The hour-long helicopter flight over Kauai with Inter-Island Helicopters is an unforgettable experience, worth every penny of the $185 price per person. My husband, our 8-year-old daughter, 13-year-old niece and I flew with pilot Marty on July 12, 2004, from Burns Airport in Hanapepe, which is a 30-45 minute drive from Lihue.

We made reservations about a week before our planned flight date by calling the company's toll-free phone number: 800/656-5009. The person who answered the phone was very helpful and friendly and answered my numerous questions. I was told that Inter-Island did not have any height or weight restrictions. We were advised to wear long pants, a light jacket and if bringing a camera, a strap was required. I'm glad we made advance arrangements, because I heard from fellow NCL cruise passengers that all helicopter companies were booked up when called same day.

When I reserved the flight, I was told to call and check in about 24 hours before our scheduled flight. When I called in, I was told that our flight had been rescheduled (by a half hour). We were reminded to arrive at the airport 30 minutes before our scheduled flight to check-in.

At our check-in on the day of the flight, we signed our credit card slips and watched a brief safety video. Eyewear was recommended, but optional, and safety glasses were provided for those who wanted them. Three of us wore sunglasses and the fourth declined the option.

We were directed a short walk down the road toward the gate where we awaited our flight. The ground person at the gate greeted us and briefed us on how we'd approach the helicopter, what sequence we'd board, and where each person would sit. After the craft arrived, the previous passengers disembarked and the ground person refueled the helicopter. We secured our safety gear and were led to the Hughes 500D.

The ground person helped everyone board, strap in and attach their 2-way headsets with microphones. The pilot introduced himself and explained that due to centrifugal force, it was virtually impossible to fall out of the doorless craft, even if for some reason we purposely removed our safety belts and tried to leap out.

It is hard to describe in words the overwhelming beauty and the sense of awe I experienced in that hour-long flight. We saw Waimea Canyon, the breathtaking Na Pali coastline, "Jurassic" Falls, numerous waterfalls and rainbows and the central crater of Mt. Waialeale, the wettest spot on earth. Each site was exquisitely beautiful and awe-inspiring. Marty was friendly and his narrative was informative, and he also left plenty of silence for just taking in lovely Kauai.

The Hughes 500D seats the pilot plus four passengers, which is pilot plus two in front and two in back. There are no middle back seats, which is an advantage over other helicopter companies. We were told that the Hughes is the Ferrari of helicopters; it's higher speed allows more time over scenic areas, whereas the other companies fly the equivalent of Yugos and Dodge Caravans.

The two young ones were not afraid at all. Our 8-year-old revealed after the flight though that she was distracted for half of the flight by an overfull bladder. So be sure to take care of that little detail before heading to the gate after watching the safety video.

After landing, I was ready to make a daily pastime of flying over Kauai by Inter-Island. Too bad my distant residence and my pocketbook don't exactly support that. But I'll dream of this flight often and the exquisite beauty I was privileged to behold, a beauty I could not imagine having seen through windows.

Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime