Tour stop
Waimea and Na Pali Driving Tour
There is a road closure on Waimea Canyon Drive that impacts the tour route Monday-Friday. The road is open on weekends and holidays.
About The Tour
The Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast are two of the most scenic locations in all of Hawaii. This tour will guide you through the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” until you reach the Na Pali overlook to view landscapes hundreds of thousands of years in the making. Kauai’s rugged terrain will come to life as we share stories and legends along the way.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Stop for local Kauai coffee
• Hike in Waimea Canyon
• Hike to Waipo’o Waterfall (difficult)
• Visit Koke'e Lodge & Museum
• Take in views of the Na Pali Coast
• Visits artsy town of Hanapepe & walk across a swinging bridge
*Update 6/29/26: There is a road closure on Waimea Canyon Drive that impacts the tour route Monday-Friday. The road is open on weekends and holidays. Please consider taking the tour on a weekend, or check out one of our other Kauai Driving Tours.*
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Stop for local Kauai coffee
• Hike in Waimea Canyon
• Hike to Waipo’o Waterfall (difficult)
• Visit Koke'e Lodge & Museum
• Take in views of the Na Pali Coast
• Visits artsy town of Hanapepe & walk across a swinging bridge
*Update 6/29/26: There is a road closure on Waimea Canyon Drive that impacts the tour route Monday-Friday. The road is open on weekends and holidays. Please consider taking the tour on a weekend, or check out one of our other Kauai Driving Tours.*
About the tour
The Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast are two of the most scenic locations in all of Hawaii. This tour will guide you through the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” until you reach the Na Pali overlook to view landscapes hundreds of thousands of years in the making. Kauai’s rugged terrain will come to life as we share stories and legends along the way.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Stop for local Kauai coffee
• Hike in Waimea Canyon
• Hike to Waipo’o Waterfall (difficult)
• Visit Koke'e Lodge & Museum
• Take in views of the Na Pali Coast
• Visits artsy town of Hanapepe & walk across a swinging bridge
*Update 6/29/26: There is a road closure on Waimea Canyon Drive that impacts the tour route Monday-Friday. The road is open on weekends and holidays. Please consider taking the tour on a weekend, or check out one of our other Kauai Driving Tours.*
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Stop for local Kauai coffee
• Hike in Waimea Canyon
• Hike to Waipo’o Waterfall (difficult)
• Visit Koke'e Lodge & Museum
• Take in views of the Na Pali Coast
• Visits artsy town of Hanapepe & walk across a swinging bridge
*Update 6/29/26: There is a road closure on Waimea Canyon Drive that impacts the tour route Monday-Friday. The road is open on weekends and holidays. Please consider taking the tour on a weekend, or check out one of our other Kauai Driving Tours.*
STARTING POINTS
-Past Lawai outside of PoipuRECOMMENDED START TIME: 9:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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Now Playing
1. Welcome to Waimea & NaPali Tour Preview
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2. Kaua'i Coffee
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3. Pa'ula'ula (Russian Fort)
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4. Waimea Town
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5. Pull Over for Viewpoint
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6. Red Dirt Waterfall
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7. Iliau Nature Loop
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8. Return from Waimea Canyon Lookout
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9. Turn Left for Waterfall Parking
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10. Canyon Trail
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11. Pu'u Hinahina Viewpoint
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12. Koke'e Lodge & Museum
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13. Turn for Kalalau Lookout
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14. Pu'u O Kila Lookout & Pihea Trail
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15. Turn Left to Waimea Town
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16. Shave Ice to Your Right
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17. Arrive at Ditch
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18. Hanapepe Town
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Waimea and Na Pali Driving Tour Map
Explore Tour Map
Waimea and Na Pali Driving Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Hanapepe Swinging Bridge
Tour stop
Red Dirt Waterfall
Tour stop
First Viewpoint
Tour stop
Waimea Town
Tour stop
Pa'ula'ula State Historic Site - Old Russian Fort
Tour stop
Kalalau Lookout
Tour stop
Pu'u O Kila Lookout & Pihea Trail
Meet the Creators
Gray Gleason
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the Waimea and Na Pali Driving Tour
Gray Gleason
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Andrew Fowers
Writer/Editor
“I started this business because I believe that when you connect a story to a place, it transforms your journey. It allows you to step beyond being just a tourist and become an informed traveler, fully present in the moment. Our hope is that you come for the guide, but stay for the stories that bring these destination to life.” - Andrew Fowers
Rita Fowers
Writer/Editor
Favorite Quote:
"What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him." - Viktor Frankl
Robin Montgomery
Writer
Favorite Quote:
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” - John Muir.
Andrew Shults
Producer & Data Team Manager
Favorite Quote:
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” - Douglas Adams
Purchase Options
1.
Waimea and Na Pali Driving Tour
$ 22.99
There is a road closure on Waimea Canyon Drive that impacts the tour route Monday-Friday. The road is open on weekends and holidays.
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
Waimea and Na Pali Driving Tour FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride for your trip.
Due to the March 2026 storms, you may notice some changes along your tour—things like temporary road closures, limited access to certain stops, or areas that are still recovering. Our routes are designed to guide you safely, but conditions can shift, so a little flexibility goes a long way.
