MANAWAIOPUNA FALLS is not only diffi cult to wrap your tongue around, but it’s also hard to find. Located in the wild on private property, it is off – limits to the ordinary person. Many are familiar with these falls from the 1993 blockbuster
; the movie is how the nearly 400- foot gusher in the HANAPĒPĒ VALLEY gained its worldly fame. Thankfully, ISLAND HELICOPTERS owner and experienced pilot Curt Lofstedt is no ordinary person. He’s been fl ying tours over Manawaiopuna Falls for decades.
For over 150 years, Manawaiopuna has been inaccessible to the public. It took Curt and his wife, Bonnie, more than five years of working with the County of Kaua‘i to receive the authorization to land at the falls. Their permit is exclusive to Island Helicopters and includes restrictions that protect the environment which help to keep this area special.
The landing is part of the company’s JURASSIC FALLS LANDING helicopter tour. After touchdown, participants take a short, guided walk to the falls, during which they learn about flora, fauna and historical attributes of the area. Island Helicopters’ offi ce is conveniently based out of Kaua‘i’s Līhu‘e Airport at the heliport. They offer flights seven days a week. ISLAND HELICOPTERS 808-245-8588 OR 800-829-5999
