Discover Kauai’s most iconic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and hidden gems on this comprehensive 6-hour sightseeing tour of the island’s North and East Shores. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury Sprinter van with a small group and expert local guide, making stops at waterfalls, beaches, ancient Hawaiian sites, and more. The tour also includes a relaxing riverboat cruise on the Wailua River to the famous Fern Grotto, a unique experience only offered on this part of the island. With hotel pickup for guests on the North and East Shores, this is an ideal way to experience the best of Kauai in a single day.

What to Expect

The day begins with pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point, depending on your location. Guests staying on Kauai’s North and East Shores will be collected directly from their hotels. If you're staying in Lihue or Poipu, you'll meet your guide at Wailua State Park — the gateway to your day of exploration.

Once aboard the luxury Sprinter, your local guide sets the tone with engaging stories and island history as you begin traveling up Kauai’s lush coastline. Early stops include scenic viewpoints overlooking the Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain), where the mountain ridgeline resembles a figure lying on its back, and the cascading ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, one of the island’s most accessible and picturesque waterfalls.

From there, you'll visit the Poliahu Heiau, a sacred ancient Hawaiian temple perched above the Wailua River. This area, once reserved for Hawaiian royalty, is steeped in myth and tradition. Nearby, the Hauola City of Refuge offers more insight into traditional Hawaiian society, with stories of sanctuary and forgiveness embedded in the landscape.

Midway through the tour, you’ll board a spacious, open-air riverboat for a scenic two-mile journey up the Wailua River — Hawaii’s only navigable river. Surrounded by jungle and framed by mist-covered mountains, the ride offers a tranquil contrast to the earlier sightseeing. Upon arrival, a short walk brings you to the Fern Grotto, a lava-rock cave draped in hanging ferns and surrounded by rainforest. Local musicians and hula dancers provide entertainment, adding a cultural richness to the visit.

After returning from the river cruise, the tour continues northward along the coastline. You’ll pass by Kealia Beach, a long stretch of golden sand favored by local surfers, and then enter the lush Hanalei Valley, home to traditional taro fields and the scenic Hanalei Bay. Stops here provide views of cascading waterfalls like Nā Molokama, and there’s plenty of time to take in the slow pace and natural beauty of the North Shore.

You’ll also make a visit to Anini Beach, known for its calm, reef-protected waters, and stop at several North Shore lookouts for breathtaking photo opportunities. When open, the Kīlauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge offers a chance to spot nesting seabirds like the Laysan albatross, as well as Hawaii’s state bird, the nēnē goose. In winter months, this spot also becomes a prime location for humpback whale sightings.

Before heading back, your guide will offer recommendations for lunch at a local eatery (meal cost not included). The day ends with a relaxed drive back down the coast, returning you to your hotel or meeting point with a head full of stories and a camera full of unforgettable views.

Tour Stops

• Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) – View the iconic mountain ridge resembling a reclining giant from Kapaa Town.
• Wailua River – See Hawaii’s only navigable river, surrounded by lush jungle and steep valley walls.
• Fern Grotto – Walk through a tropical rainforest to a natural lava rock amphitheater where ferns grow upside down.
• Poliahu Heiau – Visit one of Kauai’s most sacred ancient Hawaiian temples located above the Wailua River.
• Hauola City of Refuge – Learn about this culturally significant site where ancient Hawaiians once sought sanctuary.
• ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls – Admire one of Kauai’s most easily accessible waterfalls, cascading over basalt cliffs.
• Nā Molokama Waterfalls – See multiple thin waterfalls streaming down the dramatic backdrop of Namolokama Mountain.
• Kealia Beach – Enjoy sweeping views of this scenic and uncrowded beach, popular with local surfers.
• Hanalei Bay – Marvel at Kauai’s largest bay, framed by verdant mountains and taro fields.
• Hanalei Taro Fields – View centuries-old taro patches that reflect the deep agricultural heritage of the island.
• Anini Beach – Pass by this calm, reef-protected shoreline known for its clear waters and excellent snorkeling.
• North Shore Lookouts – Stop at stunning coastal vistas along the North Shore, perfect for photos.
• Kīlauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge – Visit a dramatic coastal bluff home to seabird nesting grounds and, in winter, possible whale sightings.

Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from North & East Shore accommodations
• Luxury Sprinter van transportation
• Expert local guide and storyteller
• Admission to Wailua River boat cruise
• Visit to Fern Grotto with live music and hula
• Stops at beaches, waterfalls, heiau (temples), scenic lookouts, and wildlife refuge
• Bottled water

Requirements

• Pickup available only for hotels on Kauai’s North and East Shores
• Guests staying in Lihue or Poipu must meet at Wailua State Park
• Moderate walking required during Fern Grotto visit
• Not wheelchair accessible
• All ages welcome

Ultimate Private Tour of Kauai

Looking for a more personalized and flexible way to explore Kauai? Choose the Ultimate Private Tour — a fully customized 6-hour experience led by your own expert guide. Travel in luxury in either a private SUV or Mercedes Sprinter (depending on group size), and enjoy the island’s top sights at your own pace.

Choose Your Route

• North & East Shores: Hanalei Bay, Kilauea Lighthouse, Anini Beach, Fern Grotto, Wailua Falls, and more.
• South & West Shores: Waimea Canyon, Spouting Horn, Old Koloa Town, Kalalau Lookout, Kauai Coffee Company, and other highlights.

With private touring, you'll get exclusive insights, customized stops, and a relaxed pace tailored to your interests. Whether you're traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends, this is Kauai sightseeing at its most comfortable and personalized.