📸 Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Park Falls) | Kauai, Hawaii
📝 My Story
One of the absolute highlights of our Kauai adventure was getting to see the famous Manawaiopuna Falls — better known to many as Jurassic Park Falls!
Hidden deep within the lush Hanapepe Valley, this 400-foot waterfall is only accessible by helicopter, making it one of the island’s most exclusive and magical sights.
We booked a helicopter tour with Island Helicopters, one of the few companies permitted to actually land at the baseof the falls.
Stepping onto the sacred ground and standing beneath this iconic waterfall was surreal — a pure “movie moment” in real life.
If you’re a fan of Jurassic Park, lush landscapes, or simply breathtaking natural wonders, this should be on your Kauai bucket list!
🌎 Location
📌 Quick Info
🏙️ City: Near Hanapepe, Kauai
🅿️ Parking: Only accessible via helicopter tour (no public access)
🚻 Bathrooms: None at the falls — facilities available at helicopter terminals
🚲 Bike Rentals: Not applicable
🧭 Travel Tip: Book tours far in advance — spots fill up quickly!
📸 Photographer’s Note: Wide-angle lenses are perfect for capturing the full height of the falls
🛐 Etiquette: Respect the land — this area is considered sacred by Hawaiians
🕰️ Best Time to Explore: Morning tours offer the best lighting and less wind
♿ Accessibility: Helicopter tours require basic mobility (consult tour company if unsure)
💡 Pro Tip
Wear dark, non-reflective clothing during your helicopter ride to minimize window reflections in your photos.
And don’t forget motion sickness medicine if you’re sensitive — the ride can get bumpy!
📸 Photography Tip
Use a polarizing filter to cut glare from the helicopter window and boost the colors of the lush greenery around the falls.
If you're allowed, shoot slightly downward to avoid the reflection of the sky in your shots.
🎉 Fun Fact
Manawaiopuna Falls gained worldwide fame after being featured in the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park.
The scene where the helicopter lands on Isla Nublar? Yep, it was filmed right here!
🗺️ Planning Your Own Hawaii Adventure?
If you’re planning your own trip to Kauai (or anywhere across Hawaii), you can find this hidden gem — and many more — on my public travel map:
👉 View My Hawaii Travel Map Here ➔
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Want to read the full story of our unforgettable adventure across Kauai and Maui?
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