Kohala Waterfalls Helicopter Tour: Cliffs & Waipi'o Valley

See waterfalls thousands of feet high and 2,000-foot cliffs from the air

A 45-minute helicopter tour over the Big Island's Kohala coast and Waipi'o Valley, with views of cascading waterfalls, towering sea cliffs, and ancient Hawaiian settlements. Fly past Waimea Falls and the lush, mile-wide valley where King Kamehameha I spent his childhood, guided by a State of Hawaii certified pilot through two-way communication headsets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic helicopter tour over Kohala

• View Kohala ranching valleys
• Fly by Waimea Falls
• Fly over tropical rainforest
• Fly along rugged coastline cliffs
• See Waipi'o Valley and taro fields

The experience

The Kohala coast shifts from lush rainforest to dry, desert-like terrain, and a helicopter is the only way to see the waterfalls that cascade thousands of feet into the valleys below. You'll fly past Waimea Falls and over the Kohala Mountains, the oldest volcanic formation on the Big Island and widely considered Hawaii's most spectacular landscape. Towering sea cliffs form a dramatic backdrop along the rugged coastline as you move through the tour.

Before returning to the heliport, you'll spend time over Waipi'o Valley, surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high. The valley stretches a mile across and over five miles deep, with ancient taro fields and rivers running through it. This is where King Kamehameha I spent his childhood, and the pilot (a State of Hawaii certified tour guide) shares the history of the area through your noise-cancelling headsets. The two-way communication lets you ask questions during the flight.

Check in one hour before your departure time for a weight check, safety briefing, and boarding. Tours may shift timing or route based on wind and weather. You'll need to wear dark clothing to avoid reflections in photos, and hats, bags and large cameras stay behind. Bring a credit card if you want to purchase video or photo packages after landing.

What’s included

• Use of Bose Aviation-grade, electronic noise-cancelling headsets with two-way communication.
• pilot guide who is a State of Hawaii certified tour guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 14:00, 15:05 and 16:10

Book up to12h before

GroupUp to 6

Live 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 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters - Waikoloa

Is this one for you?Book this shared tour if you want to see the waterfalls and sea cliffs from a helicopter but prefer a set departure time and route over customizing your own flight path.

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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 waterfalls and valleys will I see on this helicopter tour?

You'll fly past Waimea Falls and over Waipi'o Valley, a mile-wide valley surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high. The valley contains ancient taro fields and multiple cascading waterfalls, and was the childhood home of King Kamehameha I. The tour also covers the Kohala Mountains and the rugged sea cliffs along the coast.

How long is the helicopter tour and what's included?

The tour is 45 minutes. Included are the use of Bose noise-cancelling headsets with two-way communication to the pilot, a State of Hawaii certified tour guide, and all fees and taxes. You'll also have access to microphones so you can hear and speak with the pilot during the flight.

What should I know about check-in and what's not allowed on the helicopter?

Arrive one hour before your tour time for weight check-in, a safety briefing, and boarding. Hats, bags, large cameras and extending selfie sticks are not permitted on the helicopter. Wear dark-colored clothing to avoid reflections in photos. Tours may vary based on wind and weather conditions.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The heliport, helicopter and all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair lift is available at the base to assist with boarding. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.