Frequently Asked Questions
Why hire a guide?
Kauaʻi offers a myriad of 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 Kauaʻi Hiking Tours -- we will keep you safe, on the trail, and prepared with the appropriate equipment. Our guides know Kauaʻi 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!
Kauaʻi offers a myriad of 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 Kauaʻi Hiking Tours -- we will keep you safe, on the trail, and prepared with the appropriate equipment. Our guides know Kauaʻi 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!
Why should I choose Kauaʻi Hiking Tours?
Of all the major Hawaiian Islands, Kauaʻi 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 Kauaʻi, but most don’t specialize in hiking. Here at Kauaʻi 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 Kauaʻi that is a member of the Kauaʻi 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!
Why should I choose Kauaʻi Hiking Tours?
Of all the major Hawaiian Islands, Kauaʻi 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 Kauaʻi, but most don’t specialize in hiking. Here at Kauaʻi 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 Kauaʻi that is a member of the Kauaʻi 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!
What makes Kauaʻi Hiking Tours unique?
Ever an “island conscious” company, we keep in mind how our actions now will affect Kauaʻi’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 Hawai’i Ecotourism Association's stringent certification process. For more information please visit: www.HawaiiEcotourism.org
In addition to donating time and money to the various local causes we believe in, we do our best to share indigenous knowledge that’s been passed down through generations. On some of our tours we will have the privilege to meet with trusted “kūpuna” (ancestor, or [honored] elder), as they generously share stories and forgotten wisdom. On all of our tours we will learn about the diverse array of native and non-native species that call “The Garden Isle” home. Most of our tours will also include the option of sampling at least one of the wild foods growing in abundance along Kauaʻi’s roads and trails. We hope through these efforts you will also connect deeply with Kauaʻi, and develop the desire to “mālama ka ‘aina” (love and care for the land).
What types of tours do you offer?
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 2.5 - 9+ 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.
What's the difference between a private tour and a group tour?
A Private Tour is 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.
Group Tours work best if you're on a budget and don't mind hiking with others! Every Wednesday, we feature a non-private group tour at a per-person cost. Occasionally we will make exceptions and schedule group tours on days when multiple private parties are interested in the same tour on the same day. Please note that there is always a 4 person minimum requirement - this means that if the other party suddenly cancels, your trip may be canceled too. Additionally, we prefer the flexibility to fine tune each custom trip for the specific interests, needs, and fitness level(s) of each private group/participant.
What do your tours cost? Is a tip required?
Tours range in cost from $75 - $175/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 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%.
Can you accommodate large private groups?
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.
Do you offer multi-day or overnight backpacking hikes?
Yes, we offer multi-day or overnight backpacking hikes! If you are interested in booking a multi-day or overnight hike, please contact us, and we will send you a listing of our prices.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is provided. We can accommodate up to 4 people in most of our SUV-style vehicles, 14 in our Ford E-350 XLT van and 14 in our Ford E-350 XLT 4x4 van.
Where do we meet before the tour?
For most Private Tours we will pick you up from your hotel, or from at a centralized location near where you're staying, or near where your tour will be.
Our group tour will meet at Kauai Hiking Tours Headquarters: 1941 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI 96756. KHT headquarters is located directly underneath Kalapaki Joe’s POIPU restaurant (park in the large circular shared parking lot: <click here for a Map Showing Our Exact Location>). Alternate meeting locations are available for tours to the East Shore and North Shore.
What equipment will I need?
Equipment needs depend on the tour you book. Within 24 hours of 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 (we have a stockpile of “lender gear”).
Your guide will carry a well-stocked first aid kit, extra sunscreen and bug spray, and hike specific safety equipment as needed. Please 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. 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.
If you’re booking a multi-day or overnight backpacking tour, we offer equipment rentals at an additional cost (included in the multi-day/overnight tour pricing package, which we will provide by request via email).
Finally, a pair of slippas (sandals, beach footwear [Hawaiian pidgin English]), small towel, trash bag, and extra set of clean dry clothes can make the drive home much more comfortable on days with wild, invigorating weather (trash bag is for stowing potentially wet and muddy clothes & footwear).
What about food? Is it provided? What should I pack? Is there somewhere we can stop?
Every tour is different in this regard. Our shorter tours will be done before noon, 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, all 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 most of our hikes you will also have the option of pre-ordering “grindz” (food [Hawaiian pidgin English]) to go from an “ʻono” (delicious, tasty) local establishment. For hikes to Waimea Canyon & Koke'e State Park(s) you can call ahead and order food & drink to go from Little Fish Coffee (opens @ 6:30 am) in historic Hanapepe Town: click here for their menu & phone number.
Note: A custom catered meal can be arranged for an additional fee.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours operate rain or shine, except in the most extreme cases. Keep in mind that just because it’s raining at your hotel doesn’t mean it'll be raining on your tour or vice-versa. The good news, it usually doesn’t last long. Rain is the reason the garden isle is so lush, it provides more dynamic picture taking opportunities and blesses us with an ample supply of rainbows! If your tour is in jeopardy of being cancelled, we will contact you as soon as possible. If we decide to cancel your tour, you will have the option to reschedule for another day or be given a full refund.
What's the cancellation policy?
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 more than 5 days before the tour start date are subject to a 10% service charge.
What should I do if I have other questions?
We’d love to hear from you! If you have other questions, please do not hesitate to send us an email: [email protected], or call us at 808-212-9928.
