Kauai Waimea Canyon & South Shore Excursion. Small Group

Kauai , United States of America

Kauai Waimea Canyon & South Shore Excursion. Small Group

Active

(107 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Kick back in the comfort of our clean-air condition vehicles as we take you on a journey to enjoy the highlights of Kauai's South and West. Marvel at the power of nature at the Waimea Canyon and the Spouting horn water geyser, enjoy free samples at the largest coffee orchard in the US, walk to the Bay where the first Western explorers set foot, visit charming and authentic Hawaiian towns, and shop for locally made souvenirs.

Our tours are lead by a mother and daughter owned business with over 20 years of combined experience. This is not your ordinary tour. We crafted this experience as if we were in your shoes. We believe in quality over quantity; our groups are small not to exceed 13.
Take the day off from driving and let us show you Kauai through local eyes.

The main Canyon lookout is closed for restoration until December 2025. The Canyon is about 15 miles long and 2 miles wide, therefore you can still enjoy phenomenal views from many spots as you go up the Canyon road.

Available options

Small Group Tour

What's included

Map of Kauai

Entrance fee to Waimea State Park

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Our adventure begins with a visit to the beautiful Spouting Horn, an extinct lava tube that became a water geyser. Marvel at the power of nature as the waves crash on the shore and water rushes through the tube like a geyser. Your guide will share the legend of the site, sound effects and all. As we head back to our starting point we will cruise through the famous Tree Tunnel planted in 1912.

Our first stop is at the verdant Hanapepe valley, a great preamble to the Canyon. Partially owned by descendants of a missionary family, this valley is steeped in history, and natural beauty. Although we cant't see it from the road, Jurassic falls is nestled deep within this valley.

Time to step back in time with a visit to the charming and historic town of Hanapepe. Take a walk across the famous swinging bridge, built in 1912, enjoy some pastries and beverages at a local bakery, and shop for some wonderful souvenirs made in the state and by local artisan. For Disney lovers, this is the town that inspired the original film Lilo & Stich.

Stop 4

Waimea Canyon State Park is one of Kauai's natural wonders, known as the mini Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Marvel at this geological gem from various lookouts as we ascend the mountain to about 3800' in elevation. We will get out of the van in various locations for amazing picture ops. The main Canyon lookout is closed for restoration until December 2025. Please know the Canyon is about 15 miles long and 2 miles wide, therefore you can still enjoy phenomenal views from many spots as you go up the Canyon road.

Majestic beauty at its finest!

Around 12:30-1 pm we will head to the beautiful grounds of the Waimea Plantation Cottages built in the early 1900's during the sugar plantation days. Overlooking at the blue Pacific Ocean and many tropical trees, we will enjoy delicious lunch at famous Chicken in a Barrel, with the largest beer wall on island. After lunch you will have the option to take a leisure stroll through the beautifully landscaped property to visit Waimea Bay, one of our few black sand beaches, and Captain Cook's first landing place in Hawaii.

Stop 6

Last in our agenda and after lunch, get ready to visit the magical world of coffee at the largest plantation in the USA, Kauai Coffee Co. Sample many roasts for free at the visitor center, take a stroll through the coffee tree garden, and shop for a wide selection of the freshest beans at their gift shop.
Don’t like coffee? Enjoy an ice cream or cold beverage at the snack shop.

What's not included

Chicken in a Barrel at the Waimea Plantation Cottages

Wheelchair accessibility. Our vehicles have no room to stow a wheelchair or walkers.

Infant and toddler car seats. If you have one please bring it.

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

31 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

76 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

IF YOU DON'T RECEIVE A TEXT FROM US THE DAY BEFORE THE TOUR BY 5PM CONTACT US ASAP TO MAKE SURE THE TOUR IS CONFIRMED, SPECIALLY IF YOU ARE BOOKING LAST MINUTE, ARE AN INTERNATIONAL TRAVELER WITH NO US PHONE NUMBER, OR YOU BOOKED THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENCY. A VIATOR OR TRAVEL AGENT CONFIRMATION IS NOT ENOUGH, THEY DON'T OPERATE THE TOUR, WE DO. We are a very small family business and sometimes we need to change the start time or we might get sick, have vehicle problems or have weather issues that impede us to operate. It is your responsibility to make sure either you or your travel agent provides us with a good number to contact you in case of changes or tour cancellations. Booking through third parties can sometimes be problematic and cause e a delay in our communications. WE UNDERSTAND YOUR VACATIONS IS IMPORTANT AND WE WANT TO BE A PART OF IT BUT PLEASE BE KIND AND UNDERSTAND SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN THAT ARE OUT OF OUR CONTROL. We appreciate your understanding.

