USA · TOURS IN KAUAI
Good tours in Kauai fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Koloa Zipline takes you across eight lines above native forest and Waita Reservoir near Koloa. Expect a three-hour tour, a short uphill hike, safety instruction, snacks, and a small group of up to 12. Guides such as Tristan, Malachi, Carson, and Jaiden are known for patient coaching, especially with first-timers and nervous children.
“First time zipliner. The guides were very helpful and answered all my questions. Would definitely come back!”
Fly around Kauai for about 65 minutes in a six-seat GA8 Airvan with large bubble windows and noise-canceling headsets. Pilots such as Koa, Marcus, and Kamaka point out waterfalls, canyons, beaches, and island history while you circle the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, and Mt. Waialeale.
“Koa, the pilot, was fantastic! He’s very likeable and knowledgeable. It was a terrific tour. Thank you.”
Fly from Lihue over Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Manawaiopuna Falls, and Mt. Waiʻaleʻale in a six-seat Eco-Star helicopter. You’ll hear the pilot through Bose headsets and two-way microphones. Weather shapes the route, and front-seat placement may cost extra.
“One of our family members experienced motion sickness. I think there should be some warning to your guests so they come prepared. It’s not cheap and if your guest is sick thru out as other passengers were, it doesn’t leave a good experience. The pilot was wonderful and felt badly.”
Fly around Kauai for about 65 minutes in a slow-flying GA8 Airvan, with a window seat, large bubble windows, headsets, and narration from a trained pilot. From Lihue, you’ll see Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, Jurassic Falls, Wailua Falls, the Na Pali Coast, and Mount Waiʻaleʻale. Pilots such as Nick, Zach, Asa, and Arthur have earned strong praise for calm, informative flying.
“Our pilot was very professional and gave us a wonderful tour of the island, we were lucky to see whales from the sky. Wonderful experience”
Fly over Kauai in a Hughes 500 helicopter with up to four passengers and no doors to block the view. In about an hour, pilots such as Kate, Adam, Max, Amy, or Felipe may guide you past Waimea Canyon, Manawaiopuna Falls, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Valley, and Mount Waialeale. Bring warm layers and tether your camera.
“Five stars all the way! Stunning views, friendly staff, and an experience we’ll never forget. If you’re in Kauai, this is a must-do.””
Spend an evening at historic Kilohana Plantation with a lei greeting, buffet of Hawaiian favorites, drinks, live music, and a theatrical story of Tahitian voyagers reaching Kauai. You can add hotel transport, a narrated plantation train ride, or premium seating. The fire poi dancers are the evening’s big finale.
“Very well organized with excellent service. The staff did exceptionally well keeping things moving and considering the number of customers, no small feat. The entertainment was lovely and in more story form than I've seen in the past so nice change. Food was good but typical of a luau. Huge selection so you can't go hungry! There other opportunities to check out more about the plantation itself and it's past history which to me, is a must. All in all, great experience!”
Join Kauai Sea Tours for a six-hour raft trip from Port Allen along the Na Pali Coast. Captain-guides such as KK, Duffie, Josh, and Sky share island stories while you visit sea caves, waterfalls, and Nu‘alolo Kai reef. The ride is wet, fast, and bumpy, with snorkeling, food, and drinks included.
“This was by far the highlight of the trip! Was so fun and beautiful. The people giving the tour/driving the boat were fantastic. We had KK and Elias and they were both so knowledgeable and personable. We saw many dolphins and turtles. I even came face to face with a turtle while snorkeling. We went into caves and under waterfalls. The boat ride was a little rough for a small portion of the trip, so if you have any injuries, I might wait to do this until you’re doing better. Overall, absolutely a 10/10 experience and I would recommend to anyone and everyone.”
Cruise Kauai’s Na Pali Coast aboard a 37-foot Naiad Super Raft with a captain and deckhand such as Andrew and Max, or CJ and Kena. Expect sea caves, cliffs, dolphins, possible whales, snacks, drinks, and a snorkeling stop when conditions allow. The ride is fast and bumpy, so bring motion-sickness medicine and sunscreen.
