5.0 ★ · 16 reviews · from USD250
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.
Check Availability✓ Map of Kauai
✓ Air-conditioned vehicle
✓ The chocolate tasting is free but optional
✓ Bottled water, cold
✕ Gratuities
✕ No room or access for wheelchairs
✕ Snacks at the bakery and lunch
45 min
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.
35 min
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.
35 min
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.
30 min
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.
30 min
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.
2 hr
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.
If you are staying in Poipu and don't require transportation arrangements, meet us at the Harbor Mall.