The Best Kauai Excursions: Helicopters, Na Pali Boats, Kayaks, Ziplines and More
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Kauai’s best scenery is hard to reach by car, so this is the island where a booked excursion pays off. Here’s what’s worth it, who it suits, and what’s affected by Hurricane Lowell as of October 14, 2026. Always book with free cancellation this fall.
1. Helicopter Tour: The One Splurge We’d Make
About 70% of Kauai can’t be reached by road. A 50-60 minute flight covers Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast and the walls of Mt. Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on Earth. With Waimea Canyon closed to visitors, it’s the best way to see it right now.
- Most tours fly from Lihue. Blue Hawaiian, Island Helicopters, Safari (limited times) and Air Kauai are flying from Lihue this fall, though with reduced availability.
- Island Helicopters has offered a landing at Manawaiopuna (“Jurassic Falls”), on private land you can only reach by air; ask when you book whether it’s running.
- Fly in the morning for the clearest skies, and sit on the left or right side depending on the route.
2. Na Pali Coast Boat Tour
A catamaran or raft along the cliffs, with sea caves, dolphins and snorkeling. Summer (May-Sept) is calmer; winter can be rough or cancelled.
- Catamarans are comfortable, and most include food. Lucky Lady and Lady Kailani are running; Holo Holo resumes Oct. 15 with a temporary schedule, and its regular tours are expected back from Oct. 18. Capt. Andy’s resumed Na Pali sailings Sept. 21.
- Rafts get into sea caves and are a wild ride. They’re not for bad backs or pregnancy.
- Post-storm: Kikiaola Harbor (Waimea) is closed. Confirm where your tour is departing from.
Sunset and Dinner Cruises
Sunset and dinner catamarans leave from Port Allen on the South Shore and cruise up the Na Pali Coast: Capt. Andy’s Star Dinner Sunset Sail (about 4-4.5 hours, chef-cooked dinner), Holo Holo (3.5-hour power cat or 4.5-hour sail on Leila; back from Oct. 15 on a temporary schedule, regular tours expected Oct. 18) and Kauai Sea Tours’ Lucky Lady (running since Sept. 21). Port Allen’s launch ramp has reopened but its slips and moorings are still closed, so confirm your check-in details. Bring a light layer for the ride home.
3. Kayak the Wailua River
This is the classic Kauai paddle, and it’s unlike anywhere else in the islands: the Wailua is Hawaii’s largest river and is often described as the only one navigable by boat, which is why Smith’s riverboats can run up it. You paddle 2-3 miles upstream past jungle walls, sacred heiau sites and the old royal lands of Kauai’s chiefs.
Right now (Oct. 2026): Kayaking the river is open, but the Secret Falls (Uluwehi) hike is closed, there’s no hiking past the trailhead, and individual kayakers can’t land at Fern Grotto (DLNR). Guided tours are running paddle-only routes. For Fern Grotto, take Smith’s riverboat.
4. Ziplining
South Shore
Koloa Zipline: the island’s longest line. Running a 4-line, 2.25-hour course now (about $139+), full 8 lines expected back in November. Mon-Sat, 808-742-2734.
Mid-Island (Lihue)
Kauai Backcountry Adventures: 7-line zipline open, ending with a streamside lunch. Outfitters Kauai: no reopening date posted. Just Live (treetop course): status not confirmed; call first.
North Shore
None confirmed. Princeville Ranch, which had the zip-and-swim tour with a jump into a pool, has discontinued its ziplines.
5. Horseback Riding
Princeville Ranch, a working cattle ranch since 1978, is open for horseback, now offered as riding lessons (English or Western, all levels) in its arenas rather than trail rides. For scenic trail rides, look for an operator showing current availability.
6. Snorkeling
You don’t need a tour for summer snorkeling at Tunnels, Kee, Anini or Poipu Beach Park, just gear and calm conditions. Many hotels and condos lend snorkel sets, so ask first; otherwise buy your own at Walmart or Costco in Lihue for less than a week’s rental. A boat trip to Lehua Crater off Niihau is a summer bucket-list day (ask the Na Pali boat operators).
7. ATV and Off-Road
Kipu Ranch Adventures (235 Kipu Rd., Lihue) tours 3,000 acres from the Huleia River to Mt. Haupu, past locations from Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark. It reopened Sept. 22; the 3-hour tour runs at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Expect to get muddy.
8. Guided Hiking
Many state trails are closed right now, but private-land hikes and guided walks are running. A local guide also knows which trails are actually open. See our hikes guide.
9. Golf
From the Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course at Hokuala to the county’s bargain Wailua course, Kauai golf is gorgeous. See our Sports & Golf guide for what’s open and whether to bring clubs.
10. Botanical Gardens
- Allerton and McBryde (Lawai, South Shore): the Jurassic Park fig trees and a huge tropical plant collection. Reservations required; tours run weekdays and should depart from the Lawai visitor center again from Oct. 19 (NTBG).
- Limahuli Garden (Haena, North Shore): terraces of old Hawaii below the Na Pali peaks. Reopened Oct. 15, by reservation.
- Na Aina Kai (Kilauea): 240 acres of sculpture gardens. Tours resumed Oct. 6, by reservation.
11. Kauai Coffee Company
Hawaii’s largest coffee farm, in Kalaheo on the way to the West Side. Take the free self-guided walk through the orchard and taste a range of roasts. The visitor center reopened Sept. 15 and is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
Parasailing? It isn’t offered on Kauai; state rules don’t allow commercial parasailing anywhere around the island.
How to Choose
- One splurge: a helicopter.
- Families with young kids: Smith’s Fern Grotto boat, a catamaran (summer) or the Lydgate pools.
- Adventure: a raft, the zipline and an ATV.
- Couples: a sunset catamaran.
More ideas: Sports & Golf (courses, paddling, surf lessons, riding and tennis) and Shopping on Kauai for a rainy afternoon. Want a slower day? Book a massage with our Spa Day on Kauai guide.
