Top Things to do in Kauai
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What to do and see in Kauai, Hawaii (HI): The Best Bus Tours
Relaxing and pristine Kauai (the Garden Island) is the least commercially developed of the Hawaiian islands. Waterfalls, scenic drives and more than 60 beaches dot the landscape. Some beaches have great snorkeling, others offer child-friendly tidal pools and some are perfect for all kinds of water sports. Dry-land activities include hiking the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coastline, taking a day trip to Waimea Canyon and experiencing life on a sugar plantation at Grove Farm Homestead Museum.
Restaurants in Kauai
1. Kauai Sea Kayaking 10 mile tour - Na Pali Iki (Polihale to Milolii)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
A one-day 10 mile guided sea kayak adventure along the South-West portion of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. This will be a long, impressive day of warm coastal paddling, caving, and snorkeling along a portion of the monumental Na Pali Coast. Marvel at shallow sea caves, secluded beaches and hanging valleys. Along the way encounter and swim with Dolphins, Green Sea Turtle, and often Monk Seals. Pulling ashore, we’ll spend a few hours stopping to rest and have lunch on the quiet beach of Milolii. At Milolii we can swim, beach comb, and visit an old Hawaiian fishing heiau (fishing shrine). Treasure Beach is a great place to rest off shore or take time to snorkel. After landing at Polihale...a refreshing shower and a van awaits, ready to whisk you back to our Wailua River Marina. .
Inclusions: CALL/EMAIL LUNCH CHOICE BEFORE TOUR DATE: Deli sandwich (turkey, roast beef, ham, salami, or veggie), Bottled water, Landing and facility fees, Local taxes, Transport by air-conditioned minivan. Westside pick-up location in route (Waimea Soccer field), Driver/guide, Professional guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By elanaleoni
My tour group leader was named Ty, who had lived in Kauai for 10 years. Nice, approachable, and knowledgeable guy. He was also really patient with the child we had on our tour and an older couple that had a harder time kayaking and hiking at times. I also loved that he allowed me to take a single kayak, while he offered to kayak the young child (that would've been a lot of extra work to have a 5-year old with me..lol!). I learned a lot from Ty but he provided a good info of knowledge with also enough room to take in the beautiful scenery. Tips: I would bring and wear mosquito repellent, as you have to hike under a jungle canopy, and the bugs come out! Also re-apply sunscreen for the paddle back out if you're one of the earlier tours. In terms of timing, I did the 12:45 tour that ended a little before 6 and it was perfect. On the way back it wasn't too hot AND we were the last tour group at the site so we didn't run into a lot of people on the way back at all. It was like we had the falls and the river entirely to ourselves. Also, drink LOTS of water, if you don't feel like it. It's easy to get dehydrated. Thank you for a GREAT time! :) Oh and make sure you get cash out to tip the guide you have. They don't get paid much, spend a lot of time and energy on the tour, and I can't even imagine what they had to sacrifice for the year they were closed due to COVID. For reference, I tipped $20 for just me (I was a solo).
2. Kauai East Side and North Shore Private Guided Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
[FOR UP TO 6 PASSENGERS, private tour] ***For more reviews check us on TripAdvisor- "Noah's Ark Kauai"*** This 7 hour tour includes Wailua Falls, Wailua River, Opaeka'a Falls, Kauai Hindu Monastery, Anahola, Kalalea mountain, Kilauea Lighthouse, Moloa'a, Nepalese Stupa, Larsen's Beach (wild beach), Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge/Sea Bird Sanctuary, Anini Beach, Kalihiwai Beach and lookout. Stop to feast on and drink water from fresh coconuts. See and feed some wild pigs, Hawaii's pua'a. Learn some historical tales about the island, take photos at all the best places, and take some walks in some of the most beautiful natural places on the planet. Stop at a market or restaurant of your choice for lunch or picnic. Include some shopping if or change the itinerary anyway you like. Customize your tour to include an activity (hiking/snorkeling/etc) should you choose. Cooler and cold water are provided.
