Add dates

Kauai Water sports

Our most recommended Kauai Water sports

Kauai: Niihau and Na Pali Coast Full-Day Boat Tour

1. Kauai: Niihau and Na Pali Coast Full-Day Boat Tour

Climb aboard a catamaran, custom-built on Kauai, and explore the awe-inspiring Na Pali Coast. Cruise along the coastline and snorkel by Hawaii’s Forbidden Isle of Niihau on an unforgettable day of adventure. Start your day with continental breakfast onboard, as you head northwest to explore the waterfalls, lush valleys, hidden beaches, and sea caves along the Na Pali Coast. Admire the views and learn the history of this beautiful region. Head across the channel to Niihau, known as the Forbidden Isle. Once you arrive at Lehua Crater, the captain will choose the best place for you to snorkel in the clear waters. Receive snorkeling instructions and gear up in the equipment provided. Admire the unique underwater formations, carved by ocean currents, and look out for diverse aquatic wildlife. After snorkeling, enjoy a deli-style buffet lunch including fresh bread, meats, cheeses, veggie toppings, and crudité, and pasta salad. Assorted soft drinks are served throughout the tour, with beer and wine served after snorkeling. During your meal, listen to stories about the island and history of Niihau, and connect with the culture of Kauai as you sail back to the marina.

Kauai: Waimea Canyon, Jurassic Falls, & More Helicopter Tour

2. Kauai: Waimea Canyon, Jurassic Falls, & More Helicopter Tour

Take a journey on and over the Garden Isle and see scenery that's been the backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters for decades on this Kauai helicopter trip. See Manawaiopuna Falls, Olokele Canyon, Waimea Canyon, and the Na Pali Coast.  Take off on an up-to-date helicopter and immediately start taking in a bird's eye view of the lush jungles, red canyons, choppy seas, and gorgeous landscapes that make up Kauai, the oldest island in the Hawaiian Islands archipelago.  Marvel at Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as Jurrasic Park Falls thanks to it being featured in the hit 1993 Steven Spielberg film. This privately-owned location is only accessible by helicopter, making it part of the 80% of Kauai that isn’t accessible by car. Land in Olokele Canyon, home to endangered plant life. Once kapu (forbidden), guests can now enjoy this pristine paradise valley. Soar over Waimea Canyon next, and see characteristic crimson and emerald jagged cliffs. Before heading back to the starting point of the trip, enjoy views of the world-famous Napali Coast. Spot jagged cliffs rising straight from the sea, making for one of Hawaii's most famous destinations.

Kauai: Sightseeing Flight over Napali Coast & Waimea Canyon

3. Kauai: Sightseeing Flight over Napali Coast & Waimea Canyon

Soak in spectacular views of the lovely island of Kauai from the air on a sightseeing flight tour. Let your pilot fly you over places that are completely inaccessible by car and remain untouched by human hands. Experience the untouched beauty of this spectacular island from a unique perspective. Aboard your scenic flight tour, discover the best of Kauai on an incredible flying adventure. Fly over the Garden Isle's most scenic areas to truly get a sense of this majestic place. Soar over the cathedral-like spires of the Napali Coastline and high above Hanalei Bay's white crescent sand beach. Snap some pictures of the azure blue waters below, as well as the monumental red valley walls of Waimea Canyon.

Kauai: Napali Coast Sail & Snorkel Tour from Port Allen

4. Kauai: Napali Coast Sail & Snorkel Tour from Port Allen

Climb aboard a custom-built catamaran for a true sailing experience along the remote coastline of Napali. Discover why 'Napali' means 'the cliffs' as you gaze upon its world-renown 4,000-foot heights, lush valleys, waterfalls, and hidden beaches that have attracted painters, photographers, and Hollywood throughout the years. As you head for the first destination, your crew will entertain your imagination with legends and stories of the ancient Hawaiians who once lived along the cliffs.  Once stopped, jump or use the waterslide off the back of the vessel to slip into the warm, turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. Snorkel (ocean conditions dependent) above a tropical reef along Kauai's coastline. Snorkel gear, including floatation and professional instruction, are provided to ensure you have a great time in the water. After your snorkeling experience, enjoy a continental breakfast, gourmet deli lunch, and beverages served on board. The tour operator is committed to preserving the natural beauty, unique history, and rich resources of Kauai. The tour operator supports ecotourism and encourages you to take the pledge to travel responsibly by respecting the land (aina), sea (kai), and traditions of the Hawaiian people.

Kauai: Personalized Surf Lessons with World Class Instructor

5. Kauai: Personalized Surf Lessons with World Class Instructor

Experience an unbeatable surfing experience while drenched in the sunshine of Kauai’s iconic Poipu Beach. This beach boasts a series of golden sand crescents and crystal-clear waters perfect for all ocean activities. Whether this is your first time catching waves or you would like to take your skills to the next level, this course will be customized to your needs. Learn to surf from Rochelle Ballard, world-renowned pro surfer, and her elite professional team, who will encourage you every step of the way as you hone your skills. Delight in their proactive approach to identifying areas for improvement, while also taking the time to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Your world-class coaches will share their knowledge and expertise of wave riding, understanding swells, waves, and reefs to ultimately help you improve your surfing ability.

