Lihue: Deluxe Waterfall Safari Helicopter Tour review
What the tour is like
This is a helicopter, which means it can hover and fly low into valleys the fixed-wing planes cannot reach. The centerpiece is Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Falls), the waterfall from the 1993 Steven Spielberg film. It sits on private land and is reachable only by helicopter. The rest of the route covers the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Waialeale Crater waterfalls. The 1-hour flight gives you time to see each place, and the small group (max 6) means good views and pilot attention. This is the only tour that reliably gets you a photo of the exact waterfall from the Jurassic Park opening.
What works
- Helicopter can hover and fly low into valleys the planes can’t reach
- Includes Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Park waterfall) on private land
- 467 reviews at 4.8 stars — solid, well-tested sample
- Small group (max 6)
- 1 hour of flight time is longer than the 65-minute plane tour, more time to see each place
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Worth knowing
- Helicopter costs $336 vs. $155 for the fixed-wing plane — roughly double
- 1 hour flight time is still brief; you’re always moving
- Small planes can feel claustrophobic to some people
- Weather can cause cancellations or route changes
- Doesn’t land at Manawaiopuna (only the other helicopter lands there)
Book this if Jurassic Falls is important to you and you want the best views. The $155 plane tour doesn’t reach the waterfall; this helicopter does. The other helicopter lands there but costs more.
Who it’s for
Jurassic Park fans who want to see Manawaiopuna Falls from the air. Visitors who want a helicopter experience but don’t need to land. People who like hovering low over valleys and waterfalls. Not for people on the tightest budget (the $155 plane tour covers the coast and canyon). Not for people anxious in small aircraft. Want to land at the falls? The other helicopter (sunshine flight) does, but costs more at $369.
Other tours to consider
Best reviewedKauai: Air Tour of Na Pali Coast and the Entire Island
Most bookedKauai: Full-Day Waimea Canyon & Wailua River Tour
WaterfallsKauai: Waimea Canyon and Waterfall Adventure Day Tour
Frequently asked questions
Is this a helicopter or a plane?
It’s a helicopter, which means it can hover and fly low into valleys where planes can’t go. See our helicopter vs. plane comparison for the full trade-off.
Does it land at Manawaiopuna Falls?
No, it flies low over the falls but does not land. The pilot hovers so you get close views and photos. If you want to actually land at the falls and stand there, the other helicopter does that, but costs $369 instead of $336.
Why should I book this instead of the plane tour?
You get a helicopter (hovers and flies low), 467 reviews of proof, and the only tour that reliably reaches Jurassic Falls. The plane tour is $155 and covers the coast, but cannot hover or reach the waterfall. Pick this if the waterfall is your priority.