Our most recommended things to do in Poipu

Kauai: Zipline Adventure

1. Kauai: Zipline Adventure

Ziplining is the perfect way to experience truly authentic Hawaii. Get the best view of three unique valleys and dramatic backdrops of mountains and Kauai's southern coastline while gliding through the jungle canopy. Kauai is called the Garden Isle because 97% of its land is undeveloped mountain ranges and rainforests. There's no better place to see all that untouched beauty than on a 5 or 8-Line Zipline Tour. After checking in at the Poipu Shopping Village, hop in one of the 4x2 adventure vans and take a scenic ride to the zipline course where your adventure tour begins. Enjoy some family fun as the whole crew learns about Kauai’s rich cultural history and untouched flora between thrilling zips over rich, green valleys. With a dramatic backdrop of mountain and ocean scenery, this zipline adventure is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Kauai's natural beauty. Uncover Kauai’s rich history while your guides keep you safe and smiling throughout the tour. Your guides are experts at what they do and will make sure you stay safe and have fun.

Kauai: Allerton Garden Guided Group Walking Tour

2. Kauai: Allerton Garden Guided Group Walking Tour

Embark on a relaxing and informative guided tour of Allerton Garden. Discover a tropical paradise with decades of history dating back to the 1800s.  Allerton Garden extends along the banks of the Lawai Stream where the valley narrows before opening onto the coast past the Spouting Horn. Along the way, you might even encounter koi fish, large bullfrogs, chickens, and ducks. This picturesque setting has been used in a number of films and TV shows including Pirates of the Caribbean, Magnum PI, Starsky and Hutch, and Donovan’s Reef.  Trek through winding pathways and marvel at towering rainforest trees providing you shade from the warm Kauai sunshine. You can’t miss the tall curving roots of the Moreton Bay fig trees made famous in the movie Jurassic Park.  Walk through a grove of swaying golden bamboo, a flower garden, and tropical fruit trees nestled amongst bronze statues and water features. Here the focus is on landscape design but your guide will be sure to point out important species including varieties of palms, flowers, and gingers.

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: Island Highlights Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

4. Kauai: Island Highlights Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! NOTE: The 63-mile tour covers the essentials of Kauai Island in 2-3 hours. Explore Kauai on a self-guided audio tour that you can do from the comfort of your own vehicle. Drive along the most famous stretch of Kauai's historic highway and see the island's must-see sights. Visit Grove Farm, see what remains of the once-booming sugar plantation industry, and learn how the ultra-rich sugar barons lived. Also, learn about the industry's connections to the American Civil War. Then, head to the beautiful Poipu Beach and see the surfers hitting the waves. You might also spot Rocky, the Hawaiian monk seal who’s something of a celebrity on Kauai. Catch a thrill as you pass by the Hanapepe swinging bridge. This precarious bridge spans a vast valley for amazing views and an exciting adrenaline rush. Then visit the 3,000-foot Waimea Canyon and take spectacular photos of the lush green landscapes. The last stop on this audio tour is the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, a secluded slice of paradise complete with jungles, cliffs, and crashing ocean waves. As you drive along, you'll also learn about the island's best hiking spots and the fascinating, complex history of Kauai and Hawaii. Hear about the first people who cross the ocean in tiny canoes to get there, and discover their culture and traditions. You'll also learn about the arrival of American businesses, and how it changed the islands forever.

Kauai: Movie Locations Tour

5. 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: McBryde Garden Self Guided Visit

6. Kauai: McBryde Garden Self Guided Visit

Board a tram into the lush Lawai Valley and see the magnificent coastline of Kauai’s south shore while listening to commentary about your surroundings. Arrive at McBryde garden and walk amongst the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian plant life, with endangered flora and flora that are extinct in the wild.  Take a journey back in time in the Hawaiian Life Canoe Plant Garden and along the Tree of Life Trail. This garden showcases a multitude of plants that the ancient Polynesians brought to Hawaii that provided materials to make cloth and build canoes and structures and for medicine and food. Explore the agroforestry project with spices, glimmering water features, and a canoe garden reminiscent of the voyages of ancient Polynesians. Delight in the wide variety of palms, flowering trees, ornamental flowers, and unusual plants from the tropical world. You can even visit the living laboratory where scientists are still discovering the secrets of these plants. You might catch sight of various birds living in this pristine location.

Kauai: Island Highlights Audio Guide

7. 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

8. 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: Scenic Movie Locations Bus Tour

9. Kauai: Scenic Movie Locations Bus Tour

This exciting, action-packed tour will give you a behind-the-scenes look at Hawaiian “Hollywood” on the Island of Kauai. Explore some of the most romantic, exciting, and adventurous movie locations in the world while you learn about the region's rich history. As you explore the island, your tour guide will show you specially licensed video scenes from the various movies in which Kauai has been featured. After watching the clips, take a moment to stand in or view the exact spots of the shoots and feel like one of Hollywood's most famous stars! You will take a break from your journey to enjoy lunch in Hanalei Town on your own. Check out the local favorite dining spot, Tahiti Nui, where the George Clooney film 'The Descendants' was filmed. Your tour guide will entertain you, making you feel like you are on the big screen as you explore over 15 locations on the island, including Opaeka'a Falls, Ahukini Landing, and the Hanalei Valley Lookout. Reenact famous movie scenes from Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Blue Hawaii.

Kauai: Customized Luxury Private Tour

10. 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.

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What people are saying about Poipu

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 189 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.

Wayne was very knowledgeable with many interesting facts, and entertaining as well…Claude was a very good driver and both deserved kudos for a fun experience. Mahalo

Awesome! Great for kids! Self paced! Remember to bring snacks as there is no food available in the gardens.

We really enjoyed this guide. We were able to pause and play on our own pace. Was very informative.

The staff are very proud and offered a great experience