There are many spectacular sights to be seen on the Hawaiian Islands, and one spot you should add to your travel list is Waimea Canyon. Located on Kauai, this massive ravine is 14 miles long, one mile wide, and 3,600 feet deep, offering viewers an awe-inspiring experience. It would be challenging to explore the whole canyon all in one day, but a helicopter tour would give you a bird’s eye view of its glory and prepare you for what to see up close.

What to Expect on Your Helicopter Tour over Waimea Canyon

1. Diverse Geology & Ecology

You’ll see lush forests, cascading waterfalls, isolated valleys, and cliffs built from thick lava flows. Look closely for the endangered Puaiohi, as they tend to make their nests along the cliffs near streams.

2. Beautiful Colors

Waimea means reddish water in Hawaiian. The canyon and the nearby town were likely given this name due to the reflection of the reddish-brown walls onto the flowing water. However, if you arrive during the rainy, winter season, expect to see dense green and floral growth, including the orange and yellow Kahili Ginger, pink impatiens, and the native Ohia tree. The contrasting colors are stunning to behold, so be sure to have your camera ready.

3. Waimea River

Waimea Canyon has been carved by numerous rivers that flow from the summit of the nearby Mount Waialeale. The most important of which is the Waimea River. It’s over 12 miles long, making it one of the longest rivers in Hawaii. It was also heavily responsible throughout the 20^th century for supplying much of the island’s tributaries that aided the growth of sugar plantations.

If you’re vacationing on Kauai and want to check out the Waimea Canyon, contact Jack Harter Helicopters in Lihue. These professionals offer helicopter tours of the canyon and other breathtaking parts of the island, including the Na Pali coast and Mount Waialeale. Their trained pilots have extensive knowledge of the island and share what they know with passengers during the trip. Book your 60- or 90-minute tour online, or call (808) 245-3774 to speak with a team member about their charters and aircraft.