Kauai is definitely the most adventurous island of the Hawaiian Islands. 97% of Kauai is undeveloped rainforest and mountains. Many of these Kauai tours will allow you to explore everything this great island has to offer. From flying over and in-between untouched valleys, exploring dramatic coastlines from the sea, or diving with unique marine life, there is so much to see on these Kauai Tours.
Two companies Jake and I love using when booking tours and excursions are Viator & Get Your Guide. These platforms have collected the best tours around the island, and help connect local tour companies with people like you and I. We’ve always had a great experience from excellent communication, transportation provided when needed, and pairing us with local guides for an all-around epic tour.
This is NOT Sponsored, we just want to provide the best Kauai Tours to you, so you can get out and explore this beautiful island. If there is no tour with Viator or Get Your Guide, we have linked to a local tour company!
This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure policy.
Helicopter Tour or Airplane Tour
One of the most popular tours in Kauai is a helicopter ride over the island. Tours typically last about an hour and fly over the famous natural wonders on the island of Kauai.
Highlights of this tour are Manawaiopuna Falls (the famous waterfall from the Jurassic Park Movie), Waimea Canyon, Napali Coast, Hanalei, and Waialeale (the wettest spot on earth).
There are many different tours to choose from, such as photography tours, doors-off or doors-on tours, and/or private tours. In our opinion, a small 4-person, doors-off helicopter tour will provide the best overall experience.
For the adventure of a lifetime, choose a specialty helicopter tour that has exclusive access to land at Olokele Canyon and/or Jurassic Falls.
Most tours typically leave from the nearby Lihue Airport.
All the helicopter tours will be pretty expensive. So if you are looking for a cheaper way to fly over Kauai, consider an airplane tour. Do note, airplanes can not get very low, therefore tours won’t be able to fly down into the valleys like many of the helicopter rides.
Find other unique ways to explore the Nā Pali Coast.
Boat Tour
Another awesome way to experience the Napali Coast, and other areas along the Kauai Coast is a boat tour. Boat tours are typically half-day (4-5 hours), with a tour leaving in the morning and afternoon. Generally, most tours will take off from the north or south shore and head toward the Na Pali Coast for some epic sightseeing.
Guests can witness spinner dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, monk seals, and other marine life on their journey. Along the breathtaking shoreline, there are tons of sea arches, hidden caves, and the magnificent lush green valleys of the Napali Coast.
There are tons of different tours and boat types tourists can choose from. Smaller boats might offer a unique ride into sea caves. But larger boats might ride better through the rough sea. Additionally, some tours might offer meals or additional snorkel tour.
The best time for a boat tour along the Na Pali Coast is in the summer when the ocean is calmer. Winter weather can bring rougher seas, and sometimes even cause tours to be canceled.
Go To A Luau
One of the most authentic Kauai tours is to attend a local Luau. Most luaus will include food and drink, a traditional imu pig roast ceremony, and an entertaining hula Kahiko (ancient hula) dance with flame throwers.
There are a few different luau’s around the island. So whether you are staying on the east or south side, you can attend a famous Luau. Do note, luaus often reach their capacity limit well in advance, so book your tickets before traveling to Kauai if you can.
Book the Luau Ka Hikina in Ka’paa
Book the Luau Kalamaku in Lihue
Or Book the Aulii Luau in Poipu
Take Surf Lessons
Hawaii is known for its great surf breaks, so why not try your hand with a surf lesson? Whether you’re a beginner and have never surfed before or want to improve your surfing skills, there are lessons for all levels. Choose between group lessons or a private surf lesson.
The north and east coasts of Kauai are typically the best place for surf lessons.
Snorkeling Tour
Photo by Subtle Cinematics on Unsplash
Most Snorkeling Kauai tours will bring you to epic locations and ensure you see some authentic marine life. From vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and maybe even some Hawaiian green sea turtles.
There are a few different tours offered on the island. You can just snorkel from land, kayak out to some further locations, or jump on a boat.
One of the most exclusive tours explores the Kaulakahi Channel to Lehua Crater, the “Forbidden Island” of Ni’ihau. Book this Exclusive Snorkel Tour
Or Choose From These Epic Snorkel Excursions:
Go deeper with a Scuba Diving Tour
The best way to get deeper into the marine life that lives around the coast of Kauai is with a scuba diving expedition. Whether you are certified or want to learn the basics, there are tours for all levels.
Here are some unique Scuba Diving Kauai tours
Zipline Through The Rainforest
For tourists that seek adventure, ziplining in Kauai is the best tour. Fly over lush rainforests and unique flora, and discover the history of this Garden Island. Depending on the tour, guests can ride between 3-8 different lines.
