Kauai is Hawaii at its most dramatic and untouched. The oldest main Hawaiian island, Kauai has had millions of years for nature to sculpt its landscape into something extraordinary—the towering sea cliffs of Na Pali Coast, the vast expanse of Waimea Canyon, and lush rainforests that have starred in dozens of Hollywood films.
With strict development limits keeping the island wonderfully unspoiled, Kauai offers adventure and tranquility in equal measure. Here's everything you need to know about the best tours and activities.
🌊 Na Pali Coast Tours
The Na Pali Coast is Kauai's crown jewel—17 miles of emerald cliffs rising 4,000 feet from the Pacific. It's inaccessible by car, so a boat, helicopter, or multi-day hike is the only way to experience it.
Na Pali Boat Tours
Cruise along the towering cliffs, enter sea caves (conditions permitting), and spot dolphins, sea turtles, and seasonal whales. Most tours include snorkeling stops.
- Catamaran tours: Smoother ride, more amenities, great for families
- Raft/Zodiac tours: More adventurous, closer to cliffs and caves
- Best season: Summer (April-October) for calmest waters
- Departure: Port Allen or Hanalei (summer only)
Na Pali Helicopter Tours
See waterfalls, valleys, and coastline impossible to reach any other way. Helicopter tours reveal Kauai's interior—Mount Waialeale (one of the wettest spots on Earth) and hidden waterfalls cascading down jungle cliffs.
🏜️ Waimea Canyon
Called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon stretches 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and over 3,600 feet deep. Unlike boat tours, you can drive here—but guided tours offer hiking access and local expertise.
- Must-see viewpoints: Waimea Canyon Lookout, Pu'u Hinahina, Kalalau Lookout
- Best hike: Cliff Trail to Waipo'o Falls (moderate, 3 miles round trip)
- Tip: Morning visits have clearer skies before afternoon clouds roll in
🚣 Water Adventures
Wailua River Kayak
Paddle up Hawaii's only navigable river through lush jungle to reach Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls). Guided tours include a short hike to the waterfall and swimming at its base.
Snorkeling
Poipu Beach and Anini Beach offer easy, calm snorkeling. For adventure, join a Na Pali boat tour that includes snorkel stops at pristine locations inaccessible from shore.
Tubing
Float through old sugar plantation irrigation tunnels on an inner tube—complete with headlamps for the dark sections. A unique Kauai-only experience that's fun for all ages.
🚁 Air Tours
Kauai is arguably Hawaii's best island for helicopter tours. Much of the island is inaccessible by road, and aerial views reveal hidden waterfalls, the Na Pali Coast's full majesty, and the misty peaks of Mount Waialeale.
- Standard tours: 45-60 minutes covering all highlights
- Doors-off options: Better photos, more thrilling experience
- Best time: Morning for clearest conditions
🎢 Adventure Activities
Zipline
Kauai's zipline courses soar over valleys and jungle canopy. Some tours include hiking, swimming holes, and suspension bridges.
ATV Tours
Explore private ranch lands, movie filming locations (Jurassic Park!), and backcountry trails inaccessible to regular vehicles.
Planning Tips
- Best time to visit: April-June or September-November
- Na Pali boat tours: Only available summer months from north shore
- Where to stay: Poipu (south, sunny) or Princeville (north, lush)
- How many days: 4-6 days to experience highlights
- Rent a car: Essential for exploring the island
Bottom Line
Kauai delivers nature at its most spectacular. Whether you're cruising beneath Na Pali's sea cliffs, hiking into Waimea Canyon, or soaring over hidden waterfalls by helicopter, the Garden Isle offers adventure that feels genuinely wild and unspoiled.
Browse all 55 Kauai tours from verified local operators.