Kauai

An absolutely beautiful place to visit, the ‘Garden Isle,’ as it is also known, is home to some of Hawaii’s most breathtaking sights, and visitors to Kauai are certainly in for a treat with all the beautiful scenery on show.

Having featured in innumerable Hollywood films, the dramatic mountain ranges, sweeping valleys and plunging waterfalls are now often associated with movies such as Jurassic Park, which was filmed here. One of the western-most isles of Hawaii, Kauai is very impressive to visit, and many of the island’s most spectacular sights are inaccessible by car or on foot.

Consequently, the best way to explore its vast array of pristine and protected natural wonders is to take to the air for a bird’s eye view of what’s on offer.

To help give you an idea of what options are out there, here are some of the best helicopter tours which will take you to all of the best locations such as Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast.

1. Kauai: Sightseeing Flight over Na Pali Coast & Waimea Canyon

This exhilarating flight over Kauai will live long in the memory as you soar high above the stunning scenery below you, drinking in the sights to your heart’s content.

Beautiful to behold, the Na Pali Coastline is a dramatic landscape, full of plunging valleys and cascading waterfalls. Many of the sights you see on this tour are completely inaccessible, and as such remain in pristine condition.

Equally spectacular is Waimea Canyon, with its distinctive red walls which contrast beautifully against the dark blue waters below. A memorable experience, this flight is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Kauai from the air.

2. Kauai: Full-Day Tour with Fern Grotto River Cruise

Wailua Falls, Kauai

Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll get to see many of Kauai’s most spectacular sights on this wonderful full-day tour, and you’ll certainly come away awestruck at all that you’ve seen and done.

Exploring the northern and eastern coasts of the island, this tour provides a captivating experience as you visit some beautiful beaches, mountains and waterfalls throughout the day. A number of historic sites are included in the tour.

The cruise up the Wailua River is a delightful affair as you pass such incredible scenery, and many people also opt to take a helicopter ride above the island to get even better views of the ‘Garden Isle’. Highly recommended, the ride in the chopper is not to be missed as it offers up unparalleled views of Kauai’s hidden interior.

3. Kauai Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour

Kauai ECO Adventure Helicopter Tour

Soaring above the island in a chopper will leave you with longlasting memories of an unforgettable day out. Guests invariably come away delighted at the whole experience, vowing to return.

After embarking, it’s time to buckle up and let your professional pilot fly you around the island, while you sit back and drink in the awe-inspiring scenery. Passing above Mount Waialeale and the Waiapuna Waterfalls, you get a bird’s eye view of the spectacular terrain. You may just remember some of it from watching Jurassic Park all those years ago.

After that, it is off to the red walls of the Waimea Canyon which is sometimes called the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific,’ before heading to the captivating ridges of the Na Pali Coast. With so much to see, it is lucky that you have your guide on hand to tell you all there is to know about these natural wonders.

4. Kauai: 55-Minute Flight from Waimea Canyon to Na Pali Coast

Waimea Canyon To Na Pali Coast

A wonderful excursion, this thrilling flight takes you above some of Kauai’s most spectacular sights. You’ll certainly come away raving at all of the incredible scenery you’ve flown over.

On the fifty-five minute ride, you’ll get unparalleled views of the lush Hawaiian rainforest. The Na Pali coastline is also among the many highlights as its jagged green ridges plunge dramatically into the Pacific Ocean down below.

Appearing as if out of Jurassic Park, Kauai needs to be seen to be believed, and the stunning Waimea Canyon will leave you with no doubt that you’ve experienced something extraordinary.

5. Best of Kauai Land & Helicopter Combo Tour from Oahu

Best Of Kauai Land & Helicopter Combo

Starting off from Oahu, this fantastic combo tour sees you explore Kauai by both land and air. On the way, you’ll get to see much of the remarkable scenery that has so memorably featured in such blockbusters as King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Lilo & Stitch.

With visits to some stunning beaches included on the tour, alongside stops at plunging waterfalls and the island’s main town of Kapa’a, it is guaranteed to be a busy day of sightseeing which you won’t regret for one minute.

Following the morning’s activities, it is time to take to the air and gaze upon Kauai’s majestic landscapes from the comfort of a helicopter. Passing over the amazing sights will set your heart racing, and the thrilling ride is likely to be one of the best things you’ve ever done.

