The Absolute Best Tours In Kauai, Hawaii

Wailua River Kayak Tours in Kauai

Published:  March 17, 2024   Updated: August 19, 2025

Welcome to the breathtaking island of Kauai, where lush green landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches create a paradise like no other.  Kauai has a number of fabulous tours that let you truly experience the island’s beauty!  From helicopter rides soaring over the dramatic Na Pali Coast to hiking adventures through the enchanting Waimea Canyon, Kauai offers  experiences that will leave you in awe. Join us as we explore the absolute best tours in Kauai, Hawaii. 

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Helicopter Tours

There are two tours that I think are absolute must-dos in Kauai.  The first one is a helicopter or airplane tour.  Seeing Kauai, and in particular the majestic Na Pali coast, from the air is a bucket list, jaw dropping, indescribable experience.  The helicopter tours take you right over the top of the jagged peaks of the Na Pali Coastline, right down into Waimea Canyon, and along side waterfalls like Wailua Falls.  This is truly a once in a lifetime experience that I highly recommend!
 
All helicopter and airplane tours depart from Lihue, near the airport.  This is about 25 minutes from the South Shore of Kauai, 40 minutes from the North Shore and about 20 minutes from the East Side. 
 
There are 2 options for helicopter tours:  doors on and doors-off.  Depending on your comfort level, the doors-off experience allows for the best photos and videos, as well as the most thrilling experience.  For those less adventurous, the doors-on helicopter still has absolutely stunning views.  
 

Na Pali Coast Boat Tours

The other must-do tour in Kauai is a boat tour of the Na Pali Coast.  The Na Pali Coast is just spectacular from the water–you feel so small against its massive beauty.  
 
There are a few options for Na Pali Coast boat tours.  Several of the boat tours include snorkeling and swimming.  The raft and small boat tours can take you inside incredible sea caves along the Na Pali Coast, which is truly an amazing experience.  Read about our experience exploring sea caves in The Most Incredible Na Pali Coast Boat Tour.  
 
The small boats and rafts are bumpier, so if you are prone to motion sickness, take precautions. Large boat tours are available for those who are seeking a smoother ride.  The large boat tours stay farther away from the coast and do not include the sea caves. . 
 

Whale Watching Tours

Whale watching season is November through early April in Kauai.  If you will be visiting Kauai during whale watching season, consider booking a whale watching tour for the chance to see the beautiful whales up close!

Kayak Tours

Kayaking and paddle board tours are available on the Wailua River as well as in Hanalei Bay.  The most popular kayak and paddle board tours are the tours that include the hike to the beautiful Secret Falls.  The Wailua River tours are located on the east side of Kauai and the Hanalei Bay tours are in the North Shore.

Snorkeling Tours

Exploring Kauai’s underwater world is just as breathtaking as its lush landscapes. A snorkeling tour takes you to crystal-clear waters where you’ll spot colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and maybe even sea turtles or monk seals. Many tours include boat rides along the stunning Na Pali Coast, giving you a mix of adventure above and below the water.

Top_Rated Snorkeling Tours

South Shore: Ultimate Guided Snorkeling From Shore Tour (No boat)

North Shore: Ultimate Guided Snorkeling From Shore Tour (No boat)

1/2 Day Snorkel Niihau at Forbidden Island

Snorkeling with Sea Scooters Adventure

 

Scuba Diving Tours

For an unforgettable underwater adventure, Kauai’s scuba diving tours let you explore vibrant coral reefs, lava rock formations, and incredible marine life up close. Whether you’re a certified diver or a beginner looking for an intro dive, local guides make it easy to experience the island’s hidden world beneath the waves.

Top-Rated Scuba Diving Tours

Kauai’s Ultimate Scuba Dive -1 Tank Dive

Ultimate South Shore 2 Tank Dive 

Koloa 1 Tank Scuba Dive

Kauai’s Ultimate 2 Tank Scuba Dive

Wailua River Cruises

Spend the day on a boat cruising up the Wailua River in Kauai!

Kauai Waimea River and Canyon Cruise

 
Wailua River Cruise in Kauai, Hawaii

Zipline and ATV Adventure Tours

For those who love adventure, there is plenty of it to be found in Kauai!  Drive ATVs & FUVs through the backcountry of Kauai, rappel down waterfalls in Lihue, or ride a zipline with breathtaking views!  There is something for every everyone!
 

Botanical Gardens Tours

This unique Kauai tour combines lush tropical gardens with a sweet surprise. Stroll through a privately owned botanical paradise filled with exotic flowers, fruit trees, and medicinal plants, then enjoy a guided chocolate tasting that takes you from cacao bean to decadent bar. It’s a perfect mix of nature, culture, and flavor in one unforgettable experience.

Princeville Botanical Gardens Tour &  Chocolate Tasting 

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Kauai Food Tours & Cooking Classes

A delicious way to experience Kauai is through its flavors. Join a local food tour to sample Hawaiian specialties, tropical fruits, and island-style treats, or take a hands-on cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes yourself. It’s a fun and tasty way to connect with Kauai’s culture while savoring the island’s freshest ingredients.

Best of Kauai Food Tour

Hanalei Walking Food Tour

Farm & Food Experience

Private Chef, Catering & Cooking Lessons

 

Photo Shoots

With Kauai’s dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and lush jungles as your backdrop, a professional photo shoot is the perfect way to capture your island memories. Whether it’s a sunrise session on the beach, a romantic couple’s shoot, or family portraits in a tropical setting, these experiences give you stunning keepsakes to remember your time in paradise.

 
Kauai Flying Dress Photo Shoot

Surf Lessons

There’s no better place to ride your first wave than the birthplace of surfing. Kauai’s surf schools offer lessons for beginners and experienced surfers alike, with friendly instructors who know the best beaches for safe and fun learning. From gentle breaks perfect for kids to more challenging waves, a surf lesson in Kauai is an unforgettable way to connect with the island’s culture and ocean.

Sightseeing Tours

From breathtaking canyons to lush rainforests and hidden beaches, Kauai’s sightseeing tours make it easy to experience the island’s most iconic landscapes. Guided tours by van, boat, or even helicopter take you to highlights like Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, and Hanalei Valley, while sharing local history and culture along the way. It’s a stress-free way to see the best of the Garden Isle.

Final Thoughts:

Kauai is an island that begs to be explored, and joining a tour is one of the best ways to experience its beauty, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re snorkeling along the Na Pali Coast, sampling local flavors on a food tour, or soaring above the island on a helicopter ride, each experience offers a new perspective of the Garden Isle.

If you’re planning a longer trip, be sure to check out my 7 Day Kauai Itinerary and other Kauai travel guides linked at the bottom of this page — they’re packed with tips to help you make the most of your time here.

🌺 Thinking about island hopping in Hawaii? Don’t miss my Maui posts [link] for more inspiration, from where to stay to the top things to do on the Valley Isle.

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@postcardsfromcarrie 🏝️Incredible boat tour of the breathtaking Na Pali Coast of Kauai, Hawaii. We went into several sea caves along the coast, and felt so small in our little boat compared to the massive peaks of the coastline. 📣 Comment BOAT TOUR for the link to the tour we took. ⬇️ Follow me for more! #hawaiitiktok #hawaii #kauai #kauaihawaii #napalicoast #hawaiitravel ♬ Paradise - 𝙇𝙭𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙯 🫶🏻

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