“Every road trip has a moment.
On Kauai, it feels like the whole drive.”
Kauai, the Garden Isle, is all about contrast: rainforests on the slopes, red rock in Waimea Canyon, and sheer cliffs dropping into the Pacific along the Nā Pali Coast. This Kauai self-guided driving tour turns that landscape into your own flexible road trip, with GPS audio that plays as you drive so you can focus on the views, not the map.
You will hear how Polynesian voyagers, aliʻi chiefs, sugar barons, and plantation workers each left their mark on the island. Stops and viewpoints around Līhuʻe, Grove Farm, the Tree Tunnel, Old Koloa Town, and Poipu Beach link modern resorts with Kauai’s sugar and ranching past. Hanapepe Valley Lookout, the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, and Russian Fort Elizabeth add small-town charm and the surprising story of a failed Russian foothold in Hawaiʻi.
From Waimea, the road climbs into Waimea Canyon State Park, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” with lookouts, short walks, waterfalls, and longer hikes for those who want them. Higher still, Kōkeʻe State Park and viewpoints like Kalalau Lookout and Puʻu O Kila open up the famous Nā Pali Coast, where green ridges drop straight to the sea.
You choose when to stop for photos, trails, or shave ice. The audio simply keeps the story going whenever you are ready to drive.
Typical side effects
Too many canyon and cliff photos, a deeper appreciation for Kauai’s history, and the quiet feeling that one trip to the Garden Isle may not be enough.
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Kauai Map
Know Before You Go
Note:
Nearby Tours
Driving
4 to 6 Hours per tour
550+
50+ Miles per tour
Driving
4 to 5 Hours per tour
80+
50+ Miles per tour
Driving
4-5 hours
70+ stories
88+ miles
Driving
8-10 Hours
80+ Audio Points
105+ Miles
Starting Point
Join the tour anywhere along the route. Follow the route in the indicated direction.
Suggested starting point is indicated by the green START marker on the map:
3-4218 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
The suggested start is at Kuhio Highway, 3-4218. Head west onto Kuhio Hwy to begin the tour.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Kauai Hawaii Audio Tour
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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Welcome to Kauai
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Kalapaki
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Sugarcane & Grove Farm
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Tree Tunnel
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Old Koloa Town
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Detour To Old Sugar Mill Of Koloa
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Poipu Beach
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Hanapepe Valley Lookout
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Hanapepe Swinging Bridge
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Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park
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Niihau: The Forbidden Island
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Red Dirt Waterfall
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Kukui Trail & Iliau Nature Loop
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Waimea Canyon State Park
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Pu’u Hinahina Lookout
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Waimea Canyon Trails
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Kōkeʻe Natural History Museum
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Kōkeʻe State Park
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Kalalau Lookout
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Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
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Pu’u O Kila Lookout - Conclusion
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Kauai is likely the most accessible Hawaiian island for seniors, there are a number of Kauai tours for seniors and activities for all kinds of age groups to enjoy.
Kauai is known as the “Garden Isle,” a nickname earned by its lush greenery and tropical wildflowers. Along with tours, senior adventurers can also visit a botanical garden. Limahuli Garden is a 1,000-acre feast for the eyes with tons of exotic plants lovingly tended for on the north shore of Kauai.
Any Kauai tour would be incomplete without a visit to Grove Farm, Poipu Beach, The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, and Waimea Canyon.
Based on weather, crowding and hotel prices, the best time of year to visit Kauai is from April to early June.
There are tons to choose from, but some of the best beaches in Kauai are Poipu beach, with its resort and Hanalei beach.
As the name suggests, this beach is not the easiest place to access, be prepared to hike through some undergrowth, and use an unmarked trail to find this hidden gem. The unmarked trail forks off of an unnamed dirt road. From Kilauea, head north on Kuhio highway, towards Hanalei. Then, you’ll take a right onto Kalihiwai. Drive a short distance and then take a right onto the unmarked dirt road. Park and walk all the way to the end of the road. At the end, you’ll find a small path that you’ll walk on for 10-15 minutes. Be prepared for a steep walk, and pick your day wisely, after a heavy rain this path can be treacherous. This path will lead you directly to the Secret Beach.
On the top of many traveler’s lists is Poipu beach, Ke’e and Lumaha’i beaches. These are some of the best beaches in Kauai if you’re looking to swim in crystal clear water.
There are plenty of things to do in Kauai and Maui. However, weighing Maui vs. Kauai against what you’re looking for from a trip is important.
Kauai is one of the less-developed Hawaiian islands, so having a rental car will make it much easier to get around.
A car rental on Kauai will cost most tourists anywhere from 38$ to 120$ per day depending on the amount of time used, the season you’re traveling, how far in advance you’re making the rental and the make and model of your rental vehicle.
One of Kauai’s most famous waterfalls is Wailua. Wailua Falls are the biggest on the Garden Isle. Falling 173 dizzying feet, this beauty is a popular drive-by attraction.
There are eleven waterfalls on the Garden Isle in total.
The best part yet is that so many of the waterfalls on Kauai are highly accessible. Many of these beauties can be viewed right from the road or after a short walk.
The short answer is yes. Many folks visiting the Hawaiian islands will do some “island hopping”. The islands are all connected to each other by flight and by boat, so getting from one island to the next isn’t impossible.
The island of Kauai is known for its lush greenery, dramatic seascapes, and also its many waterfalls. Including Waipoo falls, which is one of the largest on the island. Kauai is also known for the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
