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Kauai Hiking

Our most recommended Kauai Hiking

Kauai: Half-Day Kauaʻi Adventure

1. Kauai: Half-Day Kauaʻi Adventure

As Kauaʻi’s premier guided hiking tour company, Kauaʻi Hiking Adventures strives to find a hike that is perfect for you and your group. With our guides and their unique, experience-based understanding of every twist and turn of our Kauaʻi ecosystem, you will never again have to debate which is the safest and most efficient way to go. They know exactly where to go! Our guides share a wealth of information with you about flora, fauna, and history of our beautiful island while also giving you the silence and serenity you are out there to enjoy. On this longer and equally sweet day (3 – 6 hours), we will maximize our time together. Options include: Checking out one of our favorite hiking and/or waterfall spots on the East Side of the island such as Nounou Mountain (a.k.a. Sleeping Giant), Kuilau Ridge with views of Mount Waiʻaleʻale, and more – the east side of the island has amazing waterfalls and lots of green luscious jungle scenery to adventure into. A coastal stroll along the South Shore or North Shore of Kauaʻi to check out crashing waves and/or native wildlife. Depending on your group’s desires and skills, we take you to as many amazing locations and delve as deep into the Kauaʻi outdoor experience as time allows. Half-day hikes are perfect for a family visiting Kauaʻi with young children who are looking to get out and have an authentic adventure in nature. You will have an opportunity to discuss your specific interests and ability level directly with your guide before the tour. Please keep in mind that tour durations begin when you meet your guide until you part ways.

Kauai: Private Tortoises, Caves, and Cliffs South Shore Hike

2. Kauai: Private Tortoises, Caves, and Cliffs South Shore Hike

Walk along the edge of lithified limestone cliffs, feel the power of the ocean, and smell the salt-infused air as you climb from the heights of the South Shore cliffs down to the cool caves facing Oahu. The compacting of air within the cliffs creates a special surprise, which you really shouldn't miss on your trip to Hawaii.  Hike with your friends and family to Maha'ulepu, an area rich in natural and cultural history. Learn about the epic land and sea battle that was fought and won by the people of Kaua'i in the 1300s, which has given the area its name of Maha'ulepu, literally meaning "and falling together." As one of the last remaining stretches of undeveloped coastline on the South Shore, the Maha'ulepu area is still fiercely protected by locals. Your local guide welcomes you to join them in the fight to keep the land pristine. Take a guided tour of the nearby Makauwahi Cave Reserve to see Hawaii's largest limestone cave and richest fossil site. You will also have an opportunity to visit with the giant land tortoises that line the shore. Rest assured knowing you’ll be doing your part, as 10% of every tour will be donated to Makauwahi Cave Reserve and/or Mālama Maha’ulepu. This wonderful journey is suitable for all levels of fitness/experience, from beginner to advanced. This is a private tour — it will just be you and your private group. Because of this, you are free to go at your own pace and hike as much, or as little, as you would like for the duration of the tour you have selected. Your guide will contact you before the start of your tour to help plan a custom itinerary.

Kauai: Self-Drive Sightseeing Road Trip

3. Kauai: Self-Drive Sightseeing Road Trip

Explore Kauai at your own pace with this narrated, self-guided driving tour. Visit some of the island's most popular and memorable attractions, including white sand beaches, waterfalls, and deep canyons. Take breathtaking hikes through the jungle while learning about the history and natural wonders of this beautiful island or go snorkeling and swimming at the local beaches. Make the most of your vacation time with the freedom to stop and go as you please. Drive around Kauai while listening to relaxing Hawaiian music, stories, and fun facts about the area. Your narrated audio guide will lead you safely where you want to go, so don't worry about getting lost or wondering where to go next.

Kauai: Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Valley Bus Tour

4. Kauai: Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Valley Bus Tour

Explore Kauai's striking and unparalleled nature on a bus tour to the iconic Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Valley. Discover the latter on a short nature trail to truly immerse yourself in the area and see Waimea Canyon from above with its red and green hues. Journey through the heart of Kauai’s countryside and ascend a mountain via a meandering road engulfed by trees and endless fields to reveal the impressive Waimea Canyon. It’s hard to believe the immense cliffs and deep gorges of the Waimea Canyon could exist on a small island. Head back down the mountain to watch ocean waves propel jets of water through lava rock at the Spouting Horn Blowhole. In quaint Hanapepe town amid sugar cane fields, view Hanapepe Valley from the lookout and cross the famous Hanapepe Swinging Bridge. Then stop for a delicious lunch at the charming Waimea Plantation Cottages' Chicken in a Barrel BBQ restaurant. Stroll through the picturesque grounds with stunning ocean front views fronting a two-mile black sand beach. Next, venture down a nature trail in Koke’e State Park for an easy hike surrounded by native Hawaiian flora and fauna. The first portion of the hike is a gradual uphill stroll for about 30 yards, then the land levels, hugging the contours of the hill. On your walk, listen for the lyrical chirping of the rare red 'apapane or i’iwi bird species who sip nectar from the blossoms on the native trees. Then, peer at the expanse of Waimea Valley from Puu Hinahina lookout point and visit the recently unveiled King Kaumuali‘i Statue at Pa‘ula‘ula, more commonly known as the Russian Fort. Finally, stroll through the Kauai Coffee Plantation beneath the warm Hawaiian sun near the coast and see the entire coffee process from initial blossoming and harvesting to the final roasting. Sample the exclusive line of estate-grown Hawaiian coffees.

