Our most recommended things to do in Hanalei

Kauai: Air Tour of Na Pali Coast, Entire Island of Kauai

1. Kauai: Air Tour of Na Pali Coast, Entire Island of Kauai

Climb aboard the new Australian-made G8 AirVan for a personalized 65-minute Grande Deluxe Air Tour of Kauai. Fly through the Waimea Canyon and then catch your breath as the majestic cathedral spires of the Na Pali are suddenly beneath you. Continue alongside the ridgeline behind the lovely Hanalei Bay and travel south to see the numerous waterfalls of Hanalei Valley as well as the crater below Kauai's Mt. Wai`ale`ale (weather permitting). In winter months whale watching may also be possible! The experienced pilot will tell you about the rich history and mythical lore of Kauai, and using the 2-way intercom you can ask questions. Only Wings Over Kauai features an expert agricultural narration by the owner and chief pilot, the research scientist Dr. Bruce Coulombe. For approximately 65-70 minutes, you’ll experience a safe and thrilling experience that’s the ultimate air tour of the Garden Island. What makes Wings Over Kauai unique is a dedication to customer satisfaction and attention to detail. The ultimate goal for every flight is to make sure every passenger has the best experience possible.

Kauai: Sightseeing Flight over Napali Coast & Waimea Canyon

2. Kauai: Sightseeing Flight over Napali Coast & Waimea Canyon

Soak in spectacular views of the lovely island of Kauai from the air on a sightseeing flight tour. Let your pilot fly you over places that are completely inaccessible by car and remain untouched by human hands. Experience the untouched beauty of this spectacular island from a unique perspective. Aboard your scenic flight tour, discover the best of Kauai on an incredible flying adventure. Fly over the Garden Isle's most scenic areas to truly get a sense of this majestic place. Soar over the cathedral-like spires of the Napali Coastline and high above Hanalei Bay's white crescent sand beach. Snap some pictures of the azure blue waters below, as well as the monumental red valley walls of Waimea Canyon.

Kauai Tour Bundle: Self-Drive GPS Road Trip

3. Kauai Tour Bundle: Self-Drive GPS Road Trip

Welcome to Shaka Guide's audio tour app, your gateway to the enchanting island of Kauai, Hawaii. Prepare to embark on a remarkable adventure through lush rainforests, breathtaking coastlines, majestic waterfalls, and vibrant cultural sites. As you begin your tour of Kauai with the Shaka Guide app, get ready to immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty and rich history. The app will provide informative and engaging audio commentary, sharing insights into the island's geology, flora and fauna, Hawaiian legends, and local traditions. Your journey begins along the North Shore, where you'll witness the iconic Napali Coastline, known for its dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and emerald green valleys. The app will guide you through the scenic drive, pointing out significant landmarks such as Hanalei Bay, the Kilauea Lighthouse, and the charming town of Hanalei. Continue your exploration of Kauai's wonders as you venture to the lush and verdant Wailua River Valley. The app will lead you to the scenic overlooks, where you can marvel at the cascading Wailua Falls and learn about the legends associated with this majestic site. Discover the mystical beauty of the Garden Isle's interior as you journey to Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." The app will provide insights into the geology and history of this awe-inspiring natural wonder as you navigate the scenic drive. Capture panoramic views from Puu Hinahina Lookout and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of the canyon. Visit the iconic Spouting Horn, a natural blowhole that creates a dramatic water spout when the waves crash against the lava rock formations. Learn about the cultural significance of this site and listen to the captivating stories and legends associated with the area. As you explore Kauai's east side, the app will guide you through the historic town of Kapaa, where you can discover charming boutiques, local eateries, and cultural landmarks. Learn about the island's sugar plantation history and the impact it had on the local community. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the stunning beaches that grace the shores of Kauai. From the golden sands of Poipu Beach to the secluded and pristine beaches of the Na Pali Coast, the app will guide you to the best spots for relaxation, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Throughout your journey, the Shaka Guide app will recommend local eateries, hidden gems, and cultural experiences that will enrich your visit to Kauai. Whether it's trying local Hawaiian delicacies, attending a traditional luau, or exploring ancient Hawaiian heiaus (sacred sites), the app will provide valuable insights to enhance your trip. With the Shaka Guide app as your knowledgeable companion, your tour of Kauai will be enriched with fascinating stories, natural insights, and practical information. So, grab your phone, and get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Kauai, Hawaii.

