Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Kauai

Embark on a self-guided audio driving tour of Kauai and explore the island’s natural wonders. Discover famous highlights, hidden gems, and local stories at your own pace, with no need for cell service or WiFi.

Duration: 20 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kauai - As the audio guides play commentary based on your GPS location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route(s) to match your interests and schedule.

Or you can use our trip planners for our suggestions on half, full or multi-day itineraries.

Some of the many highlights are listed below;

  • Ha’ena State Park - Ha’ena State Park is essentially the end of the road as you drive around the north shore of Kauai. The three most popular things to see and do at the end of the Kuhio Highway is to visit Ke’e Beach, or Tunnels Beach which is also called Ha’ena Beach Park, and to walk the Kalalau Trail. This is also the trailhead for overnight hikers and campers heading to the Na Pali Coast.

Due to the extremely limited parking availability, you must either reserve a parking space or use the shuttle service to access the park.

  • Anini Beach - There are several excellent beaches to explore between Kapa’a and Princeville and Anini Beach is one of the best, with a sandy shoreline and the water is almost always calm. There are shady trees to help you enjoy a longer day at the beach too.
  • Hanalei Bay - Hanalei is a gentle crescent shaped bay with a beach nearly two miles long, surrounded by lush mountains and taro farms. A great and safe place to swim.
  • Hanapepe - A charming town filled with preserved historic plantation style buildings and a strong artist community.

One of the best places to pick up a local souvenir is from the art galleries and shops featuring Niihau shell jewelry. Or take a walk across the Hapapepe Swinging Bridge.

  • Hanalei - The town has a relaxed surfer vibe with trendy cafes and stores. You will want to take a photo of the pier on the main beach with the rain-sculpted face of Namolokama in the background.
  • Kealia Beach - Along the path and just north of Kapa’a is Kealia Beach, which is good for swimming in protected areas, so long as the surf isn’t too rough.

But this can also be a good beach to watch surfers if the swell is running. Or give in to relaxation and find a shady tree overlooking Kapa’a Beach to take a nap!

  • Kapaa - Kapa’a is just about the liveliest town on the eastern side of Kauai. There are many places to enjoy a meal or an authentic Hawaiian snack and to wander the stores, or our favorite - grab a shave ice.

If you’re feeling slightly more energetic - rent a bike and ride the Kauai multi-use path which covers 8 miles of coastline and isn’t at all strenuous.

  • Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge - The Kilauea Lighthouse is also a wildlife refuge, and you will see a range of seabirds in the area. The refuge and Lighthouse are closed Sundays and Mondays, but you can still enjoys the views even if you cannot access the main facilities.

Reservations are now required to visit Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, where the Kilauea Lighthouse is located.

  • Koke’e State Park - Extend your drive beyond Waimea Canyon to enter Koke’e State Park and complete the journey to the end of the road.

The Kalalau Lookout is the most famous, and if the clouds are kind, you’ll have a superb view all the way down a scenic Na Pali valley down to the ocean.

The very last viewpoint is Pu’u O Kila, and also has magnificent views, though it offers different aspects.

The Koke’e Natural Museum is a small rustic facility that holds treasures from the region and also displays about the natural environment. Worth a stop and snacks available here.

  • Kilauea Lighthouse Trail - A restored, white, century-old lighthouse sitting on cliffs above the Pacific Ocean make this a superb viewing location and a place to take awesome photos.

It is also a wildlife refuge, and you will see a range of seabirds in the area. The refuge and Lighthouse are closed Sundays and Mondays, but you can still enjoys the views even if you cannot access the main facilities.

  • Poipu Beach Park - Different cultures across the world refer to them as ‘dogs of the sea’ and the Hawaiian translation loosely reflects that for native Hawaiian monk seals.

Kauai is the best of the islands to see them. Poipu Beach and the coves along the North Shore near place like Tunnels are common places to spot them.

Seals drag themselves up onto the beach to rest after feeding and to avoid predators in the water. As a protected and endangered species it’s important to give them space and obey any signage.

  • Na Pali Coast State Park - Some of the most spectacular scenery starts at the end of the road on the North West end of the island at the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.

You cannot drive onto the Na Pali Coast, but it can be accessed by challenging hiking, kayaking or viewed from above with helicopter tours.

Note: If you are entering via Ha’ena State Park on the Kuhio Highway (past Princeville), please note reservations are now required to be booked in advance for the limited car parking stalls, shuttles for day visitors and overnight hikers.

  • Poipu - Poipu is the most popular resort area on Kauai’s south shore, partly because its location dodges most of the wet weather that is generated by the island. But also, there are three of the island’s best sandy beaches all side by side: Kiahuna Beach, Poipu Beach Park and Shipwrecks Beach.

Climb onto the headland of Makahuena Point for the views. Or continue westwards along the beaches for Spouting Horn blowhole. Poipu also has excellent dining and shopping options.

  • Princeville - Princeville is the largest resort area on the northern shore of Kauai and sits on a headland overlooking Hanalei Bay. It’s home to some of the region’s best hotel properties, restaurants and golf.

Hideaway Beach is a nice little cove to explore, but the path is steep and tricky, and be very careful of the ocean conditions. Princeville acts as a base for exploring the rest of the North Shore.

  • Lihue - Kauai’s most historical area and center of commercial activity is Lihue and Nawiliwili.

