Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one.
Once downloaded, your tour of Kauai begins in Lihue, on the island’s eastern coast. From here, you can explore both the south shore and the north shore. Your tour of the south shore heads first toward Grove Farm, where you’ll glimpse what remains of the once-booming sugar plantation industry.
Then, cruise through the lush greenery of the Tree Tunnel before treating yourself to the fabulous Poipu Beach, where sand and surf meet in perfect harmony and you might just spot some seals! Then there’s the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, an attraction you won’t want to miss.
Along the way, you’ll hear about the fascinating, complex history of Kauai and Hawaii as a whole, from the first Polynesian settlers to the present day.
After passing the gorgeous Iliau Nature Loop, you’ll get a look at Waimea Canyon, known to many as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific—and for good reason! This 3,000 foot deep canyon is as lush and green as the rest of the island, and is guaranteed to take your breath away.
You’ll also hear about Kauai’s best hiking spots as you drive, from easy walking routes to more advanced trails which lead to awe-inspiring overlooks.
Finally, you’ll arrive at the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, a perfectly secluded slice of jungle, cliffs, and crashing ocean. The south shore part of your tour concludes here.
Your north shore tour also begins in Lihue and takes you first toward the town of Wailua, one of Kauai's major tourist hubs. There, you’ll find the pristine Lydgate Beach and have the option to take a boat to Fern Grotto, a top attraction.
As you drive through Kapa’a, you’ll hear about traditional torch fishing, and even have an opportunity to visit a beach where locals still practice it! Then it’s on to Moloa’a Beach, where the pilot for Gilligan’s Island was filmed!
Next, you’ll hear how trade winds have shaped the islands of Hawaii, before passing by the Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park—a perfect place to enjoy art and nature together.
The Kilauea Lighthouse is up next, featuring incredible coastal views and simply perfect photo ops. Fans of Lilo & Stitch might even recognize the lighthouse from Disney’s iconic animated film!
Kauapea Beach awaits those looking for a secluded beach away from the crowds, and beyond that you’ll find sweeping island views at Hanalei Valley Lookout.
As you head toward Hanalei Beach, another popular Hollywood filming location, you’ll hear how sugar plantations transformed Kauai, and what happened after they all closed down. Then, check out Maniniholo Dry Cave along the coast.
Next, you’ll see Limahuli Garden and Preserve, a must-visit destination for any nature-lovers. Finally, you’ll arrive at Ha’ena State Park, known for its lush greenery, incredible beaches, and Hawaiian cultural sites. Your tour will conclude here.
After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Action Tour Guide app, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.
Points of Interest along the Kauai:
- Kauai Visitor Center
- Kalapaki Beach
- Nawiliwili
- Tree Tunnel
- Old Koloa Town
- Poipu Beach
- Hanapepe Valley Lookout
- Hanapepe Swinging Bridge
- Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park
- Niihau: The Forbidden Island
- Red Dirt Waterfall
- Kukui Trail & Iliau Nature Loop
- Waimea Canyon State Park
- Pu’u Hinahina Lookout
- Waimea Canyon Trails
- Koke'e Natural History Museum
- Koke'e State Park
- Kalalau Lookout
- Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
- Pu’u O Kila Lookout
- Nawiliwili Beach Park
- Nawiliwili Harbor
- Fishpond Overlook
- Old Sugar Mill of Koloa
- Baby Beach
- Spouting Horn
- Glass Beach
- Salt Pond Beach Park
- Kekaha Beach Park
- Polihale State Park
Benefits Over Live Guides and Group Tours:
- This is a flexible and self-led tour that uses location-sensing technology as you drive.
- The tour features in-depth audio narration that plays as you drive.
- You can purchase just one tour for the entire car and use it as many times as you wish.
- The audio tour is valid for one year after download, and you can use it as often as you want within that time.
- Once downloaded, the tour works completely offline, and you can tour your way by choosing when to start, stop, fast-forward, or rewind.
- If you need any help, you can always reach out to a real person via call, chat, or email.
