Frequently Asked Questions

Kauaʻi offers myriad hikes to choose from, whether you’re a beginner hiker or a veteran backpacker (or choose one of our driving tours!). We offer tours that are off the beaten track — ones that you might not know about otherwise. We can take you to stunning vistas, pristine beaches, cold running streams, and so much more!

​How do you know which trail to choose? Will you be safe? Will the hike be too easy or too hard? Will it be crowded? Do you have all the equipment you need? Will you get lost?

We don’t want you to worry while you’re on vacation! Leave it to the expert guidance found only at Kaua’i Hiking Tours — we will keep you safe, on the trail, and prepared with the appropriate equipment. Our guides know Kaua’i intimately and are trained to handle first aid and other safety concerns common on local trails. Beyond that, our guides will enrich your experience by teaching you about local history, flora & fauna — and, of course, by picking the perfect trail for your private group. It’s our job and passion to make sure you have the best possible experience while on Kaua’i!

Of all the major Hawaiian Islands, Kaua’i scores the highest for hiking. That means you have a ton of great options, and likely, not enough time to explore…

​We know there are many adventure tour companies to choose from on Kaua’i, but most don’t specialize in hiking. Here at Kaua’i Hiking Tours, that’s what we do–we hike! Our guides are local hiking phenoms, scouring the island in their free time to find the best hikes for you. We study up on our local history, nature, and wildlife, and we make sure our safety certifications are up to date. We’re one of the only hiking companies on Kaua’i that is a member of the Kaua’i Visitors Bureau and permitted by both the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and State of Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to lead tours on state land; and transport passengers in our vehicles. That means we are safe, always prepared, and take our work seriously. Relax, you’re on vacation. Leave the planning to us!

Ever an “island conscious” company, we keep in mind how our actions now will affect Kaua’i’s precious natural and cultural resources for years to come. We are one of only three Kauaʻi tour companies certified as a “Sustainable Tour Operator” through the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaiʻi’s stringent certification process.

Not just hiking – in addition to day hikes (from beginner-advanced), we also offer several types of “hands-on” cultural tours, picturesque driving tours, all-inclusive multi-day tours, and other island adventure activities tours. Thereʻs something for everyone, from those who want to pack on the miles, to those that prefer a more laid-back experience, without missing out on any of the “epicness.”

Tours range in length from 2 – 10+ hours (or more, if you’re looking for an overnight tour). Tour times are from pick-up to drop-off. Most hiking tours include a driving tour and driving tours include the option to take a short hike. For more information, check out our Tours page.

The majority of our tours are Private Tours, custom designed for you and your group only. When you schedule a private tour, we work with you to make sure your tour is personalized to best fit your needs. The cost is the same for 1-4 people. There is an additional per person cost for groups larger than 4.

Kauaʻi Hiking Tours prides itself as an alternative to generic group tours. Group Tour options are available by special request, at a reduced per person rate, to those interested in saving money and/or making new friends on their tour. The cost of the tour will be divided by the number of people signed up. If 4 or more people are signed up we will offer a standard per person price.

We occasionally post group tour requests on the Kauaʻi Hiking Tours Public Schedule Calendar for individuals and couples looking for other private parties interested in the same tour on the same day. Please note that if the other party suddenly cancels, your trip may be canceled too. Please contact us directly to inquire about single traveler discounts we occasionally offer.

We offer a wide range of custom tours with prices that range in cost from $60 – $195/person. Most private tours are priced per group of 4; however there is no minimum amount of people required for these tours.

Private groups with more than 4 people are charged an additional per person fee equal to, or less than, the per person price for that tour. We offer individual traveler discounts and/or will group you with other solo travelers when possible.

Tipping is encouraged, but not required. If you enjoyed your tour, say thank you to your guide with a tip. A customary tip for adventure tour guides is 15-20%.

Yes, we offer large group tours! We understand how much pressure there can be to satisfy everyone, which is why we’re here to help you out. Perhaps you’re visiting the island with young children and grandparents, or there may be several families who all want to do a hike together. We can put together a hike that suits your group, and we can provide multiple hiking guides, if necessary.

Yes, we offer multi-day tours! If you are interested in booking a multi-day tour, please contact us, and we will send you a listing of options and prices.

