Kōkeʻe State Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

Kauai: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

1. Kauai: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Not only does the Garden Isle of Kauai’s wondrous set of natural features make it distinctive from the other islands, its place in Hawaiian history makes it truly unique Flexible Tour: Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Major Highlights: Anini Beach Ha'ena State Beach Hanalei Hanapepe Kapa'a Kilauea Lighthouse Koke'e State Park Lihue Monk Seals Na Pali Coast Poipu Princeville Spouting Horn Tree Tunnel Wailua Falls Waimea Canyon Includes: North and East You'll feel yourself slip into the friendly laid back personality of the island as you visit North and Eastern Kauai and the beach resort areas of Hanalei and Princeville. The tour continues all the way to the end of the road at Ke’e Beach, and it’s also the best place to see endangered monk seals, often lazing on north shore beaches. Along the way, a trip to view Wailua Falls, one of Kauai’s most popular and just 10 minutes from Lihue, is not to be missed. Sample delicious smoothies and shave ice flavored with local tropical fruit, while you stroll the shops or watch surfers in the vibrant town of Kapa’a. And the views from Kilauea Lighthouse at the northernmost point of the island are amazing, and this location also acts as a bird and marine life refuge. South and West Waimea Canyon and the lookout from the Kalalau Lookout down to Na Pali are the most amazing sights when touring this section of the island. But there are also many great beaches, artsy communities, a blowhole and the resort area of Poipu that are excellent to explore. Expect to spend a whole day to enjoy the many stops.

Kauai: Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Valley Bus Tour

2. 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: Full-Day Kauaʻi Adventure

3. 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: Island Highlights Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

4. Kauai: Island Highlights Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Explore Kauai on a self-guided audio tour that you can do from the comfort of your own vehicle. Drive along the most famous stretch of Kauai's historic highway and see the island's must-see sights. Visit Grove Farm, see what remains of the once-booming sugar plantation industry, and learn how the ultra-rich sugar barons lived. Also, learn about the industry's connections to the American Civil War. Then, head to the beautiful Poipu Beach and see the surfers hitting the waves. You might also spot Rocky, the Hawaiian monk seal who’s something of a celebrity on Kauai. Catch a thrill as you pass by the Hanapepe swinging bridge. This precarious bridge spans a vast valley for amazing views and an exciting adrenaline rush. Then visit the 3,000-foot Waimea Canyon and take spectacular photos of the lush green landscapes. The last stop on this audio tour is the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, a secluded slice of paradise complete with jungles, cliffs, and crashing ocean waves. As you drive along, you'll also learn about the island's best hiking spots and the fascinating, complex history of Kauai and Hawaii. Hear about the first people who cross the ocean in tiny canoes to get there, and discover their culture and traditions. You'll also learn about the arrival of American businesses, and how it changed the islands forever.

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.

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What people are saying about Kōkeʻe State Park

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 33 reviews

We enjoyed this tour very much. We were unlucky and hit a little unpredictable weather. So we decided to do a driving tour to be safe from the rain. And with this we were able to see most of the island and learned so many fun historian facts. My teenage daughter she felt like she was in history class again, this time she enjoyed learning. Highly recommended from a family of 4, including a teenager and an infant.

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!!

We really enjoyed this guide. We were able to pause and play on our own pace. Was very informative.

Amazing adventure with knowledgeable guides! Would highly recommend to anyone.

The guide was nice and listened to the fellow travelers.