Inclusions: Bottled water
Exclusions:
Reviewed By sharmeenkhan81
Noah was an amazing guide. I was his first customer since the break due to pandemic and he went above and beyond to make my one-day tour of the Kauai island super fun, eventful and informative. He was easy to communicate with and catered to my wishlist. He is also a great company and quite knowledgeable. I would recommend Noah 100% for your guided tour needs while in Kauai.
3. Kauai Poipu & Koloa Town Audio Driving Tour
Overall Ratings
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...
4. North Shore Kauai Audio Driving Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Explore Kauai's scenic north shore with Shaka Guide and visit the beautiful beaches, gorgeous hiking trails and even a hidden waterfall. You will love the gripping stories we tell of this unique island. Skip the tour bus and explore Kauai at your own pace for a fraction of the cost. Shaka Guide's North Shore Kauai Tour uses GPS to give you turn-by-turn directions to the best spots! 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 island with turn-by-turn audio navigation, Interesting stories and history and the freedom to explore at your own pace, Purchase will NEVER expire and tours work offline, Tour highlights in the app with restaurant and activity recommendations
Exclusions: Parking fees, Attraction entrance fees, Meals, Car rental, Crowded tour bus
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...
5. Da Westside Explorer Sightseeing Tour - 8 hrs.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Our Westside tour is a unique experience not to be missed. All tours are small for an intimate experience. You will be guided by the owner, Coco Maria, who has over 12 yrs of experience. Our vehicles have nice viewing windows, comfortable seating, and air condition. Treat yourself and take the day off from driving. Seat back and relax while you marvel at the beauty of Kauai and listen to the fascinating history and legends behind the sites. We will take you to many iconic places on the West side of Kauai, including some not listed on maps. This tour features famous Waimea Canyon, Waipoo Falls, Kokee State park, the only black sand beach on Kauai, Cooks landing, old Hanapepe town and its swinging bridge, the largest coffee plantation in the US, and more. You will have an opportunity to shop and eat local, take amazing pictures, and truly experience Kauai's culture. Kauai's Westside preserves the charm of the old days and its beauty is beyond words.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Letter size map of Kauai, Entrance fee to Waimea and Kokee State Park, 10 percent off food at the Kokee Lodge restaurant
Exclusions: We will make a 1 hour stop at The Kokee Lodge for lunch., Wheelchair accessibility. Our vehicles have no place to stow a wheelchair. Walkers and canes are ok., Infant and toddler car seats. if you have one please bring it., Gratuities
Reviewed By MLCLARK63
Kauai is amazing in the present day, but the richness and history expounded upon by Coco, added depth to our love for this Island. The ease of navigation and lore telling Coco possesses made the trip delightful. We got a late start, our fault, but she was patient and directed us to a local bakery that had unusual savory pastry treats that we loved. The lunch venue was scenic and the food delicious. We laughed as we told stories both of the island and our families. Such a wonderful trip!!
6. Kauai Hiking Adventure
Overall Ratings
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!
7. Private Luxury Tour of Kauai: South & West Shores
Overall Ratings
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.
8. Kauai's Waimea Canyon and South Side Private Guided Tour
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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!
9. Private Secret Oahu Circle Island Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
This Circle Island Tour is designed to give visitors a full spectrum experience of all Oahu has to offer. Traversing the island, you’ll ride in style and be entertained throughout the day by your lively guide. Oahu’s diverse landscapes are some of the most breathtaking in the island chain, with endless points of interest to explore.
Inclusions: Round trip transportation from Waikiki Hotels, Local guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, No host Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By lnoble1967
Our tour with Lanai was fantastic. Not only do you learn about Hawaiian food, you also learn some of the history of the food, and the people, and the influences on Hawaiian culture. Every bite at every stop was incredible, and the tour left me wanting to do another. And another. And another! If you want an insider’s look at Hawaii, her food and her history, book this tour now. You will be so grateful that you did.
10. Private Waimea Canyon Tour
Overall Ratings
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!
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