Adventure
| Helicopter Adventure Has Down-To-Earth Touch |
| Written by Mark E. Ward |
| December 27, 2007 |
|
Helicopter Adventure Has Down-To-Earth Touch With so many wonderful attributes to enjoy on Maui, the biggest challenge can be in deciding where to start. From its famous beaches to its quaint cities and lush rainforests, and its 10,000 foot high volcano, Mount Haleakalä, the choices stretch out like endless ocean horizons. Fortunately, one activity boasts the perfect compromise, allowing guests to enjoy Maui's highlights while including time to savor some down-to-earth offerings. The company that pioneered Hawai'i "flight-seeing" is Blue Hawaiian Helicopter and their most attractive offering is simply called "Maui Spectacular." Lifting off from Kahului Heliport, the tour whisks guests over the cities of Kahului and Wailuku enroute to West Maui. Each flight path differs slightly as pilots adjust to shifting weather patterns. In addition to being nimble aviators, all pilots are state certified tour guides, providing insightful commentary on the amazing sights below. It's one thing simply to behold the tranquil Iao Valley, but the scene is brought vividly to life as the pilot explains it was the site of an important battle in 1790 when King Kamehameha the Great united all of the Hawaiian Islands under one rule. Then there's the impressive Waihe'e Valley, Hawaiian for "slippery water." The cliffs of that valley rise 3000 feet and guests see firsthand why water falling from ancient lava tubes is called "The Wall of Tears." Each moment of flight is like a living snapshot, expertly narrated and set to soaring soundtracks that float over noise-canceling Bose headsets. The comfort extends throughout the cabin, too, with first-class seating and sweeping views via large wrap-around windows. Safety is top of mind for the company. Since it began flying in 1992, BHH has flown over 1.5 million passengers, making it Hawai'i's premiere helicopter tour company with operations on Maui, Moloka'i, Kaua'i and the Big Island. The tour continues over West Maui, passing the resorts and golf courses of Kapalua and Kä'anapali, then continuing over the town of Lahaina. Heading East, velvet green fields of sugar cane lie like an elaborate doormat to massive Mount Haleakalä, Maui's dormant volcano. The helicopter ascends the mountain slopes, then dives in for a landing at Ulupalakua Ranch. Here guests are served wine from Maui's own Tedeschi Vineyards and soft drinks while they gaze on the resorts of Wailea and beyond to nearby islands Molokini Crater, Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai. Twenty minutes later, passengers return to their seats and soar off for a final 45-minutes of flight, exploring East Maui and the road to Hana. In the distance they may spot the Big Island's twin peaks of Mona Loa and Mona Kea, while directly below macadamia nut orchards fan out along the North Shore. The tour passes the old plantation town of Paia, with its world-famous Hookipa Beach, the windsurfing capitol of the world. Finally, the craft touches down back at Kahului Heliport. In scarcely 90 minutes, the whirlwind tour has encompassed all of Maui and even offered some refreshing down-time. The only challenge left for guests is to hold onto all those spectacular images. Fortunately, each flight is equipped with a four-camera DVD video system to create a custom video of each tour, giving guests a great souvenir and a handy reference for planning the rest of their Maui adventures. Reservations: Maui ... 1-808-871-8844 http//www.bluehawaiian.com |
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