6. Kauai Shore Excursion: 55-Minute Helicopter Adventure Flight

Kauai Shore Excursion

Once you’ve been strapped in and have listened to the safety protocol, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime as you soar above the beautiful island of Kauai that is home to so many stunning mountains, gorgeous waterfalls and incredible landscapes.

On your fifty-five minute flight, you’ll get to see a plethora of amazing sights, each more jaw-dropping than the last. Manawaiopuna Falls (which you may remember from Jurassic Park) is just one of the many attractions on show, and is located in the sweeping Hanapepe Valley.

No flight over the island could be complete without stopping by Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coastline, as their distinctive and unique characteristics make them truly special to behold. The tour culminates with a pass over the huge Mount Waialale, home to the stunning Waipo’a Falls which drop a staggering 245 metres to the ground below.

7. Kauai: 25-Minute Scenic Flight Tour Over Western Kauai

Scenic Flight Tour Over Western Kauai

Soaring above the famed ‘Garden Isle’ is a delightful affair, as the lush vegetation below you contrasts stunningly with the dark blue waters that surround the island. The heart soars to behold such beauty.

Flying above Waimea Canyon is a captivating experience as the ground plunges away below you. You’ll also get great views of Awini and Waialae Falls which glitter and sparkle amidst the foliage.

With grand mountains and sweeping valleys everywhere you look, the scenery beggars belief and perfectly conveys the majesty of the nature on Kauai. A magical experience, you can’t go wrong with this scenic flight over the best of what Hawaii has to offer.

8. Ultimate Kauai Adventure

Ultimate Kauai Adventure

Shooting through the air above Hawaii’s most beautiful island is an absolute dream, and it is no wonder that helicopter tours above Kauai have become increasingly popular in recent years. With many of the sights inaccessible by land; they are a fantastic way to see as much as possible.

Seen from above, you really get a feeling for the sheer size and scale of the spectacular Waimea Canyon and the jagged Na Pali Coast and the photos that you’ll take away from your trip will astound all of your friends and family.

This Ultimate Kauai Adventure tour also takes you to the sparkling Wailua Falls as well as the Alakai Swamp, which is home to a rich array of fauna and flora. Among the many highlights is the towering Mount Waialeale, which is famous for being the wettest place on Earth due to the huge amount of rainfall that it receives.

9. Discover Kauai (departs from Princeville)

Discover Kauai Tour

One of the most visibly stunning places that you’ll ever see, Kauai is remarkable for its wealth of incredible natural sights, and it is one of the most beautiful islands in the whole of the Pacific.

Departing from Princeville, this tour takes you on an unforgettable helicopter ride above many of the island’s main attractions such as Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast and Manawaiopuna Falls, which was used as a filming location in Jurassic Park.

Accompanied by a professional pilot who also acts as your expert guide, you’ll learn all that there is to know about Kauai and come away with a greater appreciation for the majestic geological formations, the lush fauna and flora and the diverse landscapes that you pass over. A simply fantastic trip, the waterfalls, bays, mountains and more will be etched in your mind for years to come.

10. Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours

Kauai’s most beautiful geographical wonders are inaccessible by roads or trails, and can only be viewed from the air! Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of this hidden paradise in comfort and style. All flights feature removable doors for any of our individual passengers. Our private helicopter tours of Kauai are for 1-3 people, guaranteeing that each passenger has a window seat. Don’t share your helicopter experience in Kauai with anyone but your own special friends. Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours “The Private Helicopter Tour Company”

Such an incredible experience! There are a lot of different companies to choose from in Kaui’i but in the end, we chose Mauna Loa for 1. The private tour and 2. The doors off option.

Overall the helicopter tours are a bit expensive but it was 100% worth paying an extra $50 (average to other companies) for a private tour and the doors off.

We booked with Mauna Loa because of the great reviews and the fact that their helicopters guaranteed that we would each have a window seat (some larger helicopters have middle seats). We opted for “doors off” which gave us unobstructed views and were better for photos.

Part of the Hawaiian archipelago, or chain of islands, Kauai is also known as, ‘the Garden Isle’ due to the verdant rainforest that blankets large portions of its surface.

