Private Kauai Eastside Waterfalls & Local Grinds
5.0 / 5 · 16 traveler reviews
The 5.5 hour Private Kauai Eastside Waterfalls and Local Grinds tour is a perfect mix of beautiful natural sites, history & local food tasting. This not a food tour but rather a wonderful melange of visiting scenic sites on the east side of Kauai and tasting various foods along the way. No hiking involved. Enjoy the ride on our clean air condition vehicles while we share with you the stories of our islands, mixed with a dash of humor. You will visit waterfalls, a beautiful beach park, archeological sites, and taste locally made pastries and chocolate. We will enjoy lunch at the historic Kapaa town, where you will have many choices from food trucks and smoothie bars to restaurants. Cost of food not included on tour price. Take the day off from driving, a day of discovery awaits you! This is a mother and daughter owned business with over 17 years of guiding experience on island. All your purchases on this tour support locally owned mom and pop shops.
Your experience
Stop 1
Our journey begins with a drive through the scenic backcountry in Lihue town to the Menehune Fishpond. This is no ordinary pond, it is a jurassic size pond built in ancient times by the first inhabitants of Hawaii, the people from the Marquesas Islands. Marvel at the beautiful surroundings as we drive you through the Kipu Kai area. Learn about the fascinating legend of the Menehunes, the archeological and cultural importance of the pond. Many Hollywood movies have been filmed in this area. We will stop in two areas to take many pictures.
Stop 2
Next will be a worthy stop to a local bakery. We will make a short 30 mts brake to enjoy some fresh made pastries, coffee or tea. The bakery will be either Kauai Bakery or Orly Patisserie depending on the day of the week.
Stop 3
It is time to visit the iconic Wailua Falls, featured on the opening scene of the old Fantasy Island Tv show. You will have plenty of time for pictures, and check out some of the local street vendors. There's no hiking involved on this tour.
Stop 4
Time to take a stroll down the path by the beautiful Lydgate Beach Park, where you can soak your feet in the famous Morgan Ponds (optional), learn about the ancient temple of worship were Hawaiians greeted the rising sun daily, the city of refuge, and more. This is a leisure walk for all age groups. you will have many picture opportunities. At this stop you have the option to have free time or stick with your guide for a further culturally immersive experience.
Stop 5
At this stop you will walk to visit two sites, Opaekaa Falls and the Wailua River lookout, located in Wailua town, where the Hawaiian royalty lived in ancient times. Beautiful views and many picture ops await for you here.
Stop 6
It's time to enjoy lunch in historic Kapaa town. We will give you an orientation of town, where you will find many choices of locally made food at food trucks, restaurants, smoothie bars, and shave ice stands, and also local stores to purchase souvenirs. You will also have the opportunity to do free chocolate tasting at Kauai's premier chocolatier, Lydgate Farms, and free nut tasting at Kauai Gourmet nuts. We will have 1.5 hrs here. This is free time for you to do what makes you happy.
What’s included
- Map of Kauai
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- The chocolate tasting is free but optional
- Bottled water, cold
Not included
- Gratuities
- No room or access for wheelchairs
- Meals
Meeting and pickup
If you are staying in Poipu and don't require transportation arrangements, meet us at the Harbor Mall.
If you are coming from the north shore meet us outside of the Island Country Market on the side facing the highway. Meeting time is at 9am.
Before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- International travelers please reach out to us via WhatsApp
- If you are coming via ship and the ship doesn’t dock due to weather or other unforeseen events, We will honor a 50% refund or a full credit to be used within 12 months.
- This is not a hiking tour.
- This tour takes place on the East side of Kauai in its entirety. You will visit the towns of Lihue, Wailua and Kapaa
- There will be plenty bathroom stops. However two of the stops do do have facilities
- We will offer various lunch options. If you like to customize your day let us know.
- Cost of food is not included in the price.
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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