Day Trip from Oahu to Kauai: Waimea Canyon & Wailua River

Oahu , United States

Day Trip from Oahu to Kauai: Waimea Canyon & Wailua River

Active

(71 reviews)

14h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Escape to another Hawaiian island for a day on this all-inclusive island-hopping tour. Indulge on your vacation and leave the planning to us! Interisland roundtrip airfare from Oahu to Kauai, roundtrip transportation from the Lihue Airport (LIH), a sightseeing land tour and lunch amidst the tropical splendor of Kauai.

Enjoy a day brimming with scenic beauty, legends and history of the Garden Island. Journey down the meandering, tranquil Wailua River on an open air boat ride culminating at exquisite Fern Grotto where you'll be serenaded by the Hawaiian Wedding Song. Gaze at the vast expanse of Waimea Canyon from key lookout points on the ascent. The deep red cliffs were described by Mark Twain as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". Visit sprawling Kauai Coffee Plantation and Spouting Horn Blowhole where sea water spectacularly jettisons through openings in lava rock.

Available options

2025

What's included

Interisland R/T airfare (overage charges may apply)

Tour narration by a professional driver/guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Board a spacious, open-air boat and cruise down Kauai's Wailua River encircled by miles of lush trees and tropical plants. Cool breezes lull you as the captain shares stories of ancient Hawaii when the river was flanked by multiple Hawaiian heiau (temples).

Stop 2

Take a leisurely boat ride down the Wailua River to the famed "Fern Grotto" aptly named for the Boston Ferns dripping from the roof of a verdant cavern carved out of the mountain side.

Stop 3

Cascading down into a hidden pool, this 151-foot-tall, 40-foot-wide waterfall is one of the island's most accessible major waterfalls.

Enjoy lunch on your own in historic Old Koloa Town, surrounded by its charming atmosphere.

Stop 5

Crashing waves propel majestic jets of salt water through lava rock. One of the most photographed sites on Kauai.

Stop 6

Scenic views of the deep valley gorges with it's striking red soil covered in greenery...nicknamed the "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific". Waimea Canyon Lookout will be closed from 4/14/25 through approximately 12/8/25 for slope and foundation repairs. We will substitute the closed lookout with a stop at Pu‘uhinahina Lookout, which offers a different but impressive view of Waimea Canyon. We’ll also make a few additional photo stops to give guests more time to enjoy the scenery.

Panoramic views of a valley covered in trees and wild green sugarcane. Hanapepe was one of the locations visited by famous explored Charles Wilkes in 1840.

Stop 8

The largest coffee farm in the United States, visit the Kauai Coffee Estate and sample a rich cup of famous Kauai coffee.

What's not included

Gratuities

Airline flight overage charges

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.9

43 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

28 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Passengers must provide date of birth and gender at the time of booking per TSA requirements

Once reservation is made, tour is non-refundable and non-changeable

Interisland flight times and routes are subject to change

Special needs requests must be called in to the local supplier at least 1 week prior to tour date

The interisland airfare may fluctuate based on flight availability. Additional fees may be required to be paid by the customer in these cases.

IMPORTANT: The name you enter at the time of booking must exactly match what appears on your valid government-issued I.D. photo I.D. that you will use during travel. This is a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and FAA requirement and there is no flexibility with this policy. A valid government-issued ID (passport for non-US citizens) is required on the day of travel. If a passenger is denied boarding, there will be no refund.

Meeting point

Upon Arrival At Lihue Airport (LIH), our driver will pick you up between 8:10 to 8:15 AM at the BAGGAGE CLAIM area curbside to the right in the BUS loading area.

Important notes

Thank you for booking your one-day tour with Polynesian Adventure. In order to process your reservation, we need the following mandatory information.

Full name indicated on your state/driver license or foreign passport including your middle name or initial (if any) and your date of birth and gender for TSA regulations.

Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. A list of acceptable identification as required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can be reviewed at (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Inter-island airfare costs tend to fluctuate daily and as a result may be subject to an overage charge per ticket. The overage charge will be collected at least 72 hours prior to the tour date.

After you book and receive a confirmation from Viator, please give us a call at 1-800-622-3011 from 7:30-5 weekdays and 7:30-4 weekends (Hawaii Standard Time) or email sales@polyad.com.

Once we speak to you, we'll send confirmed all the required travel information and then book your inter-island flight. You'll then receive a confirmation to the email you have provided upon booking that provides your flight information. You'll meet at the departure airport at the designated meeting time and check-in at the counter or the Self-Service Kiosk on your own. If you don't receive the confirmation email, please contact us.

About Oahu

Oahu, known as 'The Gathering Place,' is the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and home to the state capital, Honolulu. It offers a unique blend of urban attractions, historical sites, and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a diverse Hawaiian experience.

Top Attractions

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its golden sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It's perfect for swimming, surfing, and people-watching.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Pearl Harbor is a historic site that commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. Visitors can tour the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Historical Half day to full day Free to $2.00 for the USS Arizona Memorial program

Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head is an iconic volcanic crater offering stunning views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The hike to the summit is moderate and rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views.

Nature 2-3 hours $5 per vehicle, $1 per pedestrian

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A Hawaiian raw fish salad typically made with ahi tuna or salmon, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with cooked fish or tofu for a vegetarian/vegan option.

Loco Moco

A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Dinner Can be made with a vegetarian patty or tofu.

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups and often served with a scoop of ice cream or sweetened condensed milk.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Popular Activities

Hiking Surfing ATV tours Zip-lining Beach lounging Spas Sunset cruises Luaus

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the peak tourist season due to the winter whale-watching season and the Christmas holidays. The weather is pleasant, with occasional rain showers.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-10:00 (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Oahu is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates in tourist areas. However, visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and take basic safety precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
• Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach
• Be aware of strong currents and rip tides when swimming

Getting there

By air

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport • 5 km from Honolulu

By bus

Honolulu, Waikiki

Getting around

Public transport

The Bus system is affordable and covers most of Oahu, including major attractions and neighborhoods. Fares are $3 per ride, and day passes are available.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Waikiki Honolulu North Shore

Day trips

Kualoa Ranch

30 miles from Honolulu • Full day

Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre nature reserve and working cattle ranch offering a variety of outdoor activities, including ATV tours, horseback riding, and movie site tours.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

10 miles from Honolulu • Half day

Hanauma Bay is a marine life conservation district offering excellent snorkeling opportunities in a protected, pristine environment. The bay is home to a diverse range of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.

Kualoa Ranch

30 miles from Honolulu • Full day

Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre nature reserve and working cattle ranch offering a variety of outdoor activities, including ATV tours, horseback riding, and movie site tours.

Festivals

Honolulu Festival • March Merrie Monarch Festival • April

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
Rent a car for at least a few days to explore the island's diverse landscapes and attractions
Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic Hawaiian culinary experience
Pack light, breathable clothing and reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the environment
Learn a few basic Hawaiian phrases to show respect for the local culture and enhance your travel experience