Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii
Description
Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Buckle up for a tropical adventure you’ll never forget! Cruise through lush jungles, walk along pristine beaches, and dive into the history of the beautiful island of Kauai. Learn about the culture and how everything changed when sugar plantations arrived. Hear about clashing cultures and… a failed Russian invasion? No, really! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Prepare to embark on a drive through paradise! This tour takes you through all the most beautiful, most exciting parts of Kauai. Discover the very best this island has to offer from the comfort of your car or a rental. NOTE: The tour is over 35+ miles long, with more than 60+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
Your first stop is Kalapaki, home to a pristine white beach and some impossibly calm water, thanks to a sea wall which keeps the waves at bay.
Get a dose of Hawaiian history at the Sugarcane & Grove Farm, where you'll learn about how this cash crop forever altered the course of Hawaii's future.
You won't have to wait long to experience some of Kauai's signature jungle beauty. The "Tree Tunnel" is a mile-long tunnel of eucalyptus trees which make for some seriously picturesque driving.
Get a glimpse into the past at Old Koloa Town, a quaint little village dating back to the days of sugar plantations.
Those hoping to learn more about Hawaii's sugar history can take a detour to an old sugar mill next.
Why settle for one beach when you can have two in one spot? Poipu Beach consists of two sandy crescents forming a double beach, and is a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and much more.
Continuing on, you'll reach the Hanapepe Valley Lookout. Don't forget to bring a camera when you check out these outstanding views!
In the town of Hanapepe you'll encounter the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge. This fun attraction might seem unstable when the weather turns windy, but don't worry, it's actually supposed to sway as much as it does!
Up next is a truly strange historical landmark: a Russian fort left over from a failed invasion attempt! Get to know the story behind it as you explore this peculiar piece of history.
You'll then pass Niihau, also known as The Forbidden Island. This privately-owned island has been forbidden to visitors for generations.
Your route takes you next past an unusual attraction, the Red Dirt Waterfall. This waterfall is exactly what it sounds like; it gets its red color from a high concentration of iron in the soil.
The Kukui Trail, up next, is a great option for experienced hikers, while those looking for an easier trek will love the Iliau Nature Loop. Both are great ways to get better acquainted with Kauai's gorgeous natural scenery.
Your route leads next to the so-called "Grand Canyon of the Pacific": Waimea Canyon. If anything on this trip is an absolute must-see, it's this. You truly won't believe your eyes!
For the best look at the Waimea Canyon, proceed to the Pu'u Hinahina Lookout. Here, you'll have the chance to snap some photos that are guaranteed to make your friends jealous!
If you want to actually trek into the canyon itself, you'll come next to the Waimea Canyon Trails, offering incredible hikes for all experience levels--as well as plenty of extra viewpoints!
Want some souvenirs and a bit of extra education? Check out the Koke'e Natural History Museum, a free museum dedicated to the island's flora and fauna.
Up next is Koke'e State Park, an essential stop if you haven't gotten enough of hiking and smelling wildflowers.
One of the last lookouts on your tour is the Kalalau Lookout, offering spectacular views from the highest point accessible by road on the whole island.
Next is the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, featuring dramatic bluffs and crashing waves. It's no wonder Hollywood has used this as a filming location more than once, including for one of the Jurassic Park movies!
Finally, you'll arrive at one last vista: Pu'u O Kila Lookout. The tour will conclude at this stunning overlook.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
- How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
- Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
- Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
- New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- The tour requires a supported mobile device for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular service.
- Important Note: Some Kauai attractions require advance planning. Book at least 30 days ahead for Hāʻena State Park, Kalalau Trail overnight permits, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, and Limahuli Garden, as reservations can fill quickly. Waimea Canyon State Park also requires an entry pass and parking fee, so plan accordingly before your visit.
- Recent Kona storms caused flooding, debris, and temporary road closures in Hawaiʻi. Conditions are improving, but parts of Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island may still have delays, cleanup, or closures.
Reviews(99)
Not very user friendly. Once you get it figured out though it is a nice way to experience the island with some insight and backstories.
Joey, I’m glad to hear that once you got my Ultimate GPS Audio Driving Tour of Kauai figured out, it added helpful insight and backstories to your island experience. I’m sorry the app did not feel very user-friendly at first, and I appreciate you sharing that feedback. You can always reach out if you need help with setup or using the app — I’m just a call or chat away and happy to walk you through it. If you're interested in more Hawaiian adventures, take a look at my All Hawaii Bundle, which includes tours of Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. Happy travels!
We used this self drive guide in Kauai. It was good and sent us in the right directions. It also gave some history on the island. Overall it was good
Cheryl, I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed my Ultimate GPS Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii. It’s great to know the tour helped guide you in the right direction and provided interesting history along the way. If you're interested in more Hawaiian adventures, take a look at my All Hawaii Bundle, which includes tours of Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. Happy travels!