There are zipline tours in the south in Koloa or in the east near Lihue.
Kayak the Wailua River to Secret Falls
Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
Experience a kayak adventure down the Wailua River to Uluwehi Falls (aka Secret Falls). Hiking to this unique location is one of the best places to hike in Kauai. It can only be accessed by traveling up the river.
The journey starts with a 2-mile paddle up the river to the Secret Falls trailhead. Guests will “beach” their kayak and hike 1 mile (one-way) to the Secret Falls.
Once you reach the falls, there is a nice swimming hole where guests can take a refreshing swim.
Do note, there are a few river crossings along the hike where the water might be up to knee-deep. There are also boardwalks in place where the ground is a bit soft and/or muddy.
Book a Wailua River Kayaking Tour
Private Hiking Tour through Waimea Canyon & Surrounding Area
If you want to be brought to all the best places Kauai has to offer, consider a private tour of the south part of the island.
On this Kauai tour, knowledgeable tour guides will bring you through Waimea Canyon to visit epic lookouts including Waipo’o Falls and the Kalalau Lookout. This area is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, so you don’t want to miss this area. This massive colorful canyon is simply breathtaking.
There are tons of great hiking options in Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park.
Plus the tour stops at Poipu Beach to see Hawaiian Sea Turtles and Hawaiian Monk Seals. And a bonus stop at the famous Spouting Horn.
Book a Private Waimea Canyon Tour
Waimea Canyon Downhill Bike Ride
Another fun tour to do in Waimea Canyon is to ride down the long hill from the top of the canyon back to sea level. Surprisingly, when standing at the Kalalau Valley Lookout, the very top of the Canyon, you are 4,000 feet above sea level.
So after a full day of exploring both Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon, riding down the hill is one of the most thrilling adventures.
On the way up to the top of the canyon (in a van), groups will stop at various viewpoints and lookouts. The tour guide will brief everyone on the Hawaiian history and culture surrounding this area.
Book a Waimea Canyon Downhill Bike Ride
ATV Tour
For the ultimate off-road adventure, one of the best Kauai Tours is an ATV excursion. Hop on an ATV and ride through old plantations and up to a dormant volcano. ATV Adventures explore all the epic locations from Makai (ocean) to Mauka (mountain).
Whale & Dolphin Excursion
While Maui is more famously known for whale watching, it can still be equally as great in Kauai. The best time to spot whales is during migration season in the winter months (December through May).
The best way to experience these gentle giants is on a small tour boat. They often breach and even come close to the boat for people to touch them. It’s probably one of the coolest Kauai Tours to be so close to such massive animals.
Dolphins are also friendly water animals that often put on a show for tourists. Watching the dolphins swim underwater and do flips in the air can be one of the most amazing experiences.
Romantic Dinner Sail
What’s more romantic than a dinner during sunset overlooking the Na Pali Coast? One of the best Kauai Tours is a romantic dinner sail out at sea. Tours last around 4-5 hours and leave from the south in Eleele. Boats sail the coast along the west shoreline to the Napali Coast and back during golden hour.
Book a Romantic Dinner with Viator
Book a Sailing Dinner Tour with Get Your Guide
Chocolate Tasting
If you love chocolate then the Princeville Botanical Gardens Tour and Chocolate Tasting is the perfect Kauai tour for you. Guests will go on a guided tour through the Princeville Botanical Gardens and learn about all the different plants on the island. Especially learning about the Cacao plant.
Along the way, guests get to taste tropical fruits, local honey, and stop in the tasting room to try single-origin gourmet chocolates.
Embark on a Fishing Charter
One of the most unique Kauai tours on the island is embarking on a fishing charter. Tours typically are done in small groups and accommodate up to 6 guests. Fishing starts just 10 minutes out of the harbor.
Guests will learn different fishing methods, and additionally about the different baits and types of fish around the area. While the fisherman can’t guarantee to catch a fish, they certainly want to help you have an epic day out at sea.
Tour guides will move as many times as they need and lead you to the spot they think is best for catching fish.
Book a Premier Fishing Charter
Go on a Movie Adventure Tour
If you are a movie enthusiast, then consider a fun movie excursion around the island. Guests get to stand where famous actors once stood.
Movie locations guests get to visit are Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Gilligan’s Island, Blue Hawaii, Castaway, Tropic Thunder, and more.
Book a Movie Tour with Get Your Guide
Customize A Private Kauai Tour
Maybe your perfect tour isn’t designed yet. There is the option of booking your own personalized tour with a private driver and local tour guide.
