Hanalei attractions

On Kauai, a tour of the NaPali Coast will put you on the water to take in one of the island’s most dramatic shorelines. The experience is run by a Native, family-owned company that has been based at the same shop for 200 years. Over that time your hosts have gathered documented family history about the NaPali Coast, and the Captains and crew will share their culture and stories as you travel. You may choose from one of four vessels, each sized to offer a more personal and comfortable outing. Along the way, you will travel close enough to explore sea caves when the weather allows, and you will hear first-hand accounts of local history and traditions from the crew. The tone is intimate and rooted in family knowledge, so as you move through the coastline you will learn about the cultural connections this family has with the NaPali Coast.

On Kauai, Luau Ka Hikina offers an authentic luau experience fronting the ancient royal surfing grounds. The island’s newest luau presents an evening of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture that begins with an impressive torch lighting ceremony. Along the way you’ll hear live music and watch hula kahiko — ancient hula dances — performed under the direction of award‑winning kumu hula Leilani Rivera Low. The evening includes a locally sourced, traditional Hawaiian feast served with a modern point of view. As you move through the programme, you’ll enjoy performances and cultural elements that celebrate Hawaiian and wider Polynesian traditions, all set against the sea and surf of these historic shores. The focus is on authentic ritual, music and dance, giving you a memorable cultural evening on Kauai.

A trip along the Na Pali Coast aboard the newest catamaran, 'Imiloa, provides an adventurous and exciting way to view this dramatic shoreline. The boat has a partially shaded top, open sides and two toilets, and forward-facing padded seats so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Crew members will serve food and drinks while the captain narrates the highlights of the coastline as you move along. Depending on the weather, you'll be taken to a snorkelling spot where snorkel time is typically between 30–45 minutes, conditions permitting. Along the way you may see dolphins, turtles, waterfalls, sea caves and more. You are bound to get wet on 'Imiloa — she is the wet and wild adventure option — so expect some splashes as part of the experience.

Experience the wild side of Kauai along the legendary Na Pali Coast with a family-owned, veteran-operated tour company that emphasises safety, expertise and personalised adventures. You’ll ride a 30-foot Zodiac raft built for speed and agility, which lets you approach hidden sea caves, cascading waterfalls and dramatic cliff faces for close-up views and photo opportunities. As you move along this pristine coastline, knowledgeable captains will share stories of Hawaiian history and local legends to put the scenery in context. Between thrilling stretches on the open ocean, you’ll be offered tropical fruit, Hawaiian chips and cold beverages to refresh you. With a clear focus on safe operation and an adventurous route, the tour provides a distinctive ocean experience that highlights the natural sights and cultural stories of the Na Pali Coast.

You will fly over Kauai in a doors-off helicopter, feeling the wind and enjoying unobstructed views from a machine with the doors removed and pilot controls on the left-hand side. The open cabin gives clear sightlines to the island’s dramatic coastline and interior, letting you take in the scenery without window glare or barriers. Knowledgeable, skilled pilots guide the flight and provide insightful commentary as you pass the island’s iconic landmarks. Safety is a priority throughout; the operator states that tours meet high industry standards and uses an MD500E aircraft, which the provider describes as a safe, high-quality helicopter. The overall experience focuses on clear views, pilot expertise and informative narration so you can appreciate Kauai from a unique perspective.

This family-friendly guided kayaking and hiking experience takes you into the Wailua River Valley on Kauai and up to Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls. A professional tour guide will lead you as you paddle along some of Kauai’s sacred waterways and then hike through lush tropical forest. Along the way, you will hear myths, legends and some Hawaiian history that relate to the places you pass and to the waterfall itself. Spaces do sell out frequently and, because of state regulations, the tour cannot take more people than allowed. If you find the guided tour full or prefer to explore at your own pace, the provider’s sister company offers access to the same river and waterfall on a paddle board or kayak without a guide, so you can enjoy the day at your leisure.

This self-guided driving audio tour takes you through Kauai’s most dramatic landscapes. As you drive, narration will bring the island’s geology, culture and legends to life while you wind through the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” at Waimea Canyon and climb to ocean viewpoints looking toward the Nā Pali Coast and Kalalau Valley. The experience includes offline GPS navigation and lifetime access so the route and commentary remain available whenever you choose to use them. Along the way you can pause to hike canyon trails or visit Waipoʻo Waterfall, stop for local Kauai coffee or shave ice, and walk the Hanapēpē swinging bridge. You’ll pass Waimea Canyon lookouts and the historic town of Waimea, and the commentary will point out both well-known highlights and lesser-known gems, including opportunities to explore artisan shops. The narration will guide you at your own pace, giving context to the sights as you move through each area so you can shape the day to suit your interests.

Onboard the Luxury Catamaran Lucky Lady, you will spend an afternoon cruising the Na Pali coast. The route takes you past dramatic sea cliffs and lush valleys, offering incredible coastal scenery that culminates in a spectacular sunset. Along the way, keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and other marine critters; you may spot them playing in the waves. You can sip a drink, snap photos or simply relax in the warm breeze as the coastline unfolds. Please note that swimming and snorkelling are not included on this trip. The experience is suitable for guests aged 3 and up.

