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Wailua River and Waimea Canyon Tour

Location: South Shore, Kauai

Tour Highlights

From the peaceful waters of the Wailua River to the towering cliffs of Waimea Canyon, watch Kauai transform before your eyes as you experience two of the island's most iconic natural wonders in one unforgettable day.

  • Cruise the scenic Wailua River to Fern Grotto
  • Stand above the breathtaking Waimea Canyon
  • Visit the famous Spouting Horn Blowhole
  • Explore historic Old Koloa Town at your own pace
  • Sample estate-grown coffee at Kauai Coffee Plantation

Quick Local Tip: As you begin climbing toward Waimea Canyon, keep an eye on the horizon. On clear days, you can often spot the "Forbidden Island" of Niʻihau resting quietly across the channel. It's a rare view that many visitors don't expect.

What to Expect

The day begins beneath a canopy of tropical greenery as you board an open-air boat and glide along the tranquil Wailua River, one of Hawaii's only navigable rivers. Surrounded by towering trees and lush rainforest, your captain shares stories of ancient Hawaii before a short walk leads you to the Fern Grotto, where cascading ferns and the traditional Hawaiian Wedding Song create one of Kauai's most cherished settings.

From there, the island begins to change. Rainforest gives way to rolling countryside, historic plantation towns, and dramatic volcanic landscapes as you stop at scenic overlooks, browse the shops and restaurants of Old Koloa Town, and watch powerful waves erupt through the lava at Spouting Horn.

The journey reaches its unforgettable finale at Waimea Canyon. Stretching more than ten miles across Kauai's rugged west side, the colorful cliffs, deep gorges, and endless valleys reveal why Mark Twain famously called it the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Before returning, enjoy a stop at Kauai Coffee Plantation to sample locally grown Hawaiian coffee while reflecting on a day that showcases the incredible diversity of the Garden Isle.

Featured Stops:

  • Wailua River – Cruise one of Hawaii's only navigable rivers through lush rainforest while learning the legends of ancient Kauai.
  • Fern Grotto – Walk beneath tropical greenery to this iconic lava rock grotto, where you'll enjoy a live performance of the Hawaiian Wedding Song.
  • ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls – Admire one of Kauai's most accessible waterfalls as it tumbles 151 feet into a hidden gorge below.
  • Spouting Horn Blowhole – Watch powerful ocean swells send towering plumes of seawater through volcanic lava rock.
  • Old Koloa Town – Enjoy free time to browse local boutiques, galleries, and restaurants in Hawaii's first sugar plantation town.
  • Waimea Canyon Lookout – Take in sweeping views of colorful cliffs, deep valleys, and one of Hawaii's most spectacular natural wonders.
  • Hanapēpē Valley Lookout – Pause for panoramic views across a lush valley steeped in Hawaiian history.
  • Kauai Coffee Plantation – Sample estate-grown Hawaiian coffee while learning how beans are grown, harvested, and roasted on Kauai.

Included

  • Round-trip transportation from select Kauai locations
  • Guided Wailua River boat cruise to Fern Grotto
  • Admission to all featured attractions
  • Expert local guide with live narration throughout the day
  • Visit Waimea Canyon, Spouting Horn, ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, and Hanapēpē Valley Lookout
  • Free time to explore historic Old Koloa Town
  • Kauai Coffee Plantation tasting

Duration

10 hours

Address

Transportation included from Poipu, Lihue, and Kapaa hotels and resorts.

Cancellation Policy

48 hours notice of cancellation prior to tour departure is required for full refund; no-shows will incur a full charge.

Book now!