Wear comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, hat or cap and sunglasses.

If you weigh 280 lbs and up please contact us so we can make arrangements to give you an extra seat. There will be an additional fee for this.

No refunds pass the 24 hours prior to the start of the tour.

In consideration for on time guests and our after hours duties we are unable to wait for late arrivals.

We can drop off guest at the cruise port at 3:30pm, and the airport.

Meeting point

Guests coming from the cruise ship, airport or staying in Lihue town. Departure is at 9:00 am. Meet us by the one story small white building with the shave ice sign and the "Kauai Bound Snorkel and Golf Gear Rental" store. If you are driving, park by the ocean at the public parking.

Important notes

IF YOU DONT RECEIVE A TEXT FROM US THE DAY BEFORE THE TOUR BY 5PM CONTACT US ASAP TO MAKE SURE THE TOUR IS CONFIRMED, SPECIALLY IF YOU ARE BOOKING LAST MINUTE, ARE AN INTERNATIONAL TRAVELER WITH NO US PHONE NUMBER, OR YOU BOOKED THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENCY. A VIATOR OR TRAVEL AGENT CONFIRMATION IS NOT ENOUGH, THEY DONT OPERATE THE TOUR, WE DO. We are a very small family business and sometimes we need to change the start time and meeting location, or we might get sick or have vehicle problems that impede us to operate.WE ARE NOT ROBOTS, WE ARE HUMANS AND SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN THAT ARE OUT OF OUR CONTROL.
It is your responsibility to make sure either you or your travel agent provides us with a good number to contact you in case of changes or tour cancellations. We have WhatsApp. Our number is +1808-652-2247.
Booking through third parties can sometimes be problematic so be aware that can be a delay in the communications, and you could possibly miss your tour if for example we had to change the pick up time or location.
If you haven't heard from us by 5pm the day before your tour, contact us.
We appreciate your understanding.
We have two pick up locations and times; one in Kapaa by the Island Country Market at 8:30am and one in Lihue by the Harbor Mall at 9am. Be ready 10 minutes before. WE DO NOT WAIT FOR LATE ARRIVALS. Make sure to provide us with a good cell phone number for US travelers or a WhatsApp number to contact you.
If you have any questions and/or need to reach us immediately send us a text message at +1 (808) 652-2247

About Kauai

Kauai, known as the Garden Isle, is the oldest and fourth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands. It is renowned for its lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. The island is less developed than its neighbors, providing a more secluded and tranquil experience.

Top Attractions

Waimea Canyon

Known as the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific,' Waimea Canyon offers breathtaking views and hiking trails through its vibrantly colored cliffs and lush valleys.

Nature Half day to full day Free to enter, parking fees may apply

Na Pali Coast

The Na Pali Coast is famous for its dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and secluded beaches. It can be explored by hiking, boat tours, or helicopter tours.

Nature Full day Free for hiking, boat tours and helicopter tours range from $150 to $300 per person

Wailua River State Park

This state park offers access to the Wailua River, with activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and visiting the Fern Grotto and Opaekaa Falls.

Nature Half day Free to enter, activities have separate fees

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A Hawaiian dish made with raw fish, usually tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Served over rice or as a salad.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, gluten-free if soy sauce is replaced

Loco Moco

A Hawaiian comfort food made with white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef, can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Ziplining Beachcombing Spa treatments Sunset watching Hula performances Cultural tours

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the island is lush and green.

22-29°C 72-84°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone (HST, GMT-10:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kauai is generally safe, but travelers should be cautious of natural hazards and take precautions to ensure a safe visit.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strong ocean currents and rip tides
• Carry enough water and sunscreen when hiking
• Secure valuables in rental cars

Getting there

By air

Lihue Airport • 3 km (2 miles) from Lihue

By bus

Lihue, Kapaa, Princeville

Getting around

Public transport

The Kauai Bus system connects major towns and attractions but has infrequent schedules. Plan your trips accordingly.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Lihue Kapaa Princeville

Day trips

Niihau

18 miles (29 km) from Kauai • Full day

Known as the 'Forbidden Island,' Niihau is a privately owned island with a rich Hawaiian cultural heritage. Visitors can take guided tours to experience the island's traditional way of life.

Hanapepe

12 miles (19 km) from Lihue • Half day

A charming town with a rich history and a vibrant arts scene. Visitors can explore art galleries, historic sites, and enjoy local dining.

Festivals

Kauai Moolelo Festival • June Kauai Coffee Festival • May

Pro tips

Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace
Visit the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast for stunning landscapes and hiking trails
Try local dishes like poke and loco moco for an authentic Hawaiian culinary experience
Respect the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage by following the 'Leave No Trace' principle
Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons