Kauai Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Lookouts Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Kauai Coffee Company

   Be sure to check out the Kauai Coffee’s visitor center. They offer free coffee samples in a large variety of flavors, what a great way to start off your morning!

   60 minutes here · Admission not included

2. Visit this once an impressive fort, with 20 feet high and 17 feet wide walls that shaped like a star Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site, formerly known as Russian Fort Elizabeth, preserves a fascinating chapter of Kauaʻi’s history. The site is currently closed for construction, but you’ll hear its story and significance as you pass the area on the tour.

   Pass by without stopping

3. Here in Waimea Town, there are some local places to shop and eat. Stop by if you need a quick snack for the road, but other than that we suggest you skip this spot for now and save it for your return trip. We’ll guide you back, we promise!

   15 minutes here

4. If you’ve been to Hawaii, you’ve probably seen a few waterfalls, but this waterfall is particularly unique. It runs through Kauai’s red dirt instead of lush green jungle which is what you normally see. Stop by for a quick picture and then continue into the park.

   5 minutes here · Admission not included

5. Iliau Nature Loop Trail

   While you're on the trail, check out the interpretive signs that describe the native plants. The trail is actually named after a rare, exotic plant -- the iliau or Kaua'i greensword -- that is found nowhere else in the world but here on Kaua'i. This stop is within Waimea Canyon or Kōkeʻe State Park. Any required park entry and parking fees are paid separately directly to the park and are not included with the Shaka Guide tour.

   15 minutes here · Admission not included

6. This stop is within Waimea Canyon or Kōkeʻe State Park. Any required park entry and parking fees are paid separately directly to the park and are not included with the Shaka Guide tour. This is the first of two lookouts of Waimea Canyon. This lookout has some of the best views on a clear day. Stand atop the lookout to take in the expansive views of this natural wonder.

   15 minutes here · Admission not included

7. We’ll guide you to pull into a small parking lot for a view of an 800-foot waterfall that cascades into the canyon.

   5 minutes here

8. This is the second of the two lookouts for Waimea Canyon. Here at the end of the parking lot is the trailhead for Canyon Trail. The trail signs are a little confusing, so read the description under Hiking in our app Highlights before hiking. Puʻu Hinahina offers expansive views of Waimea Canyon and the surrounding landscape. The Puʻu Hinahina parking lot is currently closed, so do not stop unless official signage indicates safe, legal access. If access is unavailable, continue along the tour route to the next viewpoint.

   Pass by without stopping

9. Waimea Canyon Trail

   Here is our first major hike for the day! The trail starts at the parking lot, and you’ll travel about ¾ of a mile through lush jungle to a spot called Cliff Viewpoint. This stop is within Waimea Canyon or Kōkeʻe State Park. Any required park entry and parking fees are paid separately directly to the park and are not included with the Shaka Guide tour.

   60 minutes here · Admission not included

10. The lodge and museum at Koke'e are located at a small plateau in the mountain. The lodge is a sit-down restaurant with decent food if you are hungry. If you are lucky, sometimes they have live music! At the museum, there is a display of native plants, animals, and birds.

    20 minutes here

11. Kalalau Lookout

    Here you will find your first view of the glorious Na Pali Coast. However, don’t be upset if dense fog prevents you from seeing any views. It’s typical at this altitude. Try waiting it out a few minutes as the fog tends to come and go in waves. This stop is within Waimea Canyon or Kōkeʻe State Park. Any required park entry and parking fees are paid separately directly to the park and are not included with the Shaka Guide tour.

    15 minutes here · Admission not included

12. From this lookout, you get a view of the iconic Na Pali coast. You can also see the peak of Mt. Wai’ale’ale and a swamp called Alaka’i Swamp - one of the wettest places on the entire planet with about 450 inches of rain a year.

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13. Their shave ice comes in a wide range of tropical and traditional flavors. We recommend getting one of their combos with vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream. Their small size is plenty big enough to share.

    10 minutes here

14. Kiki a Ola (Menehune Ditch)

    At the base of the mountain, just past the old swinging bridge is a hidden gem that reveals a fascinating part of Kauai's past: the Menehune Ditch. You might be thinking to yourself, what’s so cool about a ditch? Well, we’ll tell you the story of the Menehune who constructed this ditch thousands of years ago.

    20 minutes here

15. In 1778, Captain Cook became the first Westerner to discover Hawaii. The place where Cook first set foot in Hawai'i is right here in Waimea. We'll point out his statue in the middle of town.

    20 minutes here

16. Here in Hanapepe, there are a few quaint art boutiques, restaurants, murals, and an interesting little bookstore called Talk Story. In fact, it’s the westernmost bookstore in the United States! Feel free to stop anytime as we do a quick drive through the town.

    30 minutes here

17. If you’re interested in checking out a cool swinging bridge, there's one in Hanapepe. Look for the sign when you're walking around town.

    5 minutes here

18. Lawai

    Hanapepe is only a few minutes from Lawai, where you started the tour. We’ll guide you back in that direction with a fun story about Kauai's "state bird" along the way.

    Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Shaka Guide Apps

Know before you go

• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This is a self-guided driving tour. Transportation and a driver are not included, so you’ll need your own vehicle or rental car.
• Start the tour in Lawai. Navigate to the designated starting area before beginning; the tour’s GPS-guided directions will take over once you reach the route.
• Download the Shaka Guide app after booking. Use the redemption code in your confirmation to access your tour.
• Download the tour over strong Wi-Fi before you go. Once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, so continuous cellular service is not required.
• Explore your way. Stops are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops, stay longer at places you enjoy, or adjust the day based on your interests and schedule.
• Some recommended stops are within Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Parks. Any required park entry and parking fees are paid separately directly to the parks and are not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
• Accessibility varies by stop. Because this is a self-guided tour using your own vehicle, accessibility depends on your vehicle and the locations you choose to visit. Some optional trails and outdoor stops may not be accessible to all travelers.
• Bring a fully charged phone. A car charger is recommended for a full-day tour.

Photos

Traveler reviews

146 verified traveler reviews for Kauai Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Lookouts Self-Guided Audio Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.