“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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Know Before You Go
Note:
Nearby Tours
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Driving
Per entrance 60+ Stories
2 - 3 Hrs
Kauai Map
Where To Start?
Tour Start Address:
(The tour begins on Kuhio Highway 56. As you approach, you’ll see the Shell gas station on your left. Please note that this is a suggested starting point. We are not affiliated with any of the businesses here, so their staff will not have information about this tour.)
(The tour begins on Kuhio Highway 56. As you approach, you’ll see the Shell gas station on your right. Please note that this is a suggested starting point. We are not affiliated with any of the businesses here, so their staff will not have information about this tour.)
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
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.”
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Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, get travel tips, hear narrated guides, and see hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
