Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 92 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour worth booking?
Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour is a 5.5-hour experience in Kauai, United States, from $195 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 92 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (92)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $195 per person
The Kauai Waterfalls and Local Grinds is the perfect mix of stunning natural sites, history, local food tasting, and a dash of humor. We call it short & sweet! This not a food tour but rather a wonderful melange of visiting scenic sites on the east side of Kauai and tasting various foods along the way. Take the day off from driving while our expert guides show you the magic of our island unfold every step of the way. We will visit waterfalls, archeological zones, indulge in the local cuisine, and more. This is a mother and daughter owned business with over 17 years of guiding experience on island. Your purchases on this tour support locally owned mom and pop shops. Our Groups are small and intimate, and our vehicles are comfortable and air conditioned. We look forward to creating memorable experiences with you. *Full description under "What to expect"
What you get
About this experience
The Kauai Waterfalls and Local Grinds is the perfect mix of stunning natural sites, history, local food tasting, and a dash of humor. We call it short & sweet! This not a food tour but rather a wonderful melange of visiting scenic sites on the east side of Kauai and tasting various foods along the way. Take the day off from driving while our expert guides show you the magic of our island unfold every step of the way. We will visit waterfalls, archeological zones, indulge in the local cuisine, and more. This is a mother and daughter owned business with over 17 years of guiding experience on island. Your purchases on this tour support locally owned mom and pop shops. Our Groups are small and intimate, and our vehicles are comfortable and air conditioned. We look forward to creating memorable experiences with you. *Full description under "What to expect"
What's included
Included
- Map of Kauai
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- The chocolate tasting is free but optional
- Bottled water, cold
Not included
- Gratuities
- Meals
What you'll see and do
Menehune Fish Pond
Our journey begins with a visit to the Menehune Fishpond. This is no ordinary pond, it is a jurassic size pond built in ancient times by the first inhabitants of Hawaii, the people from the Marquesas Islands. Marvel at the beautiful surroundings as we drive you through the Kipu Kai area. Learn about the fascinating legend of the Menehunes, the archeological and cultural importance of the pond. Many Hollywood movies have been filmed in this area. We will stop in two areas to take many pictures.
45 minutes here
Lihue
Next in the agenda will be at a stop at local bakery to sweeten our day. The price of food is not included in the tour.
30 minutes here
Wailua Falls
Now is time to visit our first waterfall. Iconic Wailua Falls was featured on the opening scene of the old Fantasy Island Tv show. There is no hiking involved on this tour. We will however get out of the vehicle so you will have plenty of time for pictures.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Lydgate Beach Park
Time to take a stroll down the path by the beautiful Lydgate Beach Park, where you can soak your feet in the famous Morgan Ponds (optional), learn about the ancient temple of worship were Hawaiians greeted the rising sun daily, the city of refuge, and more. This is a leisure walk for all age groups. you will have many picture opportunities. At this stop we will give you the opportunity to either hang out with your guide for a cultural immersion or have free time on your own.
30 minutes here
Opaekaa Falls
At this stop you will take a short walk to visit two sites, Opaekaa Falls and the Wailua River lookout, located in Wailua town where the Hawaiian royalty lived in ancient times. Beautiful views and many picture ops await for you here.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Kapaa
We make eating fun! and that's why for lunch we will visit Kapaa town, where you will have many choices from food trucks and smoothie bars to restaurants. Your purchase will be supporting local mom and pop shops. In Kapaa you will also have the opportunity to visit the tasting room of Kauai's premier chocolatier, Lydgate Farms to do free chocolate tasting, and Kauai Gourmet Nuts for free nut tasting. You will also have the opportunity to shop for local souvenirs (optional). We will spend 1.5 hrs in this town, and that will be your free time to do what you choose to.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kauai
IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE SHIP, AIRPORT, YOUR LODGING IS IN LIHUE TOWN OR YOU ARE COMING FROM KOLOA AND POIPU MEET US AT 8:50am on the front side of the Harbor Mall. Cruise ship passengers: it is about a 10-15 mts walk from the Harbor or you can also catch the free open air trolley shuttle.
Meeting point
Kauai
IF YOU ARE STAYING IN KAPAA TOWN OR COMING FROM THE NORTH SHORE MEET US AT 8:30am sharp outside the Island Country Market, on the side facing the Hwy. Located at the Coconut Market Place. Address: 4484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746. Parking is free here.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE SHIP, AIRPORT, YOUR LODGING IS IN LIHUE TOWN OR YOU ARE COMING FROM KOLOA AND POIPU MEET US AT 8:50am on the front side of the Harbor Mall. Cruise ship passengers: it is about a 10-15 mts walk from the Harbor or you can also catch the free open air trolley shuttle.
Ends at
IF YOU ARE STAYING IN KAPAA TOWN OR COMING FROM THE NORTH SHORE MEET US AT 8:30am sharp outside the Island Country Market, on the side facing the Hwy. Located at the Coconut Market Place. Address: 4484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746. Parking is free here.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 13 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kauai Soul Travel
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- IF YOU DON'T RECEIVE A TEXT FROM US THE DAY BEFORE THE TOUR BY 5PM CONTACT US ASAP TO MAKE SURE THE TOUR IS CONFIRMED, SPECIALLY IF YOU ARE BOOKING LAST MINUTE, ARE AN INTERNATIONAL TRAVELER WITH NO US PHONE NUMBER, OR YOU BOOKED THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENCY. A VIATOR OR TRAVEL AGENT CONFIRMATION IS NOT ENOUGH, THEY DON'T OPERATE THE TOUR, WE DO. We are a very small family business and sometimes we need to change the start time or we might get sick, have vehicle problems or have weather issues that impede us to operate. It is your responsibility to make sure either you or your travel agent provides us with a good number to contact you in case of changes or tour cancellations. Booking through third parties can sometimes be problematic and cause a delay in our communications. WE UNDERSTAND YOUR VACATIONS IS IMPORTANT AND WE WANT TO BE A PART OF IT BUT PLEASE BE KIND AND UNDERSTAND SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN THAT ARE OUT OF OUR CONTROL. We appreciate your understanding.
- There are two pick up locations: one in Kapaa town at 8:30am and one in Lihue town at 8:50 am. If you are coming from the north shore or staying in Kapaa town, choose the Coconut Market Place as your pick up point. If you are coming from the ship, airport, Poipu or Koloa town choose the Harbor Mall location in Lihue town. We will send you a text message the day before the tour with pick up details and tour info. Make sure to read and reply to our message the day before your tour.
- WEIGHT LIMITATION: Due to seating dimensions, comfort, and vehicle wear limitations, guests exceeding 260 lbs must book a private tour. This policy is strictly enforced. Reservations not complying with this policy may be canceled or denied boarding without refund. Call us if you have any questions.
- If you are coming via ship and the ship doesn’t dock due to weather or other unforeseen events, We will honor a 50% refund or a full credit to be used within 12 months.
- Private tours available. Call us or a Viator agent for more information
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 92 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
92 verified traveler reviews for Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Coco is awesome!
Groups are small so you can connect with the guide and other passengers. She went the extra mile to get other excursion information. Helped find the little known white (Sugarloaf) pineapple. A must try if you've never had it before.
Response from the operator: Mahalo nui for choosing Kauai Soul Travel as your on island guides, and for taking the time to write such a lovely review. We value your business and hope to be able to share more memories together in your future visits to kauai. Aloha & a hui hou :)
via Viator
Coco is amazing
Coco is very knowledgeable and pleasant. She takes you to some amazing places and gives history on the way.
Response from the operator: Mahalo nui for choosing Kauai Soul Travel as part of your vacation. We were delighted to host you and your family, and hope to be a part of your future vacations to Kauai. Aloha and a hui hou :)
via Viator
An Amazing Local Kauaʻi Experience!
