LIHUE PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Along Kauai’s North Shore: Waterfalls, Lighthouse Vistas, and Hanalei Bay
A private, 6–7 hour guided loop from Lihue that visits Wailua Falls, Opaeka'a, a choice of a monastery or tropical garden, Kilauea Lighthouse and Hanalei for lunch and photos — this guide lays out the route, stops, and practical details.
Along Kauai’s North Shore: Waterfalls, Lighthouse Vistas, and Hanalei Bay.
The Private North Shore and Waterfalls Tour threads a single day through Kauai’s verdant northeastern flank, pairing thundering cataracts with coastal lookouts and a historic lighthouse. Over six to seven hours you’ll move from the 173‑foot drop of Wailua Falls past Opaeka'a’s river valley outlook, choose between a serene Hindu monastery or the peacock‑strewn Smith’s Tropical Paradise, scan seabirds at Kilauea Lighthouse, and end with lunch and a pier walk in Hanalei Bay.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Wailua Falls — A 173‑Foot Plunge
The tour’s first major stop is Wailua Falls, with a dramatic 173‑foot drop and views that include Mt. Waialeale on the horizon, long regarded as one of the wettest places on Earth.
Monastery or Tropical Garden
Mid‑route you select between the contemplative Kauai Hindu Monastery or Smith’s Tropical Paradise, a botanical garden notable for peacocks and other birds that make for strong photo opportunities.
Kilauea Lighthouse and Hanalei Pier
Northbound you’ll pause at Kilauea Lighthouse for sweeping seabird‑filled skies, then descend into Hanalei for lunch, shopping and a stroll to the pier with views of Mt. Namolokama and Hanalei Bay.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The tour unfolds as a paced loop north from Lihue: quick, cinematic waterfall stops, a contemplative garden or monastery visit, roadside cultural notes through Kapaa and its century‑old coconut trees, a high coastal lookout at Kilauea Lighthouse, then the relaxed hum of Hanalei for lunch and a pier walk. It’s a single‑day survey of contrasts — rainforest plunges, river valley outlooks, and expansive ocean views — all covered in roughly six to seven hours.
THE WATERFALLS
Wailua Falls — A 173‑Foot Plunge
The tour’s first major stop is Wailua Falls, with a dramatic 173‑foot drop and views that include Mt. Waialeale on the horizon, long regarded as one of the wettest places on Earth.
THE CHOICES
Monastery or Tropical Garden
Mid‑route you select between the contemplative Kauai Hindu Monastery or Smith’s Tropical Paradise, a botanical garden notable for peacocks and other birds that make for strong photo opportunities.
THE COASTAL VIEWS
Kilauea Lighthouse and Hanalei Pier
Northbound you’ll pause at Kilauea Lighthouse for sweeping seabird‑filled skies, then descend into Hanalei for lunch, shopping and a stroll to the pier with views of Mt. Namolokama and Hanalei Bay.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private tour suits — and what to consider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a roughly six to seven hour outing; pickup location is selected when you book.
Sunscreen, a sunhat and a light jacket are recommended for changing sun and coastal conditions.
This is a private tour run by Kauai Island Shuttle & Tours that departs from your chosen pickup location and follows the North Shore route with planned stops at waterfalls, a garden or monastery, Kilauea Lighthouse and Hanalei.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Private North Shore and Waterfalls Tour?
The tour runs approximately six to seven hours.
Where does the tour begin — is there a set meeting point?
You choose your pickup location when booking; the operator arranges pickup from that location.
Which waterfalls and natural features are on the itinerary?
Stops include Wailua Falls (a 173‑foot drop), Opaeka'a waterfall overlook, views of Mt. Waialeale, and river valley scenery, plus coastal viewpoints and Hanalei Bay.
Will I have time for lunch on the tour?
Yes — the tour stops in Hanalei town for lunch and shopping.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring sunscreen, a sunhat and a light jacket.
Can I choose between different attractions on the route?
Yes — the tour offers a choice between visiting the Kauai Hindu Monastery or Smith’s Tropical Paradise (the botanical garden with peacocks).