As you explore, we ask that you travel with care and respect—for the land, the communities, and the people who call these places home. If an area looks closed or impacted, please honor posted signs and avoid entering. These moments are part of the story of Hawai‘i too, and your kuleana (responsibility) as a visitor helps keep these places protected for everyone.
Mahalo for your understanding, and for exploring with aloha 💛
Important Update!
Aloha Shaka Guiders,
I wanted to share a quick note about Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Parks as you plan your drive.
I’ve been keeping an eye on the ongoing road work projects in the Waimea Canyon area. Because conditions can change, I highly recommend checking all the links we’ve provided as you plan your visit and again closer to your drive day.
For the most part, Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Parks should still be open and visitable, but you should expect delays and limited parking, especially during peak hours. This is pretty typical during periods of road work here in Hawaiʻi, and it’s nothing to worry about—just something to plan around.
My biggest tip? Go early if you can. Earlier mornings usually mean lighter traffic, easier parking, and cooler weather. A little extra planning goes a long way here.
Mahalo for traveling with Shaka Guide and for taking the time to explore Kauaʻi thoughtfully. Waimea Canyon holds a special place in my heart, and I hope you enjoy every overlook, breeze, and moment along the drive.
With aloha,
Amy from Shaka Guide 🌈
P.S. Pāʻulaʻula aka Russion Fort Elizabeth is temporarily closed "until further notice" due to construction. So if this stop is a bucket list location for you, check the DLNR Kauai (link above) website to see the status.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- More than a map and directions — your tour, fully guided
- Audio storytelling that plays as you drive
- Music and immersive sound to upgrade your drive
- Human-created, professionally narrated tours
- Pre-planned route with turn-by-turn directions
- Itinerary mapped out with must-see stops
- Expert travel tips
- Offline access – works without data or wifi
- Flexible, self-paced experience
- One purchase per vehicle (not per person)
- Lifetime access (tours never expire)
- Reliable customer support
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Meals
- Attraction admission or park entrance fees
- Parking fees
- Live tour guide or in-person services
- Trip planning or booking services
- Fully customizable navigation like Google or Apple Maps
- On-demand route planning or custom directions
- Open-ended navigation tools
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the tour go?
The tour begins just past Lawai outside of Poipu and travels clockwise ending at Kalalau Lookout. Don’t worry, we will guide you back to Poipu the same way you came with stories and music along the way.
Here are some of the popular spots you can explore on the tour!
Kauai Coffee
Waimea Canyon
Iliau Nature Loop
Waimea Canyon Lookout
Canyon Trail
Waipo'o Waterfall View and Hike (hike needs advance preparation -- see itinerary below)
Pihea Trail
Koke'e Lodge & Museum
Kalalau Lookout
Waimea Town
Hanapepe Swinging Bridge
For help planning your day check out our Waimea Canyon and Na Pali suggested itinerary and here's everything you need to know before you go.
Here are some of the popular spots you can explore on the tour!
Kauai Coffee
Waimea Canyon
Iliau Nature Loop
Waimea Canyon Lookout
Canyon Trail
Waipo'o Waterfall View and Hike (hike needs advance preparation -- see itinerary below)
Pihea Trail
Koke'e Lodge & Museum
Kalalau Lookout
Waimea Town
Hanapepe Swinging Bridge
For help planning your day check out our Waimea Canyon and Na Pali suggested itinerary and here's everything you need to know before you go.
2. What should I pack and budget?
Sneakers & hiking clothes
Raincoat or umbrella, this side of the island can be wet and muddy
Water
Bug spray
Towel
Bathing Suit & sandals
Sunscreen
Sun Glasses and/or Hat
Snacks
Car Charger
Camera
Cash (see budget below)
How much you spend really depends on the activities you choose to do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs.
$14.99: Shaka Guide’s Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Tour
$15.00 per person: Lunch
$5.00 per person: Local snack
$5.00: Parking at Waimea Canyon (credit cards are accepted)
Raincoat or umbrella, this side of the island can be wet and muddy
Water
Bug spray
Towel
Bathing Suit & sandals
Sunscreen
Sun Glasses and/or Hat
Snacks
Car Charger
Camera
Cash (see budget below)
How much you spend really depends on the activities you choose to do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs.
$14.99: Shaka Guide’s Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Tour
$15.00 per person: Lunch
$5.00 per person: Local snack
$5.00: Parking at Waimea Canyon (credit cards are accepted)
3. Can I join the Waimea and Na Pali Driving tour along the route?
Yes! Feel free to join the tour along the route. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting from. If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
4. Can I take the tour in the opposite direction?
No, this tour can only be done in one direction.
5. How is Shaka Guide Different from Other Navigation Apps?
Shaka Guide isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s like having a tour guide in your car, sharing stories and local insights as you drive. Unlike other navigation apps, we’ve planned the route for you, so instead of focusing on directions, you can focus on the experience. This means you can’t customize the route, but that’s kind of the point. You’re still in control though, you can skip stops, go at your own pace, and explore freely. It’s not just about getting there; it’s about enjoying the journey.
6. Other Questions? Contact Us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.