10 Sightseeing Tours in Kauai That You Shouldn't Miss

May 8, 2022 Kaleigh Reichenbach

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. Private Kauai and Forbidden Island Airplane Tour 90 minutes

Air Service Hawaii, 3745 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA Ali'i Air Tours & Charters
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Two air tours in one! Enjoy views of the Garden Island of Kauai's Menehune Fish Pond, the Eucalyptus Tunnel of Trees, Waita Reservoir (the largest reservoir on Kauai), Captain Cook’s Landing in Waimea Town, the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, the majestic Napali Coastline, Lumahai Beach (were the movie South Pacific was filmed), Hanalei Valley, cascading waterfalls, Kilauea Lighthouse (the largest Frigate bird sanctuary) and miles of beautiful coastline and beaches. The Forbidden Island of Ni'ihau is 18 miles long and about six miles wide, this arid island is located approximately 17 miles off the west coast of Kaua’i. What makes Ni‘ihau so mystifying is that life here has remained mostly frozen in time. Since it was purchased for $10,000 by the Sinclair family for ranching purposes in 1864, not much has changed. There are no paved roads, no commercial buildings, no hospitals, and few modern-day comforts. A small population of less than 200 live in a tiny village called Pu‘uwai.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By bmsnyc

Took a doors-off ride with Ali’i. I’ve done helicopter tours before, but the small, intimate copter here was the best experience! Much more exciting than being cooped up in center seats on some of the big, fancy copters other tours operate. Staff were very friendly, and even gave us a complimentary ride back to the hotel when the hotel shuttle didn’t show up!! Highly recommended!

2. 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.

3. 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...

4. 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...

5. The Big Island Experience

Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours Big Island of Hawaii, 73-310 Uu St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours
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5.0 based on 54 reviews

For those of you who want it all, the Full Island VIP Adventure Tour is for you! Volcano, valleys, waterfalls and coastline! It’s all of our helicopter tours of the Big Island rolled into one plus an active volcano! Departing from Kona International Airport, we head straight to Kilauea by way of the saddle running between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, Hawaii’s tallest mountains.

Inclusions: Airport/Departure Tax, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By thezackster

5 stars isn't enough, they deserve 50. I was nervous (sweaty palms haha!) but immediately upon arrival our pilot James met us at our car and made us right at home. Very responsible regarding COVID precautions and just so friendly and educational. Mid-air, mid-sunset I was able to pop the question to my now fiance and it couldn't have been better. Forever indebted to this place and to our pilot. World class! You'll love every dollar spent!

6. 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

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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. 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!

8. Private Kauai Helicopter Tour with No Middle Seats

3745 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA Ali'i Air Tours & Charters
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5.0 based on 40 reviews

On this incredible tour of Kauai, you’ll experience views so beautiful they will take your breath away. Explore the stunning Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as “Jurassic Park” falls, wedged in between the emerald green mountain top of the Hanapepe Valley. Soar over the amazing views of the Olokele Canyon and majestic Waimea Canyon. Waimea canyon is also know as the the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” where you’ll catch sight of dozens of cascading waterfalls including the 2000-foot Waipo’o falls. Then on to the sacred Napali Coast with its 3500-foot seacliffs plummetting into the vast Pacific ocean. Along the Napali coast you will fly into the secret valleys of Nualolo and Kalalau valley with there amazing landscape. On to Kauai’s magical North Shore which reveals the sculpted green Hanalei Valley with more waterfalls than you can count. Last but not least the pilot will take you to the Wai'ale'ale crater with the "Wall of Tears" A dormant shield Volcano which receives 500" of rainfall.

Inclusions: Gopro Mounts for a fee, Lanyards for cell phones, Your tour includes a 10 minute pilot safety briefing.

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Reviewed By WorldTravelerCO

The day after our arrival in Kauai, we had the most amazing experience of our trip....a doors off helicopter tour of Kauai with Guy! Check in was easy with Ingrid, who made us feel very welcome and comfortable. Guy was friendly and professional, putting any fears at ease before we could even vocalize them. The photos we captured are incredible, Guy provided us with great history and information about the island and we felt very safe and comfortable on this exciting trip. Well worth it, highly recommend to anyone interested in really seeing Kauai!!

9. 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.

10. 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!

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