Overview
This tour is private and fully customizable - hike as much or as little as you want in the time we have. If you would prefer more of a driving tour to spectacular lookouts instead, we can do that.
Accessible only by foot, our 6 - 7 hour Waimea Canyon & Nāpali Cliff Top Hike is designed to give you amazing views thousands of feet above the ocean!
While these hikes can be muddy, you will be amply rewarded for your effort with sweeping views of Waimea Canyon and the most dramatic middle sections of the famous 17-mile-long Nāpali Coast – from unique vantage points that can only be accessed from the cliff top ridges of Kōkeʻe State Park.
Our mission -"sharing Kauaʻi’s beauty with aloha”- was forged in love and respect for this island’s abundant mana (life energy). Our local guides take you to some of their favorite spots, the places they enjoy exploring in their free time. We hope to inspire understanding, respect, and reverence for these sacred, often fragile, environments.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Private transportation
Specialty Equipment Some extra safety equipment such a trekking poles, gloves, extra packs, ponchos, and shoe traction devices may be available.
Snacks
All fees and/or taxes
Lunch
Price listed does not include visitor entrance / parking fee that may be charged at some lookouts.
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
We will meet in the large parking lot just past Japanese Grandma's Cafe
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Your guide will call you the day before your tour to check in and to see if you have any questions. Feel free to call the office at 808-212-9928 to set a custom start time and if you have questions before then.
Most guides will have an SUV or van to transport you to the hiking areas in but in some cases we will have you follow us in your vehicle. This is especially true for groups larger than 4 people. We can provide transportation for large groups if we have enough advance notice.
"Gear List" (let us know if you are missing anything on this list as we have some "lenders"):
• Small daypack
• Lunch and snacks
• Water (minimum 2 Liters per person, “Camelbak”-type drinking systems work well)
• Comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Sun Hat (optional)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (optional, if possible bring in a ziploc bag for “waterproofing”)
• Lightweight hiking pants or “convertibles” for hiking through undergrowth on less frequented trails (optional but highly recommended for those with sensitive legs)
• Polar fleece or lightweight wool sweater
• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
• Lightweight rain pants (optional)
• Wool or fleece hat for warmth (optional)
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Change of clothes to leave in the car in case you want to change on the way home (optional)
If it is more comfortable for you, you can wear your flip flops or other shoes until we arrive at the trailhead, then change into your hiking footwear before we start hiking. It’s also a good idea to bring extra water to leave in the car for before and after hiking.
Please note that we will be at an elevation over 4000’ and weather can vary considerably during the course of the day. Conditions range from rainy with temperatures in the low 50’s to full sun with temperatures in the high 80’s. It is usually 10 – 15 degrees colder in the park than it is on the coast.
What to expect
-
Waimea Canyon State Park
2 hours
Driving east to west, you’ll witness a change in vegetation and climate as you transition into the “rain shadow,” characterized by the arid farmland of the island’s leeward side (on the opposite side of mountains from typical trade wind direction). Along the way, we’ll pass through the agricultural towns of Hanapēpē and Waimea and learn the important role they played in Kauaʻi’s history.
Your tour continues across the center of the island, winding along the rim of Waimea Canyon and to the North Shore, 4,000 feet (1,220 m) above the spectacular Nāpali Coast. Rainbow-colored canyon walls and cool mountain air create an otherworldly ambiance that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced.
We will stop at a couple of the choicest Waimea Canyon overlooks, including one with a view of 800-foot Waipo’o Falls, before beginning our ridge hike from one of the trailheads in Kōkeʻe State Park or Waimea Canyon SP (depending on your private group and local conditions). -
Koke'e State Park
4 hours
Your tour continues across the center of the island, winding along the rim of Waimea Canyon and to the North Shore, 4,000 feet (1,220 m) above the spectacular Nāpali Coast. Rainbow-colored canyon walls and cool mountain air create an otherworldly. There we will enjoy jaw-dropping views of the world-famous Nāpali Coast and/or Waimea Canyon from these vantage points (weather permitting).
We will eat lunch inside charmingly rustic Kōkeʻe Lodge in between hikes/overlooks or at a picnic spot, if you chose to pack a lunch. ambiance that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced.
Price listed does not include visitor entrance & parking charge. This fee goes to help support and maintain our precious state parks and will vary depending on the size of your group. It can be paid by credit card at self-service kiosks in select state park parking lots.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Pacific/Honolulu).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
FAQs about 6-7 Hours Private Kauai's Hidden Gems Experience with Snacks
Can I cancel 6-7 Hours Private Kauai's Hidden Gems Experience with Snacks for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 6–7 hours.
Where does it start?
We will meet in the large parking lot just past Japanese Grandma's Cafe
What's included?
- Private transportation
- Specialty Equipment Some extra safety equipment such a trekking poles, gloves, extra packs, ponchos, and shoe traction devices may be…
- Snacks
What's not included?
- Lunch
- Price listed does not include visitor entrance / parking fee that may be charged at some lookouts.
Which places does it visit?
It visits Waimea Canyon State Park, Koke'e State Park.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Operated by Kauai Hiking Adventures
