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 breathtaking, not for nothing has it been the setting for Hollywood movies. A trip to this destination will allow you to explore its colourful locations by kayak, plane or helicopter. You'll also be able to experience it from the palate, with Hawaiian dishes prepared in a traditional way using farm produce.

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

If you enjoy movies, you'll probably 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 such as 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 filming locations:

• Blue Hawaii: it's an Elvis Presley blockbuster, 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. Set in the National Wildlife Reserve.

Details of interest

• Price: from 135 euros.
• Duration: between 6 and 7 hours.
• Means of transport: 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, as most of the locations are outdoors.

Seeing Kauai from an aeroplane is an experience for those who enjoy extreme activities. Air tours are the best way to get the best views of natural landmarks, without the crowds and queues. In fact, if you plan to spend 3 days on the island, this tour will allow you to get a quick first glimpse, so you can choose the sights you want to spend more time at.

Some of the locations you'll be able to see include:

• Captain Cook's landing at Waimea: 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 Kauai's best beaches, where several movies were filmed and immortalised.
• 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 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: 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 flavours. 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 to the time it reaches the table.

Indeed, Kauai is a gastronomic surprise that will whet your appetite. The island is dotted with mobile food trucks, but there are also upscale restaurants with intriguing offerings. It's hard to choose where to start, so I recommend securing the company of a local guide to explore the contrasts between 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: a Japanese delicacy made from ice, coconut and Waialua chocolate syrup and tropical fruit sauces.
• Saimin: 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 arranged.
• 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 kayaking tour of the Wailua River. Its breathtaking scenery can be appreciated from land or air, but nothing can match connecting directly with the energy of this waterway. It's an outdoor activity, ideal for experiencing the island's nature and culture. In fact, Kauai was founded in 1778 so it holds some interesting secrets about the first locals and some truly amazing places.

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

Details of interest

• Price: from 112 euros.
• Duration: about six hours.
• Means of transport: 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: Not recommended for pregnant women, children under five and travellers 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 cruise experience to tour the Garden Coast. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a hike into Waimea Canyon, a geological formation created by erosion.

Throughout, you'll enjoy panoramic views that highlight Kauai's lush beauty and reveal the colours 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 wear comfortable shoes to explore places of interest:

• Waimea Canyon: an impressive geological formation, which stands out for its stunning colour.
• Koloa Old Town: a beautiful seaside town, surrounded by interesting activities and sugar cane plantations.
• Spouting Horn: a scenic landscape featuring an impressive orifice, where water flows through lava vents.
• Fern Grotto: is a natural attraction overgrown with ferns, considered an open-air theatre as it hosts some of Kauai's best Luau shows, 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 from the port, you can arrive on your own, get a taxi or hire transfers. Some transfers can be included from one destination to another by cruise ship and bus.
• Advantages of this option: You can see a variety of destinations in a short time, 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 travellers leave the island without being able to enjoy this visit, which is disappointing as it is a wonderful experience. The best way to get there is by helicopter, which offers great views of the Nāpali cliffs and Waimea Canyon.

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

Interesting details

• Price: from 710 euros.
• Duration: around one and a half hours.
• 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 and can be enjoyed with family or friends.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for people with heart or health problems.

Start your day early in the morning by following the same route as 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 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.

Your first stop is likely to be 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 snorkelling, or enjoy a whale-watching experience (especially in winter). Along the way, you can refuel by sampling some of the island's tropical juices.

Details of interest

• Price: from 213 euros.
• Duration: at least seven hours.
• Means of transport: transfers usually take place in a minibus, usually alternating with a kayak trip.
• Advantages of this option: Usually includes a traditional Hawaiian lunch, with a tasting dish and drinks.
• Disadvantages of this option: Not suitable for children under 16, so not recommended if you're looking for things to do with kids on Kauai

Kauai's unspoiled landscapes are characterised by less tourist traffic, in fact they're called the back roads. You'll be treated to a unique experience that gives you a glimpse of the makai ocean and mauka mountain. In addition, you can explore the sugar cane plantations and cliffs that characterise the Côte d'Azur.

Generally only bookable with licensed guides, who will give you driving instructions before you head 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 culinary stop for some fresh local fish.

Details of interest

• Price: from 370 euros.
• Duration: about three hours.
• Means of transport: usually a meeting point is arranged, where a jeep is provided to take you around the roads of Kauai.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to live a VIP experience, away from the more touristy 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 the age of four, 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 back to life in the Pacific during World War II. Both destinations are easily accessible from Kauai, being less than two hours away. Pack early and catch a plane from 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 neighbourhood, where you'll find Honolulu's lively atmosphere. In general, you will be able to appreciate:

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

Interesting details

• Price: from 490 euros.
• Duration: about 13 hours.
• Means of transport: a tour usually includes flights as well as internal transfers in a comfortable bus. If you choose to organise the trip on your own, 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 spend at least 7 days in Kauai.
• Disadvantages of this option: Meals are not usually included and most guided tours are only offered in English.

At the Princeville Botanical Gardens you can enjoy a culinary and cultural tour, exploring Kauai's tropical fruit and chocolate plantations. It's a captivating tropical setting, ideal for relaxing and immersing yourself in the flavours of the Hawaiian lands. The best way to get to know the region's fields is through a guided experience, where you'll be treated to a selection of chocolates from around the world.

It's an ideal way to learn about the process of harvesting local cocoa, which is processed into traditional 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's an ideal tour if you're looking for things to do with kids on Kauai.

Details of interest

• Price: from 195 euros.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Means of transport: does not usually include transport.
• Advantages of this option: you can enjoy tastings, and it may also include entry to the gardens.
• Disadvantages of this option: Tips are not usually included.