The lesser-known islands of Lānaʻi & Molokaʻi (Honolulu: buying, price)
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McFrostyJ: how did you visit Ni'ihau? Did you do the helicopter tour, and if so, where did you land?
The only other outsiders who get to go are Dept. of Education for the school, and military occasionaly.
We took the tour with Ni'ihau Helicopter. NIIHAU HELICOPTERS INC. They took us over on a VERY fast twin engine helicopter, flew us around Ni'ihau and Lehua. We got to see a lot of wildlife including chasing some Eland. The ride was more fun than most roller coaster rides and the former army helicopter pilot was awesome! However, if you get a chance to go, I do recommend taking some motion sickness pills first. The sight seeing flight around the island takes about 45 minutes. Then they land on the north shore and you have about 3 hours to hike around, go snorkeling, look for the famous Ni'ihau shells or pretty much any thing you want. You also get to enjoy a picnic lunch while there. My wife and I were lucky enough to talk to a couple of the locals when they came to pick up some stuff from the helicopter. They were EXTREMELY nice! There accent was very heavy and unlike any I have ever heard on any other Hawaiian island.
If anyone has a chance to do the tour I would definitely recommend it. Just know that you have to be flexible on the days you can go because they must have at least 5 people for the tour. Also, the helicopter's primary use is for the island. So, that means if something comes up like a medical emergency, they can cancel at any time.
I've taken a boat to Niihau but I didn't go on the island. You can get the best mullet in the waters off Niihau. My friends go dive Niihau a lot and always catch something good.
A close friend of mine is Hawaiian, from Niihau, and goes back about two times a year. I LOVE hearing all of her stories. It is really interesting to hear about the old ways and different camp rules over there but I always wonder what will happen to Niihau. The population is aging and slowly dwindling away. A lot of people from Niihau have found their way to the west side of Kauai.
McFrostyJ, thanks a million for the story and the photos. I love that hand-painted sign for the helicopter office, I look at it longingly from the highway every time I drive by. One of these days before it's too late, I'll have to spring for this tour--maybe for my birthday.
Has anyone here got to volunteer to go to Kaho'olawe and help with the clean up? If so, what was it like there?
I just found out about the volunteer program to Kahoolawe. A Yahoo reporter article says the wait could be up to 2 years with a long wait list of people signed up. And of course it's the only way to visit this island. Quite the sad history as I read other people's posts on this little piece of land.
I called the phone number and the call goes straight to dead (doesn't even ring).
Submitted the volunteer wait list form and looks like they contact by email.
Definitely a very unique experience for someone to experience a Hawaiian island.
Not sure but after searching the city data forums, it appears I don't see anyone who has actually been to this island. There is one guy who lightheartedly jokes about his former days bombing the island but appears he is likely no longer active posting.
Any info on this island would be greatly appreciated.
Quote:
Originally Posted by McFrostyJ
We took the tour with Ni'ihau Helicopter. NIIHAU HELICOPTERS INC. They took us over on a VERY fast twin engine helicopter, flew us around Ni'ihau and Lehua. We got to see a lot of wildlife including chasing some Eland. The ride was more fun than most roller coaster rides and the former army helicopter pilot was awesome! However, if you get a chance to go, I do recommend taking some motion sickness pills first. The sight seeing flight around the island takes about 45 minutes. Then they land on the north shore and you have about 3 hours to hike around, go snorkeling, look for the famous Ni'ihau shells or pretty much any thing you want. You also get to enjoy a picnic lunch while there. My wife and I were lucky enough to talk to a couple of the locals when they came to pick up some stuff from the helicopter. They were EXTREMELY nice! There accent was very heavy and unlike any I have ever heard on any other Hawaiian island.
If anyone has a chance to do the tour I would definitely recommend it. Just know that you have to be flexible on the days you can go because they must have at least 5 people for the tour. Also, the helicopter's primary use is for the island. So, that means if something comes up like a medical emergency, they can cancel at any time.
Incredible and thanks a ton for your insights. The cost is certainly steep, and for those who are privileged enough to be able to afford this half day jaunt at about $450 a head it certainly is another VERY unique destination.
One quick question, from where does the Niihau Helicopter depart from? I assume they have a helipad access from Honolulu?
And it's odd to think that after learning about these other two islands, the islands of Lanai and Molokai doesn't seem that difficult to access relative to these two!
Not sure but after searching the city data forums, it appears I don't see anyone who has actually been to this island. There is one guy who lightheartedly jokes about his former days bombing the island but appears he is likely no longer active posting.
Any info on this island would be greatly appreciated.
I know the poster you refer to. We were in the service together and he introduced me to this forum years ago. Correct, he is no longer posting but lives traveling between Hawaii, Washington, and California in his retirement. His squadron was light attack and they did practice runs around Kahoolawe as prep for tours in Vietnam. I was in a different (helicopter) squadron. No bombing runs. But flew around the island also. It's not a bit "scenic." And there's still tons of ordinance there as I understand it.
I know the poster you refer to. We were in the service together and he introduced me to this forum years ago. Correct, he is no longer posting but lives traveling between Hawaii, Washington, and California in his retirement. His squadron was light attack and they did practice runs around Kahoolawe as prep for tours in Vietnam. I was in a different (helicopter) squadron. No bombing runs. But flew around the island also. It's not a bit "scenic." And there's still tons of ordinance there as I understand it.
AH I see. Very interesting. Looks like the age was older than I anticipated. But yeah from my readings, the military cleared out like 75% of the ordnance (up to 4 ft deep) and there's still like 4000 acres that is uncleared and there's danger for explosions!
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