LIHUE HOP ON HOP OFF FIELD GUIDE
Kaua‘i by Loop: A 20‑mile Hop‑On Hop‑Off Circuit out of Lihue for Cruise‑Ship Guests
Clark’s Hawaii Tours runs a scenic, 20‑mile hop‑on, hop‑off circuit from Lihue that links more than nine stops — beaches, botanical gardens, a plantation railway and a free rum tasting — useful for cruise passengers planning a short, flexible shore day.
Kaua‘i by Loop: A 20‑mile Hop‑On Hop‑Off Circuit out of Lihue for Cruise‑Ship Guests.
This is a compact, 20‑mile Kaua‘i circuit out of Lihue that stitches together the island’s Coconut Coast: protected snorkeling beaches, local shopping and galleries, the fern‑draped river cruise to Smith’s Fern Grotto, a tropical botanical garden, Kilohana Plantation and the Koloa Rum tasting room. The operator offers live narration and the freedom to hop on and off at more than nine places of interest so cruise passengers can shape their own shore day.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 20‑mile loop that lets you explore Lihue and the Coconut Coast
The tour follows a roughly 20‑mile scenic circuit from Lihue with stops at beaches, shopping centers, cultural sites and plantation country; passengers may hop on and off as often as they like to spend time at the places that interest them.
Smith’s Tropical Paradise & Fern Grotto river cruise
Smith’s offers a botanical garden where tropical birds and peacocks roam plus a Fern Grotto river cruise with live Hawaiian music and hula; the garden and grotto experiences have separate entry fees and set departure times for the river cruise.
Kilohana Plantation, plantation railway and Koloa Rum
Kilohana’s plantation railway revisits the island’s sugar era with an hourly train tour and a farmyard stop; nearby, Koloa Rum Company offers free rum tastings on a regular schedule and a shop for purchases.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The trip unfolds as a narrated loop from a central Lihue hub: a brisk circuit that circles the Coconut Coast while permitting repeated boarding and disembarking at more than nine points of interest. The pace is deliberately modular — short beach stops, cultural attractions with separate admission, a botanical garden and a plantation stop — allowing visitors to stitch together a bespoke shore excursion.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this loop fits — and where to be cautious.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This service runs on cruise ship days only and is organized as a 1‑hour loop; check the operator’s booking calendar for current days and times.
Carry swimwear and a towel if you plan to use the snorkeling beaches, sun protection, a camera, and cash or card for separate entry fees and purchases at gardens, the plantation and tasting rooms.
Several stops list separate admission or activity fees (for example, Smith’s garden and fern grotto cruise and Kilohana’s railway); Koloa Rum tastings are noted as free at their tasting room, but purchases are available.
Some options require advance booking — for example, the golf stop must be booked with a tee time in advance — and other attractions run on fixed schedules.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the loop?
The operator lists the service as a 1‑hour loop (on cruise ship days); consult the booking calendar for current departure times.
Can I hop on and off multiple times?
Yes — the tour is described as hop‑on, hop‑off, allowing passengers to board and disembark as often as they wish throughout the day.
Are there extra charges at attractions?
Yes — some stops have separate entry fees or activity costs (for example, Smith’s Fern Grotto river cruise and Kilohana’s railway); the operator notes that extra charges apply for access to certain stops.
Is there a rum tasting on the route?
Yes — Koloa Rum Company on the route offers free rum tastings on a regular schedule and stocks rum and gifts for purchase.
Where does Clark’s Hawaii Tours operate from in Lihue?
Clark’s Hawaii Tours is located at Kukui Grove Mall in Lihue and uses that area as a departure/meeting hub for its excursions.
Are the Smith’s Fern Grotto cruises scheduled?
Yes — the Fern Grotto river cruises depart on specified times (for example, listed departures at 9am, 11am, 2pm and 3:30pm on certain days) and have separate fares.