Helicopter With Canyon Landing

Kauai' Exclusive Helicopter Tour: JURASSIC CANYON LANDING runs through Safari Helicopters. Rated 4.8 across 392 reviews. Runs 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.). From $395.7.

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

Most helicopter flights over Kauai stay in the air the whole time. This one, run by Safari Helicopters out of Lihue, touches down on the rim of Olokele Canyon, and passengers get out to walk around on the ground before flying on. That landing is what separates it from the standard flyover tours, and it is a feature several reviewers called the best part of their trip.

The flight itself runs about 90 minutes and covers the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon State Park and Mount Waialeale, all pass-bys from the air. Reviewers describe smooth rides, knowledgeable pilots, and window views on both sides. One traveller noted the pilot made sure everyone got a good look regardless of seating, and one review mentions music played during the flight.

The tour carries a maximum of six travellers, and infants sit on laps. Note the name: the listing calls it a Jurassic Canyon landing, but it does not land at Jurassic Falls. It suits visitors who want the headline sights from the air plus time standing on the ground inside the canyon country.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at LihueMeet at 3225 Akahi St, Lihue, across the street from Hilo Hatties. The listing asks all guests to check in 30 minutes before departure, and its know-before-you-go notes a show time of 1 hour prior.
2. Olokele Canyon landingThe helicopter lands on the rim of Olokele Canyon for 35 minutes, with free admission, and passengers get out on the ground. It does not land at Jurassic Falls.
3. Na Pali Coast passThe Na Pali Coast is a pass-by segment of the route.
4. Waimea Canyon flyoverWaimea Canyon State Park is another pass-by, seen from the air.
5. Mount Waialeale passThe route also passes Mount Waialeale.
6. Return to LihueThe activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape this tour more than most, from weight rules to weather.

• Weight rules. The limit per passenger is 113 kg. Passengers over 250 lbs, or two people with a combined weight of 420 lbs, need an additional seat. Weights must be accurate at check-in, or the operator can require another seat or remove a traveller with no refund.
• Arrive early. The listing requires check-in 30 minutes before departure and sets show time 1 hour prior. Late arrivals can forfeit their seat with no refund, so treat the hour before takeoff as part of the plan.
• Weather flexibility. The flight needs good weather, and several reviewers reported rescheduling, sometimes more than once, when rain or clouds moved in. One called the changes the only real drawback. Building slack into an island itinerary helps.
• Photos from the air. Reviewers repeatedly praise the views of coastlines, canyons and waterfalls, so bring a camera or phone ready before boarding. Several said the ride was smooth, which helps with shooting from the air.
• Group feel. The tour caps at six travellers, and solo travellers said they were paired with groups. Infants sit on laps. One reviewer travelling with a young child said the whole family had a great time.
• No food or pickup. Snacks are not included and there is no hotel pick-up or drop-off. All fees and taxes are in the price, and the listing notes a fuel surcharge of $26.70 already folded into what you pay.

Common issues. The honest downsides cluster around scheduling. One reviewer counted five departure-time changes before finally flying, and others reported cancellations for weather and a pilot shortage with no backup. Weather cancellations come with a different date or a full refund, and the same applies if the minimum traveller count is not met. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, snacks and hotel transfers are excluded, and the landing is on the Olokele Canyon rim rather than at Jurassic Falls.

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