These are great places to experience authentic Hawaiian history and some uniquely Kauaian food. There is a family-friendly, calm public beach called Kalapaki, in front of the Marriott.

Follow the tour and continue past the cruise ship terminal to visit the Menehune Fish Pond, built by legendary ancient Hawaiians.

  • Tree Tunnel - 500 Eucalyptus trees create an impressive gateway to Kauai’s South Shore. You’ll drive though the Tree Tunnel as you approach the town of Koloa, on the way to Poipu.

Originally gifted to the community in 1911 by pineapple plantation owner Walter McBryde, they even survived Hurricane Iniki’s (1992) highest winds of 145 mph.

  • Wailua Falls - Located just an easy 10 minute drive from the heart of Lihue is the most recognized waterfall in Kauai. Two streams of water drop dramatically over a 80 foot drop. There’s no need to hike, the best view is right from the parking area.

Photo Tip: Arrive early in the morning to capture rainbows beaming out of the waterfall mist.

  • Waimea Canyon - Waimea Canyon has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, well deserved for its magnificent setting. The story of the canyon is one of volcanoes, earthquakes, caldera collapses and the relentless rain that has carved and sculpted the canyon of striking red earth.

There are four must-stop views on the road that explores Waimea Canyon, and other places where you may enjoy to pull over and enjoy your own private view.

Tip: It is common for clouds to form on Kauai’s mountains in the afternoons, so visiting in the morning can increase your chances of perfect views.

  • Spouting Horn - Follow the shoreline for a few minutes west from Poipu to visit Kauai’s best known blowhole. Watch Spouting Horn shoot a tower of water up to 50 feet into the air through a natural lava tube.

There is is a large carpark and viewpoint to the blowhole or perhaps catch sight of humpback whales during December - May.

What's Included
  • Pre-download the tour and use it offline for ease of access
  • Enjoy immersive location-based storytelling with autoplay features for tips and directions
  • Buy once and use any time with no expiration or time limit
  • Plan your trip efficiently with the in-app trip planner
  • Choose from suggested itineraries or customize your own route
  • Access support through toll-free phone, chat, and email
  • Experience over 280 points of interest with GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour
What's Not Included
  • Entrance Fees
  • Timed Entry Reservations
Additional Information

Join the thrilling GuideAlong Audio Tour as it escorts you on a magical exploration of Kauai’s stunning natural landmarks. Through the tour, you’ll be directed to the island’s renowned attractions, including the ‘Pacific’s Grand Canyon’, favorite lounging spots of monk seals, and the most recognized waterfall, all while revealing essential behind-the-scenes anecdotes, local tidbits, and automatic directions.

Plunge into the adventure of a Kauai road trip as this self-directed audio tour could be your key to an up-close experience of the island’s secret stories.

Relish the liberty to investigate at leisure, allowing you to spend extra time at locations that pique your interest, and easily skip over any that do not.

✅ Location-based automatic play for stories, advice, and directions
✅ Explore at leisure
✅ GPS-based tours operate offline, no cell or WiFi service required
✅ Itineraries designed for half, full or multi-day visit
✅ No expiration date and constant free updates

One tour per car is recommended.

Location
Kauai
Commentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where you want to start and end your tour.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(77 Ratings)
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Panagiotis_t
Aug 19, 2024
Great experience!It works... - Great experience!It works perfectly!!very easy to use!Everything you need to see is hear!A lot of interesting informations!
Review provided by Viator
Anne_g
Jul 29, 2024
Fun way to explore on your own - Loved this guide along! Awesome way to explore the islands on your own and still learn plenty of history of the area.
Review provided by Viator
Andrea_l
Jul 26, 2024
Go at your own pace tours - Easy to set up with step by step directions. Great tour guide. We enjoyed the history of the island and tried a couple of the food spots he suggested, which did not disappoint!
Review provided by Viator
Pmreiter
Jul 15, 2024
Very good self guided tour - This was a great way to see parts of the island. It was entertaining, informative and fun! I recommend it if you have a car and a group you are traveling with!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorraine_b
Jul 9, 2024
Great way to explore the island - Excellent tour! Filled with interesting facts plus gave clear directions to stops we might want to make. We discovered treasures we would have missed if just going on our own. Well worth the very reasonable price?
Review provided by Viator
Peter_s
May 12, 2024
Very professional and extremely helpful - Excellent service and a great way to see the island. Timing of commentary was superb. Took the hassle out of deciding where we should visit.
Review provided by Viator
Virginia_g
May 9, 2024
How to experience Kaua’i in a car - The narrator was excellent, fun and very informative. I will definitely be getting more of his other tours.
Review provided by Viator
Extraordinary556093
May 1, 2024
A Must Travel Companion - The audio tour of Kauai was very informative and really helped us visit areas of the island we hadn't planned. Hearing the history, stories, and food recommendations was well worth the low price of the application. It is a MUST have companion wherever you travel and saves on pricey tours and tour guides.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brenecia_w
Apr 14, 2024
Sightseeing in Hawaii - The guide was very informative and had good suggestions for stops that we not have known had we did it on our own
Review provided by Viator
Babu_t
Apr 29, 2024
Virtual Tour Guide - The story about the history of the ISLAND ,it’s enjoyable to listen to the history and the geography while you are driving
Review provided by Viator
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