Waterfalls Travel · Tour
Kauai Eastside Waterfalls and Local Grinds Small-Group Tour: Wailua Falls and Fishpond
A short, light-hearted day on Kauai's east side, run by a mother-and-daughter company with more than 17 years of guiding on the island. It is not a food tour. Waterfalls, archaeological sites and history come first, and food tastings come in between. Nobody drives: groups are small, the vehicles are air conditioned, and no hiking is involved, though the group steps out for photos at each stop. The day opens at the Menehune Fishpond, built in ancient times by the first Hawaiians, settlers from the Marquesas Islands, and the guide tells the Menehune legend while driving through the Kipu Kai area. A local bakery stop follows. Wailua Falls, seen in the opening scene of the old Fantasy Island TV show, comes next, then a leisure walk at Lydgate Beach Park near the Morgan Ponds and the ancient temple site. Opaekaa Falls and the Wailua River lookout fill the afternoon stop, and the day ends in Kapaa with 1.5 hours of free time for lunch from food trucks, smoothie bars or restaurants, plus free tastings at Lydgate Farms chocolate and Kauai Gourmet Nuts. Food is not included in the price, and purchases go to locally owned mom-and-pop shops.
What's included
- Map of Kauai
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- The chocolate tasting is free but optional
- Bottled water, cold
Itinerary
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3501 Rice St #50, Lihue
3501 Rice St #50, Lihue, HI 96766, USA
For guests coming from the ship, the airport, lodging in Lihue town, or from Koloa and Poipu: meet at 8:50 am on the front side of the Harbor Mall. Cruise ship passengers can walk from the harbor in 10 to 15 minutes or take the free open-air trolley shuttle.
4-484, 4-484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa
4-484, 4-484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA
For guests staying in Kapaa town or coming from the North Shore: meet at 8:30 am sharp outside the Island Country Market, on the side facing the highway, at the Coconut Market Place, 4484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746. Parking is free.
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Menehune Fish Pond
The first stop is the Menehune Fishpond, a huge pond built in ancient times by the Marquesas Islanders, Hawaii's first inhabitants. The drive through the Kipu Kai area comes with the Menehune legend and the pond's archaeological and cultural story. Many Hollywood movies were shot here. The group stops in two spots for photos.
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Lihue
A stop at a local bakery to sweeten the morning. Food is not included in the tour price.
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Wailua Falls
The first waterfall is Wailua Falls, which appeared in the opening scene of the old Fantasy Island TV show. There is no hiking on this tour, but the group leaves the vehicle and has plenty of time for photos.
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Lydgate Beach Park
A stroll along the path beside Lydgate Beach Park. Optional: soak your feet in the Morgan Ponds. The guide explains the ancient temple where Hawaiians greeted the sunrise each day, the city of refuge and more. The walk is easy for all ages and has many photo spots. Guests can stay with the guide for a cultural talk or take free time alone.
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Opaekaa Falls
A short walk to two sites, Opaekaa Falls and the Wailua River lookout, in Wailua town, where Hawaiian royalty lived in ancient times. Good views and photo spots.
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Kapaa
Lunch is in Kapaa town, with food trucks, smoothie bars and restaurants to choose from, and purchases support local mom-and-pop shops. Free tastings are on offer at the tasting room of Lydgate Farms, Kauai's chocolatier, and at Kauai Gourmet Nuts, and optional souvenir shopping is possible. The group spends 1.5 hours in town, free time to use as you like.
3501 Rice St #50, Lihue
3501 Rice St #50, Lihue, HI 96766, USA
4-484, 4-484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa
4-484, 4-484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA
Not included
- Gratuities
- bakery items, lunch and any food for purchase along the way
Good to know
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- IF YOU DON'T RECEIVE A TEXT FROM US THE DAY BEFORE THE TOUR BY 5PM CONTACT US ASAP TO MAKE SURE THE TOUR IS CONFIRMED, SPECIALLY IF YOU ARE BOOKING LAST MINUTE, ARE AN INTERNATIONAL TRAVELER WITH NO US PHONE NUMBER, OR YOU BOOKED THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENCY. A VIATOR OR TRAVEL AGENT CONFIRMATION IS NOT ENOUGH, THEY DON'T OPERATE THE TOUR, WE DO. We are a very small family business and sometimes we need to change the start time or we might get sick, have vehicle problems or have weather issues that impede us to operate. It is your responsibility to make sure either you or your travel agent provides us with a good number to contact you in case of changes or tour cancellations. Booking through third parties can sometimes be problematic and cause a delay in our communications. WE UNDERSTAND YOUR VACATIONS IS IMPORTANT AND WE WANT TO BE A PART OF IT BUT PLEASE BE KIND AND UNDERSTAND SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN THAT ARE OUT OF OUR CONTROL. We appreciate your understanding.
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- There are two pick up locations: one in Kapaa town at 8:30am and one in Lihue town at 8:50 am. If you are coming from the north shore or staying in Kapaa town, choose the Coconut Market Place as your pick up point. If you are coming from the ship, airport, Poipu or Koloa town choose the Harbor Mall location in Lihue town. We will send you a text message the day before the tour with pick up details and tour info. Make sure to read and reply to our message the day before your tour.
- WEIGHT LIMITATION: Due to seating dimensions, comfort, and vehicle wear limitations, guests exceeding 260 lbs must book a private tour. This policy is strictly enforced. Reservations not complying with this policy may be canceled or denied boarding without refund. Call us if you have any questions.
- If you are coming via ship and the ship doesn’t dock due to weather or other unforeseen events, We will honor a 50% refund or a full credit to be used within 12 months.
- Private tours available. Call us or a Viator agent for more information
- Up to 13 travelers per booking.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guiding available in: en, es.
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