Leah,
Sorry my reply wasn't sooner...
Yep, Helicopter Adventures Inc. is one of, if not THE, best helicopter school(s) in the country. Sierra Academy (Concord, CA, I believe) is also outstanding, and the benefit of going there is the altitude training, more varied topography, and exposure to very heavy air traffic. Quantum in Chandler, AZ is said to be very good too.
I had flown in helicopters a few times prior as a passenger but my first actual instruction was in a Robinson R-22 Beta with the doors off (kind of unnerving at first but that quickly goes away). It was late afternoon and we landed when it was dark. The water at the beach was gorgeous, we buzzed boats and waved, got to see the place all lit up at night... it was spectacular. Even if I was struggling to keep it in the air. :-) I have to get in the air every now and then - it's good for the soul. And there is simply nothing like a helicopter for that.
If you ever get a chance, catch a ride in a EC130-B4. Just a really nice ship! And if you're ever on Kauai, you've just gotta see it by air.
Some pics:
http://home.comcast.net/~heraclid/
Sorry the pics aren't of a better quality, but you'll get the idea.
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