Travel Planning Guide for Kauai, Hawaii: Tour Packages

Your Kauai snorkeling trip aboard a 65 foot (20 meter) motor-powered catamaran begins with a continental breakfast while you head north-west along the majestic Napali coast in search of waterfalls, lush valleys and sea caves.

After sightseeing and hearing about the history of the coast, you'll head across the channel to the Forbidden Island, Ni'ihau, to enjoy the best snorkeling in Kauai. Your helpful crew will provide all the assistance and instruction you need, to help you simply relax, float and watch the comings and goings of the magical aquatic world. Carved by ocean currents and waves for centuries, no other place in Hawaii offers such unique formations.

After your Kauai snorkeling adventure, you'll enjoy a gourmet deli-style buffet lunch. Choose from a variety of deli meats, cheeses, veggies and breads to make your own sandwich. Also included are potato salad, pasta and fresh fruits. Assorted soft drinks are served throughout the tour, and beer and wine are served after Kauai snorkeling.

During your meal, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy an entertaining story about the island, the people and the history of Ni'ihau.

Travel in comfort on a state-of-the-art 65-foot motor powered catamaran designed specifically for Kauai's ocean conditions with safety, comfort and efficiency in mind. Certified for 65 passengers, only 49 are carried daily. The catamaran has a full service galley and bar, two large marine lavatories, fresh water showers and a large cabin. Outside there are two oversized trampolines and seating in the front and back of the vessel.

Whale watching included from December through April.

After harnessing up, climb into your adventure mobile for a short ride to the zipline trailhead. Clip in, then soar like a bird over breathtaking valleys and streams in the pristine, private grounds of the Kalihiwai area as you embark on a series of nine zipline crossings. On the last Kauai zipline, you can ride side by side, in an exciting race with your partner!

Then, take a walk through the treetops and over a waterfall on a suspension bridge. A short walk brings you to a hidden treasure: an idyllic deep waterfall swimming pool. Here lunch is served while you swim, jump or just float around on inner tubes.

This one-of-a-kind Kauai zipline adventure combines the thrill of sailing through the air while getting a bird's-eye view of a Hawaiian jungle paradise.

Enjoy a day filled with the beauty, legends and stories of Kauai, the Garden Island, on a Waimea Canyon Kauai tour! This fully guided scenic tour takes you to Kauai Waimea Canyon and Wailua River, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

You'll enjoy unmatched comfort and superb views from spacious, deluxe big window Premier Mini coaches as you tour the famous fern grotto, cruise the Wailua River and enjoy picture-postcard views of Kauai's natural attractions.

This highly personalized scenic Waiea Canyon Kauai tour is fully narrated by specially trained driver/guides and features many stops to allow you to get the most from your day.

It's an experience you'll long remember!

SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS:

• Hanapepe Lookout
• Waimea Canyon
• Spouting Horn
• South coast Poipu Resort drive-through
• View Koloa Sugar Mill, Queen Victoria's profile and Nawiliwili Harbor
• Cruise the Wailua River (Cruise fare included)
• Fern Grotto
• Coco Palms Grove, Birth Stone
• Opaekaa Falls

Experience Kauai island air views in this state of the art G8 Airvan aircraft! Specifically designed for aerial sightseeing, it flies at a slower pace for optimal viewing and photography. The Airvan is known for its huge bubble windows, smooth ride and wide cabin doors for easy access. It provides a very spacious cabin for comfortable seating. And now, for a limited time only, receive a free DVD when you take the Entire Kauai Air Tour!

Some of the sites you may see include:

• Kipu Kai (Baby Napali)
• Menehune Fishpond (Raiders of the Lost Arc was filmed)
• Secluded Mahaulepu Beach
• Eucalyptus Tunnel of Trees
• Manawaiopuna Waterfall also known as Jurassic Falls
• Captain Cooks Landing in Old Waimea town
• Breathtaking Waimea Canyon (Grand Canyon of the Pacific)
• Beautiful Napali Coastline
• Lots of waterfalls
• Lumahai Beach (Movie South Pacific was filmed)
• Hanalei Bay and Hanalei Valley
• Kilauea Lighthouse
• Mokuaeae Island (Northern most point of the Hawaiian Islands)
• Waialeale Crater (wettest spot on earth)
• Anahola Mountain Range (King Kong's Profile)
• Wailua Falls (Fantasy Island was filmed)
• Opaekaa Falls

Enjoy the stunning views as you approach the secluded Kalihiwai Stream. Then kayak through a serene rainforest valley steeped in tropical sounds, scents and sights.