Kauai: Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Private Tour

5. Kauai: Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Private Tour

Journey from Hanapēpē to Waimea, along the only road that crosses the entire island. Follow the path that is steadily leading up the rim of Waimea Canyon, and take in the views of the world famous Nā Pali Coast on Kauai's North Shore, at an elevation of over 4,000 ft (1220 m). Along the way, stop at the most beautiful canyon overlooks to marvel at Kauai's treasures including rainbow-colored canyon walls, the 800-foot (244 m) Waipo'o Falls and thick island vegetation. If you’re feeling up for "stretching your legs", your guide will select the best trails to explore, based on the weather and your group’s interests. Hikes may be 0.25 - 0.5 miles (400 - 800 m) round trip on relatively even terrain. This is a private tour — it will just be you and your private group. Because of this, you are free to go at your own pace and hike as much, or as little, as you would like for the duration of the tour you have selected. Your guide will contact you before the start of your tour to help plan a custom itinerary.

Kauai: Full-Day Kauaʻi Adventure

6. Kauai: Full-Day Kauaʻi Adventure

Join us on our most popular tour duration! This is a custom tour – we can hike as little or as much as you would like. Options include a driving tour to check out some of the North Shores’ most famous waterfalls, beaches, and lookouts (with a stop at a favorite local spot for lunch and/or time for a couple short hikes). Or, meet in historic “Hanapēpē Town” on the western (or “leeward”) side of the island, a launching off point to explore Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park(s). Options for hikes and/or sites to see in these two parks is limitless – they include areas of diverse vegetation, fauna, and terrain. From ridge top hikes high above the Nāpali Coast to equally stunning views along the rim of Waimea Canyon. Waimea/Kōkeʻe tours include a scenic drive of at least one hour each way (a little longer taking into account stopping at the choicest overlooks along the way). Our guests love this scenic drive and stopping on top of the mountain at rustic Koke’e Lodge for a delicious lunch. Aside from the drive, and possibly stopping at the lodge for lunch, how much hiking we do depends on your interest and ability level. Much can be seen in this area because these diverse viewpoints are relatively close together. When you hike with a guide, your experience is much safer, deeper, and more satisfying. The expertise of our local guides can point out and explain things you would not have seen or known about on your own. They are happy to share places that wouldn’t have been on your radar and take you to areas of tremendous beauty. Being surrounded by nature is our goal, and we aim to make your day with us the highlights of your trip on Kauaʻi. Utilizing tools such as specialized hiking equipment, 4×4 vehicles (as needed), and first aid training/equipment will ensure you have the safest, most enjoyable, time possible. So book today and leave the planning to us. Let the enjoyment of being in nature with a trusted guide be our service to you! Please keep in mind that tour durations begin when you meet your guide until you part ways.

Kauai: Hiking and Plant Identification Tour

7. Kauai: Hiking and Plant Identification Tour

Walk in the footsteps of ancient Hawaiians on one of the most beautiful hikes on Kauai. Admire the natural landscape and be guided to different natural landmarks depending on the weather and the season. Hike to the sacred saltwater Queen's Bath, a natural pool that fills with seawater from the ocean's waves. See the Sleeping Giant of Kauai, a beautiful and important Kauai landmark, resembling the forehead of a sleeping giant. Admire the beautiful cliffs of Shipwreck Beach, known for its rocky shore and rough surf. As you stroll, your guide will teach you about the plants and flowers you see along the way.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Kauai

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What people are saying about Kauai

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 3 reviews

Nick was an outstanding tour guide! Showed us secret hikes that locals don't even know about. Brought us to great food and even shared other tips for the rest of our trip. Would book again!!

Super relaxed and nice hike with our guide Jenny. It was fun for all family members, there was a lot to learn and at the end a well-deserved cool bath-nice

Best tour package ever!! So worth the money. Lived in Hawaii my entire life and finally learned a lot about our history in detail by DRIVING

Super tour - offline navigation spot on - fantastic stops, sights, tips for hiking, eating, snacking, snorkeling....

The guide was nice and listened to the fellow travelers.