Kauai: Full-Day Waimea Canyon & Wailua River Tour

Exploring Kauai’s natural wonders is a must-do for any visitor to the Garden Isle. This full-day tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the island’s iconic landscapes carved by millions of years of volcanic and erosive activity. From the breathtaking Waimea Canyon to the serene Wailua River, the tour provides an opportunity to discover the island’s cultural heritage and legends, all while enjoying stunning vistas and a delicious included lunch. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Kauai enthusiast, this comprehensive tour promises to leave you with lasting memories of the island’s captivating beauty.

Key Points

• This full-day tour showcases Kauai’s iconic natural wonders, including the dramatic Waimea Canyon, serene Wailua River, and the historic Coco Palms resort.
• The Waimea Canyon offers stunning vistas of towering cliffs and deep gorges, revealing millions of years of volcanic and erosive activity.
• The Wailua River cruise provides a peaceful journey to the Fern Grotto, a natural lava rock amphitheater with captivating acoustics.
• The tour includes a visit to the panoramic viewpoint of the 150-foot Opaeka’a Falls, surrounded by lush, verdant vegetation.
• Visitors can explore the grounds of the once-glamorous Coco Palms resort, featured in the film ‘Blue Hawaii,’ and learn about its storied history.

Tour Overview

This full-day Waimea Canyon and Wailua River tour on Kauai lasts 9.5 hours and showcases the island’s most iconic natural wonders.

Highlights include the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific,’ and the serene Wailua River, where you’ll cruise to the lush Fern Grotto.

You’ll also see the stunning Opaeka’a Falls, a popular backdrop for movies and TV shows, and the historic Coco Palms resort, featured in the Elvis Presley film ‘Blue Hawaii.’

Throughout the tour, a local guide will share the legends, lore, and history of Hawaii, providing an immersive cultural experience.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, roundtrip transportation, and a included lunch, this tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to explore Kauai’s natural beauty.

Key Highlights

The tour’s key highlights include the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ for its dramatic red-and-green landscape carved by the Waimea River. Visitors will also cruise along the serene Wailua River to the lush Fern Grotto, a natural lava rock amphitheater that’s been the backdrop for many movies and TV programs. Another highlight is the stunning Opaeka’a Falls, which has appeared in numerous Hollywood productions. The tour also includes a visit to the historic Coco Palms, which was featured in the Elvis Presley film ‘Blue Hawaii’.

Waimea Canyon	Wailua River & Fern Grotto	Opaeka’a Falls
Dramatic red-and-green landscape	Natural lava rock amphitheater	Hollywood backdrop
Carved by the Waimea River	Serene river cruise	Stunning waterfall

Waimea Canyon Exploration

Winding its way through the heart of Kauai, Waimea Canyon captivates visitors with its dramatic, multicolored landscape sculpted by the relentless forces of the Waimea River.

Plunging over 3,600 feet deep and stretching 10 miles wide, the canyon’s vibrant hues of red, brown, and green layers reveal millions of years of volcanic and erosive activity.

As you explore the canyon’s scenic overlooks, you’ll marvel at the stunning vistas of towering cliffs, deep gorges, and lush vegetation.

This natural wonder, often referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific,’ offers endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and simply taking in the breathtaking beauty of Kauai’s geological masterpiece.

Wailua River Cruise

From the dramatic cliffs of Waimea Canyon, the tour continues along the serene Wailua River, offering a tranquil respite and a chance to explore the lush, verdant landscape of Kauai’s interior.

Guests embark on a leisurely cruise along this historic waterway, seeing the island’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

The cruise takes visitors past the Fern Grotto, a remarkable natural amphitheater formed by lava rock and home to vibrant ferns. Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares stories of the river’s significance to native Hawaiians and the legends that surround this enchanting place.

Guests can spot native wildlife, take in scenic vistas, and capture postcard-worthy photographs throughout the peaceful journey.

