This full-day private tour of Kauai’s north shore starts with a visit to Wailua Falls, one of the Garden Isle's most famous natural sights. With an informative private guide, continue sightseeing around the coastal area, stopping for multiple photo ops at Opaeka’a Falls and the Wailua River Overlook, Kilauea Lighthouse, Hanalei Bay, the Hanalei Valley Lookout . Visit Kauai hidden beaches and ancient sites. Learn about Kauai's history and local culture along the way.
* Price displayed is based on a party of four to six passengers
Tour Options
Private Kauai North Shore Tour
Pickup included
Itinerary
Admission not included15 min
You will see a unique diversity of seabirds, native coastal plants and stunning views of the Pacific. Great whale watching point in a winter months.
20 min
It is 151-foot waterfall that flows over basalt from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.
10 min
You will see sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding valley & lush hillside. Hanalei Valley is home to the largest Taro plantation in Hawaii.
20 min
The 173 foot falls are located on the South Fork of Wailua River near Lihue. This waterfall was featured on the opening credits of the television series Fantasy Island.
20 min
Hindu monastery complex featuring 2 South Indian-style temples on lush, tropical grounds.
20 min
Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on the north shore of Kauai and consists of nearly two miles of beach, surrounded by mountains.
20 min
You will visit the Wailua river overlook and Wailua Complex of Heiau, A National Historic Landmark.
Highlights
Bottled water
Hotel, airport or harbor pickup and drop-off (Visitors from Princeville or Poipu meet in Lihue)
Private guide
Transport by private vehicle
Fruit drinks
What's included
Included
Bottled water
Hotel, airport or harbor pickup and drop-off (Visitors from Princeville or Poipu meet in Lihue)
Private guide
Transport by private vehicle
Fruit drinks
Not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up from hotels and resorts in Lihue, Kapaa, Wailua. For guests staying in Poipu, Princeville, Hanalei, Kalaheo, Waimea, Anahola our pick up location is Walmart in Lihue town.
Traveller Ratings
5.0
40 reviews
5
39
4
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3
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1
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Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For groups larger than 9, please contact Viator as this tour can take groups up to 16
Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
A maximum of 6 people per booking
Pricing displayed is per person based on a party of six passengers
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Frequently asked questions
How long does Private Kauai North Shore Tour take?
Private Kauai North Shore Tour lasts about 7 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does Private Kauai North Shore Tour cost?
Prices start at $360 per person for this Kauai experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Private Kauai North Shore Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We pick up from hotels and resorts in Lihue, Kapaa, Wailua. For guests staying in Poipu, Princeville, Hanalei, Kalaheo, Waimea, Anahola our pick up location is Walmart in Lihue town. Pickup points include MEET_AT_DEPARTURE_POINT, CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyHqt8dknuhUeUwevrG/Q63s=.
What languages is Private Kauai North Shore Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 10 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Reviews(40)
M
Melody_C
January 10, 2026
Great tour worth the money!
A great introduction to Kauai, its history, geography, its culture and customs. John is a very confident and safe driver and known by locals wherever he goes. He will show you places and things that only the locals know about - things that can’t be found in the guide books or in Shaka itineraries. He is not of Hawaiian ancestry, but he was born and raised in Hawaii and has raised his children here. Very knowledgeable and will customize your trip around the kinds of things you enjoy seeing and doing.
Operator response
Mahalo Melody and Richard for your kind words and wonderful review! We are so glad we were able to change the date and you got to enjoy the beautiful weather on your tour!
Happy New Year & Aloha :)
T
Thomas_C
January 2, 2026
Not to be missed.
A comprehensive tour and history of Kauai. John was amazing. He has lived on the island for over 40 years and has great insight into the culture, the topography, and the history. He hit all the spots along the way for amazing photos - and food!
Operator response
Mahalo Tom for your excellent review and sharing your experience! It was a great pleasure having your group this New Years Day on Kauai. Have fun on Maui and come back again soon!
Aloha & Happy New Year :)
K
Kelly F
September 11, 2025
Beautiful tour!
