The Absolute Best Tours In Kauai, Hawaii

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 majestic 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.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours

Hughes 500 Doors Off Helicopter Tour

Kauai Airplane Tour

Doors Off/No Middle Seats Helicopter Tour

Kauai Safari Helicopter Tours

Air Kauai Doors Off Helicopter Tour

Jack Harter Helicopter Tours

Safari Helicopters Olokele Canyon Helicopter Tour & Landing

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.

The tours below are the top-rated boat tours in Kauai, which all leave from the south shore.

South Shore Marina Boat Tours

Captain J’s Super Raft Adventure

Kauai Sea Tours Raft Tour & Snorkel

Lucky Lady Large Catamaran Boat Tour

Lucky Lady Sunset Tour- Large Catamaran

Holo Holo Charters Sail & Snorkel Tour

Holo Holo Charters Sunset & Sightsee Tour

Na Pali Riders Raft & Snorkel Expedition

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!

Kauai Sea Tours Imiloa Whale Watching Tour

Captain J’s Winter Whale Watching Tours

Southside Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours

Kayaking & Paddle board 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.

Kayak Hanalei Combined River & Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour

Kauai Adventures Guided Wailua River & Secret Falls Kayak Tour

Duke’s Kayak Adventures Guided Wailua River & Secret Falls Kayak Tour

Rainbow Kayak & Secret Falls Tour

Stand Up Paddle Board & Secret Falls Tour

Hidden Valley Falls Kayak & Kauai Adventure

Snorkeling Tours

Ultimate Guided Snorkeling From Shore Tour (No boat)

1/2 Day Snorkel Niihau at Forbidden Island

Snorkeling with Sea Scooters Adventure

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

2 Tank Scooter Scuba Dive

Wailua River Cruises

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

Kauai Waimea River and Canyon Cruise

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!

Koloa Zipline

Kauai ATV Backroads Adventure

FUV Self Guided Adventure Tour

Kauai Kipu Ranch Ziplining

Kauai Outfitters Zipline Adventure

Small Group Waterfall Rappel in Lihue

Botanical Gardens Tours

Princeville Botanical Gardens Tour & Chocolate Tasting

Kauai Food Tours & Cooking Classes

Best of Kauai Food Tour

Kauai Luxury Farm to Bar Tour

Hanalei Walking Food Tour

Farm & Food Experience

Private Chef, Catering & Cooking Lessons

Photo Shoots

Flying Dress Photo Shoot
Private Secret Falls Photo Shoot
Adventure Photography Session
Social Media Influencer & Travel Blogger Adventure
Fairy Princess Photo Shoot

Family Photo Shoot
Family Photography Session

Surf Lessons

Kauai Learn To Surf-Private or Group
Poipu Surf Lessons
Kauai’s Ultimate Group Surf Lessons

Kauai Fishing Tours

Kauai’s Premier Fishing Charter

Kauai’s Apex Sport Fishing Charters

Driving Audio Tours

Shaka Guide Driving Audio Tour

Bike Tours

Poipu & Koloa E-Bike Tour
Waimea Canyon Bike Tour

Kauai Beach Yoga

Yoga on the Beach
Sunday Restorative Healing Yoga

Sightseeing Tours

Secret Kauai Canyons & Coastline Jeep Tour

Kauai’s South & East Small Group Tour

Kauai Movie Tours

Private Hawaiian Waterfall Backcountry Adventure

Best of Kauai by Land and River Tour

Private Luxury North & East Shores Tour

Private Luxury Island of Kauai Tour

Half Day East Shore Kauai Tour

Private Luxury Tour of Kauai’s South & West Shores

Waimea Canyon Private Tour

Private North Shore Guided Tour

Kauai South & West Highlights Tour

All-Island Private Kauai Tour

Waimea Canyon Guided Tour

Check out my Ulitmate 8 Day Kauai Itinerary for all of the must-see beaches and best restaurants in each region. Looking for a place to stay? Check out The Top-Rated Vacation Rentals in Kauai, Hawaii.

Wondering what to pack? Check out my post The Top Things People Forget to Pack For Hawaii and be sure to visit my Amazon storefront for the most fabulous island vacation necessities!