Full of stunning vistas of all different kinds, the island is a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts, nature-lovers and vacationers from all over the world.

With its dramatic geologic formations and the 300 to 600 inches of rain it gets annually, it’s one of the wettest spots on earth, and not surprisingly home to more breathtaking waterfalls per square mile than nearly any other place you’re likely to visit.

Below is a list of amazing waterfalls on Kauai.

1. Wailua Falls

Source: Fominayaphoto

Wailua Falls, Kauai

If by some stroke of bad luck you’ve only got time to visit one of Kauai’s many waterfalls, then making it Wailua Falls would be a wise choice.

Located near the Kalepa Mountain Forest Reserve, not far from the town of Lihue, the falls are where the Wailua River splits into two streams before cascading nearly 100 feet to a picturesque pool below.

The river’s flow varies depending on rainfall, and though it’s stunning at any time of the day, many visitors who visit in the morning are lucky enough to get a view of a rainbow caused by the sun’s rays shining through the fall’s mist.

Unlike other Kauai waterfalls, Wailua is visible from the road so you won’t need to leave the car, although you’ll probably want to.

2. Uluwehi Falls

Source: Gary Gilardi

Uluwehi Falls

Unlike easily accessible Wailua Falls, Uluwehi Falls, or Secret Falls, is best visited as part of a tour, and unless you’re game for a 50-minute kayak journey followed by a 30-minute hike through some dense rainforest, you may want to leave this one to those a bit younger and fitter. After all, if it were easy to get to it wouldn’t be called Secret Falls.

If, however, you’ve got what it takes, you’ll be amply rewarded for your exertion and determination.

Located on the Lower Wailua River on Kauai’s east side, the river is subject to strong winds and water flow that can vary greatly, making the kayak portion of the journey difficult and even dangerous for those who aren’t in tip-top shape.

If this all sounds like more than you’ve bargained for, consider one of the area’s helicopter tour providers.

3. Opaekaa Falls

Source: Joe Belanger

Opaekaa Falls

Another one of the 11 amazing waterfalls on Kauai, and one of the island’s most accessible, this giant on the Wailua River drops over 150 feet before landing in foam and spray in a secluded pool below.

An easy 2-mile drive up route 580 from Wailua, the falls are easily viewable from a convenient parking and viewing area which also has picnic tables and restrooms that’ll come in handy if you’d like to bring a few sandwiches and sodas and spend the afternoon.

Though most visitors are more than content with the view from the viewing area, if you’ve brought your hiking shoes and want to get away from the crowds, there’s a trailhead nearby. If you follow it for 30 minutes or so, it’ll lead you to a more dramatic vantage point.

Don’t forget your camera, water and a raincoat just in case.

4. Hanakapiai Falls

Source: Fominayaphoto

Hanakapiai Falls

If viewing a stunning waterfall with a nearly 300-foot vertical drop is worth working up a sweat over, then lace up those hiking boots.

Located near a beach of the same name, Hanakapiai Falls is about a 4-mile walk round trip.

The trail can be slick and treacherous in spots and is subject to rain showers that seem to come out of nowhere, so pack appropriately and don’t forget water and an energy bar or two as the tropical humidity can really suck the juice out of you.

The views of the falls will be well worth the effort, as will the scenery along the way as you hike through bamboo forests and tropical jungle.

For those who’d like to be led by a professional and learn of the area’s history and geology, guided tours are also available.

Consider spending a half-day at the falls and the other half at Hanakapiai Beach.

5. Waipo’o Falls

Source: Nina B

Waipo’o Falls

With a nearly 800-foot drop into the canyon below, Waipo’o Falls in northwest Kauai is a little hard to miss.

With multiple viewing areas from Highway 550 leading from Waimea Canyon, you’ll have ample opportunity to view these falls without burning any calories or even getting your feet wet.

If you’ve had a big breakfast and are brimming with energy, you can follow the Canyon Trail, which is only moderately difficult considering the elevation changes nearby.

The hike will give you better views of the nearby canyons than they will of the waterfall, but they’re striking in their own right.

You’ll get great views of the pools above the falls too, but remember that the water flow over the falls can vary greatly, and nearly dry up in the summer months, so plan your trip accordingly.

