Things to do in Poipu, Hawaii (HI): The Best Tours

October 18, 2021 Kelli Reichel

Kauai’s South Shore is home to some of the country’s best beaches—for swimming, diving and all sorts of water sports. If sunbathing on a gorgeous beach isn’t relaxing enough, try a spa (where many treatments incorporate local ingredients). And if you’re in Poipu for a romantic escape, splurge on an oceanview room—the sunsets are spectacular.
Restaurants in Poipu

1. Twilight Tour in the Gardens

McBryde Garden
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Join us for an after-hours tour of exploration and discovery that takes place within Allerton and/or McBryde Gardens. Guided by the moonlight each tour is unique and the path will be dependent upon the season, weather, and Mother Nature in her most secretive time, twilight. Feel the gardens come alive in a whole new perspective.  Evening pollinators, night bloomers, and nocturnal creatures bring the garden alive in this time of slumber for most.  Aromas, sounds, and more are waiting for your discovery. This tour is limited in availability and size; dates are dependent upon the lunar phase. The tour is approximately 2 ½ hours long with up to 2 hours of walking on light trails; appropriate attire and shoes are required, no slip-ons or heels. Flashlight provided.

Inclusions: Walking guided tour, Bottled water, bug repellent

Exclusions: None-

Reviewed By Robin H

McBryde is a sister garden to the next-door Allerton Garden. Allerton only has guided tours, McBryde has only self-guided tours - which was why my family chose McBryde. The shared parking lot for the 2 gardens was close to full for our mid-morning tour. A 15-minute bus ride transports the customers from parking lot to the actual garden (leaves and returns every hour). A docent greets the bus in the garden ang gives a short general overview - then one is on one's own to explore. My family (with 3 pretty knowledgable gardners in the group) took a leisurely 2.5 hour stroll through the 200 acres of gardens. The plants are not well signed (which was a disapointment), and the 7 or 8 designated trails are really just different parts of a long pretty loop trail. All that said, it's a very serene way to spend 3-hours. Yes, I have seen more specacular gardens in my travels and I think the $30 per adult was a bit pricey for a self-guided tour, but overall our family enjoyed the entire time in the garden (even although it rained). Considerable native bird life added to the enjoyment. Two members of our 11-person group vote the garden the best event of our 9-day stay on Kauai (and we saw pretty well all of Kaui's sights!)

2. Kauai Poipu & Koloa Town Audio Driving Tour

Poipu, Koloa, HI 96756, USA Shaka Guide: Audio Tour Apps
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Poipu and Koloa Town Tour takes you on a trip back in time from when ancient Hawaiian villages dotted the area all the way to the sugarcane plantation era. Skip the tour bus and explore Kauai at your own pace for a fraction of the cost. Our app uses GPS to give you turn-by-turn directions to historic sites and popular spots while telling you interesting stories along the way. Shaka Guide is the #1-rated app for Kauai with over 2K reviews on the App Store and Google Play Store! WHY SHAKA GUIDE: ✅ Tours never expire. ✅ Tour work offline. No data needed. ✅ Reliable GPS directions. ✅ A guided tour for a fraction of the price. ✅ Save time planning! We’ve done the work for you. ✅ Your vacation, your terms — freedom to stop and go as you please. ✅ The #1-rated travel app for Maui. ✅ Listen to interesting stories and Hawaiian music!

Inclusions: Offline map of the entire tour with turn-by-turn audio navigation, Interesting stories and history, Freedom to explore at your own pace and your purchase will NEVER expire!, Tour highlights in the app with restaurant and activity recommendations

Exclusions: Parking fees, Attraction entrance fees, Meals, Car rentals and crowded tour buses

Reviewed By chanyu1

This is a good and inexpensive way to do the Haleakala sunset tour with audio narrative of things to see along the way to the mountain top. Good value for the price. A quick tip: this app burns through your phone battery fast so having a car phone cable is a must or else your phone battery will run out of juice pretty quick...

3. Kauai Hiking Adventure

Kapaa Shopping Center, 4-1105 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA Portraitnani
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Walk in the footsteps of Kauai Locals as you begin the most beautiful hikes on Kauai. Let our guides take you on the adventure of a lifetime to all the secret locations on Kauai beautiful mountain cliffs, sacred saltwater baths fit for a queen. If you are brave and don't mind using a rope assist, then we might even see a dragon or two? Please remember all hiking adventures are developed for your personal abilities your guide will determine your specific abilities and plan the perfect outdoor adventure for you and your group. Exact location will depend on abilities of group and weather, so contact us directly if you have questions? With this reservation you will receive 5 free edited professional photos from the shoot, then you will have a link send to you where you can have access to all the photos from the shoot with a light edit for a small fee per photos.. WITH ACTIVE RESERVATION PLEASE CONFIRM 24 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE!