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Shasta and this family owned tour company. This was truly a top notch experience from beginning to end. Shasta is a local, and that made our tour feel so much more special. She shared beautiful places around Kauaʻi that felt like the kinds of places only locals would know. We weren’t simply sightseeing. We felt like we were getting to experience the island through someone who genuinely loves it and knows it so well. One of our stops was the beautiful Wailua Falls, and if you have the opportunity while you’re there, I hope you also get to meet Makepa B, the Lauhala Man. He was such a special person to meet and talk with and added another wonderful memory to our day. I thoroughly recommend taking the time to visit with him. You can also purchase a beautiful handmade keepsake to bring home, which makes the experience even more special. Shasta also took us to a wonderful local spot where we enjoyed fresh sugar cane and smoothies made with incredibly fresh ingredients. These little local experiences were some of my favorite parts of the day because they made the tour feel so authentic. It felt like we were getting a glimpse of the real Kauaʻi rather than just visiting the usual tourist stops. Because this was a small group island waterfall tour, we received such wonderful personal attention. Shasta was lovely, knowledgeable, fun, and incredibly helpful. We all had such a great time with her. What impressed me even more was how much she genuinely cared about us. I needed to get to the airport on time after the tour, and Shasta went out of her way to make sure I got there, personally dropping me off. That kind of kindness and customer service is something you don’t forget. Between the waterfalls, the beautiful scenery, the local experiences, and Shasta’s personal attention, this was such a special way to experience Kauaʻi. I would 100% recommend this family owned company and Shasta to anyone visiting the island. We had so much fun, made some wonderful memories, and I would book this tour again without hesitation! 🌺🌴
Response from the operator: Dear friends, It was our utmost pleasure to guide you on beautiful Kauai. We are most grateful for your business, and we appreciate you taking the time to review us. We hope we can serve you again on your future visits you our beautiful Island. Shasta says, Mahalo nui, a hui hou, and Aloha :)
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Day!
Coco is an amazing guide! We did the Waterfalls, Legends, and Geysers private tour. Our family of four had a wonderful day. Coco showed us some highlights we would never have even known about if we hadn't done this tour. She also shared with us some other "do not miss" tips. My son took careful notes of all of her recommendations and we tried them. She did not steer us wrong. She's very knowledgeable about the area, entertaining, and friendly. If you're on the fence about this tour, just do it!
Response from the operator: Mahalo nui for choosing Kauai Soul Travel as part of your vacation. We were delighted to host you and your family, and hope to be a part of your future vacations to Kauai. Aloha and a hui hou :)
via Tripadvisor
Awesome day!!
Shasta, our guide, was so adorable,fun and very knowledgeable!! Would highly recommend!!
Response from the operator: Dear Erika, Mahalo nui for choosing Kauai Soul Travel as your on island guides, and for taking the time to write a review. We value your business and hope to be able to share more memories together in your future visits to kauai. Aloha & a hui hou :)
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 32
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kauai Soul Travel, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.9.
See everything Kauai Soul Travel runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kauai.
How much does Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour cost?
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Prices start at $195 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kauai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour take?
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Plan for about 5.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kauai is not rushed.
Is Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 92 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kauai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour?
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Around 32 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kauai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kauai and add a light layer if any part of the 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kauai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kauai?
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Kauai sells Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours, Waimea Canyon drives, tubing through old plantation ditches and Hanalei kayak trips. Ocean conditions shut down the north shore boat runs in winter, so cancellation terms matter. On Outty we rank every Kauai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Koloa Zipline in Kauai, Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K, Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kauai?
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April to June and September to October, with calmest seas in summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kauai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour?
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Included: Map of Kauai; In-vehicle air conditioning; The chocolate tasting is free but optional; and Bottled water, cold. Not included: Gratuities; and Meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour?
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IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE SHIP, AIRPORT, YOUR LODGING IS IN LIHUE TOWN OR YOU ARE COMING FROM KOLOA AND POIPU MEET US AT 8:50am on the front side of the Harbor Mall. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds-Small Group Tour?
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Across 92 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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