Tie up and hike deeper into the jungle, negotiating several stream crossings to arrive at the spectacular Uluhe Fern Ridge. Here guests have the option to ride two magnificent 400 foot (120 meter) zip lines and connecting bridge over a pristine twin waterfall and swimming hole. Those not zipping can watch or walk down to this idyllic spot.

After zipping, you can jump, swim, float on inner tubes, enjoy a delicious freshly prepared meal and relax. This heavenly private swimming hole is all yours!
Kayaking is beginner-level, easy, and total kayaking time is approximately one hour. Hiking is moderately strenuous, includes multiple stream crossings and lasts approximately two hours. Come meet the real Hawaii on this Kauai Jungle Valley Adventure North Shore eco-tour!

Hit the waves and take part in one of Hawaii's favorite pastimes with the guidance of your own personal surf instructor! Learn to surf, understand the ocean's movements and gain an insight into surfing culture on a fun-filled 2-hour private or semi-private Kauai surfing lesson.

A private Kauai surfing lesson ensures personal guidance and instruction for your party, whether learning on your own or with a friend. Soft-top boards are used for beginners for the safest possible learning environment. Your surfing instructor will be a local Hawaiian who has dedicated their life to surfing. As a professional surf instructor, your teacher is highly qualified to instruct you in all aspects of the sport of surfing.

The surf on the North Shore of Kauai is perfect all year long for lessons. In Hawaii every day there are wave reports. From huge waves to flat, 98.50% of the time the waves are perfect for lessons at places along Hanalei Bay. During a day or two of totally flat or stormy conditions there are other areas close by that you'll be taken to. There is always somewhere to surf in Kauai!

A private Kauai surfing lesson will involve 1 instructor per participant, or a semi-private lesson will involve one instructor for a group of 2 or 3 participants.

Take a fun downhill kayak trip on a beautiful jungle stream. After an easy 2-mile (3.2km) paddle, you'll tie your kayaks to a tree and take a short walk to a gorgeous area of waterfalls and swimming holes. Jump into a covered wagon for a fabulous trip across Kipu Ranch and head towards Kamapua'a Falls trailhead. Then, take a short stroll down to an incredible Swiss Family Robinson-style tree house, which was built around a huge Banyan tree. You'll be overlooking the middle pitch of the 120' (35 meter) bridal veil Kamapua'a Falls from picnic benches, while enjoying a delicious catered luncheon.

Following lunch, guests will have the option of taking a wild ride on a 275' (80 meter) Kauai zipline over a waterfall and river, returning on foot via an 80' (25 meter) suspension bridge. From there, you'll continue along a forest trail through the exotic foliage to Kipu Falls for a swim break. The more adventurous participants will be jumping into swimming holes at the base of waterfalls cascading over black lava rock cliffs and swinging on ropes tied to tree branches high above mountain pools. Others will simply relax and enjoy the quiet beauty!

From there, you'll be cruising by covered wagon to a jungle trail, where you'll walk to a river landing. Kick back on an exotic and unique twin-hulled powered Hawaiian canoe for a delightful cruise back down river. A fun ending to an already exciting day!

Restrictions: Must be able to walk 2 miles (3.2km) and kayak 60-90 minutes. In order to participate in the zipline Kauai portion of the tour, passengers must weigh between 80 and 275lbs (between 36 and 125 kg). Those who weigh less or more will not fit in the harness. Minimum age to participate in the zip line Hawaii adventure is 7 years.

Soar above Kauai's magnificent, inaccessible scenery on private Kauai air tours - don't be part of a large group! You'll see Kauai's must-see landscapes including Waimea Canyon, Napali Coast and Jurassic Falls.

Against a background of Hawaiian slack-key music, your state-of-the-art Bose headsets allow for open communication throughout Kauai air tours between you and your pilot.

Feel free to ask any questions during the Kauai air tour, spend extra time in areas that interest you most or revisit that last waterfall for the best photograph you've ever taken!

Cessna 172 Skyhawk features:

• Four seats (including the pilot)
• Every seat is a window seat
• Comfortable, enclosed cockpit
• Cruise speed 115 mph
• 360-degree view with wraparound "Omni-vision" windows

The Na Pali Coast dinner cruise leaves from Port Allen and heads west and north to Na Pali. After gazing at stunning views of the coast, you'll head back to Port Allen to watch the sunset while sipping on champagne and enjoying a feast of goodies. All drinks are on the house, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages!

Appetizers include:

• Caesar salad
• Chicken slices
• Spinach quiche
• Fruit platter
• Veggie wrap
• Vegetable crudites with dip
• Chocolate chip cookies

Beverages include:

• Bottled water
• Island juices
• Soft drink
• Beer
• Wine
• Mai Tais
• Champagne

Soft drinks, Mai Tais, beer, wine and champagne are served during the entire sail. Dinner is served when the cruise gets under way with teriyaki chicken, thinly sliced sauteed beef with mushrooms and onions, rice pilaf and tossed salad. Finish off with our exquisite haupia (sweet coconut dessert).

There is a maximum of 15 couples on dinner cruises in Kauai for a truly romantic, uncrowded experience.

The "Leila" is a 48-foot (14.5-meter) sailing catamaran. The idea for the catamaran comes from the ancient Hawaiians who sailed their double-hulled canoes regularly between Tahiti and Hawaii. The catamaran design allows for smooth, level sailing. Although Leila's two-hull design is based on a historical prototype, she is truly a modern, state-of-the-art vessel for perfect Kauai dinner cruises.

The Na Pali Coast Snorkel and Sail cruise begins as you depart Port Allen and head to the Na Pali Coast. When the winds permit, you'll be able to sail while having breakfast. Then head up to Na Pali, considered to be 'The Jewel of Kauai', with 3,000 foot (915 meters) cliffs, green valleys, hidden beaches, secluded waterfalls and breathtaking beauty.

When the vessel turns around to find the perfect snorkel spot, you may get the chance to experience sailing at speeds exceeding 12kts (if wind conditions permit). It's not uncommon to attain speeds up to 18kts! When conditions permit, you'll snorkel in the beautiful waters along the coast. Enjoy a delicious lunch before your return sail to the harbor.

Whale watching included from December through April!

The Kauai hiking tour takes you to the top of Green Hill for breathtaking mountain and ocean views. Then go for a hike through Kalihiwai Valley, the lowland rainforest, and continue on to the spectacular five-tiered Kalihiwai Falls - an isolated and private spot with magnificent views.

Continue up-valley along the stream to a second, idyllic waterfall swimming hole surrounded by fern-lined walls. You'll have time here to enjoy a delicious lunch, and swim and float on inner tubes.

After lunch, spend approximately three hours hiking through Kalihiwai Valley, an area of pristine natural beauty.

The four-mile Kauai hiking has been rated as moderately strenuous. Included are rough-hewn stairs, many stream crossings and a 10-foot (30m) rock wall descent.

You can coast at the crack of dawn, or, cruise it at the end of the day. The early birds will be blessed with soft low angled light that draws out the colors of the spectacular canyon. You won't be snoozin' - you'll be cruisin'! An "in-flight" beverage service of fresh-brewed Kauai Coffee and blueberry muffins hot out of the oven is included as you ride up in the van to begin your Kauai biking tour.

If you're not into the early bird thing, try the late afternoon tour. You'll still enjoy the same low angled light for accentuation of the canyon's rugged terrain, only from the west rather than the east. Shadows and colors jump out with soft, brilliant greens, reds and purple highlights. In addition, the forbidden Island of Niihau is visible off to the west. Cold soft drinks, spring water and Kauai cookies will be served on the afternoon tour.

Comfortable helmets and safe operating procedures make for a ride that's safe and controlled, but still fun and exciting. You'll be riding through one of the most beautiful and interesting places on the planet, so of course, you'll stop along the way for photos and narrative on history, culture, folklore and legends. You'll get hands-on and identify native plants, birds and trees. You'll be able to quiz your guides about the best Kauai hiking trails located in Koke'e State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park while you're in the area. As well as having a fun ride in a beautiful place, you'll learn about what makes Kauai special!

On this 2 mile (3.2km) kayaking Kauai adventure, you'll travel through the Hule'ia National Wildlife Refuge, a place for the preservation of endangered Hawaiian water birds. You'll paddle past the living archaeological site of Alekoko (Menehune) Fishpond, and get a taste of the ancient people's fishing and aquaculture methods that are still utilized today. The backdrop is the magnificent Haupu Mountain Range, a dramatic and majestic 2000' (600 meter) shield volcano that looms over the river. The destination is a series of 3 pool-drop waterfalls with a swimming hole known as Hidden Falls.

The area is steeped in legend and your guides will tell you exciting stories about the supernatural inhabitants who resided in the valley long ago. Hule'ia has been the site of filming for a wide range of major motion pictures including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park and its sequel, Lost World.

You'll leave your kayaks behind and set out on a 1.5 mile (2.4km) round trip guided Kauai hiking nature walk through a pristine tropical rain forest containing many different communities of plants, birds and aquatic life. You'll stop along the way at swimming holes with rope swings before reaching Hidden Valley Falls, a captivating series of pool-drop waterfalls cascading over black lava rock. Here you'll have some snacks and cold drinks while enjoying the scenery before heading back down to the river for a fun trip back in a double-hulled powered canoe. It's cheating, but who cares?

Restrictions: You must be able to walk 1.5 miles (2.4km) & kayak 60-90 minutes.

You'll start your unforgettable island evening with the traditional imu ceremony - the unearthing of a pig, cooked to perfection in an underground oven. From there, you'll gather for a sumptuous island feast filled with both luau favorites and the best local cuisine. Enjoy a breathtaking Hawaiian sunset with your favorite beverages or exotic drinks from the standard bar.

Witness Kauai's most incredible island pageant at a torchlit lagoon theater sprinkled with night-blooming flowers. "The Golden People of Hawaii" is a multi-cultural extravaganza showcasing the dance and song of all the lively ethnic groups that have called Hawaii home. This enticing international pageant features performances from Tahiti, Hawaii, China, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand and Samoa. From impressive fire-knife performances to Asian lion dances, this show has it all! Excellent entertainment for all to enjoy!

Over 100 years ago Mark Twain nicknamed Waimea Canyon the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". Experience nature's grandeur first hand on a Waimea Canyon Kauai tour. This fully guided scenic tour takes you to Waimea Canyon and other picturesque locations on Kauai, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

Waimea Canyon on Kauai is the largest canyon in the Pacific and is a dramatic sight to behold. The canyon measures 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and more than 3,500-feet deep. It was carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods that flowed from Mount Waialeale's summit which receives an average of 440 inches of rain a year, making it the wettest spot on earth.

The lines in the Waimea Canyon walls depict different volcanic eruptions and lava flows that have occurred over the centuries. Even though it is smaller than the Grand Canyon of Arizona, Waimea Canyon rivals it's beauty. Numerous lookouts and hikes offer terrific views of every aspect of this natural wonder. The elevation of Waimea Canyon makes the air 10-15 degrees cooler than in the valley and by afternoon many areas are often shrouded in clouds.

Soar over Kauai's breathtaking mountains and waterfalls and discover a new side of Hawaii! This amazing air tour will teach you exactly why Kauai is called the Garden Isle! Book now to enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views on your Hawaiian vacation!

The Pali Mist Excursion is your standard sightseeing flight as well as the cheapest way to see the Na Pali Coast. Starting in Lihue, you'll first see Kipu Kai, the beach made famous by Harrison Ford in 6 Days and 7 Nights. Travel on and soar over the Jurassic Park waterfall in the stunning Hanapepe Valley, heading towards the the vast Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". Fly over the famous Na Pali Coastline and finish off at the amazing Hanalei Bay, before heading back to the airport.

In the winter months, whale watching may be feasible. In all cases, the pilot will maintain safe altitudes within regulatory limits.

Against a background of Hawaiian slack-key music, state-of-the-art Bose headsets allow for open communication throughout the flight between you and your pilot. Feel free to ask any questions, spend extra time in areas that interest you most or revisit that last waterfall for the best photograph you've ever taken!

Cessna 172 Skyhawk features:

• Four seats including the pilot, every seat is a window seat
• Comfortable, enclosed cockpit, cruise speed 115 mph
• 360 degree view with wrap-around "Omni-vision" windows

If you like excitement and adrenaline, then this is the one for you! This 16-mile (25km) kayak tour to the Na Pali Coast is typically carried out on heavy Hawaiian waters. It is one adventure that will definitely push you to the limit! Paddle past the famed Na Pali sea caves, Kauai's lush valleys and beaches cradled in the jungle. If you're up for a rewarding challenge, book now!

This tour takes place on one of the most beautiful and remote shorelines in the world. The tour begins in Poipu, where you ride together in a 15 passenger van to the launch site in Haena. After paddling for about an hour, you'll come upon the famed sea caves of Na Pali, entering if sea conditions permit. You'll raft up your kayaks for a mid-morning juice and snacks break!

You'll paddle a total of 11 miles (17km) in the morning, reaching Milolii, your first landing.  Here, you'll enjoy lunch and explore the site of an ancient Hawaiian fishing community. Typically, you'll arrive at Milolii between 1 and 2 pm, so the morning is long! After lunch, you have a 4 mile (6.5km) paddle in usually calm waters to Polihale, where the van will be waiting for you. When you return to the Poipu store, you'll have circumnavigated the entire island!

A Friendly Reality Check: this is a very long, somewhat strenuous paddle in typically heavy seas. Don't sign up unless you are up for a good workout and maybe a challenge. While this tour is best enjoyed by people who are physically fit and have some basic paddling experience, you may join us as a first time kayaker if you consider yourself to be athletically inclined and quick to learn new sports. Of course, this trip is not for non-swimmers.

Warning: If you are prone to severe seasickness this trip is not for you.

This tour is seasonal and operates only from May through to September

Feel like a local when you hit the waves and take part in one of Hawaii's favorite pastimes! Learn to surf, understand the ocean's movements and gain an insight into surfing culture on a fun-filled 2-hour Kauai surfing lesson.

Surf lesson Kauai instruction is conducted in small groups with a maximum of 4 participants, ensuring personal guidance and instruction for all. Soft-top boards are used for beginners for the safest possible learning environment. Your surfing instructor will be a local Hawaiian who has dedicated their life to surfing. As a professional surf instructor, your teacher is highly qualified to instruct you in all aspects of the sport of surfing.

The surf on the North Shore of Kauai is perfect all year long for lessons. In Hawaii every day there are wave reports. From huge waves to flat, 98.50% of the time the waves are perfect for lessons along Hanalei Bay. During a day or two of totally flat or stormy conditions there are other areas close by that you'll be taken to. There is always somewhere to surf in Kauai!

First 30 minutes:

• Learn to watch the ocean and the waves together and talk about ocean safety
• Learn how to paddle and positioning yourself on the board.
• Learn to start reading the waves

Second 30 minutes:

• Lessons begin in the ocean and learn to stand up
• Learn about the world of surfing and some basic rules when surfing
• Time for questions!

The final 30 - 60 minutes:

• Use the board and practice on your own

Paddle deep into the heart of the island on this kayaking Kauai adventure, all the way to the shadow of Mt Wai'ale'ale. After an easy paddle upstream, you'll tie your kayaks to a tree and take a somewhat rugged and very beautiful 1 mile (1.6km) hike to a dramatic 100' (30 meter) waterfall. Sit on some big basalt boulders at the bottom of the pool and savor a delicious picnic lunch while enjoying the stunning scenery that surrounds you. Then, hike back down to the ruddered tandem open cockpit kayaks for some more fun paddling!

As you pass through this spectacular and interesting valley by kayak and on foot, your guide will be sharing the mana'o (knowledge) of the island. You'll be filled in on the history of ancient Kauai and how the Ali'i (royalty) and Maka'ainana (common people) lived and played here long ago. You'll learn about the unique and unusual medicinal and food plants that inhabit Kauai's Wailua River Valley, as well as identifying many beautiful ornamental plants, both native and introduced. All this will take place as you get to know each other and have some laughs in this incredible setting.

The return part of this kayaking Kauai tour is downstream, but into the trade winds, giving you a bit of a workout on this leg of the journey. If you don't mind a bit of exercise, this tour will be the one for you! With swimming holes and native exotic botanical wonders, the Wailua truly is a fantasy world of Hawaiian deep jungle scenery.

Hop aboard an exhilarating adventure raft for the ride of your life! Departing from Kikiaola Harbor, you'll experience breathtaking oceanside views of Waimea and the longest white sand beach in Hawaii. Once you reach Kalalau, you'll explore the archaeological remains of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Here, you'll also have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters.

Cruise past one of the oldest sugar towns in Hawaii and out to Polihale State Park towards the Na Pali coast's majestic sea cliffs and hanging valleys. Listen to a historical and cultural narration provided by your captain as he navigates you safely into sea caves and beneath cascading waterfalls.

Once you reach Kalalau, you'll head back to Nu'aolo Kai for hiking and exploring the archaeological remains of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Feel free to swim and snorkel on the protected reef where crystal-clear waters teem with fish, coral formations and other marine life.

You have two raft options:

Explorer I (May - September)

• Lands on the beach, snorkel from shore (ocean permitted)
• Narrated walk at archeological life (Nualolo Kai Ancient Fishing Village)
• Child's age no younger than 8 years old
• Maximum 18 passengers per raft

Explorer II (January - December)

• Snorkel from vessel at protected reef, lunch on board during snorkel times
• No narrated walk on Na Pali Explorer II
• Child's age no younger than 5 years old
• Maximum 36 passengers per raft

Itinerary and vessel operating the cruise may vary depending on weather conditions during the winter season.

This 7-mile (11km) kayak tour is a day packed full of fun, excitement and adventure. Savor the magnificent views, breathtaking scenery, and hidden beaches of Kauai's pristine South Shore. You may catch a glimpse of some spinner dolphins, sea turtles, seals and even humpback whales!

After launching from Kukui'ula Small Boat Harbor, you'll pass the famous Spouting Horn, a remarkable salt-water blowhole. After about 45 minutes, you'll surf your kayaks up on the beach at Lawa'i Kai, the exquisitely beautiful site of Queen Emma's Summer Home. Take a stroll on the beach and enjoy a hot cup of coffee and delicious muffins.

You'll continue downwind, past the white sand beaches, barrier reefs, and volcanic craters of Palama's Point. As you paddle, you'll be hoping to see interesting marine life, such as the spinner dolphin or endangered sea turtle, both common in this area. During the months of November through April, you also run the chance of getting a glimpse of migratory humpback whales.

After 7 miles (11km) of paddling, you'll be ready for lunch. You'll land at Wahi'awa, a protected bay, to relax, eat, and explore. You'll have the opportunity to comb the ¼ mile (0.4km) crescent-shaped sandy paradise, play in the water and snorkel the fringes of the bay. Meanwhile, your guide will lay out a tasty picnic lunch with a scrumptious brownie that may inspire an afternoon nap!

Around mid-afternoon after another brief paddle, your driver will arrive to whisk you away on your return to the Poipu resort area.

This tour is seasonal and operates only from September to May

Value-packed full-day tour to Oahu's most scenic areas - lush tropical forests, picturesque seaside villages, championship surfing spots and fields of exotic pineapple. The highlight of the tour is an admission-included, in-depth visit to the world famous Polynesian Cultural Center.

Tour Highlights:

• Nuuanu Rainforest and Pali Lookout
• Windward Oahu Coastline
• View the Mormon Temple and BYU Hawaii Campus
• Polynesian Cultural Center, personalized guided tour through authentic South Pacific Villages
• Pageant of the Long Canoes
• North Shore Surfing Beaches