Kauai Helicopter Tour: Na Pali Coast & Waimea Canyon

See Kauai's waterfalls and canyons from the air in under an hour

A 45-minute helicopter tour of Kauai departing from Princeville, flown by a State of Hawaii certified pilot guide. You'll fly over the Na Pali Coast's 3,000-foot sea cliffs, Hanalei Bay, Waimea Canyon and Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Park Falls), with two-way headset communication throughout the flight. Weather permitting, the route includes Mount Waialeale, a dormant volcano receiving over 450 inches of rain annually.

Step-by-step itinerary

Aerial tour of Kauai highlights

• View Princeville area from the air
• See historic South Pacific pier
• Fly over Na Pali Coast and Hanalei Bay
• Fly over Waimea Canyon and waterfalls
• View Manawaiopuna Falls in Hanapepe Valley
• Fly to Mt Waiʻaleʻale and see waterfalls

The experience

Your tour starts with a one-hour check-in at the heliport for a weight check, safety briefing and seating. The pilot guide flies you first over the Princeville area and Hanalei Bay, where the historic pier from the 1982 film South Pacific sits below. From there the helicopter climbs toward the Na Pali Coast, where the North Shore's sculpted green valleys and 3,000-foot sea cliffs come into view against turquoise waters.

The route then swings inland to Waimea Canyon, called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. From the air you see dozens of waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls, a result of the unique geology that formed it, not just erosion but also the catastrophic collapse of the volcano that created Kauai millions of years ago. The helicopter passes over Manawaiopuna Falls, wedged between the emerald green slopes of Hanapepe Valley, the waterfall that appeared in Jurassic Park.

Weather permitting, your pilot will fly you to Mount Waialeale, a dormant shield volcano where the mist-covered mountain is draped in emerald vegetation and 3,000-foot waterfalls fill each crevice. The entire flight uses Bose aviation-grade noise-cancelling headsets and two-way microphones so you can ask the pilot about what you're seeing. Check-in is required one hour before departure. Late arrivals may not be accepted.

What’s included

• Bose aviation-grade electronic noise-cancelling headsets and two-way microphones with pilot communication.
• a State of Hawaii certified pilot guide providing live commentary in English.
• all taxes and fees.

Information

Lasts 45m, runs Monday to Saturday, 7 start times, from US$ 579 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 4 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00Tuesday to Saturday: 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 41 private ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

Book up to12h before

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters- Princeville

Is this one for you?The pilot guide speaks English throughout the flight, so you'll understand the commentary and can ask questions in real time. Arrive one hour before your departure time for check-in and safety briefing. If you're running late, the tour operator may not accept you, so allow extra travel time to the Princeville heliport.

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Top questions

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.

What is Manawaiopuna Falls and why is it called Jurassic Park Falls?

Manawaiopuna Falls is a waterfall wedged between the emerald green mountaintop of Hanapepe Valley on Kauai's west side. It earned the nickname Jurassic Park Falls because it was featured in the 1993 film Jurassic Park.

Can I see the Na Pali Coast on this helicopter tour?

Yes. The Na Pali Coast is one of the main stops on the route. You'll fly over the North Shore's sculpted green valleys and 3,000-foot sea cliffs, along with the pristine turquoise waters of Hanalei Bay and the Princeville Resort area.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

Mount Waialeale is included in the route weather permitting. The other stops (Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and Manawaiopuna Falls) are standard parts of the flight, though the pilot may adjust the route based on conditions.

How does the two-way headset communication work during the flight?

You'll wear Bose aviation-grade noise-cancelling headsets with built-in microphones. The pilot guide, who is a State of Hawaii certified tour guide, can hear you and answer questions throughout the 45-minute flight, and you can hear the pilot's commentary clearly over the helicopter noise.

What should I wear for the helicopter tour?

Wear dark-colored clothing so it won't reflect in photos taken during the flight. You'll need to arrive one hour early for check-in, which includes a weight check and safety briefing before boarding.