Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Audio Driving Tour

Wailua Falls - Wailua Falls is a stunning 173-foot waterfall surrounded by lush jungle forest.

This location is perfect for a quick photo opportunity as there is no hiking required to reach the falls.

It is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls on the island, making it a must-see stop.

Lydgate Beach Park - Lydgate Park is a fantastic destination for children of all ages. Young ones will adore the enormous Kamalani playground.

There are also rock-enclosed pools that provide a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.

These protective pools were designed to allow reef fish to come and go freely.

Holoholoku Heiau - Situated in the Wailua River State Park area, Holoholokū Heiau is an ancient Hawaiian temple that was a sacred site associated with Kauaʻi’s aliʻi (chiefly class) and royal births. Today, its stone platform serves as a powerful reminder of the island’s rich spiritual and political history.

Poli’ahu Heiau - Located within the Wailua Complex of Heiaus, Poliʻahu Heiau is a sacred temple site believed to have been dedicated to ritual and chiefly ceremonies. Although only stone foundations remain, the site holds significant spiritual importance and reflects Kauaʻi’s influential ancient ruling center along the Wailua River.

‘Opaeka’a Falls - Found in Wailua River State Park, ‘Opaeka’a Falls is a magnificent 150-foot waterfall cascading over volcanic basalt rocks.

This is another ideal spot for a photo opportunity right next to the parking lot, as there is no hike to the falls.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery - Located on the outskirts of Wailua State Park, this 363-acre Hindu monastery is considered one of the most sacred sites in the Hindu religion.

The Kadavul Temple houses the largest quartz crystal on earth, surrounded by 108 golden statues of the Hindu god Siva.

Kuilau Ridge Trail - The Kuilau Ridge hike offers a relatively flat trail with a wide shaded path through an old-growth forest.

Though it is quite long, it is recommended to hike just the first mile or so.

Keahua Arboretum - This is more of a leisurely walk than a hike. Visitors can see local plant species like monkeypod trees, and if lucky, spot a rainbow eucalyptus tree!

Sleeping Giant Trail - The first is Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) - West Trailhead. Sleeping Giant offers three hikes of varying difficulties, but the tour takes you to the Sleeping Giant West Trail, which is the easiest.

Ho’opi’i Falls - For those interested in hiking to a waterfall, consider skipping Sleeping Giant and heading to the nearby Ho’opi’i Waterfall Hike.

This hike takes you along a forest trail to the first of two waterfalls.

To swim, continue past the first fall to the second, where a rope swing allows you to jump into the pool below.

Kapaa - Kapa’a Town is a charming seaside neighborhood with delightful restaurants, a few hotels, and some historic landmarks.

Spend the afternoon exploring these sites, strolling around the town, visiting local shops, and sampling some Hawaiian cuisine!

Pono Market - Pono Market is recommended for a poke plate lunch, but there are plenty of charming cafes and restaurants in Kapa’a. Choose your favorite and enjoy a meal.

Sleeping Giant Trail - After lunch, there is one more scenic spot on the tour. Stop at a parking lot to learn about Sleeping Giant and view the mountain from a different perspective.

Day 2

Kauai - Download the app for more information!

• Tours never expire
• Freedom to explore at your own pace
• Offline map, no wifi or data needed
• Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
• Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips, and music
• Audio narration plays automatically as you drive

• Meals & Refreshments
• Entrance Fees
• Parking fees

Explore jungle forests and waterfalls while also connecting with the Hawaiian culture!

This tour will take you on a trip back in time by visiting 3 ancient Hawaiian temples as well as visit 3 waterfalls and check out 3 hikes.

The perfect mix of fun and education! Enjoy turn-by-turn directions, and information on what to look for and where to explore.

Rated the #1 best GPS tour app for Hawaii with over 6,000+ raving reviews and 200,000+ downloads.

Why you need it:

✅ You don’t need service because you can download the tours & use them offline

✅ Save time planning your trip because we have the best stops lined up

✅ Freedom to stop and go as you please, unlike a tour bus where you are confined to the pre-determined route (no fun!)

✅ Hear cool and fun stories along the way (and some corny joke’s that might make you laugh)

Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.

• The tour can be started in Lihue or Kapa’a and is completed in a clockwise loop, ending where you begin.
• The Kauai Hindu Monastery closes at noon. This means you will need to start at the recommended time if you plan to visit. It’s definitely worth it.
• An advanced reservation is required to enter Kauai Hindu Monastery.
• Tickets for Smith’s Family Fern Grotto Boat Ride, an optional side trip along the tour route, are $30 for adults and $15 for children.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.