Some say the island of Kauai, HI is home to the wettest spot on earth – the tippy top of Mount Wai’ale’ale. Now I’m no meteorologist, so can neither confirm nor deny that statement. But what I can say is that Kauai features some of the most beautiful and striking landscapes I’ve been fortunate enough to see.

Standing at the edge of the Pu’u O Kila Lookout at the end of Waimea Canyon Drive was probably one of the most nerve-racking things I’ve done recently. It was no skydiving or sans-door helicopter ride, but standing up there on a particularly windy day – my feet inches from the cliff’s edge – I was terrified the wind would send me right over. The second I finished getting my shots I ran back to safe ground.

Visiting the Kilauea Lighthouse provided my fair skin with a welcome relief from the hot Hawaiian sun. I spent the better part of the morning at one of the north shore beaches, but come the searing heat from the midday sun, I figured it was time to move on. To reach the lighthouse I drove through the quaint town of Kilauea and the adjacent wildlife refuge. Once at the point, look to the west and there lies Secret Beach, and beyond, Anini Beach (where my skin burnt to a crisp). Look to the north and see Moku’ae’ae island’s bird reserve. Look to the east and find another peninsula home to a host of white seabirds.

By far my favorite excursion on the island of Kauai was the Jack Harter Helicopter tour. The Hughes 500 with doors-off was my aircraft of choice, and that was certainly the right decision. Flying through rain clouds, smelling the sea air as we flew past the coast, and feeling the wind blow past me were all highlights of the experience, but the real treat was the unobstructed views of the island. Dipping down into the valleys of Kalalau and Nu’alolo and reaching up above Waimea Canyon and the Alaka’i Swamp all within the same hour was a spectacular experience.

See more of my photos from the trip here.