Our most recommended things to do in Lihue

Kauai: Buffet Dinner with Open Bar and Luau Kalamaku Show

1. Kauai: Buffet Dinner with Open Bar and Luau Kalamaku Show

Experience an unforgettable evening at Kilohana Plantation's 60-acre orchard and agricultural park. Savor a delightful buffet dinner and watch a spectacular 45-minute main show chronicling an epic sea voyage between Tahiti and Kauai along one of the longest sea roads of Polynesia. Browse the wares at the craft fair of local artisans. Witness the unearthing of the pig from the imu. As you arrive at Kilohana Plantation, enjoy a traditional lei greeting and drinks from the open bar. Sit down to a luau buffet of poi (mashed starchy vegetables), fresh salads, Kalua pork baked in the imu, and seasonal fish. Dig into teriyaki chicken, noodles, fresh fruits, salad, pineapple upside down cake, haupia (coconut pudding), and a banana crème tart. After dinner, relax with live Hawaiian music and marvel at the cast of entertainers, including graceful hula dancers and traditional fire knife and fire poi ball dancing. The interactive stage design with transport you back in time to ancient Polynesia, during the time of the people’s remarkable migration to the Islands. Watch the story of an epic voyage taken by islanders between Tahiti and Kauaʻi on one of the longest sea roads of Polynesia. Through laughter, fear, seduction and fire, a new legacy is created, born from the cherished seeds of their ancestors. Have the chance to take a photo of the cast at the end of the show.

Lihue: Scenic Helicopter Tour of Kauai Island's Highlights

2. Lihue: Scenic Helicopter Tour of Kauai Island's Highlights

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, including the Na Pali Coast, the Waimea Canyon, the Jurassic Falls, and more. 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. Soar above the thundering Jurassic Falls — the iconic waterfall featured in Jurassic Park. Fly above the rolling red hills and valleys of the Waimea Canyon, and glide through the air over Kauai's most iconic location: the Na Pali Coast. Marvel at the countless waterfalls nestled in Waialeale Crater. Best of all, snap pictures of these natural wonders without having to stop along the way, all from the comfort of your helicopter seat.

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

3. 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

4. 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.

From Lihue: Experience Kauai on a Panoramic Helicopter Tour

5. From Lihue: Experience Kauai on a Panoramic Helicopter Tour

Soar above the Garden Isle and soak up the dramatic views across Kauai's lush landscapes on a sightseeing helicopter flight taking off from Lihue. Enjoy panoramic views of Manawaiopuna Falls, Olokele Canyon, Waimea Canyon, and the Na Pali Coast. Climb aboard a modern helicopter and set off for a panoramic flight above the sprawling jungles, red canyons, choppy seas, and breathtaking landscapes of Kauai, the oldest island in the Hawaiian Islands archipelago.   Marvel at Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as Jurrasic Park Falls, thanks to its feature in the hit 1993 Steven Spielberg film. This privately owned location is only accessible by helicopter, making it part of the 80% of Kauai that isn’t accessible by car. Land in Olokele Canyon, home to rare and endangered plant life. Once forbidden, enjoy an exclusive opportunity to explore this paradise valley. Set off once again and glide above Waimea Canyon with its characteristic crimson and emerald-jagged cliffs. Before heading back to the starting point of the trip, take in the views of the world-famous Na Pali Coast. Marvel at rugged cliffs towering above the glittering sea, making for one of Hawaii's most famous destinations.

Kauai: Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour

6. Kauai: Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour

Let an expert show you the real Kauai on this tasting adventure through the island's unique and vibrant neighborhoods. Specially curated tours run daily from different sides of the island. Select the tour option that best suits your schedule, depending on the day you're looking to go, or the neighborhood you want to visit. Tour Options: Mondays and Tuesdays - North Shore Tour11:00 AM-3:00 PM Adventure through Kauai's famous North Shore to try local fruits, teas, grass-fed beef, and fresh-caught fish. Learn about Hawaiian food culture and meet the makers of some of Kauai's locally grown and raised food. Enjoy tastings on this North Shore adventure. For guests staying in Princeville, this is a convenient location for you to meet and explore the lush farms and restaurants on the North Shore. Wednesdays - South Shore Tour 12:45 PM-4:45 PM Savor the flavors of the Sunny South Shore on a full day of eating delicious bites and exploring what’s fresh and seasonal on the Garden Isle. Gain exclusive access to local upscale restaurants, learn about the history of Kauai's diverse cultures, and enjoy 6 tastings along the way. For guests staying in Poipu, this is the best tour for you. Thursdays - East Side Tour 1:00 PM-5:00 PM Explore Kauai's famous Royal Coconut Coast as you visit East Side's best farm-to-table restaurants. On this small-group tour, learn about Kauai's diverse foods, meet with local business owners, and enjoy 6 tastings along the way. For guests staying in Kapa'a, this is the perfect location for you to meet your local guide and experience delicious food on the East Side. Fridays - Hanapepe Old Town Tour 2:00 PM-5:15 PM Experience the food and fun of Hanapepe by joining this unique walking tour for a fun afternoon exploring the area on foot. Learn about the rich history of the historic town, the culture of Kauai, and the modern cuisines that are continuing to shape the people and the place today. On this food walking tour, savor 5 different tastings. After the tour, you end up right at the start of Hanapepe’s weekly Friday Art Night. Food stands, artists, and local craft makers line the street and make for a fantastic local experience. Saturdays - Downtown Lihue Tour 11:00 AM-2:00 PM Embark on a sustainable agriculture farm tour as you learn about Kauai's unique farm culture. On this Lihue Farm Tour, learn about the agricultural connection to food on the island. Kicking off at the Farm Bureau Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, have a chance to meet with local farmers and farm-to-table vendors first-hand in the market setting. After the market, continue on a culinary romp through the town of Lihue and taste farm-to-table restaurant cuisine, meet local chefs, visit Kauai’s best brewery, and more. Sunday - Hanalei Walking Tour (North Shore) Come down to Hanalei and taste the best of Hawaiian Food straight from the farmers. Learn how to eat Hawaiian food while visiting this little town. Select the day and tour that sparks your interest. Each Kauai food tour option offers a unique and incredible experience. When booking, please inform the local operator of any food allergies they should be aware of. All tours require you to drive your own vehicle. Guests will follow their guide to each destination along the food tour.

