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

136 Reviews 4.63 out of 5 stars Based on 136 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 92% of reviewers
92% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Kauai, USA
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from $22.99 per group (up to 15)

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (7.27) days in advance.
4 to 6 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Embark on a breathtaking journey through Kauai’s dramatic landscapes on this self-guided driving audio tour. Wind through the awe-inspiring “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, delve into lush valleys, and ascend to ocean vistas of the Nā Pali Coast—all while listening to immersive storytelling about the island’s geology, culture, and legends.

Enjoy total freedom: start anytime, pause to hike canyon trails or Waipoʻo Waterfall, sip local Kauai coffee, cross the charming Hanapēpē swinging bridge, and explore artisan shops—all at your own pace.

With offline GPS navigation and lifetime access, you’ll experience both must-see highlights and hidden gems without the constraints of group tours.

Highlights include Waimea Canyon Lookouts, Kalalau Valley vantage points, historic town of Waimea, and local favorites like shave ice stops.

Simply download the tour, follow the route, and let evocative narration guide you through one of Kauai’s most unforgettable adventures—on your terms, in your time.

What's Included

  • Flexible itinerary with optional lookouts, stops, and hikes
  • Stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local recommendations
  • Offline map and audio after download
  • Transportation or rental vehicle
  • Food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Lawai
HI, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your activity begins.
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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!
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Pāʻulaʻula - Russian Fort Elizabeth (pass by)

Visit this once an impressive fort, with 20 feet high and 17 feet wide walls that shaped like a starPāʻulaʻula 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.
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Waimea

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!
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Red Dirt Waterfall

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.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Waimea Canyon Lookout

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.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Waipo'o Falls Trail

We’ll guide you to pull into a small parking lot for a view of an 800-foot waterfall that cascades into the canyon.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pu’u Hinahina Lookout (pass by)

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.
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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.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Kōkeʻe Lodge

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pu’u O Kila Lookout (pass by)

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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JoJo's Shave Ice

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.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Captain James Cook Statue

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hanapepe

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hanapepe Swinging Bridge

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.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lawai (pass by)

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.
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Show 17 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Kauai Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Lookouts Self-Guided Audio Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-102020P7

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.63
136 reviews

Average 4.63 out of 5 stars based on 136 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
106
4 stars
19
3 stars
6
2 stars
1
1 star
4
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (7.27) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Kauai Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Lookouts Self-Guided Audio Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Flexible itinerary with optional lookouts, stops, and hikes.
  • Stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local recommendations.
  • Offline map and audio after download.
  • Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive.
  • Tour access does not expire.
  • One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle.
  • Self-guided GPS audio driving tour of Waimea Canyon and Kokeʻe.
The following is NOT included:
  • Transportation or rental vehicle.
  • Food and drinks.
  • Personal expenses.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this activity?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible activity?
A:

Accessibility information for the Kauai Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Lookouts Self-Guided Audio Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kauai Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Lookouts Self-Guided Audio Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Hawaii. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Flexible itinerary with optional lookouts, stops, and hikes
  • Stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local recommendations
  • Offline map and audio after download
  • Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive
  • Tour access does not expire
  • One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle
  • Self-guided GPS audio driving tour of Waimea Canyon and Kokeʻe
  • Transportation or rental vehicle
  • Food and drinks
  • Personal expenses

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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.

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