The “Jurassic Park” Waterfall
Manawaiopuna Falls became world-famous in 1993 when Steven Spielberg filmed the iconic helicopter landing scene for Jurassic Park at its base. Since then, it has been the single most requested landmark on Kauai.
However, there is a catch: It is located on private land.
Can you hike to Jurassic Falls?
No. This is one of the most common questions we get. The falls are located deep within the Hanapepe Valley on land owned by the Robinson family (who also own the island of Niihau).
- There are no public trails.
- The area is fenced and patrolled.
- Attempting to hike there is trespassing.
The only way to see it is by helicopter.
The Only Way to Land: Island Helicopters
While every helicopter tour on Kauai will remove you over the falls for a photo opportunity, only one company has the exclusive contract to land there.
Island Helicopters offers the “Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure.”
- Flight Time: ~50-55 minutes.
- Ground Time: ~20 minutes at the falls.
- Aircraft: A-Star (AS350) Turbine.
- The Experience: You land on a private helipad, walk a short rainforest path, and stand at the base of the 400-foot waterfall. It looks exactly as it did in the movie.
The Cost Analysis
Is it worth the premium?
| Tour Type | Operator | Est. Price (w/ Fees) | Can you Land? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landing Tour | Island Helicopters | ~$432+ | Yes |
| Standard Tour | Blue Hawaiian / Jack Harter | ~$360 - $400 | No (Flyover Only) |
Verdict: If you are a die-hard Jurassic Park fan, the extra ~$50-70 is absolutely worth it for the bragging rights and the photo op. If you are just a casual nature lover, the view from the air (which you get on any tour) is actually more impressive than the view from the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim at the falls?
No. The landing stop is strictly for viewing and photography. You cannot swim in the pool at the base of the falls.
Is the “Jurassic Park Gate” still there?
No. The gate scenes were filmed on Kauai (at the Blue Hole, near Mt. Waialeale), but the actual gate structure was removed after filming. Two posts remain, but they are hard to spot from the air.
Which tour is better for photography?
For the falls specifically? The landing tour. For the rest of the island? A “Doors Off” tour with Jack Harter will generally give you better glare-free photos of the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali coast, even though you can’t land at the falls.