The beautiful Hawaiin island of Kaua'i

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Historically the Hawaiin island of Kaua'i is believed to be the first populated island of the group, with the Menehune being the first known settlers. About six million years ago a single volcano broke the surface of the sea, building upon itself in successive eruptions until it covered approximately 1,430 square kilometers. All that remains of the volcano is the ancient cone of Mount Wai'ale'ale which stands at around 1569 metres and is the wettest spot on earth.

In January 1778 Captain James Cook landed on Kaua'a, naming the group of Hawaiin island the Sandwhich Islands. Just over a year later, in February 1779, Cook was killed by the native inhabitants at Kealakekua Bay on the big island of Hawaii.

The island's interior is largely inaccessible; the Nāpali Coast and Alaka'i Swamp have effectively thwarted attempts to encircle the island with a modern road system which is probably not a bad thing. So, we decided that the best way to see the whole island was to take a helicopter tour which we booked with Sunshine Helicopters and which left from the small Princeville airport very close to where we're staying. It was a great decision and just magic to see the different areas of the island from above with our very experienced pilot with whom we felt extremely safe. There were six of us in the helicopter; the four members of the Garden family plus the honeymooners. I was lucky enough to be seated on one of the two front seats next to our pilot. Thankfully there was no need for me to take over the controls at any stage!

What a fantastic experience the helicopter ride was; we'd thoroughly reccommend it to anyone holidaying on the island; it was just magic!

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Comments

[MAARTIN HENRY]

Will Visit Soon Hawaii
Yes, Hawaii Island is the best place to visit and especially in the Summer. Recently I had been to North America by booking a yacht from Med Waves Charters. The trip was awesome but unfortunately, I can’t visit this beautiful place. Now I am looking forward to visiting Kaua'i very soon with my friends.

[Neta Woolcock]

Wow
Fabulous photos Michelle. Isn't it strange how you can have a desert area near a place with the highest rainfall in the world .

[Charlotte]

Flying High
How exciting! I would think the highlight of your trip? After Michael's birthday bash, of course. Flying high, looking down on your surroundings. There's nothing better. The nearest I've done was in a micro light craft. Strapped behind and on top of what felt like a garden mower engine. Flying from north Derby over the Derbyshire Peaks passing over Chatsworth House. Scary but fantastic. Flying over Hawaii Island must have been mega fantastic.

[Margaret Foy]

Hawsi
It certainly is beautiful from the air. Gorgeous. I've heard that before from family and friends but I've never been there. Enjoy all your tripping around. Cheers Margaret. ?Xx

[Keith eddleston]

Great photos
Hawaii is beautiful. Great to follow in the footsteps of Captain Cook one of the greatest explorers. He was born in Great Ayton near our home in North Yorkshire and apprenticed in Whitby.

[michelleandkev]

Caption James Cook
Good to hear from you Keith; love to you and Valerie. As you probably know Cook's cottage was shipped to Melbourne bit by bit and rebuilt in the Fitzroy Gardens. And Kev, myself and Charlotte stayed in the lovely YHA on the hill overlooking Whitby a few years ago. As well as looking around the museum where Cook did his apprecticeship wehad the best fish and chips ever! M xx