This was an amazing day. John has extensive knowledge of the island and shared so much interesting information with us. He was very professional and kind and showed us more of the island than we ever expected to see. John, we can't thank you enough for driving all the way to the end of the road in the north shore. Being able to see tunnels beach & the dry cave was a dream! And we will never forget the walk on the beach shown in the gilligan's island pilot. And thank you so much for pointing out all of the noteworthy properties. Everything was so interesting and unlike anything we've seen. We appreciate you customizing the tour and spending extra time with us, and because you told us how to arrange a ride for the next morning for our napali coast boat tour at the cruise port and stopped there, we were able to enjoy that tour without worry. We really appreciate your kindness and the value you offered for all we were able to see. It was spectacular to be able to see the wettest spot on our earth and the beauty of the Hindu monastery, so definitely keep that one! If I could add one thing, it would be very quick time to swim maybe at hanalei bay...just something to consider. But I also realize you wouldn't be able to see as much and it might be difficult to get wet and then go to another stop, so we loved the tour as it was. We would love to take the Waimea canyon tour with you next time we're in town and would definitely recommend this to anyone! This wasn't your average tour.
Operator response
Big Mahalo Kelly for your wonderful review and recommendations! We are so happy you and Theresa enjoyed your North Shore Adventure with John and we couldn't ask for better weather. Looking forward to your return on Kauai and showing you the Waimea Canyon and the South Shore.
Best wishes & Aloha : )
A
Anne_F
May 17, 2025
John was a fabulous tour...
John was a fabulous tour guide. Lots of great knowledge about Kauai and Hawaii. Tailored the tour to our interests. Highly recommend shortly after arrival. Well worth the money.
Operator response
Mahalo Anne for your kind words and great review!
We are so happy to hear you and Jane had an enjoyable experience with John. We hope to see you back on Kauai again.
Best wishes and Aloha :)
J
John C
August 12, 2024
Tour was very informative & filled w incredible & beautiful sights but best part of tour was our incredible driver John!
This tour was excellent & would advise anyone & everyone to take it! John was a very kind and knowledgable driver 5 stars!
Operator response
Mahalo John for the 5 star review and for the great company! Looking forward to showing you and Che Che the other side of Kauai!
Warmest Aloha & Best wishes:)
John
C
Cynthia_T
April 24, 2024
Excellent north shore tour and other places along the way
John was extremely knowledgeable and an excellent guide. We learned a great deal about Kauai during our tour. We also visited 3 different beaches that we look forward to exploring out more on our own. Highly recommend and we’re glad we took this excursion!
Operator response
Mahalo for your kind words Cynthia! Kauai's dramatic North Shore is amazing and we are so glad you and Kurt enjoyed exploring hidden beaches and other sites with John. We wish you both many more happy and fun travels!
Blessings and warmest Aloha:)
R
roberthI7149PB
October 15, 2023
Second just as good as first!
Best tour ever! Comfortable private tour, many out of the way sites, John is very knowledgeable and informative.
This is our second tour with Kauai Island Shuttle, and i highly recommend it to everyone.
Operator response
Mahalo Robert for your lovely review and for visiting Kauai again! It was a real pleasure having you and Ruann on both our tours. We can't wait to read your upcoming book.
Best wishes & Aloha!
J
Janis_K
September 12, 2023
Kauai Adventure
John was our guide and he was excellent; we never felt rushed and he always gave us plenty of time to take pictures and explore; he was also a very safe driver. There were lots of sights to take in and we enjoyed it all, but my friend really enjoyed the Hindu Temple and I really enjoyed seeing the Wailua Falls and, especially, enjoyed seeing Kilauea Point and the lighthouse, as I love lighthouses.
I would highly recommend this tour to get an overview of Kauai North Shore and then go back on your own to a particular spot, if you felt the need to explore further.
Operator response
Mahalo Janis for your kind review! We are so happy you enjoyed your North Shore Adventure with John. Kauai Hindu Monastery is a real gem. Enjoy the rest of your stay.
Best wishes & Aloha:)
S
Sally F
January 9, 2023
Great northshore tour
John gave us a great tour. We learned alot about the area, history and flora. We even saw some whales. We saw things we could not have found or known about on our own. John has lived on island a long time and is very knowledgeable. We liked that it is a family run business. He gave us great suggestions for restaurants and other activities. We highly recommend this tour.
Operator response
Mahalo Sally for your wonderful review!
We are so happy you enjoyed your North Shore tour with us. We hope you are having a relaxing and fun stay on Kauai.
Aloha & Best wishes:)
W
William_C
May 6, 2022
Everything especially ...
Everything especially Waimea Canyon. Our tour driver Elaina was outstanding would recommend her as their guide
Operator response
Mahalo Bill and Sally for your kind words and a lovely day! Enjoy your stay on Maui and don't forget to visit the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm.
Aloha & Best wishes:)
Elena