Hawaii · KAUAI TOURS

The 15 Best Kauaʻi Tours & Boat Trips

74 tours  ·  from $39

The good parts of this island are behind a road that stops. These 15 get you to Nā Pali by boat or by air, into Waimea Canyon and out to the north shore waterfalls, with prices and the weather caveats that matter.

Koloa Zipline in Kauai - How the Flyin’ Kauai’an harness changes the ride
Kauai Tours, Tour Reviews, Zip Lines

Koloa Zipline in Kauai

1.Koloa Zipline in Kauai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,764 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $169Our pick

Meet Koloa Zipline in Koloa for a three-hour course through native forest and over Waita Reservoir. Guides such as Malachi, Tristan, Karson, and Jaiden help you try seated, upside-down, spinning, or hands-free Flyin’ Kauai’an positions. Expect uphill walking, snacks, and a maximum group of 12.

“Our guides Malakai and keko were awesome! They guys were kind and patient. They helped our daughter that was scared. The place was great because of all the different positions you can do. Gave is a great recommendation to lunch and it was delicious.”

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Kauai Deluxe Sightseeing Flight - Kipu Kai and the Poipu shoreline
Kauai Tours, Tour Reviews

Kauai Deluxe Sightseeing Flight

2.Kauai Deluxe Sightseeing Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,162 reviews · 1 hour 5 minutes (approx.) · from $159

Fly for about 65 minutes from Lihue in a GA8 Airvan, a small sightseeing plane with large bubble windows and seats for up to six. Your pilot, such as Koa, Marcus, Kamaka, or Kao, narrates the island’s geology, farms, waterfalls, and history through Bose headsets. Every passenger gets a window seat.

“Best outing on the trip. Would recommend doing this at the beginning of the trip so you can find all the places you want to go!”

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Kauai: Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour - Starting with Manawaiopuna Falls in Hanapepe Valley
Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Kauai, Kauai Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kauai Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour

3.Kauai Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,032 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $449

Fly from Lihue in a six-seat Eurocopter Eco-Star, using Bose noise-canceling headsets to hear your State of Hawaii certified pilot. The route may include Waimea Canyon, Manawaiopuna Falls, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, and Mt. Waialeale. Weather shapes the flight, so expect a flexible route and bring motion-sickness medicine if needed.

“Views were spectacular. Our guide was great and very knowledgeable and the company was easy to work with. Loved the soundtrack they played throughout the entire tour.”

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Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats - The south shore and Kauai’s old stories
Kauai Tours, Na Pali Coast Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Kauai

Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats

4.Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,964 reviews · 1 hour 5 minutes (approx.) · from $159

See Kauai from a six-seat GA8 Airvan, with large bubble windows, noise-reduction headsets, and narration from an experienced pilot. The roughly 60-minute flight circles the island, passing Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, Jurassic Falls, Wailua Falls, the Na Pali Coast, and Mount Waialeale. Check in at Lihue Airport 30 minutes early.

“Not for the faint of heart but wanted to see the cliffs, etc. and we did! Great pilot and appreciated that he grew up there and knew the area.”

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Kauai: Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopters - Check-in at Ahukini Road
Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Kauai, Kauai Tours, Tour Reviews

Kauai: Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopters

5.Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopters

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,951 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $369

Fly above Kauai in a four-passenger Hughes 500 with the doors removed and every passenger placed by weight and balance. Your pilot may be Felipe, Kate, Adam, Max, Amy, or another Airborne Aviation pilot. Expect Waimea Canyon, Jurassic Park Falls, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Valley, and Mount Waialeale in about one hour.

“Best way to see Kauai! Don’t wear shorts. Views are spectacular! Was the highlight of our trip. Highly recommend..”

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Kauai: Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner and Show - Arriving at Kilohana Plantation
Buffet Experiences, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Kauai Tours, Luau Shows, Show, Tour Reviews

Kauai: Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner and Show

6.Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner and Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,620 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $179

Spend an evening at historic Kilohana Plantation for a lei greeting, island buffet, open bar before the show, and Luau Kalamaku’s theatrical account of the first Tahitian voyagers to reach Hawaii. Add a narrated train ride or premium seating when available. Hotel pickup is optional, and the full experience takes about four to six hours.

“The show was absolutely amazing but the food was lacking, service was amazing as well. Wish bar had more drinks like pina coladas or margaritas. And more dessert selections.”

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Na Pali Coast Half-Day Raft and Snorkel Adventure - Cruising toward the Na Pali cliffs
Half-Day, Kauai Tours, Na Pali Coast Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Kauai, Tour Reviews

Na Pali Coast Half-Day Raft and Snorkel Adventure

7.Na Pali Coast Half-Day Raft and Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,609 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $217

Join Kauai Sea Tours for a six-hour raft trip from Port Allen. A 14-person boat carries you along the Na Pali Coast, into sea caves, beneath waterfalls, and to Nu‘alolo Kai for 30 to 45 minutes of snorkeling. Captains such as KK, Sky, Duffie, and Josh share island stories while the crew serves breakfast or lunch, drinks, and snacks.

“The Captain was awesome (KK), she shared history and interesting facts about the island. She made sure we saw turtles, whales and dolphins. Such an amazing way to see the Napali Coast. The snorkeling was amazing, so so many fish and turtles. It was a great day. Great adventure. Highly recommend.”

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Kauai: Na Pali Coast Super Raft Snorkel Adventure - Leaving Port Allen for the western coast
Kauai Tours, Na Pali Coast Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Kauai, Tour Reviews

Kauai: Na Pali Coast Super Raft Snorkel Adventure

8.Na Pali Coast Super Raft Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,530 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $235

From Port Allen, you’ll spend about 4.5 hours on a 37-foot Naiad Super Raft with a captain and crew such as Andrew, CJ, Max, or Kannon. Expect fast open-water travel, Na Pali cliffs, sea caves, waterfalls, snacks, and a weather-dependent snorkel stop. The ride can be bumpy, so motion-sickness medicine is wise.