Kauai: Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Valley Bus Tour

6. Kauai: Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Valley Bus Tour

Explore Kauai's striking and unparalleled nature on a bus tour to the iconic Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Valley. Discover the latter on a short nature trail to truly immerse yourself in the area and see Waimea Canyon from above with its red and green hues. Journey through the heart of Kauai’s countryside and ascend a mountain via a meandering road engulfed by trees and endless fields to reveal the impressive Waimea Canyon. It’s hard to believe the immense cliffs and deep gorges of the Waimea Canyon could exist on a small island. Head back down the mountain to watch ocean waves propel jets of water through lava rock at the Spouting Horn Blowhole. In quaint Hanapepe town amid sugar cane fields, view Hanapepe Valley from the lookout and cross the famous Hanapepe Swinging Bridge. Then stop for a delicious lunch at the charming Waimea Plantation Cottages' Chicken in a Barrel BBQ restaurant. Stroll through the picturesque grounds with stunning ocean front views fronting a two-mile black sand beach. Next, venture down a nature trail in Koke’e State Park for an easy hike surrounded by native Hawaiian flora and fauna. The first portion of the hike is a gradual uphill stroll for about 30 yards, then the land levels, hugging the contours of the hill. On your walk, listen for the lyrical chirping of the rare red 'apapane or i’iwi bird species who sip nectar from the blossoms on the native trees. Then, peer at the expanse of Waimea Valley from Puu Hinahina lookout point and visit the recently unveiled King Kaumuali‘i Statue at Pa‘ula‘ula, more commonly known as the Russian Fort. Finally, stroll through the Kauai Coffee Plantation beneath the warm Hawaiian sun near the coast and see the entire coffee process from initial blossoming and harvesting to the final roasting. Sample the exclusive line of estate-grown Hawaiian coffees.

Kauai: Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Private Tour

7. Kauai: Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Private Tour

Journey from Hanapēpē to Waimea, along the only road that crosses the entire island. Follow the path that is steadily leading up the rim of Waimea Canyon, and take in the views of the world famous Nā Pali Coast on Kauai's North Shore, at an elevation of over 4,000 ft (1220 m). Along the way, stop at the most beautiful canyon overlooks to marvel at Kauai's treasures including rainbow-colored canyon walls, the 800-foot (244 m) Waipo'o Falls and thick island vegetation. If you’re feeling up for "stretching your legs", your guide will select the best trails to explore, based on the weather and your group’s interests. Hikes may be 0.25 - 0.5 miles (400 - 800 m) round trip on relatively even terrain. This is a private tour — it will just be you and your private group. Because of this, you are free to go at your own pace and hike as much, or as little, as you would like for the duration of the tour you have selected. Your guide will contact you before the start of your tour to help plan a custom itinerary.

Kauai: Personalized Standup Paddle and Yoga Session

8. Kauai: Personalized Standup Paddle and Yoga Session

Whether you are gliding on the quiet Kauai bay waters or floating along the tranquil Wailua River, your stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and yoga adventure will offer a tranquil experience for body and mind. SUP, said to have originated in Hawaii centuries ago, is a growing water sport that provides a relaxing experience while challenging your body. Your seasoned instructors will customize your day to your experience level, guiding you safely to the most serene waters for an SUP tour followed by a hatha yoga flow and meditation session. Soak up the breathtaking setting and learn to embrace the element of water surrounding you while you focus on your balance, core, and serenity.  Feel the ebb and flow of the water underneath you as you start with a leisurely paddle to warm up your muscles. Along the way, you might even encounter turtles, dolphins, and whales in the beautiful waters of Kauai (for ocean lessons). Next, get ready to take your yoga practice offshore and settle into a hatha yoga flow while you skim the surface of the water. Your instructor will guide you through poses that will help you enhance your balance and strengthen your muscles. Sync your movements with each breath and begin to wind down with a meditation session on your board. Finish your experience with a peaceful meditation to calm your mind and expand your consciousness.

Frequently asked questions about Kauai

What top attractions are a must-see in Kauai?

What are the best indoor activities in Kauai for rainy days?

What are the best inexpensive tours in Kauai?

Other Sightseeing Options in Kauai

Want to discover all there is to do in Kauai? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Kauai

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 2 reviews

This was my first helicopter ride, and it was absolutely one of the most enjoyable and memorable travel experiences I’ve ever had. Kate, our pilot, was fantastic providing great information as we weaved our way through the canyons, mountains, fields and coasts. The tour made a stop at a mountain top owned by a Robinson descendant, and the views were breathtaking, which is an understatement. The tour even got as far as the Na Pali coast and Hanalei. We lucked out with great weather and visibility. I’ll certainly treasure the photos and videos I took for the rest of my life. I can’t recommend the tour any more highly. It’s expensive, but it’s easily worth it. The staff at the meeting location and office were just the friendliest people you could ever meet.

It was a perfect trip. The staffs were so nice from arrival to the office, and the pilot was also nice and has the best playlist!

This was a super experience from start to finish. From check in to completion, everything was perfect!

Amazing. Kate and Sherry were awesome. I want to try helicopter rides on every vacation!

Friendly and knowledgeable pilot. Great views of the island. Highly recommend it.