Best Tours and Day Trips of Kauai

Kauai is an island paradise with a variety of activities, tropical experiences and interesting tours. Its beauty is mind-blowing, not in vain has it been the setting for Hollywood movies. A trip to this destination will allow you to discover its colorful locations by kayak, plane or helicopter. In addition, dare to know it from the palate, with Hawaiian dishes prepared in an artisanal way based on farm products.

Take advantage of your vacation to enjoy the best things to do in Kauai, for example take the little ones on a fun tour of the tropical fruit and chocolate plantations. If you're adventurous, glide through the island's back roads by jeep, or experience a quick getaway to Honolulu.

If you enjoy movies, you'll surely be interested in exploring the island's locations that were used as film sets for big-name movies. The beauty of the Garden Isle is portrayed in blockbusters like Jurassic Park, so it's worth exploring its cinematic legacy. It's an out-of-the-ordinary activity, where you can hear behind-the-scenes anecdotes and visit the locations where they were filmed:

• Blue Hawaii: it's an Elvis Presley hit, where the starring location is Lydgate State Park, considered one of the best beaches on Kauai.
• Jurassic Park: head to the beach community of Kapaa, to be transported back to the age of dinosaurs.
• Lilo and Stitch: an animated movie for the whole family, which you've probably seen. It takes place in the National Wildlife Reserve.

Details of interest

• Price: from 135 euros.
• Duration: between 6 and 7 hours.
• Means of transportation: usually includes transfer to/from the hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. In addition, it is common for the tour to be done in a bus for small groups.
• Advantages of this option: the tour usually includes the company of a professional guide, who will tell you all the secrets of the film sets.
• Disadvantages of this option: it cannot be done in bad weather conditions, since most of the locations are outdoors.

Seeing Kauai from an airplane is an experience, ideal for those who enjoy extreme activities. Air tours are the best way to get privileged views of the natural monuments, without crowds or queues. In fact, if you plan to stay 3 days on the island, this tour will allow you to get a quick first look, to choose the places of interest to which you want to dedicate more time.

Some of the locations you will be able to see include:

• Captain Cook's Waimea Landing: this is where the history of Kauai began, as it is the exact spot where the explorer landed on the island in 1778.
• Kipu Kai: one of the best beaches on Kauai, as several movies were filmed and immortalized here.
• Mokuaeae Island: a little crowded corner, ideal to enjoy refreshing cliffs.
• Waialeale Crater: considered the wettest place on Earth.

Details of interest

• Price: from 141 euros.
• Duration: between 60 and 70 minutes.
• Means of transport: the meeting point is likely to be set at Lihue Airport, so transfers are not always included. In any case, you can find some local buses or hire transfers in advance.
• Advantages of this option: it is ideal for small groups.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended to fly in bad weather conditions.

From raw fish to exotic fruits, the Hawaiian islands offer a clash of flavors. Each dish is an extraordinary experience, as culinary traditions vary, depending on which stretch of the island you're on. A guided tour is the best way to learn about the island's food-making process, from the time farm-fresh produce is harvested until it reaches the table.

Indeed, Kauai is a gastronomic surprise that will whet your appetite. The island is dotted with roving food trucks, but there are also upscale restaurants with fascinating offerings. It's hard to choose where to start, so I recommend securing the company of a local guide to explore the contrasts between the southern, northern and western dishes. This way, you'll skip the long lines at the local eateries and gain access to a VIP experience in the heart of Hawaii. Some of the dishes you must experience include:

• Hawaiian slushie: is a treat originally from Japan, made from ice, coconut and Waialua chocolate syrup and tropical fruit sauces.
• Saimin: it is the national dish, with Japanese, Chinese and Filipino influences. It is prepared with wheat noodles and a dashi broth with shrimp, egg and pork.
• Hawaiian cake: made with whipped cream, local chocolate and macadamia nuts.

Details of interest

• Price: from 111 euros.
• Duration: between three and four hours.
• Means of transport: generally, a meeting point is fixed.
• Advantages of this option: it is usually a private activity, free of crowds.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for pregnant women, the elderly or people with food allergies.

On the Garden Isle you can venture out on a land and water tour, which consists of kayaking down the Wailua River. Its breathtaking scenery can be appreciated from land or air, but without a doubt nothing equals connecting directly with the energy of this river channel. It's an outdoor activity, ideal for experiencing the island's nature and culture. In fact, Kauai was founded in 1778 so it keeps interesting secrets about the first locals and really amazing corners.

For example, the island keeps hidden the beautiful Secret Falls, which is difficult to reach on your own. The locals have the exact location, but an outsider can spend hours going around in circles. The guided tour is one of the best things to do on the island, because it usually makes a long stop through the jungle and ends in the refreshing waters of Secrets Falls.

Details of interest

• Price: from 112 euros.
• Duration: about six hours.
• Means of transportation: usually a meeting point is arranged on the island. You can also discuss with your service provider to add transfers to the package.
• Advantages of this option: ideal for small groups.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended for pregnant women, children under five years of age or travelers with serious health problems.

The island of Kauai is a natural gemstone, located in the heart of Hawaii. It is noted for its beauty and fascinating tours, which explore the Wailua River and the depths of the jungle. You can choose a relaxing experience aboard a cruise ship to tour the Garden Coast. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a hike to Waimea Canyon, a geological formation resulting from erosion.

