Manawaiopuna Falls

Manawaiopuna Falls — immortalized as "Jurassic Falls" after its starring role in the 1993 film Jurassic Park — is a 400-foot cascade hidden deep in Kauai's remote Hanapepe Valley. The falls drop in a dramatic single plunge over a cliff of volcanic rock, surrounded by impossibly green tropical forest that has barely changed since the Cretaceous Period ended. The setting is so dramatic and isolated that it's easy to understand why Steven Spielberg chose it as the entrance to his fictional dinosaur island.

There is no hiking trail to Manawaiopuna Falls — the waterfall is located on rugged, roadless private land and is accessible only by helicopter. Island Helicopters holds exclusive landing rights at the base, offering a 75-80 minute tour that includes a 25-minute ground stop where passengers walk along a jungle path to stand at the base of the falls. Other helicopter companies offer fly-over views without landing. The aerial approach through the narrow valley walls is itself a stunning experience.

Tour prices typically range from $280-350 per person, making this one of the most expensive waterfall visits in the United States, but the combination of the cinematic setting, the exclusive access, and the helicopter flight makes it a bucket-list experience. Book well in advance, especially during peak season (December-April). Morning flights typically offer the clearest conditions.