Kauai: Full-Day Tour with Fern Grotto River Cruise

4. Kauai: Full-Day Tour with Fern Grotto River Cruise

Experience the beaches of East Shore, the striking geology of Fern Grotto and lush North Shore. This tour shows you the spectacular sights of Kauai. Follow your guide for a journey on land and water. Your day starts as your tour guide picks you up on Kauai's North or East Shore. The comfortable, air-conditioned touring van offers large viewing windows on all sides for you to admire the beaches, mountains, and waterfalls. Arrive at the Wailua River and step aboard a spacious open-air riverboat for a leisurely journey to the Fern Grotto. A short walk through the rainforest brings you to one of Kauai's geological wonders, where ferns grow upside down in a natural amphitheater of lava rock – the perfect location to be serenaded and entertained by Hawaiian musicians and hula dancers.  Continue your journey to other spectacular sites on the North and East Shores of our beautiful Garden Isle.

Kauai: Island Highlights Audio Guide

5. Kauai: Island Highlights Audio Guide

Don’t miss a thing as your favorite audio tour narrator guides you across Kauai to not-to-be-missed viewpoints, along with fascinating stories, tips and directions along the way. Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Not only does the Garden Isle of Kauai’s wondrous set of natural features make it distinctive from the other islands, its place in Hawaiian history makes it truly unique Major Highlights: Anini Beach Ha'ena State Beach Hanalei Hanapepe Kapa'a Kilauea Lighthouse Koke'e State Park Lihue Monk Seals Na Pali Coast Poipu Princeville Spouting Horn Tree Tunnel Wailua Falls Waimea Canyon Includes: North and East You'll feel yourself slip into the friendly laid back personality of the island as you visit North and Eastern Kauai and the beach resort areas of Hanalei and Princeville. The tour continues all the way to the end of the road at Ke’e Beach, and it’s also the best place to see endangered monk seals, often lazing on north shore beaches. Along the way, a trip to view Wailua Falls, one of Kauai’s most popular and just 10 minutes from Lihue, is not to be missed. Sample delicious smoothies and shave ice flavored with local tropical fruit, while you stroll the shops or watch surfers in the vibrant town of Kapa’a. And the views from Kilauea Lighthouse at the northernmost point of the island are amazing, and this location also acts as a bird and marine life refuge. South and West Waimea Canyon and the lookout from the Kalalau Lookout down to Na Pali are the most amazing sights when touring this section of the island. But there are also many great beaches, artsy communities, a blowhole and the resort area of Poipu that are excellent to explore. Expect to spend a whole day to enjoy the many stops.

Kauai: Private Napali Coast Air Tour for up to 6 Guests

6. Kauai: Private Napali Coast Air Tour for up to 6 Guests

Get a bird’s eye view of all the most iconic sights of Kaui on this exclusive 1 hour flight from Lihue for up to 6 passengers. Fly over rugged landscapes, sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys.  Meet your pilot and hop aboard a comfortable airplane. Feel the thrill of taking off. Listen as you pilot provides personalized narration about the geography, history, legends, and culture of this tropical paradise.  Glide over the sunny and secluded coastline, Kipu Kai, nicknamed the baby Napali Coast. Gaze out at sandy Poipu Beach, the Spouting Horn, Hawaii’s largest coffee plantation, and the lush Hanapepe Valley, where you can spy the Jurassic Falls. Gain an entirely new perspective on the Garden Island’s diverse landscape as you cruise over dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, red lava fields, and cascading waterfalls from above.  Experience a rush of excitement as you make a big u-turn inside the Waimea Canyon. Marvel at the beauty of this multicolored expanse speckled with lush greenery and foliage.  Ride over the 21-mile long Napali Coast, consisting of ancient valleys, waterfalls, sweeping cliffs, and bright blue ocean waters. Admire view sof the Kilauea River with its mesmerizing waterfall as you continue up the lush Hanalei Valley.  See jagged 4,000-foot cliffs as you continue your sightseeing tour flying down the Wailua River to catch sights of Fern Grotto. Conclude your magical journey by passing by Coco Palms where Elvis made the romantic film “Blue Hawaii.”

Kauai: Customized Luxury Private Tour

7. Kauai: Customized Luxury Private Tour

Enjoy an exciting 6-hour tour with your own private driver as you explore Kauai by luxury vehicle. Choose either the lush north and east shores, or the majestic south and west sides of the island. In the northeast, you’ll see waterfalls, visit the Kilauea Lighthouse, and take in Hanalei Bay’s exquisite landscape and beaches. If you tour the southwest of Kauai, you’ll see Waimea Canyon, Spouting Horn, the Kauai Coffee Plantation, Poipu beaches, and historic Koloa Town. Leave the driving to your chauffeur as you focus on admiring the island’s exquisite beaches and lush landscapes, which are unlike anything else in the world.