At all times you will enjoy panoramic views that highlight the lush beauty of Kauai, and reveal the colors of its best beaches. You will pass sacred sites and learn more about the island's history. This experience is often combined with a land tour, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes to explore sites of interest such as:

• Waimea Canyon: an impressive geological formation, which stands out for its imposing color.
• Koloa Old Town: a beautiful seaside town, surrounded by interesting activities and sugar cane plantations.
• Spouting Horn: it is a scenic landscape that stands out for an impressive orifice, where water flows through lava vents.
• Fern Grotto: is a natural attraction brimming with ferns, considered an open-air theater as some of Kauai's best Luau shows are performed, with Hawaiian music and dancing at the edge of the grotto.

Details of interest

• Price: from 101 euros.
• Duration: about three and a half hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes pick-up at the port, you can arrive on your own, ask for a cab or hire transfers. Some transfers can be included from one destination to another by cruise ship and bus.
• Advantages of this option: in a short time you can visit a variety of destinations, and it usually includes a professional guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: This shore excursion can only be booked by Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America passengers.

Olokele Canyon is a private reserve, accessible only by guided tour. Most travelers leave the island without being able to enjoy this visit, which is disappointing because it is a wonderful experience. The best way to access is by helicopter, as it offers privileged views of the Nāpali cliffs and Waimea Canyon.

This activity allows an educational and enriching stop, to explore the depths of the Olokele Canyon, whose beauty is incomparable. Be sure to book in advance, as there are only a few authorized operators so it tends to sell out quickly. This experience will also give you access to locations that served as film sets for iconic movies.

Details of interest

• Price: from 710 euros.
• Duration: about an hour and a half.
• Means of transport: public transport is available in the surrounding area, as there is usually a meeting point.
• Advantages of this option: it is an ideal activity for small groups that you can enjoy with family or friends.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended for people with heart or health problems.

Start your day early in the morning by following the same route traced by the first Polynesians and whalers. Although the first explorer was Captain James Cook, it is believed that the indigenous Polynesian people inhabited the coast between 300 and 600 AD. Despite the passage of time, their traces remain marked in the caves and in the imminent local culture. Generally, the experience begins at one of Kauai's best beaches, known as Poipu. Enjoy the gentle waves, picnic areas and children's areas.

You'll likely make your first stop at Spouting Horn, one of the most photographed areas on the island. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the Hawaiian heritage and tree foliage in the Lawai Valley. In addition, locals are likely to invite you to go snorkeling, or enjoy a whale-watching experience (especially in winter). On the way, you can recharge your batteries, tasting tropical juices typical of the island.

Details of interest

• Price: from 213 euros.
• Duration: at least seven hours.
• Means of transport: transfers are usually made in a minibus, usually can also be alternated with a kayak ride.
• Advantages of this option: it usually includes a traditional Hawaiian lunch, with dish tasting and drinks.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not suitable for children under 16 years old, so it is not recommended if you are looking for things to do with children in Kauai.

Kauai has unspoiled landscapes that are characterized by offering less tourist influx, in fact they are called the back roads. You will be delighted with an exclusive experience that will give you a glimpse of the makai ocean and the mauka mountain. In addition, you will be able to explore the sugar cane plantations and cliffs that characterize the Côte d'Azur.

Generally, you can only book with licensed guides, who will give you driving instructions before heading out on the trails. Be prepared to visit the top of a volcanic crater while listening to the stories of King Kamehameha. You may take a tour of the Waita Reservoir, as well as a gastronomic stop to sample fresh local fish.

Details of interest

• Price: from 370 euros.
• Duration: about three hours.
• Means of transport: generally, a meeting point is fixed, where a jeep is delivered to travel the roads of Kauai.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to live a VIP experience, away from the most tourist attractions.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility problems or serious illnesses. It is also not suitable for children under four years old, and good weather conditions are required.

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii, while Pearl Harbor is a historic enclave on Oahu that will transport you to life in the Pacific during World War II. Both destinations are easily accessible from Kauai, being less than two hours away. Get your things ready early in the morning and catch a plane at Lihue Airport, you can schedule an itinerary on your own or book a guided experience.

It's the perfect opportunity to tour the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you'll find informative panels with documentaries about the war. Later head to the Waikiki neighborhood, where you'll find Honolulu's lively atmosphere. In general, you will appreciate:

• Kawaiahaʻo Church: it is the first Christian church in Hawaii, with impressive acoustics where you can appreciate Hawaiian concerts and religious choirs.
• Ala Moana: it is the perfect beach to appreciate the best local sunsets, with access to luau shows.
• Iolani Palace: it is located in the capitol of Honolulu, here lived the last monarchs so it preserves unique elements.

Details of interest

• Price: from 490 euros.
• Duration: about 13 hours.
• Means of transport: an excursion usually includes flights as well as internal transfers in a comfortable bus. If you choose to organize the trip on your own, keep in mind that you can find tickets from 50 euros.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to visit the most significant places in Hawaii, ideal if you plan to stay at least 7 days in Kauai.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include meals, plus most guided tours are offered only in English.

At the Princeville Botanical Gardens you can enjoy a culinary and cultural tour to explore Kauai's tropical fruit and chocolate plantations. It is a captivating tropical environment, ideal for relaxing and immersing yourself in the flavors of the Hawaiian lands. The best way to get to know the fields of the region is through a guided experience, where you will have at your disposal a select choice of chocolates from around the world.

It is an ideal activity to learn about the process of harvesting local cocoa, which are processed to create typical sweets and delicious treats. You can also tour the Waimea Valley, the cocoa forest where you are allowed to taste raw seeds, as well as the honey beehives. It is an ideal tour if you are looking for things to do with kids in Kauai.

Details of interest

• Price: from 195 euros.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Means of transportation: does not usually include transportation.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to enjoy tastings, and it may also include entrance to the gardens.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include tips.