Kauai Helicopter Tour: Doors-On & Hanapepe Valley Waterfalls

Windows stay closed while others fly doors-off: see Na Pali and Waimea Canyon

You fly in a six-seat cabin with doors on, over the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon, with a local pilot who narrates the route and adjusts for weather. Entry to Hanapepe Valley, only accessible by air, is included, along with goggles and all fees. Plan for the flight time and check-in window on your ticket. Nothing goes in the cabin except you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kauai aerial sightseeing tour

• Fly over Waimea Canyon
• View Na Pali Coast cliffs
• See Hanapepe Valley waterfalls

The experience

The doors stay on, which changes everything. You get the open-air view without the wind noise or the cold that comes with doors-off flights. Something that matters if you're traveling with kids under ten or just prefer to breathe easier while you're up there. Air Kauai's been flying this route for over thirty years, and the pilots know exactly where the light hits the Na Pali cliffs and when the waterfalls in Hanapepe Valley are running hard enough to see from above. The cabin holds six passengers, so you're not crammed in with strangers, and the pilot narrates the whole thing: pointing out the ridges, the rainforest, the streams cascading down rock faces you can't reach any other way.

Waimea Canyon comes first, the one they call the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. From the ground it's massive. From the air it's something else: the dry, rust-colored walls open up in a way that makes you understand why it's carved so deep into the island. Then you cross toward Na Pali, and the landscape flips. Suddenly it's all green cliffs dropping straight into blue ocean, with waterfalls threading through the rainforest. The Hanapepe Valley, the one that showed up in Jurassic Park, is only reachable by helicopter, so this is your only angle on it. The pilot adjusts the route based on weather and light, which means some days you see more than others. That's the trade-off for safety, and it's the right call.

Bring dark clothes to cut the window glare for photos, and know that nothing goes in the cabin with you: no bags, no phones in your hands, just you and the view. Infants under two sit on a lap. Anyone over that age needs their own seat. Weight matters for balance and safety, so you'll need to provide that at booking. The whole experience is built around keeping the group small and the flight smooth, which is why families with younger kids choose this one over the doors-off alternative.

What’s included

Your flight includes a local pilot who narrates the tour, goggles, all fees and taxes, and access to Hanapepe Valley (reachable only by helicopter). The cabin is shared with up to six passengers total.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day14 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (2 and older) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Air Kauai Helicopters

Is this one for you?Right for families with young children or anyone who wants aerial views without the intensity of a doors-off flight. The small group size and local pilot's knowledge make it worth the cost, and the 30+ year safety record means you can focus on the view instead of worry.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can you bring a camera or phone on the helicopter?

Yes, but nothing goes in bags. You'll hold it in your hands, and dark clothing helps reduce window glare for better photos.

What's the difference between doors-on and doors-off tours?

Doors-on keeps the cabin closed, which is quieter, warmer, and better for young children and those who prefer a calmer experience. Doors-off gives an unobstructed view but with wind and cold.

Can infants fly on this tour?

Yes, infants under 24 months sit on an adult's lap. Infants over 24 months must have their own paid seat. Contact Air Kauai when booking if you're bringing a baby.

What if the weather is bad?

Flight routes and sights may vary due to weather. The pilots prioritize safety and will adjust the route to give you the best views and conditions.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Single passengers over 240 lbs, two passengers combined over 420 lbs, or groups of three or more averaging 200 lbs or more must purchase an additional seat. You'll provide weight at booking.

Can you bring luggage or a backpack?

No bags are allowed on board, not purses, backpacks, or fanny packs. Travel light.

How many people fly together?

The cabin holds up to six passengers, so you're in a small group.