From Oahu: Kauai Helicopter and Ground Tour

8. From Oahu: Kauai Helicopter and Ground Tour

Explore Hawaii's Garden Isle, Kauai, from the best vantage point possible: the sky. Get a bird's eye view of some of Hawaii's most gorgeous scenery on this helicopter tour. See the island's most iconic locations, uncover waterfalls, towering red cliffs, emerald green jungles, and the lush paradise of one of Hawaii's oldest islands on this tour. See these natural marvels from a different perspective all while listening to your pilot's information about each sight. Hanapepe Valley : Your journey begins with a spectacular Hanapepe Valley Mana Waiapuna : commonly referred to as “Jurassic Park Falls” Mana Waiapuna Falls is where parts of the movie Jurassic Park were filmed. Remember when the helicopter landed near the falls in the beginning? Then at the end when the survivors fled the island, they departed from a helipad at the same spot. Olokele Canyon : Nature lovers will get a thrill during a helicopter tour to Olokele Canyon on Kauai. The pristine canyon, which is often decorated with rainbows and always by contrasting bright red dirt and vibrant green foliage, has been kept off limits by the owner for decades until recently. The canyon is adjacent to the larger Waimea Canyon and has had its 15-minutes of fame after serving as a filming location for many scenes of Jurassic Park. Waimea Canyon : known as “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” where you’ll explore many hidden waterfalls. Waimea in Hawaiian for “reddish water”, a reference to the erosion of the canyon’s red soil. Napali Coast : Spanning 17 miles along Kauai’s North Shore, the Napali Coast is a sacred place defined by extraordinary natural beauty. These emerald-hued cliffs with razor-sharp ridges tower above the Pacific Ocean, revealing beautiful beaches and waterfalls that plummet to the lush valley floor. Whichever tour you choose, the natural splendor of the Napali Coast will leave a deep impression on your soul. Bali Hai Cliffs : Hanalei Bay : Largest bay on the north shore of Kauai island in Hawaii. The town of Hanalei is at the midpoint of the bay. Princeville Resort Town : Princeville is a very popular resort area that lies on an ocean bluff located on Kauai’s north shore. Mount Waialeale : Weather permitting, we’ll visit Mt Waialeale, the heart of the ancient volcano. This is the wettest spot on earth, with an average rainfall of 450-500 inches annually! Flying into the center of the crater with its 5000-foot walls towering above and its 3000-foot waterfalls surrounding you, is a truly awe-inspiring finish to your ECO Adventure over the Garden Isle.

Kauai: Waimea Canyon and Waterfall Adventure Day Tour

9. Kauai: Waimea Canyon and Waterfall Adventure Day Tour

Explore Kauai's wonders on a full-day tour. Witness the majestic Wailua Falls, immerse in Hanapepe Town's food and culture, marvel at the Waimea Canyon, gaze at the iconic Kalalau Valley from the Kalalau Lookout, and experience the natural spectacle of Spouting Horn. Visit Wailua Falls, a 173-foot waterfall located near Lihue as featured in the opening scenes of Fantasy Island. Continue to Hanapepe Town on the south shore west of Koloa which flourished as one of Kauai’s largest communities and offers a glimpse into the rich food, culture, and scenery. Head to the Waimea Canyon Lookout which is 10 miles long and 3000 feet deep and was formed from steady erosion over hundreds of thousand years. Next, head to Kalalau Lookout to see Kalalau Valley, one of the most photographed and well-recognized valleys in all of Hawaii. See the Spouting Horn Beach area of Kauai, known for crashing waves that erode lava rocks on the coastline which can create a narrow opening. With every wave, watch the water shoot upward and create a sound similar to that of a horn blowing. Finally, drive through the Tree Tunnel, a one-mile stretch of a beautiful canopy of over 500 Eucalyptus trees.

Other Sightseeing Options in Hanalei

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What people are saying about Hanalei

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 496 reviews

Scott was knowledge and great guide, was on time for pick up and drop off. Great way to introduce you to Kauai if you don’t have a lot of time or a car, well worth it!

Awesome experience. Highly recommended. This excursion takes you to admire the beauty of the island, waterfalls, beaches , whales from where you are flying over.

Marcos was our pilot and we had a excellent experience with our first time on island Will definitely recommend and also do it again ourselves

Everyone at Wing Over Kaua'i went over and above to accommodate truly wonderful experience

It was amazing! Organization and flight! I really advice this experience !