Makani Kai Helicopter Tour of Oahu
In May 2013 I chartered a helicopter to take us around the island, concentrating on waterfalls & mountains. Doors off! An incredible diversity of ecosystems lies within an area that would fit within the Washington D.C. beltway! Two mountain ranges, the Waianae & the Koolau, divide the island. The Waianae reach an altitude of 4,000 feet just a few miles from the coast, & the 34-mile long Koolau reaches up to 3,100 feet, again, just a few miles from the coast. Erosion has cut deep valleys, with waterfalls as much as 1,100 feet high. Tropical trees cover the nearly vertical "pali" (the Hawaiian word for cliff). Rain is much more frequent on the windward sides of the mountains, & in our short tour we saw brilliantly clear skies, cloudy skies, and nearby rain showers.
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Kapiolani Park, Waikiki & The Royal Hawaiian
Kapiolani Park, with the famous Waikiki Shell, dominates the foreground, while the classic hotels of the early 20th century are almost overwhelmed by those of the late 20th. The dramatically pink Royal Hawaiian, which was built in 1927, is easy to spot. The less dramatic, light green Moana Hotel is several buildings closer. It was opened in 1901.
Kapiolani ParkWaikikiRoyal Hawaiian HotelMoana HotelHonoluluOahuHawaiiAerialHelicopter
