Kauai: Deluxe Air Tour with Na Pali Coast & Waimea Canyon Views

Summary

Na Pali cliffs, Hanalei Bay waterfalls and Kauai’s wild colors from above

You’ll fly above Kauai’s wildest places — Na Pali Coast’s jagged cliffs, Waimea Canyon’s deep colors, endless waterfalls near Mt. Waialeale, and Hanalei Bay’s sweep of sand. With a local guide narrating stories as you go and every seat by a window, it feels both thrilling and strangely peaceful at once.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost chickened out when I saw the little plane waiting for us at Lihue. But our pilot, Mark (who grew up here), just grinned and handed me a ginger candy for the nerves. The inside smelled faintly of sunscreen and coffee. We took off so gently I barely noticed we’d left the ground until suddenly there was nothing but green cliffs and blue water out my window. I pressed my forehead to the glass like a kid.

The Na Pali Coast came up fast — sharper than in any photo, all those ridges like dragon spines. Mark played slack key guitar music over our headphones and pointed out where he used to fish with his uncle. At one point, he banked left so we could see three whales splashing near Poipu shoreline (he actually slowed down for us). I tried to film it but mostly got my own gasp on video instead. So yeah, every seat really is a window seat — you’re not missing anything.

Waimea Canyon looked almost unreal from above, all rust-red and green stripes. It was raining somewhere far off but sunlight hit the waterfalls so they glowed for a second — I didn’t expect that part. Mark told us about Mt. Waialeale being one of the wettest spots on earth; we flew right by its crater walls dripping with dozens of waterfalls like silver threads. My partner tried counting them but gave up around twenty-three. The air felt cooler up there, kind of clean in a way that made me want to breathe deeper.

Hanalei Bay was last — huge curve of sand with tiny surfers like dots below us. We circled back along Hanalei Valley, where water just pours down everywhere you look. There’s something about seeing it all at once that makes you feel small but lucky too, if that makes sense? Even after landing (which was smooth — thank god), I kept thinking about those cliffs and how quiet it felt up there compared to the busy roads below.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kauai Deluxe Sightseeing Flight

• Fly along Na Pali Coast
• View Kipu Kai and Poipu shoreline
• Whale watching at Poipu shoreline
• Fly over Waimea Canyon and waterfalls
• Fly alongside Mt. Waialeale waterfalls
• See triple waterfalls from Jurassic Park
• Fly over Hanalei Bay and Valley waterfalls

Top questions

How long does the Kauai deluxe sightseeing flight last?

The scenic flight lasts approximately 65 minutes from takeoff to landing.

Is every seat on the airplane a window seat?

Yes, every passenger has a window seat for clear views during the tour.

What landmarks are included on this air tour?

The flight covers Na Pali Coast, Poipu shoreline, Waimea Canyon, Mt. Waialeale waterfalls, Kipu Kai, and Hanalei Bay.

Are infants or small children allowed on board?

Infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap; children under 24 months ride free.

Is there a weight limit for passengers?

The maximum individual weight is 275 pounds; total group maximum is 1100 pounds for parties of 4-6 people.

Does this Kauai air tour include narration?

Yes, your local pilot provides live narration throughout the flight via headphones.

Do I need to arrive early before departure?

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled flight time for check-in procedures.

What’s included

Your experience includes a 65-minute scenic flight over Kauai with live narration from your local guide-pilot through headphones in every seat; all landing fees, fuel surcharges, and local taxes are covered so you can just show up ready to fly (and maybe bring ginger candy if you get nervous like me).