5 Stunning Hawaii Locations You Can Only Reach by Helicopter

Experience hidden waterfalls, steep sea cliffs, and volcanic landscapes only accessible by air.

When you think of a trip to Hawaii, you probably picture beaches, surf, and volcanoes. But some of the most unforgettable sights in the islands aren’t visible from the ground at all. They’re tucked deep in valleys, behind mountain ridges, or within craters. To reach them, you need a different perspective.

Here are five of the most stunning Hawaii locations you can only access by helicopter. Each one offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shows off the islands in ways most travelers never get to see.

1. Manawaiopuna Falls, Kauai (Also Known as Jurassic Falls)

Manawaiopuna Falls is one of the most iconic and cinematic waterfalls in Hawaii. Nestled in Kauai’s Hanapepe Valley, this 400-foot waterfall is best known for its appearance in Jurassic Park, but it’s even more stunning in real life.

There are no roads or hiking trails to the falls. The land is privately owned and completely inaccessible to the public on foot. Only a helicopter tour can take you there. Some tours even land at the base of the falls, giving you a rare chance to walk beside this breathtaking natural wonder.

2. Molokai’s Sea Cliffs – The Tallest in the World

Towering more than 3,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the sea cliffs of Molokai’s north shore are the tallest on Earth. From the ground, they’re nearly impossible to see. From the sky, they’re unforgettable.

Only a helicopter can fly you along these vertical cliffs, where you’ll pass dozens of remote waterfalls, rugged valleys, and untouched coastline. This is raw, wild Hawaii, far from the resorts and roads. If you’re looking for a jaw-dropping visual experience, this is it.

3. Mount Waiʻaleʻale Crater (The Weeping Wall of Kauai)

Mount Waiʻaleʻale is one of the wettest places on the planet, averaging nearly 450 inches of rain per year. All that rainfall flows down the walls of a massive, ancient crater at the summit.

Known as the “Weeping Wall,” this unique location is lined with countless waterfalls that cascade into a lush green basin. It’s deeply spiritual, rarely seen, and completely inaccessible except by helicopter. Aerial tours that fly into the crater provide an emotional and visual experience you won’t find anywhere else in Hawaii.

4. Kohala Valleys and Waterfalls, Big Island: A Journey Through Time

The northern coast of the Big Island is home to Kohala, a region of towering waterfalls and deeply carved valleys. While some lookout points offer distant views, only a helicopter can bring you into the heart of these remote landscapes.

Fly over valleys like Pololū, Honokane, and Waimanu, and witness waterfalls plunging from cliffs thousands of feet high. With every turn, the terrain shifts from volcanic rock to dense rainforest. This is one of the most visually diverse areas in Hawaii, and it’s largely untouched by development.

5. Puʻu ʻŌʻō Vent and Lava Fields (The Volcanic Heart of the Big Island)

For decades, the Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent of the Kīlauea volcano reshaped Hawaii’s Big Island. The result is a vast and hauntingly beautiful lava landscape that stretches for miles. It’s certainly a sight that can’t be fully appreciated from the ground.

While walking tours show some of the cooled lava fields, helicopter tours offer the full scope. You’ll fly over lava rivers, cinder cones, and collapsed craters. Even when lava isn’t actively flowing, this part of the island feels otherworldly. It’s an essential stop on any helicopter tour of Hawaii’s volcanic regions.

Why Choose a Helicopter Tour in Hawaii?

A helicopter tour is more than just sightseeing. It’s the only way to reach many of Hawaii’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adventure, photography opportunities, or a deeper connection to the islands, these tours provide unmatched access to places that are otherwise out of reach.

From hidden waterfalls and secluded valleys to ancient volcanoes and dramatic coastlines, these are the places you’ll talk about for the rest of your life.

Plan Your Hawaii Helicopter Tour

If you’re planning a Hawaii vacation, consider adding a helicopter tour to your itinerary. Choose an island—Kauai, Maui, Oahu, or Hawaii Island—and find a tour that fits your interests. Whether you’re drawn to the waterfalls of Kauai or the lava fields of the Big Island, there’s a flight that will take you there.

Some memories are made at sea level. Others can only be made from the sky.