, inflatable powerboat operated by Capt. Zodiac to tour this beautiful coast. We had launched from Hanalei in the morning and headed west. The highlight of the trip was when the guide took the boat into one of the seacaves. He had to time the ocean swells and then gunned it. Once inside, it was a huge cavern. On our return to Hanalei, we stopped at Tunnels Beach for some snorkelling.

Most, if not all, of these tours were halted by the State of Hawai`i. The state was worried about pollution and erosion in Hanalei Bay. The tours then had to operate from a port on the south side of the island and riders had to endure a long trip to this side. All I can say is that you should hope they will resume these smaller tours.

***Update Nov. 2003*** It seems that they are back in business. Try these links: Capt. Zodiac or click here for another choice.

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