Biplanes predominated commercial and military aviation throughout World War I and the early 1930s. The maneuverability of the small planes was a decided advantage when compared to larger aircraft. Today, they are most often used for sport purposes, crop dusting, and tours. You can experience the rich historical significance of the planes for yourself when you book a tour with an adventurous and nostalgic vibe with a Vintage Biplane Tour of Kauai.
The YMF-5 Waco Biplane used for the tours was specifically designed to carry a pilot along with two passengers. The pilot operates the aircraft from the rear cockpit and the passengers sit side-by-side in the front comfortable cockpit, with both cockpits being open, providing an unobstructed view of the landscape and shoreline below.
Although the YMF-5 looks like a vintage aircraft it is actually fairly new, purchased by the company brand new in 2017. Guests can enjoy the throwback helmets and aviation goggles, though, which call to mind the cloth head coverings and pilot attire of yesteryear. Along with a modern plane, there is also modern two-way communication in the biplane allowing guests to converse with the pilot throughout their tour. The top of the line Bose noise-canceling headset allows guests to enjoy a comfortable ride and take in all the sights.
Your Vintage Biplane Tour of Kauai begins at the Lihue Airport with a flyover of the sunny south shore Kipu Kai, nicknamed the Baby Napali Coast. You will also get a great view of the five-star Grand Hyatt Hotel, the legendary Shipwreck Beach, Poipu Beach, Lawai Beach, best known for being featured in the hit TV show Fantasy Island, the Spouting Horn, and over the Kauai Coffee plantation, Hawaii’s largest of its kind.
Your tour will continue on to the Hanapepe Valley, where you will notice the Manawaiopuna Waterfall, also known as the Jurassic Falls. You will also see the Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and the Olokele Valley. After passing this area, your tour will descend over the open fields of the Polihale Beach, which is the largest beach in Hawaii, spanning 16 miles, and move on to the Sacred NaPali Coastline, which is 21 miles long and contains the Nualolo Valley, the Cathedrals of Honopuu, and the Honopuu Arches, where several Hollywood hits were filmed.
Continue on your tour by passing by the northernmost point in Hawaii, the Kilauea Lighthouse, along with the Nene Sour and up by the Kilauea River, with its mesmerizing waterfalls. Then the tour moves on to the Hanali Valley giving you unforgettable views of the astounding 4,000 cliffs. Next up is the Mt. Waialeal Crater, where there are more waterfalls than you can imagine, and onto the Kiolhana Crater, which is the secondary volcano that helped create Kauai.
Fly on down the Wailu River, Fern Grotoo and Sleeping Giant, the site of many ancient Hawaiian legends your tour pilot will share with you. Then, pass by Coco Palms, which you might recognize as the site for the romantic Elvis Presley movie called “Blue Hawaii”. Finally, glide along the Anahola Mountain range and view King Kong’s profile, then head down Wailu Beach, travel over Kaui Beach Resort, Kauai Beach Villas, and see beautiful views of the Wailu Golf course as you make your way back to the airport. Last of all, before you land, you will see the Hanamalu Beach Park, which was used as the backdrop for Harrison Ford’s movie “6 Days, 7 Nights.”
Known as a ride of a lifetime, the Vintage Biplane Tour of Kauai offers simply incomparable views, even when considering a helicopter tour, though both are regulated by the same FAA altitudes and routes. There is simply no other experience like the Vintage Biplane Tour of Kauai!
Insider Tips:
-Flight tours will be altered on occasion by weather issues. Therefore, sometimes alternative sites are part of the standard tour.
-The Vintage Biplane Tour of Kauai has a perfect safety record with not a single accident or incident. All pilots are highly trained professionals.
-You can bring your own camera, or your own go-pro and have it mounted to the outside of the plane for an additional $35.00, or rent one from the company for $55.00 and get the SD card to take with you.
-Double passenger bookings are $595 online with each costing $297.50. If you are a single rider, contact the company to ask for a booking rate