Kauai Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Kauai tours and things to do on Hawaii’s lush Garden Isle: sail the towering emerald cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, gaze into the vast Waimea Canyon, soar over hidden waterfalls by helicopter, kayak the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto, zip through the rainforest canopy, snorkel with sea turtles, and feast at a traditional luau. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Kauai by interest
Whatever brings you to Kauai — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Kauai
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Na Pali Coast
Emerald cliffs.
Waimea Canyon
Pacific canyon.
Helicopter Views
Hidden falls.
Wailua River
Kayak jungle.
Ziplines
Canopy flights.
Snorkeling
Sea turtles.
Fern Grotto
Lush cave.
Luau
Feast & hula.
Boat awayNa Pali Coast
Emerald cliffs.
West awayWaimea Canyon
Pacific canyon.
Air awayHelicopter
Hidden falls.
East awayWailua River
Kayak jungle.
Interior awayZiplines
Canopy flights.
South awaySnorkel Sail
Sea turtles.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Kauai visitor asks before booking.
Dry (Apr–Oct)
Warm, sunnier and best for boat tours.
For Na Pali
Summer brings the calmest seas for cruises.
Wet (Nov–Mar)
Greener and rainier, with bigger north swells.
For whales
Winter brings humpback whales offshore.
Always lush
The Garden Isle is green all year.
Best overall
April to October is ideal.
One day
A Na Pali cruise and Waimea Canyon.
Two days
Add a helicopter tour and kayaking.
Three days
Add ziplining and beaches.
For the coast
Na Pali cruises and snorkeling.
For adventure
Ziplines, kayaking and helicopter tours.
With kids
River trips, snorkeling and luaus.
By car
A rental car is the best way to explore Kauai.
Tours & transfers
Tours include transport to trailheads and harbours.
By boat
Boats reach the roadless Na Pali Coast.
On foot
Trails lead to beaches, falls and lookouts.
Where to stay
Stay on the sunny south or the lush north shore.
US dollar
The US uses the dollar; cards widely accepted.
Na Pali cruise
Book a morning boat tour for the calmest seas.
Helicopter tour
See the roadless interior from the air.
Waimea Canyon
Drive up early for clear canyon views.
Wailua River
Kayak or boat to the lush Fern Grotto.
Snorkel south
The south shore is calmest for snorkeling.
Respect nature
Mind ocean conditions and stay on trails.
Na Pali cruises
Boat tours sell out — book well ahead.
Helicopter tours
Flights fill up fast — reserve early.
River kayaks
Guided Wailua trips have limited spots — book ahead.
Ziplines
Zipline tours sell out — reserve early.
Luaus
Popular luaus book up — reserve ahead.
Peak season
Summer and winter holidays are busiest — book ahead.
Na Pali cruise
Around $130–230 for a Na Pali Coast boat tour.
Helicopter tour
About $280–400 for a helicopter flight.
Canyon tour
Roughly $100–180 for a Waimea Canyon tour.
River kayak
Around $90–160 for a Wailua River kayak trip.
Luau
About $130–200 for a luau feast and show.
How to save
Book combo and group tours to save.
Kauai through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Boat tours.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
- Best for
- Calm Na Pali seas.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Value & sun.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Quieter.
- Best for
- Whales & waterfalls.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rainier.