Kauai: Helicopter Tour with Olokele Canyon Landing & Waimea
Circle Kauai by air, land in Olokele Canyon, see Waimea & waterfalls
You’ll fly above Kauai’s wildest places by helicopter and actually land inside private Olokele Canyon — nobody else does that. Walk among red rocks where only a handful of people ever stand, see Waimea Canyon and Mt. Waialeale from above, and feel what makes this island unforgettable long after you leave.
Step-by-step itinerary
Helicopter tour and canyon exploration
- Circle island tour of Kauai
- Land at private Olokele Canyon
- Take pictures at Olokele Canyon
- Fly past Napali sea cliffs
- Fly past Waimea Canyon
- Fly past Mt. Waialeale waterfalls
The Experience
“Nobody else lands here,” our pilot, Keahi, grinned as we hovered over Olokele Canyon. I could hear the smile in his voice through my headset — he’s flown this island for years, but you could tell he still gets a kick out of it. The helicopter ride itself was already wild — wind tugging at the rotors, sunlight flickering on red canyon walls. But when we touched down in that private spot, it felt like sneaking into a secret garden. The air smelled sharp and green; even the rocks seemed quieter than anywhere else on Kauai.
I didn’t expect to feel so small looking up at those cliffs. Keahi pointed out old trails and told us about the families who still have land deep in the valley — I tried to imagine growing up here, hearing nothing but birds and wind. My shoes crunched on dry grass as we walked around for photos (I took too many), and honestly, I was more interested in just standing there than posing for Instagram.
The rest of the circle island tour blurred by in flashes: Na Pali’s sea cliffs dropping into blue water, then suddenly Waimea Canyon — which really does look like some kind of Pacific Grand Canyon. I kept catching myself grinning like an idiot every time another waterfall appeared below us. Flying into Mt. Waialeale’s crater was almost too much; you can see why it’s called the wettest place on earth, with all those waterfalls streaming down green walls like silver threads. My ears popped a little from the altitude change, but I barely noticed because Li (my seatmate) was laughing at how wide my eyes got.
I still think about that moment standing in Olokele Canyon — not sure if it was the silence or just knowing we’d landed somewhere most people never will. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a day trip helicopter tour of Kauai from Lihue or anywhere nearby… this is the one where you actually get to touch down inside a canyon.
What’s included
Your flight includes exclusive landing access inside Olokele Canyon (no other company offers this), plus all entry fees and taxes covered up front so there are no surprises on arrival — just show up at the heliport ready for adventure.
Operated by Safari Helicopters
Traveler reviews
Compare the 13 similar options
Kauai: Helicopter Tour with Olokele Canyon Landing & Waimea★ 4.82 (392)1h 30mENUS$ 396
Kauai: 60-Minute Doors-Off Helicopter Tour & Na Pali Coast60-minute doors-off helicopter tour over Kauai's Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and Mount Waialeale. Includes ground transport from Lihue and pilot commentary.★ 4.84 (424)2h–3hENUS$ 460View ›
Kauai Scenic Flight: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon & WaterfallsFly the entire Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and hundreds of waterfalls on a 65-minute Kauai sightseeing flight with narration★ 4.94 (2,388)1h 5mENUS$ 159View ›
Kauai: Na Pali Coast Airplane Tour & Waterfalls Window SeatsFeel the rush of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon & waterfalls from your own window seat. Includes 60-minute narrated flight, local pilot, & headset for all.★ 4.81 (2,099)1h 5mENUS$ 159View ›
Kauai Doors Off Helicopter Tour: Napali Coast & WaterfallsPrivate doors-off helicopter tour over Kauai's Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Jurassic Park Falls with safety briefing and phone lanyards. Small groups, 2+ passengers.★ 4.97 (1,786)1h 15mENUS$ 425View ›
Kauai Helicopter Tour: Doors-Off & Jurassic Falls Private FlightPrivate helicopter tour over Kauai with doors-off seats, Manawaiopuna Falls, Waimea Canyon & Mount Waialeale. 55 minutes, all window positions, live narration included.★ 4.81 (517)55mENUS$ 384View ›
NaPali Coast boat tour Kauai: Native-led catamaran with sea cavesSail the NaPali Coast on a Native family-run catamaran from Waimea with snorkeling, sea caves and lunch included★ 4.89 (2,050)5hENUS$ 227View ›
Kauai Helicopter Tour: Na Pali Coast & Waimea CanyonKauai helicopter tour over Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Jurassic Park Falls. Eco-Star aircraft with two-way pilot communication. 1-hour tour from Lihue.★ 4.77 (2,065)50mENUS$ 489View ›
Kauai Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: 280+ stops offlineDownload an audio tour with 280+ stops across Kauai and play it offline as you drive—stories, tips and directions autoplay by GPS★ 4.70 (240)8h–1dUS$ 19.99per groupView ›
Kauai Cessna Private Air Tour: Na Pali & Waimea Canyon65-minute private Cessna flight over Kauai's Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon & Mount Waialeale. Every seat a window seat, max 2 passengers. Includes narration and landing fees.★ 4.86 (130)1h 5mENUS$ 189View ›
Kauai Doors-Off Helicopter Tour: Na Pali Coast & Waimea CanyonDoors-off helicopter tour over Kauai's Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon & Mount Waialeale. Small groups, local pilots, 30+ years safety record. Cell phone photos included.★ 4.83 (545)50mENUS$ 402View ›
Kauai Helicopter Tour: Doors-On & Hanapepe Valley WaterfallsKauai helicopter tour with doors on over Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Jurassic Park waterfalls. Small groups of 6 with local pilots.★ 4.76 (211)45mENUS$ 349View ›
Kauai: Waimea Canyon & Kokee Private Tour with Coffee TastingFeel the spirit of Kauai on a private Waimea Canyon & Kokee tour. Sample fresh coffee, stroll historic Hanapepe, and enjoy flexible pickup across South Shore.★ 4.98 (149)8hEN · ESUS$ 390View › Top questions
Does this Kauai helicopter tour include landing at Olokele Canyon?
Yes, this is the only tour with permission to land inside private Olokele Canyon during your flight.
What sights are included on this circle island helicopter tour?
You’ll see Olokele Canyon, Na Pali sea cliffs, Waimea Canyon, and Mt. Waialeale with its waterfalls.
Is pickup included for this Kauai day trip?
No hotel pickup is mentioned; travelers need to arrive at the departure point 40 minutes before takeoff.
Are all fees and taxes included in the booking price?
Yes, all fees and taxes are included with your reservation for this helicopter tour.
Is this helicopter tour suitable for infants or travelers with health issues?
Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.
How early should I arrive before departure?
You should arrive 40 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in procedures.
What happens if my weight information is inaccurate?
If weights are inaccurate and cause safety issues, you may need to buy another seat or be removed without refund.
Kauai: Helicopter Tour with Olokele Canyon Landing & Waimea
1h 30m · EN
from US$ 396 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.82392 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider








