On Kauai there is no shortage of paid tour or activities available to tourists. This list is comprised of tours that provide you a uniquely Kauai experience that you won’t be able to do on your own. But, don’t worry if it’s not in your budget because you can definitely have a fantastic vacation on Kauai without paying for a single activity. Click here to see our 7 day budget friendly itinerary.
We haven’t had the good fortune of experiencing all of the available activities, but we have tried a variety of them. Here’s a list of our favorites so far.
*** Unfortunately due to lockdowns related to COVID-19 some of these businesses might not yet have re-opened, changed their hours of operations or may have closed permanently. ***
Helicopter Tour
After many years of visiting Kauai, we finally took our first Kauai helicopter tour. It had been on our list for a while, but I must admit, the only reason why it hadn’t happen was that I was too nervous.
I’m here to report that it was some of the best money that we have spent on vacation. We splurged on private tour with Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours. And, we opted for the doors off flight. Go big or go home… It was an incredible experience and the views even better than we could have imagined. Click here to read more about our tour.
Tubing Adventure
Sit, relax and enjoy the ride. That is the theme of this tubing adventure from Kauai Backcountry. They have exclusive access to an irrigation system that was once used to irrigate sugarcane crops. And so, this is where they offer tubing tours. The ditch and tunnel system was hand-dug by plantation workers over 100 years ago. This tubing adventure is definitely great activity for the whole family. Click here to read our full review.
More of a beach lover? Definitely check our list of favorite beaches on Kauai.
Na Pali Coast Raft Tour
Just like the helicopter tour, the Na Pali Coast Raft Tour took several trips to Kauai before we crossed it off of our Bucket List. Not that we didn’t think that it would be a wonderful adventure, but given that we are both quite prone to motion sickness we were wary.
Finally we decided to give it a chance. And, after reading several great reviews, we opted for the Rafting Na Pali Snorkel Adventure with Capt. Andy’s. Unfortunately, we were both sick but it still was a great adventure. We got to see the Na Pali Coast up close, giant pods of dolphins, many whales (at a distance), waterfalls, sea caves and much more.
Really, this tour deserves it’s own post. So, we’ll link it here once it’s ready.
SUP and Hike Tour
If you haven’t tried Stand Up Paddle boarding yet, Kauai’s the perfect place to do so. Why you ask? Because their calm rivers are a perfect place to try it out without having to contend with the waves of the ocean. For our tour, we chose the Kauai Stand Up Paddle Board tour from Outfitters Kauai. This tour includes a 90 minute paddle along the Hule’ia river, a hike and stops at swimming holes along the way. Before booking, keep in mind that participants must be 12 years of age or older.
To read our full review, click here.
Kayak, Hike and Waterfall Tour
Kayak Kauai’s Sacred Falls Guided Paddle and Hike is 5 hour tour that involved kayaking on the Wailua River, a hike to a beautiful waterfall and the opportunity to swim near it. It’s definitely one of the more physically challenging activities on this list. With an approximately 45 minute paddle, a 45 minute hike to reach the waterfall and the same to get back to the starting point, make sure that you are up for this much activity before booking. In the end, it’s well worth it. Bonus, think of all the calories that you will have burned. If you are looking for a great meal or snack after, check out this list of best food on Kauai for inspiration.
Click here to read our full review of Sacred Falls.
Downhill Bike Tour
A downhill bike tour in the Waimea Canyon could sound dangerous, but it’s really not. If you are looking for a different kind of adventure the downhill bike tour with Outfitters Kauai is certainly worth it. There is definitely no better way take in the beauty of The Grand Canyon of the Pacific than on two wheels. This doesn’t require being an expert cyclist at all. If you rode a bike as a kid, you will be able to pick it up. For safety reasons, they ask that all participants be 12 years of age or older.
Click here to read our review.
ATV Tour
If you are looking for the “dirtiest” adventure on Kauai, they claim is that this is it. Kauai ATV offers a tour covering over 23 miles of off-road trails. You’ll certainly find very muddy and dusty trails. During their approximately 4 hour Waterfall Tour, you will be riding their Ohana bugs. The tour starts in Koloa at the old Koloa Sugar Mill and will bring you through arid farmland, lush tropical forest and to cascading water-falls. The views are so beautiful that they have been chosen as the setting for many famous movie.
Want more details? Click here.
Wary Travelers Tip
If you are traveling to Kauai during peak season, we highly recommend that you book well in advance to avoid being disappointed since these tours tend to fill up quickly. So, start planning now!
Finally, if you are planning a trip to Kauai, here are a few other posts that you might like:
- Budget Friendly 7 Day Kauai Itinerary
- Best Food on Kauai
- Kauai Travel Tips
- Favorite Kauai Beaches
- Best Happy Hour on Kauai
What is your favorite Kauai adventure? Comment below.
Products we used during our trip
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