You will cruise along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast and encounter towering sea cliffs, secluded beaches and dramatic coastal scenery. Along the way, an expert crew will share local legends and stories to bring the landscape to life. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins and graceful green sea turtles; in winter you may also spot migrating humpback whales. Weather permitting, the raft may enter sea caves and pass beneath waterfalls. You will also take a snorkel session on one of Kauai’s best reefs. Meals, refreshing beverages and top-quality snorkel gear are included, so you can focus on the scenery and marine life as you travel this remarkable stretch of coastline.

This tour of Kauai will take you over some of the island’s most dramatic scenery. You’ll see Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as “Jurassic Park” falls, tucked into the emerald ridge of Hanapepe Valley. Along the way you’ll soar over Olokele Canyon and the vast Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” where dozens of waterfalls spill down the cliffs, including the 2,000-foot Waipo‘o Falls. You will then travel past the sacred Nā Pali Coast with its 3,500-foot sea cliffs plunging into the Pacific. Along that coastline you will fly into the secret valleys of Nualolo and Kalalau and take in their rugged landscapes. Kauai’s North Shore will reveal the sculpted, green Hanalei Valley, lined with many waterfalls. The flight also passes the Wai‘ale‘ale crater and the striking “Wall of Tears,” a dormant shield volcano that receives 500 of rainfall. Throughout the tour you will enjoy panoramic views of these named landmarks and natural features as they appear from above.

On Kauaʻi's longest zipline adventure, you'll ride in a unique harness that gives you a front-row seat to the landscapes of historic Old Kōloa. From the lines you'll enjoy panoramic views of the sparkling Waita Reservoir and the island's lush natural scenery, seen from a perspective few get to experience. As you glide through native forests, sweeping island vistas will open up around you and you can take in the scenery and capture memorable photos along the way. Tandem zipping for younger adventurers will be available, making this a family-friendly option that blends excitement, nature and shared laughter against Kauaʻi's dramatic backdrop.

Explore nine acres of the Princeville Botanical Gardens on Kauai while enjoying a gourmet chocolate tasting. You will sample chocolates from around the world, both north and south of the equator, and taste the garden’s own chocolate as you learn how cacao is processed. Along the way you’ll see the sacred cacao grove and hear about the history of cacao. Knowledgeable guides will share stories of how the gardens were developed and provide information about the plants, chocolate and the Hawaiian islands. You will also taste seasonal fruit samples, the garden’s tropical honey and a variety of chocolate to keep your energy up as you move through the valleys. This experience combines garden exploration with hands-on chocolate tasting on Kauai. If you or anyone in your party has been sick or tested positive for COVID in the past few days, please do not visit the gardens until everyone is past stages of spreading infection. Mahalo nui loa for your understanding.

On Kauai, Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) is a sought-after waterfall tucked up the Wailua River. The experience begins at a convenient riverside meeting point where guides take care of all kayak setup and gear, so you won’t have to worry about parking, equipment rentals or crowded state park lots. From there you’ll paddle up the Wailua River through lush rainforest scenery, enjoying the calm water and wooded banks as you move inland. Along the way you’ll leave the kayaks and trek, splash and explore your way to a spectacular 120-foot waterfall. The outing is physically engaging: expect a roughly 4-mile roundtrip paddle and a moderate 2-mile hike that includes stream crossings and muddy, uneven trails. You should be comfortable in the water and prepared for a hands-on, active day as guides handle the logistics so you can focus on the landscape and the falls.

Arriving at Kauai’s Lihue Airport, you will be met with a lei greeting — a cherished Hawaiian tradition that symbolises greeting, Aloha, love, celebration, friendship and honour. Receiving a fresh flower lei immediately on arrival offers a warm, authentic welcome and creates a memorable start to your Hawaiian holiday. The sight and scent of the flowers will greet you as you step off the plane and carry a personal touch that marks the beginning of your time on the island. This timeless custom connects you to the spirit of Aloha and gives your first moments in Kauai a gentle, meaningful tone. Along the way, you’ll experience the beauty and fragrance of the leis and the cultural significance they embody, making your arrival both sensory and memorable without needing any further explanation.

This self-guided audio tour bundle lets you explore Kauai at your own pace while immersive GPS-triggered narration brings the island’s stories to life. You’ll have offline GPS navigation, insider insights and lifetime access, so you can start any tour when it suits you, pause for hikes or photos, take scenic detours and linger at local spots without being tied to a group. Across the four routes — the North Shore Kauai Driving Tour, Waimea & Na Pali Driving Tour, Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Tour and Poipu & Koloa Driving Tour — you’ll encounter lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, dramatic coastlines and historic towns. As you move through each tour, the audio will point out highlights, share cultural context and guide you toward both well-known sights and quieter, hidden gems around the island. Simply download the tours and use them to shape multiple independent journeys across Kauai.