Traffic through Waikiki was horrible with all of the construction! We left about an hour and 15 minutes before our scheduled slot and still ended up rushing on Nimitz and Lagoon Dr. If there's construction going on when you're visiting, make sure to get there extra, super, early, just in case. Better early than to forfeit your fee!
We took a private, mid-day flight on a Saturday (the day between both of our birthdays) and planned on getting back to have lunch. We arrived about five minutes late but the flight before us was just walking back into the building. They had some rainy weather and had to take an alternate route.
Malia greeted us in the office. After they said their farewells to the last group, we were also informed of a storm blowing in and were offered either an alternate route which we were shown on the computer, or to reschedule. We accepted the alternate route because it would fly over several of the houses that we lived in.
They had us watch a video, place our items in the provided lockable safe, and gave me a phone holder to use with a handle and a wrist strap for my "t-rex" arms (mentioned in the video). They led us out to a golf cart and drove us to meet our pilot and the helicopter. Both Malia and our pilot Hunter removed the doors and then offered to take our photo with our phone. Hunter gave us the rundown and then we were off!
Hunter gave us the option for guided or unguided. We chose guided but I think we guided them as much as they did us :D
To be honest, for me, the flight was the highlight and the views were a bonus. However, it was pretty cool to see the island like this. We skirted around Waikiki, Diamond Head, Koko Head, etc., all along the shoreline. The view was beautiful and the ride was smooth, but to be honest, I was hoping for some excitement.
Then Hunter came over the com and said that we were going to cut through. They warned us that it might get bumpy because of the rain and wind. Here was the excitement I was hoping for!
We had to fly slightly sideways a few times. And we had double rainbow circles under us off and on. SO COOL!
We dipped in and out, and through the valleys, through some more wind and rain, and banked here and there (my fav). We asked if Hunter knew the Stairway to Heaven and they said they would see if they could get us close to it. Not only did they get us close, but they gave one side (hubby) a view and then spun around in the tight valley to give me a view, too! It was a bumpy ride but exhilarating! It was raining pretty good and there was a small opening where the cliffs dipped down and we could see blue sky on the other side. Hunter flew the bird sideways (my side dipped down) against the wind to punch through it. It was SO cool!
We thought that we were only going to fly over Nanakuli (one of our houses) and then head back, but we went all the way up the Westside until we couldn't go anymore (military - Peacock Flats). We flew over our houses in Waianae Homestead and Makaha. As well as saw our family houses in Makakilo, Kunia, and Aiea Loop Trail (the ranger).
The flight kept going and going. I didn't time it, but it seemed longer than an hour. I'm not sure.
We headed back and landed smoothly. Hunter had to stop the blades a little faster for me cause I would have had to give him an extra cleaning tip! Maile came out early to get us because it started to rain. Good thing, too, cause I had to lua so bad!
Mahalos to you both!
Malia - for the attention and care you gave us before and after the flight...and for getting me to the bathroom in time!
Hunter - for the awesome & exciting flight! read more