Before you go
No hiking access. The falls can be seen only on a helicopter tour; only Island Helicopters' landing tour sets down near the base.
Photo Credits (5)
About Manawaiopuna Falls
Mānāwaiopuna Falls, often called Jurassic Falls, is a 400-foot waterfall in Hanapēpē Valley on Kauaʻi. It appeared in the 1993 film Jurassic Park. There is no hiking trail; the falls can be seen only from the air, and Island Helicopters is the one operator allowed to land near the base, a limited number of times per week.
The Setting
Manawaiopuna Falls sits at 906 feet in the foothills of Hawaii. At 400 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Hawaii.
Height: 400 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no hiking trail to Mānāwaiopuna Falls. Visitors see it from a helicopter, and Island Helicopters' Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure lands near the falls.
What to Expect
The falls plunge a dramatic 400 feet.
Accessibility
Helicopter tours may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues or those who are uncomfortable with flying. Check with the tour operator for specific accessibility accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Manawaiopuna Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $450.00
Permit required
Access to Manawaiopuna Falls requires booking a guided helicopter tour, which includes the necessary permissions to land on private property.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Manawaiopuna Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Manawaiopuna Falls can be visited year-round, but the best time is typically during the dry season (April to October) for clearer skies and better visibility. However, the falls may be more dramatic during the rainy season (November to March) due to increased water flow.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Heavy rains during wet season (November through March) bring higher flow but can make trails slippery.
Safety Information
Helicopter tours are generally safe but may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights or motion sickness. Follow all safety instructions provided by the tour operator. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so tours may be delayed or canceled for safety reasons.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Hanapepe Riv, 2.8 miles away, not on Manawaiopuna Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1.84 ft
Water depth at gauge
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Hanapepe Riv blw Manuahi Str nr Eleele, Kauai, HI (5 km away).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late January to late January, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Kalaheo hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Manawaiopuna Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Manawaiopuna Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 79°F to 67°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Book a helicopter tour. Island Helicopters, based in Līhuʻe, runs the only tour that lands at the falls; other island tours fly over the valley.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at your helicopter operator's departure point in Līhuʻe; confirm details with the operator.
Elevation
906 feet above sea level
Coordinates
21.988354° N, -159.525558° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Book your helicopter tour in advance, as availability can be limited. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Be prepared for weather changes, as Kauai's weather can be unpredictable.
Where to Stay
Kauai Shores Hotel
Poipu Plantation Vacation Rentals
Banyan Harbor Resort
Hanalei Bay Resort
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, and Wailua Falls, all of which are accessible by car or additional tours.
Wildlife
The area around the falls is home to native Hawaiian birds and lush tropical vegetation. Wildlife sightings are typically limited due to the brief nature of helicopter visits.
Cities near Manawaiopuna Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
LiDAR
LiDAR
LiDAR
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