• Cruise along the serene Wailua River, a historic waterway
• Admire the Fern Grotto, a natural lava rock amphitheater
• Learn about the river’s cultural significance from a local guide
• Spot native wildlife and capture scenic vistas throughout the journey

Fern Grotto Visit

During the Wailua River cruise, visitors have the opportunity to disembark and explore the Fern Grotto, a captivating natural wonder nestled within the lush greenery of Kauai’s interior. This lava rock amphitheater, formed thousands of years ago, is adorned with a vibrant array of ferns and mosses that cascade down the walls, creating a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. As visitors step inside, they’ll be treated to a brief musical performance that showcases the natural acoustic properties of the grotto. The Fern Grotto visit is a must-see highlight, offering a chance to take in Kauai’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Feature	Description
Location	Nestled within the Wailua River Valley
Formation	Lava rock amphitheater formed thousands of years ago
Vegetation	Vibrant ferns and mosses that cascade down the walls
Acoustics	Natural amphitheater with captivating acoustics

Opaeka’a Falls Viewpoint

The Opaeka’a Falls viewpoint offers visitors a breathtaking panorama of the cascading waterfall, which plunges over 150 feet down a verdant, tree-lined cliff face. Travelers can admire the powerful flow of water as it crashes into the pool below, surrounded by the lush, verdant vegetation that characterizes Kauai’s stunning natural landscape.

The viewpoint provides ample space for guests to snap incredible photos and videos, capturing the waterfall’s majesty from various angles. Some key highlights include:

• Panoramic views of the waterfall and its surrounding tropical foliage
• Informative signage detailing the history and significance of Opaeka’a Falls
• Elevated platforms for unobstructed sightlines and photo opportunities
• Short walking trails leading to different vantage points along the overlook

Coco Palms Experience

A captivating blend of history, Hollywood, and Hawaiian hospitality awaits visitors at the iconic Coco Palms resort, a once-glamorous destination that holds a cherished place in the island’s cultural tapestry.

Once the site of a coconut grove, Coco Palms gained fame in the 1950s and 60s as the backdrop for the Elvis Presley movie ‘Blue Hawaii.’

Sadly, the resort fell into disrepair after being devastated by Hurricane Iniki in 1992.

Though efforts to restore the property have faced setbacks, visitors can now explore the grounds and imagine the resort’s vibrant past.

Whether strolling the lush gardens or snapping photos of the iconic coconut trees, the Coco Palms experience offers a glimpse into Kauai’s storied history.

Booking and Cancellation

To book the Waimea Canyon & Wailua River Tour, travelers can check availability online to see the starting times. Customers have the option to reserve their spot now and pay later, allowing for convenient planning.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for last-minute changes.

The booking and cancellation policies of this tour make it easy for travelers to plan their Kauai adventure:

• Check availability online to find the best tour time that fits your schedule
• Reserve your spot now and pay later to secure your place
• Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour with no fees for a full refund
• Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a flexible booking policy

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This provides customers with flexibility to change their plans without penalty, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated on the Included Lunch?

The tour company can accommodate dietary restrictions for the included lunch, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. Customers should let the company know of any special needs when booking the tour.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

There’s no minimum age requirement for this tour, though young children may find the long duration challenging. The tour operator can likely accommodate families with children, so it’s best to inquire about any age restrictions or recommendations when booking.

Can We Stop for Snacks or Restrooms During the Tour?

The tour generally includes stops for snacks and restroom breaks along the way, allowing participants to refuel and refresh during the journey. Specific details on the frequency and duration of these stops may vary by tour.

Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Activities?

No special equipment is needed for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery are recommended. The tour includes transportation, a river cruise, and entry to the Fern Grotto.

Recap

This comprehensive Kauai tour showcases the island’s natural wonders with stunning views of Waimea Canyon, the Wailua River, and historic Coco Palms.

Visitors can explore lush landscapes, witness powerful waterfalls, and learn about Hawaiian legends and history from a local guide.

With an included lunch, this 9.5-hour experience offers an immersive way to discover Kauai’s iconic sights.