Kauai has more beaches than any of the other islands in Hawaii, partly because it is the oldest. It also features numerous rivers and breathtaking waterfalls, some of which you can only access when traveling by air. Because of these sights, aerial Hawaii tours of the island are experiences visitors will never forget. If you’re planning a trip to Kauai, below are some waterfalls you cannot miss.
Manawaiopuna Falls is often nicknamed Jurassic Falls after its notable appearance in the early parts of the 1993 film Jurassic Park. It is a 400-foot-tall waterfall in the Hanapepe Valley. It is on private property, so it is exclusively accessible by helicopter. Additionally, only a limited number of landings can take place each week by aircraft with established permits. Nevertheless, the view from above is spectacular.
Wailua Falls is the island’s most recognizable waterfall, featured in the opening credits of the 1970s ABC television show Fantasy Island. It includes double-tiered falls with a 173-foot drop located just north of Lihue. A feature that makes this destination popular is that you can sometimes catch a rainbow at the waterfall’s base if you view it in the early morning.
Mount Waialeale is a low-profile, broad domed volcano with gently sloping sides. With an elevation of 5,000 feet, it is the highest point on Kauai. Its name in Hawaiian means “rippling” or “overflowing water.”
Known as the Wall of Tears or Weeping Wall, the falls are not accessible by trails or roads. Your best bet is a Hawaii tour by helicopter, which provides a breathtaking view of the cascade.