You can create your own perfect tour or get some help from a local guide. This is a great way to hit everything on your personal Kauai bucket list.
Create Your Own Dream Kauai Tour
Rappel Down a Waterfall
For the real adrenaline junkies, rappelling down a waterfall is one of the ultimate Kauai Tours. Guests will start by rappelling down Bamboo Falls which stands 30′ tall, followed by the towering 60’ Papakolea Falls.
This tour takes place on private property, so you get exclusive access to two of Kauai’s secret waterfalls.
Book an Exclusive Waterfall Rappelling Experience
Embark on a Food Tour
For all foodies, consider one of the most unique cultural experiences by going on a food tour. Kauai has some of the best affordable restaurants with fresh local cuisine.
Learn from the locals and try some of the best-tasting food around the island. Some unique highlights to look forward to are Loco Moco, Kailua BBQ, Spam Musubi, Poke Bowls, Tropical Fruit Smoothies, and more.
On the food tours, guests meet chefs and farmers and indulge in some of the best artisan foods. The local guides know what is in season and where to go depending on the time of year.
Have a Private Photoshoot
Whether traveling with your family, loved one, best friend, or solo, consider doing a photoshoot tour. Kauai is known as the Garden Isle and has TONS of great photoshoot locations.
Some photographers will even make you feel like a princess. Really, they have special gowns you can dress up in! Book a Princess Photoshoot
Or you can try your hand at a unique underwater photoshoot.
And more traditionally, you can have family portraits or adventure photos done. Book a Kauai Photoshoot
Join an Art Class
What not a better souvenir than creating your own piece of art? A unique Kauai tour is attending an art class and learning from true and authentic artists.
Artists will either have pictures to replicate or bring you to a unique location to paint a work of art. Let the beauty of Kauai be your inspiration.
Book an Art Class in Kauai
Kauai Coffee Plantation
Are you a coffee lover? Stop into Kauai Coffee Company for a free self-guided walking tour around the estate.
Or if you want a more extensive understanding of the coffee farm, join a personalized walking tour. Tour guides walk you through how coffee is transformed from seed to tree to cup.
Gain the Knowledge of the Island on a Scavenger Hunt
If you don’t like the traditional Kauai tours and excursions, or simply just want to gain a new perspective, try your hand at a scavenger hunt. Offering a unique and immersive experience in small towns (such as Hanalei Bay and Hanapepe), the host will encourage tourists to get active and learn about Hawaiian Culture.
Scavenger hunters will have contact with the host from start to finish. The host will send photos, videos, and audio files to find the item or object of the game. The host is available for the whole duration of the scavenger hunt for any helpful hints or tips.
Each scavenger hunt provides a unique opportunity to talk with locals and search for new places that tourists don’t traditionally go to. The tours are very interactive and offer a hands-on experience.
Book a Hanapepe Scavenger Hunt
Yoga on the Beach
Find peace and tranquility on a yoga tour in Kauai. Connect your mind, body, and soul with the Kauai energy. Guests can choose between a shared yoga class or a private one-on-one session with a certified professional.
Whether you are a beginner or want to improve your skills, each session can be customized to your level.
Book A Private Yoga Session on Get Your Guide
Explore Kauai’s Backcountry on an Exclusive Jungle Waterfall Adventure
To avoid the crowds and explore deep into Kauai’s backcountry, join one of the most exclusive Kauai Tours.
This tour leads guests through lush jungle landscapes, hidden beaches, tropical waterfalls, and sacred Hawaiian sites. Plus you can get a sneak peek at mountain peaks featured in Hollywood movies.
Takeaway: The Best Kauai Tours
As you can see, there are some epic Kauai Tours to partake in. We highly suggest a helicopter tour, as it was one of our favorite experiences on the island.
The Kalalau Trail is one of the best ways to experience the Napali Coast, but a helicopter tour is a close second. If you get the chance to do both, or even add in a boat tour, you will feel like you accomplished Kauai’s most sought-after landmark.
Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park are also two parks that should not be missed when visiting Kauai. You can either choose one of the guided Kauai Tours above or go on a self-guided tour to the best spots.
If you are still looking for the best places to stay in Kauai, we have an in-depth guide for the best Kauai budget hotels and Kauai camping options.
Hawaii is one of our favorite places to explore because of its endless hiking opportunities and epic landscapes. We highly suggest jumping on a plane or other method of island hopping to the different Hawaiian Islands.
Or if you are still not sure Kauai is the right choice, we can help which Hawaiian Island is best for your vacation mode.
Save these ‘Best Kauai Tours’ for later!