6. Ho’opii Falls

Ho’opii Falls

Considered one of Kauai’s hidden gems, Ho’opii Falls, located on the island’s eastern shore, drop nearly 600 feet from top to bottom, and it won’t be a place where you’ll run into mobs of camera-wielding tourists either.

Located on an unmarked trail off the beaten path, your reward will be undisturbed views of the area’s flora and fauna, and two waterfalls, both of which have the same name.

The hike is just a little more than two miles and considered only moderately difficult, but it can be hard to find, so ask around before you go.

The falls are on the Kapaa Stream near the town of Kapaa, and along with another of Kauai’s waterfalls, was used as backdrops for shooting Jurassic Park in the early ‘90s, putting them squarely near the top of the list of 11 amazing waterfalls in Kauai.

7. Mount Waialeale Falls

Source: Felix Nendzig

Waialeale Waterfalls, Kauai

In Hawaii’s native language, Waialeale means ‘rippling waters,’ and considering the area’s nearly 600 inches of yearly rain, it’s probably an understatement.

Shooting up from the earth to nearly 3,000 feet, Mount Waialeale traps warm, moisture-rich clouds blowing in from the sea, forcing them to deposit their contents on the nearby mountains.

Also known as the, ‘Wall of Tears,’ these falls are among the most dramatic on Kauai, but unless you’ve got pockets deep enough to see them via helicopter, you’ll probably have to be content with seeing them on postcards and travel websites, as they’re nearly inaccessible by any other means.

Permanent emerald green moss on the sheer mountain face are more reminiscent of Ireland than Hawaii.

8. Kalihiwai Falls

Located on Kauai’s north-central cost between the town of Princeville and Kilihiwai Bay, Kalihiwai Falls are scenic multi-tiered falls that are accessible by car, but to get the most out of your trip consider seeing them on foot or horseback, as a major viewing area near the bridge over the Kalihiwai River has recently been closed.

If you decide on a guided tour, you’ll get an excellent overview of the area’s history, geology and wildlife, and some stunning views not only of the waterfalls, but also of the north shore and the area’s private ranches.

The lower-tier falls are great places to do a bit of swimming and exploring, or even take a picnic lunch and a book and make a day of it.

9. Hanakoa Falls

Source: Adam Springer

Hanakoa Falls

Also located on the stunning and popular Napali Coast, Hanakoa Falls is tucked into the scenic mountains at about the halfway point of the Kalalau Trail.

From top to bottom the falls are said to be nearly 1,000 feet, but due to elevation changes and natural obstructions, only partial tiers are visible from the viewing areas along the trail.

If you plan on hiking all the way to the falls, you’ll need to get a permit, which you can pick up at the government offices in the town of Lihue.

If you don’t plan on camping, you’re able to purchase a day hiking permit, and though it’s a pain in the neck dealing with a government agency while on vacation, the minimal time investment will be dwarfed by the views and experience.

10. Hoolea Falls

Though not as majestic as some of the more popular waterfalls on the island, Hoolea Falls’ true appeal is its location between Na Pali Coast State Park and the Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve, just a stone’s throw from a world-class beach and resort area.

Even so, the falls are impressive in their own right and are relatively easy to get to from the well-marked trailhead behind Kalalau Beach.

There are even camping areas adjacent to the beach if you’d like to take in all the area has to offer and spend the night sandwiched between forest-covered mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

And on a more delicate note, the area is known as a place where it’s A-OK to go au-naturel, so don’t be alarmed if you see a bit more flesh than you’re expecting on the beach and hiking trail.

11. Kipu Falls

Kipu Falls

For those brave travelers who don’t mind trespassing and putting themselves at risk of a fatal fall from lofty heights, Kipu Falls may be just what the doctor ordered.

Though technically on private land, the falls are upstream from the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, and the area has been a favorite swimming hole of the locals for as long as anyone can remember.

The falls themselves can be very powerful, especially during the rainy season, making swimming an activity that should only be enjoyed by the fit and fearless.

Located on the Huleia Stream, the best view of the falls are from the bottom, and only accessible by a steep and slippery rock face from which a few have fallen to their deaths over the years.

If you’d rather not go home in a body bag, stick to the pool at the top portion of the falls.