Kauai: Full-Day Waimea Canyon & Wailua River Tour

Kauai’s natural wonders await on this full-day tour. Travelers will marvel at the Grand Canyon of the Pacific – Waimea Canyon – and cruise along the serene Wailua River. They’ll discover historic Koloa Town and the lush Fern Grotto. With informative guides and optional lunch, this adventure provides an immersive experience. What sights and sounds await those who embark on this Kauai excursion?

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Key Points

This full-day tour explores Kauai’s iconic landscapes, including the Waimea Canyon, Wailua River, and Opaeka’a Falls, with guided commentary and hotel pickup/drop-off.
The tour offers scenic drives along State Road 550, providing breathtaking views of the island, including the Queen Victoria’s Profile and Nawiliwili Harbor.
Visitors can explore the historic Old Koloa Town, with opportunities to visit local shops, the Old Koloa Sugar Mill, and enjoy lunch on their own.
The tour includes a cruise along the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto, a lush fern-covered cave with exceptional acoustics used for traditional Hawaiian ceremonies.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Kauai: Full-Day Waimea Canyon & Wailua River Tour is a comprehensive sightseeing experience that showcases the island’s stunning natural landscapes.

A comprehensive sightseeing experience showcasing Kauai’s stunning natural landscapes on the Waimea Canyon and Wailua River Tour.

Priced from $230.37 per person, the 9.5-hour tour is available in English and can be booked with hotel pickup and drop-off.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers will explore the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, Hawaii’s only navigable Wailua River, and visit historic sites like Old Koloa Town and Opaeka’a Falls.

The tour includes a driver/guide, bottled water, and local treats, with lunch available at an additional cost.

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Explore Kauai’s Landscapes

This tour offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Kauai’s breathtaking landscapes.

The journey takes guests through the dramatic Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" – a 14-mile-long, over 3,600-foot-deep natural wonder.

Cruising along the scenic Wailua River, visitors can experience Hawaii’s only navigable river and its lush, verdant surroundings.

The tour also includes stops at captivating sites like:

Opaeka’a Falls, a 151-foot cascading waterfall
The sacred birthstones of Hawaiian royalty
The unique acoustics of the Fern Grotto, used for traditional ceremonies

Scenic Drive Along State Road 550

As the tour departs from the hotel, guests embark on a scenic drive along State Road 550, offering breathtaking vistas.

They’ll spot the island of Niihau, the Poipu Resorts, and the striking Queen Victoria’s Profile.

The route also provides views of Nawiliwili Harbor, a hub of activity on the island.

This scenic drive allows visitors to soak in Kauai’s natural beauty, setting the stage for the immersive experiences to come at Waimea Canyon and the Wailua River.

Visit Historic Old Koloa Town

Next, the tour stops in historic Old Koloa Town. Guests can explore the quaint shops and enjoy lunch on their own.

The tour stops in historic Old Koloa Town, where guests can explore quaint shops and enjoy lunch on their own.

The town offers a glimpse into Kauai’s past:

Old Koloa Sugar Mill, a relic of the island’s sugar cane history
Antique stores and boutiques selling local crafts and Hawaiian souvenirs
Charming plantation-style architecture lining the streets

With time to wander and discover, visitors can enjoy Kauai’s unique heritage and culture during this stop on the full-day tour.

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Cruise to Fern Grotto

The tour then cruises along the Wailua River, Hawaii’s only navigable river, to reach the Fern Grotto. This unique geological feature is characterized by a lush fern-covered cave where Hawaiian ceremonies were historically performed. Visitors can experience the site’s exceptional acoustics, which were used to amplify the singing and chanting during these events.

| Fern Grotto | |

| ———– | ——- |

| Geological Feature | Lush cave covered in ferns |

| Historical Use | Venue for Hawaiian ceremonies |

| Acoustics | Amplified singing and chanting |

| Visitor Experience | Explore the unique site |

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Visit Opaeka’a Falls

After exploring the Fern Grotto, the tour continues to the Opaeka’a Falls. This 151-foot waterfall is a stunning sight to behold. Visitors can take in the cascading waters and admire the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The Opaeka’a Falls, a 151-foot waterfall, captivates visitors with its cascading waters and breathtaking natural surroundings.

Some key highlights of the Opaeka’a Falls visit include:

Viewing the waterfall from the designated observation area
Learning about the cultural significance of the falls to Hawaiian royalty
Enjoying photo opportunities with the picturesque waterfall as the backdrop

The Opaeka’a Falls is a must-see attraction on the Kauai tour, offering a chance to take in the island’s natural wonders.

Inclusions

The tour includes a driver/guide, who provides commentary throughout the day. Guests are provided bottled water and local treats to snack on.

Hotel pickup and drop-off from select Kauai hotels are included, as are admission fees to Waimea Canyon and the Wailua River cruise.

Lunch, however, is on the traveler’s own account. Optional gratuities for the guide can be provided at the end of the tour.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers overwhelmingly praise the Kauai Full-Day Tour, awarding it an impressive 4.6/5 rating based on 44 reviews.

Guides receive particular acclaim, with a 5/5 rating for their knowledge and friendliness. Standout guides include Kaleo, Rosario, and Eton.

The tour’s transportation also earns high marks at 4.9/5, with reviews highlighting the comfortable experience.

While value for money scores a respectable 4.3/5, the tour offers:

Stunning natural landscapes
Insightful cultural experiences
A variety of engaging activities

Ask Away

How Much Luggage Can I Bring on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a limit on luggage. Travelers can bring what they need, but it’s recommended to pack light and wear comfortable shoes. The tour provider advises against bringing large or bulky items that could be difficult to transport.

Is There a Restroom on the Tour Bus?

The tour bus has a restroom on board, providing convenience and comfort for passengers throughout the day’s excursion. However, it’s always wise to use restroom facilities at designated stops along the way.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, travelers can purchase souvenirs during the tour. The itinerary includes a stop at Old Koloa Town, where guests can explore shops and find local Hawaiian gifts and keepsakes to bring home.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. People of all ages are welcome to participate, though the tour may not be suitable for individuals prone to motion sickness.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, bottled water and local treats are provided as part of the tour inclusions. Check with the supplier for any restrictions on outside food and drinks.

Final Words

This full-day tour offers an immersive exploration of Kauai’s stunning landscapes. From the majestic Waimea Canyon to the serene Wailua River, travelers will witness the island’s natural beauty. With convenient hotel pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and optional lunch, this tour provides an unforgettable Hawaiian experience at a reasonable price of $230.37 per person.