This morning I woke up early to try and capture the soft light on the mountains. I flew my drone near Anahola which has the Kalalea Mountain, otherwise known as King Kong Mountain. I got a few good photos and videos.
I managed to check into my flight on Southwest tomorrow and get an A boarding pass. They are still keeping the middle seats open, and even though the flight will be short I would like to sit in the exit row.
After checking in for my flight I drove back south to Lydgate Beach Park to snorkel. There were some very large bluish purple fish that I have yet to identify as well as a few other colorful fish. There wasn’t as large a variety as in Poipu, but it was much easier to find the fish as they were all on the north side near the rocks.
After snorkeling I snagged a quick lunch at KFC. Sometimes you just need something quick and easy.
I was lucky enough yesterday to have phone reception when I was at the lighthouse and got a call back from Island Helicopters. They told me they had someone cancel for a flight at 3:45 PM today. Check in time was 3:00 PM, and the heliport is directly across from the airport. I emailed in my COVID test (one of their requirements to fly). I got the impression they only recently started operating again. A few of the other helicopter companies were not operating yet.
The helicopter had 6 passenger seats, four in the back and two in the front next to the pilot. I was lucky to be in the front right seat.
As we took off the helicopter went to the south and up over a mountainous area nearby the airport and over the tree tunnel to Poipu. I apologize for the glare in some of the shots, but I was not in a chopper without windows/doors.
The helicopter then went over into a valley (literally through a valley like you see in the movies) to see the waterfall that was in the Jurassic Park movie.
After leaving the waterfall the helicopter went over the Waimea Canyon. It was also very spectacular.
The helicopter eventually got near the top of the Waimea Canyon and flew down a valley to the sea.
The most impressive part was flying into a few of the valleys of the Napali Coast. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
The weather and visibility during the helicopter ride was perfect. The only time we even saw some clouds was during the final stop where the helicopter went into the extinct volcano Mount Waialeale. The clouds were just at the top of the crater, but the visibility inside was perfect. It was really amazing to be flying inside the crater.
After the helicopter ride I drove down to Kalapaki Beach and got a large shave ice from Skinny Mike’s Ice Cream and enjoyed the view near the harbor.
For dinner I bought a bento box and some sushi from Genki Sushi. The bento box was only $7.99 and had 4 large California Rolls, a salad, tofu and fried squid. I also got Ahi Nigiri which was amazing.
After all that it was time to pack as my flight to Honolulu is tomorrow morning.
