Know Before You Go, Wailua Valley and Waterfalls Tour

Know Before You Go, Shaka Guide's Wailua Valley and Waterfalls Tour

January 02, 2025

Shaka Guide

Start Planning!

You’re about to go on an awesome adventure, but there are a few things you should know about the tour before you get started.

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.
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.

What to Expect

To Get An Early Start

We recommend starting the tour before 9:00 a.m. We know it’s early, but this will give you plenty of time to get to the Hindu Monastery before it closes at noon.

To Spend 6-8 Hours Exploring

If you’re going to do at least one of the hikes on the tour, you should budget about 6 hours.

You’ll need more time if you’re going to beach hop or do multiple hikes! If you want to do EVERYTHING on the tour -- snorkeling, hiking, and visiting the Hindu Monastery -- we recommend you plan to spend about 10 hours on the tour.

But don’t worry if you don’t get to it all in one day. The tour never expires! Just come back another day.

To Be Active

There are four hiking trails on this tour. Yep, four! Whether you choose to do just one or try them all, you can expect to get your steps in.

Also stops on this tour are relatively close together, so plan on a short drive between stops.

To Beach Hop Or Snorkel

This tour stops at two main beaches, Lydgate Beach Park and Kapa’a Beach Park.

We recommend snorkeling at Lydgate -- it’s great for the whole family including beginning snorkelers.

You’ll have to bring your own gear though, there’s no place to rent nearby.

To Try Local Food

Hawaii is home to so many tasty dishes and you’ll have a chance to try some local favorites at the stops along this tour.

Whether you’re looking to get a poke bowl, some kalua pig, or spam musubi, the mom-and-pop shops we take you to offer up some ono eats!

Oh, and don’t forget to save room for dessert, we’ll guide you to one of our favorite shave ice spots in Kapa’a.

To Learn

One of our favorite things about this tour is all of the ancient sites and historic landmarks it visits.

You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Kauai’s past! The content on the tour is informative and engaging even for kids!

Budgeting

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs:

$10.00 per person: Lunch
$5.00 per person: Local snack
The Hindu Monastery is free to enter, but donations are accepted

Start Packing!

Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.

Sneakers
Hiking Clothes
Water Bottle
Bug Spray (rainforest = mosquitoes)
Towel
Bathing Suit
Sandals
Sunscreen
Sun Glasses and/or Hat
Snacks
Cash
Car Charger *Very Important*
Phone Mount

Malama Aina

In Hawaiian the word malama means “to take care” and the word aina means “land.”

When you’re in Hawaii, we ask that you practice this and pick up your trash; respect the marine life, plants, and animals; and avoid spots that are unsafe.

Hawaii’s natural resources are precious, it’s up to all of us to help preserve these resources for generations by respecting the aina when you visit.

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more help planning your day check out our Wailua Valley and Waterfalls suggested itinerary.