Inclusions: Bottled water

Exclusions: gratuities

Reviewed By janicenola

Elijah was super professional and friendly! He definitely knew the way around and loved his job. I would 1000% recommend booking with Elijah for this tour!

4. Brand modeling on Kauai

Kapaa Shopping Center, 4-1105 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA Portraitnani
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

This activity is specially designed for Brand Models traveling to Kauai who need to show case their designers in a special way through photography. Kauai is the perfect location with many natural wonders that will highlight you and the beautiful designs you will be showcasing through visual imagery. Let our photographers take you and your crew to the hidden gems of this special island. Majestic waterfalls, crystal clear oceans and long expansive beaches and sea cliffs await you on this amazing photographic adventure. All the images are yours to keep for free all we just ask for is a photo credit on all of your social media posts and for everyone in the group to write a review about your experience with us in a timely manner

Inclusions: Bottled water

Exclusions: gratuity

Reviewed By janicenola

Elijah was super professional and friendly! He definitely knew the way around and loved his job. I would 1000% recommend booking with Elijah for this tour!

5. Kauai's Waimea Canyon and South Side Private Guided Tour

Kauai, Hawaii, USA Noah's Ark Kauai Tours
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

[FOR UP TO 6 PASSENGERS, private tour] *For more reviews, check us on TripAdvisor, "Noah's Ark Kauai"* This tour starts by heading directly to the Waimea Canyon on the west side. On the way there, we will stop to stretch our legs and take a look at the Hanapepe Valley overlook. At Waimea town, we will begin our ascent into the canyon. We will stop at about 1800 feet for our first view, stop at a miniature waterfall for pictures, take a short walk on a nature trail with native Hawaiian plants where you can stand at the very edge of the canyon, and then on to the main canyon viewing area. From there we will head to the top stopping to see the Waipo'o Falls on the way. At the very top we will view two different vantage points of the Kalalau Valley from 4700 feet down to the ocean. On the way back down I will tell a historical tale about Kalalau. Lunch. Then to the south side for Spouting Horn, Poipu Beach (monk seals) and a walk to see the Makauwahi Sinkhole cave in Mahaulepu State Park.

Inclusions: Private Tour Guide

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Reviewed By TexasPilot78218

We (two couples) booked Noah back-to-back for two days to cover all drive-able area of Kauai. One day we did east and North, then the next day we did South and West. Noah is terrific. He is thoroughly knowledgeable about Kauai, the sites to see, the culture, people, attractions, the beaches and the restaurants that tourists don't know about! His Toyota van (with sliding doors for easy access) seat 4 adults very easily (all of us are in our 70s) with easy in and out. Noah has been a teacher for many years (also speaks fluent Japanese). We specifically asked him to point out areas we could drive ourselves back to, given that we rented a car for 10 days. Noah took his to beautiful beaches tucked away from tourists where we came back and had picnic lunches with no crowds. We saw all the beauty of Kauai with our own driver and vehicle - who could park close for us. Highly recommended!

6. Private Luxury Tour of Kauai: South & West Shores

Kauai Luxury Transportation & Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

See the Best of Kauai's south and west shores on this private tour! You'll have the flexibility to customize your itinerary with the help of your friendly guide, who'll take you to picturesque beaches, waterfalls and wildlife reserves. Depending ont he size of your group and the availability, experience Kauai in our luxury sedans, SUVs or Mercedes Sprinters.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Knowledgeable local guide, Private tour of Kauai

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By SteveinScottsdale

The sights Doma took us to we’re beautiful and the stories about the culture of the island were interesting.

