Kauai Deluxe Waterfall Safari: 60-Min Helicopter Tour Over Na Pali & Waterfalls
Lift off from Lihue and spend about an hour sweeping over Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, and countless waterfalls on this deluxe helicopter tour. Expect dramatic aerial views, local context from guides, and practical policies around weight and weather.
The Experience
Before You Go
Book morning flights
Mornings usually bring calmer winds and better visibility for clearer photos and smoother flying.
Follow weight disclosure rules
Provide accurate weights during booking — operators enforce seat assignments for safety and there are extra-seat fees for passengers over 250 lbs.
Secure camera gear
Use a short strap and press lenses to the window to reduce glare; fast shutter speeds help freeze the landscape from a moving aircraft.
Prepare for motion
If you get airsick, take an anti-nausea med before departure and choose a middle seat for the most stable ride.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Waimea Canyon overlook from the air — see the canyon’s braided channels and color contrasts not visible from road viewpoints
- •Inside the valleys that feed remote waterfalls — pilots can often angle to reveal hidden valley floors and streams
Wildlife
- •Humpback whales (seasonal, winter months)
- •Tropical seabirds such as red-footed boobies and frigatebirds
Conservation Note
Flightseeing concentrates impact into short visits; respect operators’ wildlife and cultural briefings and support companies that follow seasonal wildlife protection guidelines.
Kauai’s dramatic relief formed as volcanic shield rock aged and eroded; native Hawaiian communities historically farmed sheltered valleys and navigated the island’s rivers and coastlines.
Photographer's Notes
- • Na Pali Coastline — straight-line passes reveal vertical sea cliffs
- • Waimea Canyon — flyovers show the canyon’s scale and layered colors
- • Interior waterfalls — angle to capture multiple falls within a single frame
What to Bring
Camera with fast shutterEssential
Captures waterfalls and cliffs in low light; fast shutter reduces motion blur from the moving helicopter.
Sunscreen and sunglassesEssential
Protects against tropical UV when waiting outside before or after the flight.
Light windbreaker
Cabin temps can dip at altitude and ramps can be windy; a windbreaker adds comfort without bulk.
Anti-nausea medication
Helpful for passengers prone to motion sickness on aerial tours.
Common Questions
How long is the flight?
The tour runs approximately 55–60 minutes and covers over 100 miles of Kauai scenery.
Where do flights depart from?
Flights depart from the meeting point across from Hilo Hattie in Lihue; check-in is required 30–40 minutes before departure.
Are there weight restrictions?
Yes — an additional seat is required for passengers over 250 lbs and accurate weights are used for aircraft balance; failure to disclose may require purchasing another seat or stepping down from the tour.
Can infants fly?
Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap for the duration of the flight.
What happens in bad weather?
The operator may cancel flights due to poor weather or insufficient passengers; cancel 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
Is photography allowed?
Yes — bring a camera; keep lenses close to the window to reduce reflections and use a fast shutter speed for sharp images.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
55 minutes
Location
Lihue, Hawaii
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
No special fitness required beyond the ability to board/exit a helicopter; should be comfortable sitting for the duration.
Ready to Explore Lihue?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now