Yes, in most cases transportation is provided. We can accommodate up to 4 people in most of our SUV-style vehicles, up to 6 or 7 in our extended SUV vehicles, and up to 14 people in our 4×4 van (as available). On some occasions it may make more sense to arrange for the guide to hop in with you, or have you follow them in your vehicle and/or meet them at the trailhead.

We meet at the trailhead or at a centralized location between where you are staying and where the tour will be. In special cases, if arranged in advance, we may be able to pick you up from your accommodations. A Motor Carrier Certificate is required by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to transport passengers on public roads. Our certificate number is 3611-C and it is approved for both the 1 – 7 and 8 – 25 passenger classifications.

Equipment needs depend on the tour you book. Immediately upon purchasing your hike, a trip-specific list of recommended equipment, aka “gear list,” will be included in your confirmation email. If you don’t have something on the gear list, don’t worry! Let your guide know, we will find a way to make it work (most guides have a stockpile of “lender gear”).

Your guide will carry a well-stocked first aid kit, extra sunscreen, extra water, and bug spray, and hike specific safety equipment as needed (what the guide brings/has available will vary from guide to guide). Your guide will call you a day or two before your tour begins to check in. Please be sure to bring up anything you think you might need at that time.

An audio explanation of “vital island hiking gear list” can be found at the 34:24 point of Aloha Kaua’i Vaca5tion – Kaua’i Talk Podcast – Episode #31.

If you’re booking a multi-day or overnight backpacking tour we can provide whatever gear you need to borrow. For maximum comfort and future continued enjoyment, we highly recommend you get fitted for and buy your own backpack(s) at your local outdoor store before your trip. Comprehensive multi-day/overnight tour pricing packages and “gear lists” are provided directly via email. You will be contacted by your guide after booking to discuss meal options for your trip.

Keep in mind that the weather on Kaua’i is localized and changes often. Additionally, the temperature is generally about 15 degrees colder in Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon State Park(s) than on the coast (especially in the winter). For this reason, we request that you heed the gear list and do your best to prepare accordingly. Check out our How To Dress For Success On Your Next Hike blog post for more information about preparing for your trip in terms of clothing and footwear.

Every tour is different in this regard. Our shorter tours will be done before noon, or begin after lunch, so you will just need to pack water and some snacks. Typically we do not provide food due to the variety of unique dietary needs and food preferences. However, most of our tours include tasty snacks and/or seasonal local fruit. Our vehicles will have extra drinking water and coolers for guests to use. For hikes to Waimea Canyon & Kōkeʻe State Park(s) we recommend having the guide stop for lunch between hikes/lookouts at the rustic Kōkeʻe Lodge (they have excellent food and are located where all of the action is). Our longer East Side tours and North Shore driving tours can usually include a stop at a local favorite for some “ono grindz” (Hawaiian pidgin for “tasty food”).

Note: In some cases custom catered meals can be arranged for an additional fee.

Rain is the reason the garden isle is so lush, it often provides dynamic picture taking opportunities and blesses us with an ample supply of rainbows! Tours operate rain or shine, except in the most extreme cases. Keep in mind that just because it’s raining where you are, doesn’t mean it will be raining where your tour will be, and vice-versa. The good news: fun can be had regardless, there is still plenty to see and experience regardless of the islands mood! Additionally, rain showers are often localized and usually do not last long.

We encourage you to keep an open mind and a positive attitude regarding rain. Our guides are better than most at studying and predicting island weather but, alas, we are not full-on weather genies, yet. Rescheduling to another day is often a fool’s errand as the weather on this island is notoriously unpredictable. Leading up to your tour your guide will update you on the weather situation and tour possibilities. If your tour is in jeopardy of being cancelled, we will contact you as soon as possible. If we decide to cancel your tour (this is rare), you will have the option to reschedule for another day or be given a full refund.

You may cancel up until 5 days before your tour starts. No cancellations, changes or refunds can be made within 5 days of your tour, but we will attempt to reschedule you if possible. Cancellations made more than 5 days before the start of the tour may be subject to a 10% service charge.

We’d love to hear from you! If you have other questions, please do not hesitate to send us an email: info@KauaiHikingTours.com, or call us at 808-212-9928.