Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours is a private helicopter tour company, one of the few helicopter tours to offer a doors-off option, which is best for photography. My husband and I had the chance to take a private tour, and I must say it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I highly recommend it.

Na Pali Coast, Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours; photo by Kathy Leonardo; courtesy of ETG

Pilot Blake Andrews took us on our 55 minute flight and gave us a full history of Kauai, as we marveled at the scenery below. He has been flying for seven years and got us shockingly close to the waterfalls, which seemed to be all around us. With three years on the Big Island, Blake has been flying four and a half years with Mauna Loa.

ETG Tip: Book early (as soon as you land on the island). Safety is a priority, and the weather is continuously monitored. Flights can be cancelled at any time. If this happens, you will need to reschedule, as you will not receive priority on the next chopper out. So don’t book your flight for the final day of your trip. http://maunaloahelicoptertours.com