“Captain NoNu and Max were fantastic, Great views and music and experience! Make sure you have seasickness medicine or scopolamine patch just in case”

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Kauai Private Doors-Off Helicopter: Ultimate Waterfalls & Canyons - Manawaiopuna Falls, the famous Jurassic Falls
Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Kauai, Kauai Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Kauai

Kauai Private Doors-Off Helicopter: Ultimate Waterfalls & Canyons

9.Kauai Private Doors-Off Helicopter: Ultimate Waterfalls & Canyons

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,510 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $415

Fly privately over Kauai for about 75 minutes, with every passenger beside a window and no middle seat. The route includes Jurassic Falls, Waimea Canyon, Olokele Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, and Waiʻaleʻale Crater. Pilots such as Ross, Travis, Taylor, Aiden, Clay, and Stuart provide commentary, while doors-off flying gives you clear, glare-free views.

“Amazing, top notch customer service and experience! Pilot Ross Bailey went above and beyond! Great island cultural and history lessons (and perfectly timed music too) all while safely & expertly piloting the helicopter and providing exceptional customer service and overall amazing experience!”

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Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady - Meeting the Lucky Lady at Port Allen
Evening Experiences, Kauai Tours, Na Pali Coast Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady

10.Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,510 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $222

Board the 60-foot Lucky Lady at Port Allen for a five-hour sunset cruise along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Captain Evan and other local captains share island stories while the crew serves a taco buffet, beer, wine, Mai Tais, and soft drinks. Expect cliffs, sea caves, wildlife, changing weather, and possible rough water.

“It was a wonderful experience. The most exciting thing was whale watching. We saw whales several times in this boat tour. Other things include fantastic view of the cliffs and good service of the staff.”

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Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady - Boarding the Lucky Lady in Eleele
Kauai Tours, Morning, Na Pali Coast Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Kauai, Tour Reviews, Tours

Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady

11.Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,485 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $233

Board the Lucky Lady at 6:45 a.m. for a roughly six-hour cruise along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Captain Kauai, Captain Evan, and the crew may share island stories as you pass waterfalls and sea cliffs, then snorkel, swim, use the waterslide, and enjoy lunch with an open bar. Ocean conditions control the route and snorkel time.

“Great crew - these people need a raise. They are on top of everything - so helpful and making sure everyone is safe and taken care of throughout the cruise. Only thing missing is a fresh water shower after the snorkel. :-) Other than that, it was perfect!”

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Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike - Paddling four miles on the Wailua River
Canoes & Kayaks, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Kauai, Kauai Tours, Kayak Tours in Kauai, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Kauai

Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

12.Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,403 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Join Alii Kayaks for a roughly five-hour group trip from Kapaʻa. You’ll paddle 4 miles on the Wailua River, hike about 1.5 to 2 miles through muddy rainforest, and reach Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Cory, Kman, Kai, Mana, and Lono add local stories, plant knowledge, and plenty of encouragement.

“We started off with a kayak experience down the river followed by a hike. Be prepared to get wet! We walked through rivers and the best part was swimming at the falls at the end of the hike! My husband 29M and I 29F packed a lot of food per the notes on what to bring, but only needed a granola bar each. Could help to lighten the pack. In short, good shoes to get wet and slip resistant are a must!”

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Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide - Secret Falls rewards the muddy miles
Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Kauai, Kauai Tours, Kayak Tours in Kauai, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Kauai

Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

13.Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,387 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $140

Paddle about two miles up the Wailua River, then hike roughly two miles over muddy, rocky ground to 100-foot Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Zach, Brian, and Mikayla provide paddling help, safety support, and stories about Kauai’s plants, wildlife, culture, and legends. You return by kayak after time at the falls.

“This was a great trip be prepared to ade through rivers and have shoes that will cope with that. Beautiful trip but quite physical if you are not used to kayaking/hiling. Fun guide”

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Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K - The long approach makes the coast more dramatic
Cruises & Boat Tours, Kauai Tours, Na Pali Coast Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K

14.NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,240 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $214

Sail from Eleele aboard the family-owned Amelia K or another Makana catamaran for about five hours along Kauai’s NaPali Coast. Native guides such as Captain Mike, Shawn, Ethan, Ky, and Charlie share island stories, point out dolphins and whales, and steer near sea caves. Summer trips may include snorkeling, while winter afternoon tours focus on whales and sunset.

“Wonderful experience on the Na Pali Coast. Shawn, Ethan, and Ky were great guides, very knowledgeable about the coast and local History. Snorkeling was great. Seen many whales and dolphins”

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Secret Falls Kayak & Hike Guided Adventure on the Wailua River - Kamokila Village and the river’s older story
Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Kauai, Kauai Tours, Kayak Tours in Kauai, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Kauai

Secret Falls Kayak & Hike Guided Adventure on the Wailua River

15.Secret Falls Kayak & Hike Guided Adventure on the Wailua River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,212 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $145

Paddle two miles up Kauai’s Wailua River, then hike through rainforest, streams, and mud to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Levi, Jonathan, Nathaniel, and Tyler add local history, safety help, and sometimes ukulele music. Expect wet feet, slippery trails, a chilly waterfall pool, snacks, and a six-hour outing.

“We had a great time. Levi was our tour guide and did a great job helping us navigate the whole entire process with ease. He even sang us songs with his ukelele! Super fun, so bring your family especially the kiddos!”

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