“Really, super duper cool experience! And Captain Andrew is an amazing skipper and so patient and kind! 10 out of 10 all around!!”
Take a 75-minute private doors-off flight from Lihue with Ali’i Kauai Air Tours & Charters. Every passenger gets a window seat as pilots such as Ross, Travis, Taylor, Aiden, Clay, and Stuart guide you over Waimea Canyon, Jurassic Falls, Olokele Canyon, Hanalei Valley, Wai’ale’ale Crater, and the Na Pali Coast. Bring a warm layer and secure your phone and hair.
“My husband and I just got back from our honeymoon in Hawaii, and we cannot recommend Ali'i Kauai Air Tours & Charters enough! We did the open-door private helicopter tour, and it was absolutely unbelievable — hands down our favorite part of our trip to Kauai. This was actually our third helicopter experience, and it was by far the best one yet. Our pilot was amazing — so knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure we felt completely comfortable the entire time. The views were breathtaking from start to finish, and the whole experience was beyond anything we could have imagined. If you’re visiting Kauai, this tour is an absolute must!”
Board the 60-foot Lucky Lady at Port Allen for a five-hour Na Pali Coast sunset cruise. Captain Evan, Captain Greg, or Captain Duffy may guide the trip, sharing island history and legends while the crew serves an island-style taco dinner, beer, wine, Mai Tais, and soft drinks. Expect open-air views, possible whales and dolphins, and a bumpy ride if the sea turns rough.
“It was a wonderful experience. The most exciting thing was whale watching. We saw whales several times in this boat tour. Other things include fantastic view of the cliffs and good service of the staff.”
Set out from Eleele at 6:45 a.m. aboard the Lucky Lady for a morning cruise along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. You’ll see cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, and perhaps dolphins or whales, then snorkel from the boat before lunch, drinks, and a waterslide. Captains such as Kauai and Evan add island history and stories.
“Best day of sunshine and wildlife! We had such a great time—great crew, boat, and tour! And we all learned a lot about the island!”
You’ll paddle about 4 miles on the Wailua River, then hike 1.5 to 2 miles through muddy rainforest to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Cory, Kman, Kai, and Mana add local stories about plants, culture, and island life. Bring water, snacks, sturdy strapped footwear, and a towel.
“This was a great excursion! The kayaking was fun and beautiful!! The hike takes you through gorgeous jungle like paths. It can be very muddy and slick. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes! Our guide, Cory, did a wonderful job and made our trip a lot of fun!”
Paddle about four miles on the Wailua River, then hike nearly two miles through muddy, slippery jungle paths to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Zach, Brian, and Makayla provide instruction, safety help, local stories, and even hiking sticks. Expect a real workout, wet shoes, river crossings, and a memorable swim.
“Deep breath and relax. Hawaiian Brian will get you to the falls, explain lots on the way, and do so in such a chill way that the type A's in the group will be going a bit crazy. But... his chill attitude made it so we weren't in the middle of the crowd and we got to experience the waterfall almost empty of people.”
Cruise Kauai’s NaPali Coast aboard the family-owned Amelia K or one of three similar catamarans. Captain Mike and guides such as Shawn, Ethan, Ky, and Charlie share island history, steer into sea caves, and look for dolphins and whales. Summer trips include snorkeling; winter afternoon trips focus on whale watching and sunset.
“Awesome! My daughter and I had an absolute blast. The crew were very knowledgeable and friendly. The views were incredible. We got to see dolphins, whales, and a couple turtles floating by. We would definitely recommend this tour as a must! If we return to Kauai we would definitely book this tour again”
Paddle Kauai’s only navigable river, hear stories of ancient Hawaiian life near Kamokila Village, then hike through rainforest to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Levi, Jonathan, and Nathan are praised for safety, local culture, music, and patience. Expect wet feet, muddy trails, stream crossings, and a chilly waterfall swim.
“Lots of fun, but hard to find check-in location with being provided the tour group of the Kayak company. Levi the tour guide was great as he was informative and entertaining.”
Pick a skyline, a canyon or a stretch of water.