We purchased the tour that took us through Poipu and Kaloa area. We had 4 hours to fill and this was absolutely perfect! We loved the places they guided us to, the history and information behind the sites and the stories shared between locations. It was great to be able to go at our own pace and go back and listen to it again if we wanted to. The GPS guide was perfect. Great way to get to know the island and some of its history! Would totally do it again!
Doug, I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed my Ultimate GPS Audio Driving Tour of Kauai. It’s wonderful to know the tour helped fill your day with great stops, interesting history, and stories that brought the island to life. I’m especially happy you enjoyed the freedom to explore at your own pace and replay sections whenever you wanted. If you're interested in more Hawaiian adventures, take a look at my All Hawaii Bundle, which includes tours of Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. Happy travels!
It is great once you’re able to figure out how to use it! We really enjoyed it how we it took almost an hour to figure it out- make sure you download it and get it working before you leave your WiFi. Customer service is great however they are only there until 6:00pm EST if you’re in a different time zone beware.
Cheri, I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed my Ultimate GPS Audio Tour of Kauai and found it valuable once you got it running. I completely agree that downloading, setting up, and testing the tour before leaving Wi-Fi is the best way to ensure a smooth experience, especially on the island where service can be limited in some areas. I’m also happy to hear my support team was able to help when needed. If you're interested in more Hawaiian adventures, take a look at my All Hawaii Bundle, which includes tours of Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. Happy travels!
This is a really helpful and effective guide for when you’re renting a car and exploring. It worked great and we enjoyed it very much.
Julia, I’m glad to hear my Kauai GPS Audio Driving Tour made exploring easier and worked great during your rental car trip. I’m happy it was helpful, effective, and added to your enjoyment around Kauai. If you're interested in more Hawaiian adventures, take a look at my All Hawaii Bundle, which includes tours of Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. Happy travels!
Very easy to use. Enjoyed the stories between the stops. Gave good advice about roads and parking. Thanks
Suzette, I’m really glad to hear that my Kauai GPS Audio Driving Tour was easy to use and that you enjoyed the stories between the stops. It’s great that the tips about roads and parking were helpful along the way—that’s exactly what I aim for. I truly appreciate you sharing your experience. If you're interested in more Hawaiian adventures, take a look at my All Hawaii Bundle, which includes tours of Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. Happy travels!
It was a great experience! Everyone who want to take tours without spending a lot of money; this is the way to go!
Janice, I’m so happy to hear you had a great experience with my Kauai GPS audio tour. I’m glad it gave you a flexible and affordable way to explore without the cost of a traditional guided tour. Kauai has so many incredible sights, from Waimea Canyon to the Na Pali Coast, and I’m thrilled the tour helped make your visit even more enjoyable. If you're interested in more Hawaiian adventures, take a look at my All Hawaii Bundle, which includes tours of Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. Happy travels!
Very easy to follow. Interesting history lessons along the way. Especially liked stories about movies and tv show film sites. It was fun to see the Gillian’s Island set.
I’m really glad to hear that my Ultimate GPS Audio Driving Tour of Kauai was easy to follow and that you enjoyed the history along the way. It’s great that the movie and TV filming stories stood out—those are always fun to spot as you drive. If you're planning more island adventures, be sure to check out my Hawaii Bundle, which includes tours of Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. Happy travels!
This download app worked well for our purposes. Be sure to begin at the starting point. You cannot start in the middle of the tour. Also, you have to check your driving speed so the narrator does not cut off before he is finished talking. Two programs downloaded, but I could only figure out how to use one. The narrator was interesting with good stories, sidelines, facts and island history. It was just the right length. We really enjoyed it !!
Diane, I’m really happy to hear that my Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai worked well for your trip and that you enjoyed the stories, facts, and island history along the way. It’s wonderful that the narration felt just right in length and helped make the drive relaxing and insightful. I also appreciate you mentioning the setup and starting point. My tour is designed to begin at the recommended starting location so the narration flows in the correct order, and once you’re on the route, the GPS audio should play automatically as you drive. If you're planning more island adventures, be sure to check out my Hawaii Bundle, which includes tours of Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. Happy travels!
Tour was good, very informative. Was a little painful to start is Lihue only, when we were staying in Princeville. Would have been nice to have an option to start the tour in Princeville. Waimea Canyon and the park were fabulous, and the tour did a good job of directing us thru it. A few things could be updated on the tour, but overall, we loved it. Never would have found the secret beach! Never would have gone to Hanalei either.
Susan, thank you for your thoughtful review. I’m so glad my Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai helped you discover places like Secret Beach and Hanalei. I also appreciate your feedback about the Lihue starting point and the updates needed. If you’re open to sharing more, I’d love to know which directions, stops, or details felt awkward or outdated so I can pass that along to my team and keep improving the tour.