Lihue: Private Scenic Flight over Kauai

7. Lihue: Private Scenic Flight over Kauai

Take off in the Cesena aircraft from Lihue Airport and enjoy a scenic flight over the island of Kauai. Discover some of the most beautiful scenery and natural landmarks on the island from the air. See areas of spectacular scenic beauty including the beach of Kipu Kai. Fly over Manawaiopuna Falls, famous for its appearances in the 1996 film Jurassic Park. Soar over the vast Waimea Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," as well as the famous Na Pali Coastline. Discover Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Valley waterfalls, and Wai’ale’ale Crater. If you fly in the winter, you may be lucky enough to spot whales in the water below. Ask questions, share stories, and enjoy a rewarding visual experience of one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii.

Kauai: VIP 4-Course Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show

8. Kauai: VIP 4-Course Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show

Enjoy an unforgettable evening at Kilohana Plantation's 60-acre orchard and agricultural park. Savor a delightful four-course island dinner and watch a spectacular 45-minute main show chronicling an epic sea voyage between Tahiti and Kauai along one of the longest sea roads of Polynesia. As you arrive at Kilohana Plantation, enjoy a traditional lei greeting. Sit down to a delicious four-course meal featuring island flavors. As the sun sets, leisurely walk to the luau pavilion on a torch-lit path. Find your premiere seating for the Luau Kalamaku main show that pays homage to Kauai's mythology and the ancient Hawaiian legend of Kalamaku, "child of the new land." Relax with live Hawaiian music and marvel at the cast of entertainers, including graceful hula dancers and traditional fire knife and fire poi ball dancing. The interactive stage design with transport you back in time to ancient Polynesia, during the time of the people’s remarkable migration to the Islands. Watch the story of an epic voyage taken by islanders between Tahiti and Kauaʻi on one of the longest sea roads of Polynesia. Through laughter, fear, seduction and fire, a new legacy is created, born from the cherished seeds of their ancestors. Have the chance to take a photo of the cast at the end of the show. Four-Course Meal Menu: First course with a choice of: • Shrimp phyllo or • Roasted vegetable tartine Second course with a choice of: • Island caprese or • Caesar salad Third course with a choice of: • Fresh catch and kalua pork or • Short ribs and kalua pork Fourth course with a choice of: • Taro and Hawaiian sweet bread pudding or • Profiteroles with vanilla bean ice cream or • Seasonal fruit bowl

Kauai: Movie Locations Tour

9. Kauai: Movie Locations Tour

Embark on a tour that's a real dream come true for film fanatics. Explore the lush and beautiful Garden Isle of Kauai and stop at iconic Hollywood locations along the way. Visit movie sets and Coco Palms resort. Pick up insider insights about the shooting process and locations from your guide. Get picked up from your hotel and head off on a journey through some of film's biggest moments. Conjure up your favorite scenes as you explore the shooting locations of Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Gilligan's Island, Blue Hawaii, Six Days, Seven Nights, Tropic Thunder, and more. Marvel at sights like Wailua Falls and even enjoy exclusive access to Coco Palms, the resort Elvis Presley once frequented. See what was in the 60s a mecca for the who's-who of Hollywood. Wander the now-abandoned grounds and take in the eerie atmosphere.

Kauai: Full-Day Tour with Fern Grotto River Cruise

10. 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.

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What people are saying about Lihue

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 1,229 reviews

This tour was the most fun as it took you around to many parts of Kauai, but all the fun facts the guide gave us and all the videos we watched on the tour bus made the time go so quickly. Leoni was a great driver, and Andrew was a wealth of information on the stories behind the movies, as well as the island and culture at large. It’s so important for a tour guide to be an engaging speaker with a good cadence and sense of humor, and Andrew had that in spades. And it was great that the tour was done by 2:00; you still had half a day to yourself. I highly recommend this tour.

It was a lot of fun. We had an amazing table so our view of the stage was about as good as it could get. My daughter loved the show and the fire dancing too, just everything was ran really really well. Thank you for doing such a great job!!

As a disclaimer, we had never been to a Luau before. That being said, my wife and I had the best time EVER. The staff was soooo friendly, the food was amazing, and the performances top notch. I would HIGHLY recommend Luau Kalamaku!

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

Amazing. Kate and Sherry were awesome. I want to try helicopter rides on every vacation!