The Waimea Canyon tour is a full-day Kauai sightseeing experience with canyon views, waterfalls, coastal stops and a Wailua River cruise. First, travel to Waimea Canyon State Park, one of the island’s most famous natural landmarks. Then, continue to Kauai’s east side for a peaceful boat ride to Fern Grotto.
Waimea Canyon is often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” It stretches more than 10 miles long and reaches about 3,000 feet deep. From the lookout areas, you can see red cliffs, green valley walls and seasonal waterfalls. Also, watch for mountain goats moving along the steep canyon slopes.
This narrated Waimea Canyon tour gives you an easy way to see several Kauai highlights in one day. In addition, it includes roundtrip transportation, chilled bottled water and local treats. As a result, you can relax and enjoy the scenery without planning each stop on your own.
Kauai Sightseeing Stops
After visiting Waimea Canyon, the tour continues to more scenic Kauai locations. Stops may include Opaekaa Falls, Spouting Horn Blowhole, Hanapepe Valley Lookout, Kauai Coffee and Old Koloa Town. During the Old Koloa Town stop, you may purchase lunch at one of the local eateries.
Each stop adds a different part of Kauai’s story. For example, Spouting Horn shows the power of the ocean along the island’s south shore. Meanwhile, Kauai Coffee gives guests a chance to visit the largest coffee farm in the United States and sample estate-grown Hawaiian coffee.
Wailua River and Fern Grotto Experience
Later, enjoy a scenic Wailua River cruise. The Wailua River is the only navigable river in Hawaii, and its lush shoreline creates a calm setting for photos. Next, the boat ride leads to Fern Grotto, a fern-covered lava rock cave reached by a short rainforest walk.
At Fern Grotto, guests can enjoy the tropical setting and listen to a live performance of the Hawaiian Wedding Song. Overall, this tour is a great choice for visitors who want canyon views, waterfalls, historic towns and river scenery in one Kauai outing.
For a shorter river-focused option, see the Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto Tour. For an evening activity after a day of sightseeing, you may also like Smith's Garden Luau.
Waimea Canyon Tour Highlights
- Waimea Canyon – See deep valley gorges, red soil and green canyon walls at the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
- Opaekaa Falls – View a beautiful 150-foot waterfall on Kauai’s east side
- Spouting Horn Blowhole – Watch ocean water shoot through lava rock along the shoreline
- Hanapepe Valley Lookout – Take in panoramic views of a lush valley filled with trees and wild green sugarcane
- Kauai Coffee – Visit the largest coffee farm in the United States and sample estate-grown Hawaiian coffee
- Old Koloa Town – Enjoy a 90-minute stop with the option to purchase lunch at a local eatery
- Wailua River – Relax on a narrated 2-mile ride aboard an open-air boat along a freshwater river
- Fern Grotto – Walk through a tropical rainforest area to a fern-covered lava rock cave
Tour Inclusions
- Chilled bottled water and local treats
- Roundtrip transportation
- Professionally narrated tour
