“She what you missed by showering by yourself…”

“Smart ass…”

The rest of the morning went without incident as both women bantered back and forth playfully.  In all of their teasing, it was obvious to all that met them and interacted with them that this was true love. 

After finishing up with their meal, Bette and Tina got into their rental car and headed off to the town of Hanapepe and their awaiting flight into the skies above.  It was a short 10 minute drive to the helipad, and soon they found themselves on the shores of the crescent Hanapepe bay that led to the little west side airstrip.  The quaint airfield was nestled between the calm bay and the beautiful Salt Pond beach park.

Bette pulled the car into the impromptu parking lot that the locals had created off to the side of the road.  As the women exited the car and headed toward the fenced off airfield, a beautiful young woman met them at the entrance.

“Aloha and welcome to Air-1 Inter-Island Helicopter tours.  My name is Leina’ala.”

“Aloha Leina’ala.  I’m Bette Porter and this in Tina Kennard.  We’re here for the 12:00pm waterfall tour.”

“Ah yes I have you down right here.  Follow me and I will get you all set up and acquainted with our aircraft and it’s safety features.  We will be leaving shortly and I will be your pilot for the day.  Shall we?”

Both Bette and Tuna followed the young pilot over towards their helicopter and listened intently as she briefed them on the features of the aircraft.  Their guide also asked them if they were comfortable flying in the aircraft with the doors off, as it would add to the experience.  After a few minutes the briefing was over and before they knew it, all three women were strapped into the seats of the Hughes 500 helicopter and they were on their way. 

The tour started off with beautiful aerial views of Hanapepe town, before giving way a vast expanse of lush green sugar cane which seemed to blanket the low lying areas that spread throughout the west side.  Many of the fields were filled with sugar cane that was tasseling, causing the fields to have a glistening sheen of shimmering tan floating above the green of the cane itself.  As they flew past the fields, they soon found themselves overlooking the Olokele canyon, where the pilot hovered for a few minutes before continuing on.