7. Private Waimea Canyon Tour

Wal-Mart, Lihue, HI 96766, USA Kauai Island Shuttle
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5.0 based on 73 reviews

On your private tour of Kauai, you'll see the magnificent Waimea Canyon and places the big bus tours can't take you to. You'll enjoy great photo ops of Waipo'o Falls, admire a beautiful vista at Kalalau Lookout and visit the Poipu Beach resort area to see the Spouting Horn, sea turtles and perhaps a Hawaiian Monk seal!  With a knowledgeable guide, you'll also visit attractions like the spectacular Wailua Falls, the Menehune Fishpond, the Kauai Coffee Company and the Captain Cook monument. Hotel pick-up from the Poipu, Lihue and Kapaa resorts.  * Price displayed is based on a party of four to six passengers

Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, Private guide, Bottled water and juice, Hotel pickup and drop-off (Poipu, Lihue, Kapaa, Wailua), Nawiliwili Harbor pickup and drop-off, Lihue airport pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Lunch at own expense, Gratuities, Hotel pickup from Princeville/North Shore Excluded (Meet in Lihue)

Reviewed By Outback_Dave

This was a wonderful all-day trip up the east and north sides of Kauai. John is a very knowledgeable guide and knows all the ins and outs of the island. It was a relaxing and enjoyable trip from start to finish! Nice lunch break of our choice in Hanalei. We’ve also done the west side Waimea trip, and although quite different, equally enjoyable. Do both trips if you can. It’s well worth it!

8. Kauai's South and East - Sightseeing Tour - 6 hrs.

Kela's Glass Gallery, 4-1400 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA Kauai Soul Travel
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4.9 based on 17 reviews

The South and East Kauai tour is a history and nature lover experience. Join our professional and fun guide on a 6 hrs cultural and historical journey along the South and East coast of Kauai. Kick back in the comfort of an air condition van as you marvel at the beauty of the Garden Isle in every stop. Immerse yourself in the Hawaiian culture as your guide brings all the sights to life with fantastic stories, from waterfalls to ancient temples of worship. Small groups of up to 10 people make it a personalized and intimate experience. You will visit iconic and off the beaten path places and learn great insider tips. The owner will also be your guide, ensuring the highest quality of service. You are up for a treat.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Live and entertaining narrations, Map of Kauai

Exclusions: TBA on the day of the tour, Wheelchair accessibility. Our vehicles have no room to store a wheelchair. Canes and walkers are ok., Infant and toddler car seats. If you have one please bring it., Gratuities

Reviewed By Michael B

AWESOME TOUR!! Our guide Cocoa was very fun and knowledgeable about Kauai and it's rich history. Spectacular views of the canyon and an awesome Hawaiian lunch! HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

9. Secret Kauai Tour

Secret Hawaii Tours
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4.9 based on 67 reviews

Experience Kauai's exquisite shorelines and deep, majestic canyons, while exploring the island's rugged backcountry with a private local guide.  During this 5-hour  tour on Kauai, your day begins when you're conveniently picked up from either your hotel or cruise ship, and ride in style and sightseeing. You’ll experience Kauai’s rustic backcountry and serene, scenic shorelines, and even see a thundering waterfall as it spills through the tropical rainforest. This tour is completely customizable to suit what interests you the most, whether it's spending more time enjoying the beach, or sampling local food, and it's a way to experience Kauai in a day – with a local guide by your side!

Inclusions: Snacks, Driver/guide, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Port pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Justinapatton92

The Circle Island tour was amazing! Our tour guide Rocky made our experience so spectacular, he shared stories and facts about Oahu and even took pictures of us when we asked! We saw sea turtles, ate amazing shrimp and chicken, saw amazing views of the island, and had the best time!! Highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to experience and explore Oahu!!

10. Vintage Biplane Tour of Kauai

3745 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA Air Ventures Hawaii
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4.9 based on 71 reviews

This 60-70 minute open cockpit Waco Biplane tour is filled with aerial views of the cascading waterfalls, rugged mountain ridges, lush valleys and white-sand beaches of Hawaii's Garden Isle. All guests have the option of wearing the nostalgic cap and goggles together with noise canceling headsets and voice activated microphones for communication with our pilot. The tour is magnificent and our reviews confirm this is a "Ride of a Lifetime"!!!

Inclusions: 60-70 minute open-cockpit Waco Biplane tour, the ONLY one in the Stae of Hawaii, Highly trained, professional, knowledgable pilot, Option to wear our vintage cloth helmet and goggles, Bose 2-way noise canceling headset with voice activated microphone for communication with your pilot, Taxes and fuel surcharges, A memorable 'Ride of a Lifetime" experience

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop off

Reviewed By harpolucy

This is a must do! It was the best part of a weeklong stay in Kauai. The views are breathtaking and we were able to see whales while over the water.

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