I was there some years ago and wanted to shoot from a helicopter. At that time there was only one helicopter tour company that flew with the doors off so I went with them because I didn't want to shoot through plexiglass. Alas, I don't remember the name off-hand but it should be pretty easy to find them. They were also the company that did search and rescue so I thought they were probably pretty safe. We did a tour that included landing for lunch and swimming in a pond with a huge waterfall pouring into it and we had a really great trip. My now ex had a strong fear of heights and thought I was trying to kill her with the doors off but she calmed down after lunch.

The best safe trail along the southern coast is located in Poipu just beyond the Hyatt Golf Course and behind CJ Stables. Take a dusty road down to the stables and hang a right before you arrive in CJ’s parking lot and drive behind the stables and park at the end of the road. You can then take the trail to Keoniloa Bay. Absolutely beautiful with hundreds of opportunities for seascapes, cliff shots and mountain backgrounds. Arrive early or late afternoon to avoid hardly any other hikers but it is exceptional at any time. Stay on the coastal trail as much as possible, the interior trail can get you lost but nothing a few extra steps will not cure. You can also turn right at the makeshift parking area and walk along the cliff trail that is beside the Hyatt Golf Course and end up at Shipwreck Beach and it’s public parking area but it can get crowded. The Canyon is magnificent especially if you get to the end of the road at the Kalalau Valley at daybreak. It is worth the one hour drive from the Poipu area. If there is fog generally you wait ten minutes and it is gone. If you are adventurous you can rent one of the very rustic cabins at Kokee State Park for a few nights, that way it makes the early morning drive a short one. For over 28 years we annually were privileged to enjoy these and many more sights on Kauai. We enjoyed the less crowded south and west sides of the island more than the Kapaa & Princeville area but by all means do go to the North End but do it early to avoid the crowds. I have a friend that has been going there as long as we have and he will tell you that Princeville is the best. The Koloa Fish Market is the best for takeout authentic Hawaiian food but it is cash only. I envy you your visit. You will have a wonderful time. Aloha!

Second all those recommendations, additionally, I like the beaches on the north end as they will provide beauty with less crowding. Some examples of free stuff best viewed in download. If you don’t do a helicopter tour a cheaper alternative are the giant inflatables leaving Hanalei Bay to see NaPali coast. They will take you into a couple of the sea caves. Two tips, some hikes are slippery when wet (don’t wear flip flops) and winter can be a bit sketchy with the rip tides. Photos are mostly snaps but will hopefully give you some idea. #1&2 Ke’e, #3Lumahai Beach, #4Secrets Beach, #5 Polihale Beach (reef), #6 Na Pali from inflatable boat, #7 Kilauea, #8 Waimea Canyon, #9 swimming spot at Queens Bath and # 10 garden area near Princeville.

Well, Jsykes, I'm happy to oblige . . . get ready for a joyful ride . . .

Bill Taylor here. My wife and I discovered Kauai in 2004 and went back 13 times over the next 14 years. I have over 20,000 images from our trips covering most every visitable area of "The Garden Isle" plus a half dozen aerial trips on helicopters and planes. So here goes!

To start, let me recommend the best handbook I have found regarding Kauai: "Kauai Revealed - The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook" that is now in at least its 12th edition. That is how we got started knowing Kauai and I highly recommend it. It is also now in app form for iOS and Android as "Kauai Revealed".

Next I would visit our website, ur-kauai.cowww.om . While incomplete, you will find a trove of images and later videos from all over Kauai. On my last trip there in 2018 I took a drone for the first time and got some great images and video from the air.

If you want to know more, please contact me at bill@billtaylor.com. Enjoy the link and enjoy Kauai. I can't wait to get back there this year when (hopefully) the Covid pandemic has waned.

Bill Taylor
Gambrills, MD