6-7 Hours Private Kauai's Hidden Gems Experience with Snacks

Kauai , United States of America

6-7 Hours Private Kauai's Hidden Gems Experience with Snacks

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(42 reviews)

6h - 7h

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

This tour is private and fully customizable - hike as much or as little as you want in the time we have. If you would prefer more of a driving tour to spectacular lookouts instead, we can do that.

Accessible only by foot, our 6 - 7 hour Waimea Canyon & Nāpali Cliff Top Hike is designed to give you amazing views thousands of feet above the ocean! While these hikes can be muddy, you will be amply rewarded for your effort with sweeping views of Waimea Canyon and the most dramatic middle sections of the famous 17-mile-long Nāpali Coast – from unique vantage points that can only be accessed from the cliff top ridges of Kōkeʻe State Park.

Our mission -"sharing Kauaʻi’s beauty with aloha”- was forged in love and respect for this island’s abundant mana (life energy). Our local guides take you to some of their favorite spots, the places they enjoy exploring in their free time. We hope to inspire understanding, respect, and reverence for these sacred, often fragile, environments.

Available options

6-7 Hours Private Kauai's Hidden Gems Experience with Snacks

What's included

Private transportation

Specialty Equipment Some extra safety equipment such a trekking poles, gloves, extra packs, ponchos, and shoe traction devices may be available.

Fresh local surprise Fresh local snack or fruit surprise. We generally stop at the Koke'e Lodge between hikes for lunch. We will provide a small cooler to keep in the vehicle for food & drink storage.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Driving east to west, you’ll witness a change in vegetation and climate as you transition into the “rain shadow,” characterized by the arid farmland of the island’s leeward side (on the opposite side of mountains from typical trade wind direction). Along the way, we’ll pass through the agricultural towns of Hanapēpē and Waimea and learn the important role they played in Kauaʻi’s history.

Your tour continues across the center of the island, winding along the rim of Waimea Canyon and to the North Shore, 4,000 feet (1,220 m) above the spectacular Nāpali Coast. Rainbow-colored canyon walls and cool mountain air create an otherworldly ambiance that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced.

We will stop at a couple of the choicest Waimea Canyon overlooks, including one with a view of 800-foot Waipo’o Falls, before beginning our ridge hike from one of the trailheads in Kōkeʻe State Park or Waimea Canyon SP (depending on your private group and local conditions).

Stop 2

Your tour continues across the center of the island, winding along the rim of Waimea Canyon and to the North Shore, 4,000 feet (1,220 m) above the spectacular Nāpali Coast. Rainbow-colored canyon walls and cool mountain air create an otherworldly. There we will enjoy jaw-dropping views of the world-famous Nāpali Coast and/or Waimea Canyon from these vantage points (weather permitting).

We will eat lunch inside charmingly rustic Kōkeʻe Lodge in between hikes/overlooks or at a picnic spot, if you chose to pack a lunch. ambiance that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced.

Price listed does not include visitor entrance & parking charge. This fee goes to help support and maintain our precious state parks and will vary depending on the size of your group. It can be paid by credit card at self-service kiosks in select state park parking lots.

What's not included

All Fees and Taxes

We generally stop at the Koke'e Lodge (conveniently located in our hiking areas) between hikes for lunch. You can pack a lunch if you prefer.

Price listed does not include visitor entrance / parking fee that may be charged at some lookouts.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

11 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

31 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We will meet in the large parking lot just past Japanese Grandma's Cafe

Important notes

Your guide will call you the day before your tour to check in and to see if you have any questions. Feel free to call the office at 808-212-9928 to set a custom start time and if you have questions before then.

Most guides will have an SUV or van to transport you to the hiking areas in but in some cases we will have you follow us in your vehicle. This is especially true for groups larger than 4 people. We can provide transportation for large groups if we have enough advance notice.

"Gear List" (let us know if you are missing anything on this list as we have some "lenders"):

• Small daypack
• Lunch and snacks
• Water (minimum 2 Liters per person, “Camelbak”-type drinking systems work well)
• Comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Sun Hat (optional)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (optional, if possible bring in a ziploc bag for “waterproofing”)
• Lightweight hiking pants or “convertibles” for hiking through undergrowth on less frequented trails (optional but highly recommended for those with sensitive legs)
• Polar fleece or lightweight wool sweater
• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
• Lightweight rain pants (optional)
• Wool or fleece hat for warmth (optional)
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Change of clothes to leave in the car in case you want to change on the way home (optional)

If it is more comfortable for you, you can wear your flip flops or other shoes until we arrive at the trailhead, then change into your hiking footwear before we start hiking. It’s also a good idea to bring extra water to leave in the car for before and after hiking.

Please note that we will be at an elevation over 4000’ and weather can vary considerably during the course of the day. Conditions range from rainy with temperatures in the low 50’s to full sun with temperatures in the high 80’s. It is usually 10 – 15 degrees colder in the park than it is on the coast.

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