10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Kauai That You Shouldn't Miss

October 20, 2021 Oliva Fomby

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 East Side and North Shore Private Guided Tour

Kauai, Hawaii, USA Noah's Ark Kauai Tours
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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

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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.

2. North Shore Kauai Audio Driving Tour

Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA Shaka Guide: Audio Tour Apps
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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...

3. Da Westside Explorer Sightseeing Tour - 8 hrs.

Kela's Glass Gallery, 4-1400 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA Kauai Soul Travel
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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!!

4. 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.

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. 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!!

7. Kauai Adventure Bundle: 4 Epic Audio Driving Tours

Lihue, HI 96766, USA Shaka Guide: Audio Tour Apps
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4.7 based on 66 reviews

Shaka Guide is an audio tour app that gives you the benefits of a guided tour with the freedom to explore on your own terms. This Kauai Adventure Tour Bundle comes with four socially-distanced audio driving tours: • Waimea and Na Pali Tour (6-8 hour tour) • Wailua Valley and Waterfalls Tour (6-8 hour tour) • Poipu and Koloa Tour (4-6 hours hour tour) • North Shore Kauai Tour (6-8 hour tour) The app uses GPS to give you turn-by-turn navigation to historic sites, popular attractions, world-class beaches and scenic hikes with stories about the places you’re visiting and music to entertain you along the way. All Shaka Guide Tours... • Never expire - take them multiple times or buy in advance • Work 100% offline - no data or wifi necessary • Let you take the tour when you want - download the tour and choose the day that works best for you *Please use the link in your confirmation email to download the app*

Inclusions: All 4 Shaka Guide audio driving tours for Kauai, Audio narration with stories and music , Turn-by-turn audio navigation using GPS, Freedom to explore at your own pace, Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations, Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline -- no wifi or data needed), Tours NEVER expire

Exclusions: Parking fees, Attraction entrance fees, Car rental, Meals

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...

8. Private Luxury Tour of Kauai: North & East Shores

Kauai Luxury Transportation & Tours
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4.7 based on 27 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: Private tour of Kauai, Knowledgeable local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By IowaTraveler50021

We did a private tour today with our guide, Domi. It was a great way to not only see the island spots but also learn a ton about the history! It was a perfect way to spend a day. Domi adjusted quickly when not only rain changed our plans but also closures due to COVID-19. This is the way to see the island!

9. Opaeka'a falls, Tree Tunnel, Poipu Coast, Spouting Horn, Historic Koloa Town

Kukui Grove Center, 2600 Kaumualii Hwy #3, Lihue, HI 96766, USA Clark's Hawaii Tours
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4.6 based on 5 reviews

Tour departs at 11.00 am, check-in at 10:30 at Clark's Hawaii Tours office located in Kukui Grove Mall (3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy., Lihue, HI 96766).  No food or drinks on the bus, water okay.  Friday Tour depart at 9:30 a.m., check-in 9:00 a.m. We recommend to have late breakfast or early lunch before the tour leaves as food or drinks are not included on our tour.  A 3 hour narrated sightseeing tour.  First stop at  Opaeka'a Falls, Wailua River lookout then travel thru the Tree tunnel and Poipu Coast with the second stop at the Spouting Horn.  Turn returns sightseeing to Historic Koloa Town, the birthplace of the sugarcane industry in the State of Hawaii.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By lightingdude

The guy that runs the business should not be in the customer service industry or anything that deals with people.

10. Best of Kauai Tour by Land, River and Optional Air

Kauai Luxury Transportation & Tours
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4.5 based on 64 reviews

An incredible single-day tour of Kauai's north and east shores. Learn about the island from an our expert guides as you explore lush waterfalls, scenic mountain views, take a river cruise to Fern Grotto, visit the Lighthouse and Bird Sanctuary, and finally, see Kauai from the air (if air tour is selected).

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (select locations on the north and east sides only), Sightseeing tour, Fixed-wing air tour (if option selected, 350 lbs limit per person), Waliua River boat tour

Exclusions: Lunch, Fixed-wing air tour (if option not selected)

Reviewed By SteveinScottsdale

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

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