North Shore NewsJaw-dropping views of the most remote areas of the Hawaiian islands can be experienced during a ride with
Paradise Helicopters (“Paradise”). “You can see the entire Kualoa Valley and views of Chinaman’s Hat…you’ll definitely be the only ones up there,” says Daniel “Lopaka” Spielman, manager of Paradise Helicopter’s Turtle Bay location, when describing the unparalleled hilltop view at Kualoa Ranch.
Paradise has earned many titles of distinction over its 21 years of serving the Hawaiian Islands. In 2016, Paradise became the first air tour company in the world to be certified by the Helicopter Association International’s Accreditation Program of Safety (HAI-APS) (HAI is the largest helicopter association in the world, with more than 4,000 members.) Due to its excellent safety record, Paradise was also selected to present at the 2016 CHC Helicopter Safety and Quality Summit in British Columbia on its effective Safety Management System.
Paradise Helicopters is also the first helicopter-tour company in Hawaii to be awarded a Sustainable Tourism Certification from the non-profit Hawaii Ecotourism Association (HEA), for 2017-2018. This designation recognizes the company’s “commitment to protect Hawaii’s unique natural environment and host culture through the promotion of responsible travel,” the HEA said. Conservation and Environmental Innovation are deeply ingrained concepts at Paradise. “We don’t only do tours. We also work with Oahu environmental organizations (such as “DOFAW, Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Oahu Invasive Species Committee, both Watershed partnerships, and “OANRP”, Oahu Army Natural Resources Partnership.) We assist them by transporting crewmembers and equipment to help manage the native forest, eradicate invasive plants and propagate indigenous species.”
Lopaka is now busy working with new partners Gunstock Ranch and Hawaii Legacy Hardwoods. Gunstock Ranch has parceled nearly 500 acres of their property for reforestation of native Hawaiian trees. Gunstock Ranch
has teamed with Hawaii Legacy Reforestation Initiative, along with transportation provided by Paradise, to allow conservation minded tourists and locals to purchase and plant a tree on Gunstock Ranch property. Lopaka explains, “The tree can be dedicated to a loved one, and each tree has a RFID tag that allows guests to go to the website, www.Findmy.LegacyTrees.org, and monitor their tree’s growth.” On the lower levels of the property, Gunstock Ranch is growing Milo trees and the upper levels will have koa trees. “Milo trees are the backbone of the forest,” says Lilia Tollefsen, General Manager at Gunstock Ranch. Sandalwood, na‘u and ohia will also be added. The types of trees being planted will change as the project moves to higher elevation. “The carbon sequestration of the new tree will help to offset the carbon produced by the helicopter ride,” adds Lopaka.
Paradise offers a range of flights from 20 minutes to over two hours for the public out of its four locations in Turtle Bay, Koolina, Hilo and Kona. The 60 minute Magnum Experience tour departing Turtle Bay will take you soaring over the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Makapuu, Kualoa Ranch, and more in an exact replica of Magnum, P.I.’s Chopper! Customers can request to add a landing to a tour, which allows them to land at one of two ridgeline locations for about 15-20 minutes for pictures, champagne toasts, marriage proposals, etc. Paradise calls Kualoa their “epic landing spot” because of the remarkable views at the hilltop.
Daniel Lopaka Spielman has another reason to call Paradise “home.” He was born and raised on the North Shore, attending Sunset Elementary and Kahuku High. Although he began his career with Paradise on the Big Island six years ago, he was thrilled when this job became available here two years ago. His parents still live just around the corner from Turtle Bay. “It’s such a blessing to have a great job on the North Shore, close to my family.” Lopaka is quick to remember, “Any locals receive a 25% off Kamaaina rate!” This sounds like an adventure not to miss.