Waimea Tour From Nawiliwili

Kauai Shore Excursion - Waimea Canyon Adventure Tour - Nawiliwili runs through Dynamic Tour Maui. Rated 4.9 across 48 reviews. Runs 7 hours (approx.). From $189.

Check park access before you go. Stops inside state parks (Waimea Canyon, Koke'e, Wailua River and Secret Falls) follow current DLNR notices and can be closed. Check the booking page for which stops are running on your date.

Overview

This seven-hour shore excursion from Nawiliwili packs the west side of Kauai into a single loop, built around Waimea Canyon and the lookouts above it. Stops run from Hanapepe Valley Lookout and the Swinging Bridge to Waimea Canyon State Park, Kalalau Lookout and Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, then wind down through Kauai Coffee Company, Spouting Horn and the Captain James Cook statue.

Lunch is teriyaki chicken or coconut shrimp served with rice and a vegetable salad from Tuesday through Sunday, with a stop at No 1 Chinese BBQ on Mondays; drinks with the meal cost extra. One reviewer described the lunch as fabulous, and the day also includes a 40-minute stop at Kauai Coffee Company.

The tour is built as a shore excursion out of Nawiliwili. Travel time between stops is counted within the approximate seven hours, so the day balances driving with time on foot at each viewpoint. The listing states most travellers can participate, and the maximum group size is 14.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup and departureHotel pickup is included, with the exception of properties north of Lihue, where travellers meet at Times Supermarket Lihue. The tour departs for the west side of the island.
2. Hanapepe Valley LookoutA 15-minute stop with free admission for views over the valley.
3. Swinging BridgeA 20-minute stop with free admission to see the bridge.
4. Waimea Canyon State ParkThe core 40-minute stop, with admission included, at the main canyon viewpoints.
5. Kalalau LookoutA 20-minute stop with admission included.
6. Kauai Coffee CompanyA 40-minute stop with free admission.
7. Spouting HornA 20-minute stop with free admission.
8. Captain James Cook StatueA 15-minute stop with free admission.
9. Pu'u Hinahina LookoutA 30-minute stop with admission included, the final viewpoint before the return drive.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from the vehicle to the food on board.

• Group feel. The vehicle takes a maximum of 14 travellers and a minimum of 4 bookings is needed for the tour to run.
• Food and drink. Bottled water, snacks and lunch are included, with a choice of teriyaki chicken or coconut shrimp most days and a Chinese BBQ restaurant on Mondays. Beverages at lunch are not included. One reviewer described the lunch as fabulous with plenty of choices.
• Photo time. Reviewers said there was ample time at stops for photos, including panoramas at the canyon. The itinerary allots the longest stretches, 40 minutes, to Waimea Canyon State Park and Kauai Coffee Company.
• Entry fees. Admission to Waimea Canyon State Park, Kalalau Lookout and Pu'u Hinahina Lookout is covered by the tour. The remaining stops are free-entry sites, so there is nothing to pay at the gate.
• Getting on board. The listing describes the vehicle as air-conditioned, though one reviewer reported the air-conditioning not working on their bus. Gratuities for the guide are not included in the fare.
• Local guides. The listing includes a guide as part of the fare.

Common issues. The tour needs at least 4 passengers to operate and can be cancelled if that minimum is not met, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered. One reviewer reported the air-conditioning failing on their bus. The vehicle is not wheelchair accessible, though foldable wheelchairs can be arranged with advance notice.

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