Airplane instead of Helicopter?

Has anyone done the airplane tour instead of the helicopter around Kauai?

I have been in a 6-passenger floatplane (Alaska to Anan Bear Observation Deck - and it was MAGICAL!!!!!)... and I%26#39;m not as fearful of a plane as a helicopter - BUT, if it%26#39;s not as spectacular, I may have to bite the bullet and get in the chopper ;-)

Airplane instead of Helicopter?

I will be going to Kauai in a few weeks and have booked a airplane tour on airventurehawaii.com. You might want to take a look at their web site and see what you think. I will post a trip report when I return to let you know how it was, I have heard good things about them!

Airplane instead of Helicopter?

Sorry, haven%26#39;t done that but one suggestion. If you go with a helicopter tour check the age of the aircraft that they use. Not foolproof but a good place to start when checking out the airtour companies.

';wings over kauai'; owner/pilot Bruce very professional, very understanding of fear of flying and or motion sickness problems... flew w/him in June....quite pleasant and scenic flight.

My husband and I were in Kauai two weeks ago (August 2007). We were a bit nervous because of all the helicopter crashes weve been hearing about but still wanted to get an aerial tour of the island.

We went with Bruce at ';Wings Over Kauai'; and had an incredible experience in his fixed wing plane. Bruce has had a perfect safety record for 22 years. His calm demeanor and humor calmed any fears I had.

His wife gave us a warm welcome and presented us with gifts. When we boarded, Bruce gave us each a set of noise-cancelling headsets so we could talk to each other. Bruce designated my husband as co-pilot and me as flight attendant.

We saw the entire beautiful island with interesting narratives by Bruce. He told us about what movies had been filmed in different locations and showed us the current movie set for ';Tropic Thunder';. He pointed out where famous people live and told stories of his encounters with them. He has a PhD in something relating to Agriculture and so could tell us about the island%26#39;s agricultural hstory as well as explain plant life. We saw all the wonderful sites: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Craters and about 100 waterfalls. He tipped the plane a bit and even circled to let us get a good shot of certain falls.

We had a 70 minute ride, saw the entire island and had an incredible experience for 1/2 the cost of a helicopter ride.

As a side note, the locals don%26#39;t really appreciate the helicopters that buzz by them so we felt we were

This has been long, but I hope it helps you make your choice. Have fun!

Paulette

DH and I had a blast on Tropical BiPlanes! Got to ride in a red ';Snoopy'; biplane and had the pilot to ourselves. Very personal tour and so much fun in the open air. Have fun on Kauai!

Lisa,

Two outfits on Kauai, that I have a lot of respect for that fly excellent fixed wing aircraft.

Highly professional, and I have either flown with them , or have met with them personally. And have great reports back from the hotel guests that have flown with them.

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AIR VENTURES: Owned and operated by local lady, and her airline pilot hubby, and have excellent additional pilots working for them.

Lots of room, and large windows. The aircraft is new, and is in excellent condition. I flew right seat up front with the pilot.

So, I was able to observe his professionalism. Excellent.

Seating aft gives lots of room for the passengers, as they reconfigured the seating 13 down to 6. Everyone has a window seat, and plenty of shoulder and leg room.....and huge windows.

They ';slow fly%26#39; he aircraft, so you have great photo ops. Pilot was very smooth, friendly, and professional.

Everything about the flight was in the excellent category. From being greeted with great Aloha by Donna, to Pre take off photos taken of you next to the aircraft, by your pilot ,, to the wonderful and smooth circle island flight, and being warmly greeted again upon your return.

WINGS OVER KAUAI: Although , I have not flown with them, I have visited with Bruce over the phone, and in person, and what a grand human being he is.

Also, reports back from guests I have booked, both when at Brenneckes Activity Desk and Expedia at the LBR, have been all in he outstanding category. That is with both Air Ventures and Wings over Kauai.

Wings over Kauai has a Cessna 172, and max will be three people plus the pilot.

Also, Wings is highly professional and extremely friendly.

So, IMHO those are the two top suggestions for flying fixed wing.

Outstanding people and organizations, and great flights for the customers.

Denny

Thanks :-)

We haven%26#39;t done helicopters so can%26#39;t compare, but we wholeheartedly recommend Wings Over Kauai. We flew with Bruce in June and it was wonderful. His knowledge of the island is a great plus. We will definitely fly with them again.

Lowell %26amp; Carol, Manhattan, KS