9 Unforgettable Sights You’ll See on a Kauai Helicopter Tour
Kauai, known as the Garden Isle, is a paradise unlike any other. Its emerald cliffs, misty rainforests, and cascading waterfalls create some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth. But did you know: more than 70% of Kauai is inaccessible by road. That means if you only explore by land, you’re missing out on most of the island’s magic.
A Kauai helicopter tour isn’t just sightseeing: it’s your gateway to hidden valleys, towering cliffs, and legendary waterfalls that few ever experience. In this guide, we’ll take you through 9 unforgettable sights you’ll see from the sky—and why this adventure deserves a top spot on your Hawaii bucket list.
Nā Pali Coast Cliffs
The Nā Pali Coast is Kauai’s crown jewel, and seeing it from above is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine soaring over towering green cliffs that rise thousands of feet above turquoise waters. The coastline stretches for 17 miles, with razor-sharp ridges carved by centuries of wind and waves.
From your helicopter seat, you’ll marvel at:
- Emerald valleys hidden between dramatic peaks
- Waterfalls plunging down sheer cliffs into the ocean
- Secluded beaches only visible by boat or air
Pro Tip: The Nā Pali Coast is unreachable by road, and requires a limited permit to access any of it by land, making a helicopter ride one of the only ways to witness its full splendor.
Manawaiopuna “Jurassic” Falls
Deep in Hanapēpē Valley lies one of Kauai’s most iconic landmarks: Manawaiopuna Falls, better known as Jurassic Falls. Fans of Jurassic Park will instantly recognize this cinematic wonder, where the movie’s opening helicopter scene was filmed.
Island Helicopters is the only company with exclusive permission to land near the base of Jurassic Falls. This means you won’t just admire it from the air—you’ll touch down, step out, and actually feel the mist of the 400-foot waterfall on your skin. Few experiences in Hawaii are this immersive and cinematic.
Waimea Canyon: The Grand Canyon of the Pacific
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” by Mark Twain, the Waimea Canyon is a geological masterpiece. Stretching 14 miles long and plunging more than 3,500 feet deep, its colorful cliffs display iron-rich soils creating a stunning palette of red, orange, green, and brown.
From the air, the scale of Waimea Canyon becomes even more impressive. You’ll glide above winding ridges, spot hidden waterfalls, and capture sweeping views of this natural wonder that most visitors only glimpse from a lookout point.
Did you know? Waimea Canyon was formed by both volcanic activity and centuries of erosion, making it one of the most unique landscapes in the Hawaiian Islands.
Mount Wai‘ale‘ale: The Wettest Spot on Earth
At the heart of Kauai rises Mount Wai‘ale‘ale, one of the wettest places on Earth. With an average of more than 400 inches of rainfall each year, this extinct volcano feeds countless streams and waterfalls that cascade down its steep, emerald walls.
From your helicopter, you’ll hover above the lush crater, surrounded by mist and shimmering falls. The constant rainfall creates an almost mystical atmosphere, earning it the nickname “The Weeping Wall.”
Fun Fact: The name Wai‘ale‘ale means “rippling water” in Hawaiian—a fitting tribute to this endlessly flowing wonder and tallest point on Kauai.
Hanalei Bay & Bali Hai
Kauai’s North Shore offers some of the most picturesque views in Hawaii, and from above, they’re absolutely breathtaking. Hanalei Bay is a perfect crescent of golden sand framed by emerald mountains. It’s a favorite spot for surfers, paddle boarders, and those simply soaking in the beauty.
Nearby, you’ll spot the iconic peak of Bali Hai, made famous in the movie South Pacific. From the air, the combination of lush mountains, wide bay, and sparkling blue water creates a postcard-perfect scene you’ll never forget.
Hidden Interior Valleys
Kauai’s interior is a maze of untouched wilderness, filled with secret valleys, ridges, and waterfalls. From your helicopter, you’ll unlock this hidden world.
Flying through these emerald valleys feels like stepping into another time. Ancient forests, steep walls draped in vines, and streams carving their way through the landscape—all create a sense of awe that’s impossible to capture from the ground.
Photography Tip: Keep your camera ready! The shifting light and dramatic landscapes make for some of the most unforgettable aerial shots in Hawaii.
Menehune Fishpond & Kipu Kai
As your helicopter tour begins, you’ll glide over the ancient Menehune Fishpond, a historic aquaculture site linked to Hawaiian legend. According to myth, the Menehune—a secretive race of petite master builders—constructed the pond overnight. Whether legend or history, it remains a fascinating sight from the sky.
Along the other side of the Hā‘upu ridgeline you will get a glimpse of the crescent beach of Kipu Kai. Acquired by the Rice Family in 1872 from Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani, the purchase of this remote cove included terms requiring the preserving of the land from development, and has been the setting for numerous Hollywood productions.
Why a Kauai Helicopter Tour Belongs on Your Bucket List
A helicopter tour over Kauai is more than just sightseeing. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the island’s raw, untouched beauty from a perspective that few travelers ever experience. From cinematic landmarks like Jurassic Falls to natural wonders like Nā Pali Coast and Mount Wai‘ale‘ale, this adventure combines thrill, beauty, and exclusivity.
What Makes Island Helicopters Different?
- Exclusive Landing: The only company allowed to land at a waterfall on Kauai.
- Expert Pilots: Knowledgeable guides who share history, geology, and cultural stories during your flight.
- Safety First: A trusted operator with decades of experience flying over Kauai.
When you choose Island Helicopters, you’re not just booking a tour—you’re unlocking an experience reserved for true adventurers.
Ready to Experience Kauai from the Sky?
Your Hawaii vacation isn’t complete without seeing Kauai from above. Imagine checking off your bucket list as you soar over Nā Pali Coast, touch down at Jurassic Falls, and capture views of Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, and beyond.
Don’t just visit Kauai. Experience it from the sky. 👉 Book your Kauai helicopter tour today and secure the best seats in the sky.