Cruise Ship Shore Excursions | Book Kauai Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Sightseeing / Guided Tours

Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursions

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Make the most of your Kauai cruise stop with shore excursions departing from Nawiliwili Harbor. Explore the island’s natural beauty with tours to Waimea Canyon, Wailua River, Fern Grotto, or the stunning Na Pali Coast. Choose from scenic drives, kayaking, boat cruises, or cultural experiences with convenient pick-up near the harbor. With guided tours designed to fit your cruise schedule, discover why Kauai is known as Hawaii’s “Garden Isle.”

Discover the Best Kauai Shore Excursions




What You’ll Do

Explore Kauai’s top natural and cultural attractions in just one day:

  • Wailua River Cruise – Enjoy a scenic boat ride to the lush Fern Grotto on Kauai’s only navigable river.
  • Waimea Canyon – Marvel at panoramic views of the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
  • Spouting Horn & Opaekaa Falls – Visit iconic natural landmarks and photo spots.
  • Kilohana Plantation – Discover local heritage and historic sugar plantation grounds.
  • Kauai Movie Tour – Visit filming locations from Jurassic Park, South Pacific, and more.
  • Smith’s Luau – Experience an authentic Polynesian dinner and cultural show.



What’s Included

  • Round-trip transportation from Nawiliwili Harbor
  • Professional local tour guide
  • Admission fees (where applicable)
  • Lunch or refreshments on select tours
  • Fully narrated cultural and historical insights



Who Should Join

  • Cruise passengers with limited port time
  • Couples seeking scenic day trips
  • Families looking for guided, worry-free experiences
  • Solo travelers who prefer group tours
  • Senior travelers seeking easy access tours with transportation



Why Choose This Experience

  • Guaranteed Return to Ship – All tours are scheduled to match cruise ship times
  • Local Expertise – Guides with deep knowledge of Kauai’s history and culture
  • Top Attractions in One Day – Efficient itineraries with zero rental car stress
  • Free Cancellation – Flexible booking options for cruise passengers
  • High Satisfaction – Popular tours with excellent customer reviews



Accessibility & Logistics

  • Departure: Near Nawiliwili Harbor (details provided after booking)
  • Language: Most tours conducted in English
  • Group Size: Small to medium-sized for comfort
  • Booking: Advanced reservations recommended as tours sell out



FAQ

What are the best Kauai shore excursions for cruise passengers?

Top-rated options include the Waimea Canyon & Wailua River Cruise, Smith’s Luau with Fern Grotto Combo, and the Kauai Movie Sites Tour. All are cruise-friendly and include round-trip transportation.

Will I get back to my ship on time?

Yes. All tours are scheduled to ensure you return to your cruise ship on time, with a guaranteed return to ship.

Where do tours depart from?

Tours depart from or near Nawiliwili Harbor. Exact pick-up instructions are provided after booking.

Should I book in advance?

Yes. Popular tours often sell out, especially when multiple cruise ships are in port. Booking early secures your spot.

Are there private or small group options?

Yes. Select tours offer small group or private formats for a more personalized experience. Look for "Private Tour" in the title.

What can I see in just one day on Kauai?

You can explore Waimea Canyon, Wailua River, Fern Grotto, Spouting Horn, Opaekaa Falls, and even enjoy a luau or movie tour—all within a single day’s itinerary.

Are meals included?

Some tours include lunch or refreshments. Each tour page details whether meals are provided under “Inclusions.”

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen, a light jacket, and a camera. Bug spray is useful for river or outdoor tours.

Top-Rated Activities for Kauai

Latest reviews of Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursions

Kauai Shore Excursion: Explore Waimea Canyon, Spouting Horn & Guided Scenic Tour

Great excursion

2025/09/09 Others Rick

We took this excursion the day leaving port and it was an excellent excursion. The views of the canyon were beautiful. Leone was a great guide.

Kauai Shore Excursion: Waimea Canyon, Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto Tour

A busy day!

2025/05/07 Families Kara

This really wraps up the south shores perfectly while cruising, ending with Fern Grotto was perfect.

Kauai Shore Excursion: Explore Waimea Canyon, Spouting Horn & Guided Scenic Tour

Great views and knowledge driver

2024/07/07 Friends Denice

We really enjoyed the trip to the Canyon, very knowledgeable driver and the scenery was magnificent. We did all the main sights in the four hour time. Good value for money. Back to the cruise ship in time for a late lun... more

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Kauai Shore Excursion: Waimea Canyon, Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto Tour

Breathe Taking Waimea Canyon

2024/05/05 Couples CMJ

Do yourself a favour by not missing this awesome natural spectacle that is Waimea Canyon if you’re visiting Kaua’i.
The vastness, colours and wildlife are extraordinary.
Wailea River Cruise was average. Staff on the ba... more

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A Wonderful Experience and Way to See Kauai

2023/09/25 Friends California tourists

Kevin picked us up at our hotel on time and spent the day showing us the west and south sides of Kauai. He gave us lessons in pronouncing Hawaiian words, the geology of Kauai, and history of Kauai, while driving from vie... more

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It struggled to be too comprehensive.

2023/09/09 Couples John

My wife and I had taken guided tours before mainly in the Carribean. On those tours, we stopped for various activities: touring a ruin, lunch on the beach, and a hike through a rainforest. Our guide, Kevin, did an exce... more

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Cruise Ship Shore Excursions | Book Kauai Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Make the most of your Kauai cruise stop with shore excursions departing from Nawiliwili Harbor. Explore the island’s natural beauty with tours to Waimea Canyon, Wailua River, Fern Grotto, or the stunning Na Pali Coast. Choose from scenic drives, kayaking, boat cruises, or cultural experiences with convenient pick-up near the harbor. With guided tours designed to fit your cruise schedule, discover why Kauai is known as Hawaii’s “Garden Isle.”