Kauai Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Lookouts Self-Guided Audio Tour
4.4 / 5 · 146 traveler reviews
Explore Kauai’s dramatic canyons and coastal views with an app-based, self-guided GPS audio driving tour. There’s no in-person guide—your phone leads the way with GPS navigation, stories, local history, and directions as you drive through Waimea Canyon and toward the Nā Pali Coast. Enjoy total freedom: start anytime, pause to hike canyon trails or Waipoʻo Waterfall, sip local Kauai coffee, cross the charming Hanapēpē swinging bridge, and explore artisan shops—all at your own pace. With offline GPS navigation and lifetime access, you’ll experience both must-see highlights and hidden gems without the constraints of group tours. Highlights include Waimea Canyon Lookouts, Kalalau Valley vantage points, the historic town of Waimea, and local favorites like shave ice stops. Simply download the tour, follow the route, and let evocative narration guide you through one of Kauai’s most unforgettable adventures—on your terms, in your time.
Your experience
Stop 1
Be sure to check out the Kauai Coffee’s visitor center. They offer free coffee samples in a large variety of flavors, what a great way to start off your morning!
Stop 2
Visit this once an impressive fort, with 20 feet high and 17 feet wide walls that shaped like a star Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site, formerly known as Russian Fort Elizabeth, preserves a fascinating chapter of Kauaʻi’s history. The site is currently closed for construction, but you’ll hear its story and significance as you pass the area on the tour.
Stop 3
Here in Waimea Town, there are some local places to shop and eat. Stop by if you need a quick snack for the road, but other than that we suggest you skip this spot for now and save it for your return trip. We’ll guide you back, we promise!
Stop 4
If you’ve been to Hawaii, you’ve probably seen a few waterfalls, but this waterfall is particularly unique. It runs through Kauai’s red dirt instead of lush green jungle which is what you normally see. Stop by for a quick picture and then continue into the park.
Stop 5
While you're on the trail, check out the interpretive signs that describe the native plants. The trail is actually named after a rare, exotic plant -- the iliau or Kaua'i greensword -- that is found nowhere else in the world but here on Kaua'i. This stop is within Waimea Canyon or Kōkeʻe State Park. Any required park entry and parking fees are paid separately directly to the park and are not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
Stop 6
This stop is within Waimea Canyon or Kōkeʻe State Park. Any required park entry and parking fees are paid separately directly to the park and are not included with the Shaka Guide tour. This is the first of two lookouts of Waimea Canyon. This lookout has some of the best views on a clear day. Stand atop the lookout to take in the expansive views of this natural wonder.
Stop 7
We’ll guide you to pull into a small parking lot for a view of an 800-foot waterfall that cascades into the canyon.
Stop 8
This is the second of the two lookouts for Waimea Canyon. Here at the end of the parking lot is the trailhead for Canyon Trail. The trail signs are a little confusing, so read the description under Hiking in our app Highlights before hiking. Puʻu Hinahina offers expansive views of Waimea Canyon and the surrounding landscape. The Puʻu Hinahina parking lot is currently closed, so do not stop unless official signage indicates safe, legal access. If access is unavailable, continue along the tour route to the next viewpoint.
Stop 9
Here is our first major hike for the day! The trail starts at the parking lot, and you’ll travel about ¾ of a mile through lush jungle to a spot called Cliff Viewpoint. This stop is within Waimea Canyon or Kōkeʻe State Park. Any required park entry and parking fees are paid separately directly to the park and are not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
Stop 10
The lodge and museum at Koke'e are located at a small plateau in the mountain. The lodge is a sit-down restaurant with decent food if you are hungry. If you are lucky, sometimes they have live music! At the museum, there is a display of native plants, animals, and birds.
Stop 11
Here you will find your first view of the glorious Na Pali Coast. However, don’t be upset if dense fog prevents you from seeing any views. It’s typical at this altitude. Try waiting it out a few minutes as the fog tends to come and go in waves. This stop is within Waimea Canyon or Kōkeʻe State Park. Any required park entry and parking fees are paid separately directly to the park and are not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
Stop 12
From this lookout, you get a view of the iconic Na Pali coast. You can also see the peak of Mt. Wai’ale’ale and a swamp called Alaka’i Swamp - one of the wettest places on the entire planet with about 450 inches of rain a year.
What’s included
- Flexible itinerary with optional lookouts, stops, and hikes
- Access to the Waimea and Na Pali Driving Tour in the Shaka Guide app
- Stories, Hawaiian history, culture, geology, and local recommendations
- Offline map and audio after download
- Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive
- Tour access does not expire
- One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle
Not included
- In-person tour guide
- Transportation or rental vehicle
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Meeting and pickup
There are two tour start options near Lawai - coming from Koloa/Poipu or from Lihue.
Before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a self-guided driving tour. Transportation and a driver are not included, so you’ll need your own vehicle or rental car.
- Start the tour in Lawai. Navigate to the designated starting area before beginning; the tour’s GPS-guided directions will take over once you reach the route.
- Download the Shaka Guide app after booking. Use the redemption code in your confirmation to access your tour.
- Download the tour over strong Wi-Fi before you go. Once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, so continuous cellular service is not required.
- Explore your way. Stops are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops, stay longer at places you enjoy, or adjust the day based on your interests and schedule.
- Some recommended stops are within Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Parks. Any required park entry and parking fees are paid separately directly to the parks and are not included with the Shaka Guide tour.
- Accessibility varies by stop. Because this is a self-guided tour using your own vehicle, accessibility depends on your vehicle and the locations you choose to visit. Some optional trails and outdoor stops may not be accessible to all travelers.
- Bring a fully charged phone. A car charger is recommended for a full-day tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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