Helicopter Over Canyon And Falls

From Lihue: Kauai Sightseeing Helicopter Flight runs through Safari Helicopters. Rated 4.8 across 326 reviews. Runs 1.5 hours. From $369.

Check park access before you go. Stops inside state parks (Waimea Canyon, Koke'e, Wailua River and Secret Falls) follow current DLNR notices and can be closed. Check the booking page for which stops are running on your date.

Overview

This Safari Helicopters flight out of Lihue spends an hour and a half over Kauai, and it is one of the few ways to see Manawaiopuna Falls, the waterfall from the 1993 Jurassic Park film. The falls sit on private land reachable only by air, which is part of why so much of this island can only be seen from a helicopter. The route also crosses Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast before returning to the same Lihue address.

There is one unusual feature that separates this trip from most Kauai helicopter rides: a landing inside Olokele Canyon, a valley that was once closed to visitors and still shelters rare and endangered plant life. Guests step out and spend time on the ground there before taking off again over the canyon's cliffs and on to the coast.

The tour bundles the island's biggest sights into a single outing, and reviewers describe it as a highlight of their time on Kauai. The trade-off is seating: one guest sitting behind the pilot felt they saw more open ocean than shoreline, though others said the pilot circles the highlights so every side gets a look. Anyone weighing 250 pounds or more, or any two guests combining for 420 pounds or more, must buy an extra seat.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at LihueArrive at 3225 Akahi St, Lihue. Show time is 1 hour before departure, and late arrival can forfeit the seat with no refund.
2. Fly to Jurassic Park FallsThe helicopter lifts off and passes over jungle and canyon country for an aerial view of Manawaiopuna Falls, the waterfall featured in Jurassic Park.
3. Land in Olokele CanyonThe flight touches down in Olokele Canyon, once off limits, for a ground stop among rare and endangered plant life.
4. Fly over Waimea CanyonAfter takeoff the route crosses Waimea Canyon and its red and green jagged cliffs.
5. Aerial view of Na Pali CoastThe flight continues along the Na Pali Coast, where rugged cliffs meet the sea, before turning back toward Lihue.
6. Return to LihueThe helicopter lands back at 3225 Akahi St, the same address as check in.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape this flight, from the weight rules to where you sit and what you can carry on board.

• Bring ID. The listing asks for a passport or ID card and a credit card. Leave hats, bags and selfie sticks behind, as none are allowed on the flight.
• Arrive early. Show time is a full hour before departure. The listing warns that arriving late can forfeit the seat with no refund.
• Seating and views. One reviewer sitting behind the pilot saw mostly open ocean rather than the shoreline, and felt the flat pricing across seats was unfair. Others said the pilot circles the highlights so passengers on both sides get good views, and one middle-seat passenger reported it made no difference to their enjoyment.
• Pilots narrate. Reviewers often mention friendly, informative pilots who explain the island during the flight. Several describe the ride as smooth and safe.
• Weather backup. Two reviewers booked this flight after hurricanes closed state parks and trails during their trips, and both said the flight made up for the lost ground plans.
• No food or drink. Food and drinks are not included and are not part of the flight. Tips are also excluded, so budget separately if the crew earns one.

Common issues. The main friction point is seating position: one reviewer behind the pilot felt shortchanged on shoreline views while paying the same as everyone else. Weight rules add real cost for larger guests, since anyone at 250 pounds or more, or any pair at 420 pounds or more, must purchase an additional seat. Passengers unable to sit upright cannot fly. A few travellers also wanted clearer information on actual flight time versus total tour time. No hotel pickup is provided, so everyone makes their own way to the Lihue address.

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