OVERVIEW

Enjoy an evening of island flavors and theatrical storytelling at Luau Kalamaku on the grounds of Kilohana Plantation. Begin with a generous buffet featuring local specialties and a tempting selection of desserts. As part of the cultural experience, guests may be invited to watch the roast pig emerge from the traditional fire pit. The atmosphere builds as torches blaze and the stage comes alive with graceful hula. Powerful fire dancing adds energy and drama to the celebration. Music, narration and dance trace the ancient Polynesian sea journeys that led the original Hawaiians to the islands. This engaging combination of cuisine and performance offers a colorful introduction to Hawaiian culture and tradition.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Celebrate Hawaiian culture at historic Kilohana Plantation.
• Observe the traditional fire-pit presentation when offered.
• Enjoy graceful hula and high-energy fire dancing.
• Follow the story of Polynesian voyaging through music and narration.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a close-up view of one of Kauai’s signature cultural celebrations with premium seating at Luau Kalamaku. The experience begins at the traditional fire pit, where the roast pig is presented before dinner. Settle in for a plentiful buffet featuring local favorites and desserts. With your seat positioned in the second row behind the stage-front section, you will be well placed to appreciate the details of the performance. Hula dancers move to the rhythm of Hawaiian music as the story unfolds. Fire dancers then bring speed, skill and drama to the torch-lit stage. Through dance, narration and song, the production follows the Polynesian voyages that led the first Hawaiians across the Pacific.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Journey through Polynesian history in story and song.
• Witness the traditional fire-pit presentation.
• Sample a generous buffet of local dishes and sweets.
• See Hawaiian hula and thrilling fire dancing up close.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

On this introduction to the “Garden Isle,” you’ll explore two of Kauai’s most dramatic natural attractions - the 3,000-foot deep Waimea Canyon and the lush landscapes lining the Wailua River, including the famed Fern Grotto.

From a lookout point high above, you’ll have a panoramic view of Waimea Canyon and its array of rainbow colors, created by the reds and browns of exposed volcanic rock mingled with the blues and greens of lush tropical vegetation. This magnificent gorge is 10 miles long, one mile wide and 3,000 feet deep. You’ll want to bring a camera to capture the spectacular beauty of this natural work of art.

Board a riverboat for a cruise up the tranquil Wailua River as it floats past jungle landscapes on the way to Fern Grotto. This beautiful lava cavern, dripping with ferns, forms a natural amphitheater with excellent acoustics. At the grotto, keeping with island custom, a chorus will serenade you with the traditional Hawaiian Wedding Song.

Discover Waimea Canyon, the breathtaking gorge in the heart of Kauai that is one of the island’s most dramatic natural attractions. You’ll begin your scenic drive by passing through a tunnel of trees, and traveling along Kauai’s south coast, on its one main highway.

From a lookout point high above, you’ll have a panoramic view of Waimea Canyon and its array of rainbow colors, created by the reds and browns of exposed volcanic rock mingled with the blues and greens of lush tropical vegetation. This magnificent gorge is 10 miles long, one mile wide and 3,000 feet deep. You’ll want to bring a camera to capture the spectacular beauty of this natural work of art.

OVERVIEW

Experience the natural beauty and relaxed charm of Kauai on a scenic journey through lush landscapes, river valleys, coastal viewpoints, and historic island landmarks. Cruise along the peaceful Wailua River to the fern-covered Fern Grotto, where Hawaiian music and tropical surroundings create a memorable cultural experience. Continue to the Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge area for sweeping ocean views and possible seabird sightings, then enjoy time in Hanalei with a quick lunch stop, views of Hanalei Bay and its iconic pier, and a glimpse of historic Waioli Huiia Church. Before returning to Nawiliwili, stop for photos at beautiful Opaekaa Falls, one of Kauai’s most beloved waterfalls.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise along the peaceful Wailua River to the lush and legendary Fern Grotto.
• Capture beautiful island views at Opaekaa Falls, Wailua River Overlook, and the Kilauea Lighthouse area.
• Discover North Shore favorites including Anini Beach, Princeville, Hanalei Pier, Waioli Church, and Hanalei Taro Overlook.
• Enjoy an included picnic-style lunch and drink during your Kauai adventure.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes for short walks and scenic stops.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for outdoor viewpoints and beach areas.

Board a flat-bottom motor launch for your journey up the tranquil Wailua River as it floats past lush jungle landscapes on the way to Fern Grotto. This beautiful lava cavern, dripping with ferns, forms a natural amphitheater with excellent acoustics. At the grotto, keeping with island custom, a chorus will serenade you with the traditional Hawaiian Wedding Song. Travel by moto coach into the valley of the Sleeping Giant, where you'll find Opaekaa Falls, cascading down the hillside into a hidden pool.

OVERVIEW

Discover Kauai’s natural beauty, sacred history and cultural traditions on a full-day journey that concludes at Luau Kalamaku. Travel along the coast to Hikinaakala Heiau, an ancient place of worship for Native Hawaiians. Continue to Opaekaa Falls, one of Kauai’s notable waterfalls, before passing through Lihue and the town of Koloa, recognized as the birthplace of Hawaii’s sugar industry. A featured stop is Waimea Canyon, where exposed volcanic rock creates dramatic layers of red and brown across the landscape. Take time to appreciate the sweeping views and capture photographs from the lookout. Later, arrive at historic Kilohana Plantation for a traditional luau celebration. As torches blaze, hula, energetic fire dancing, story and song recount the ancient Polynesian voyages that brought the original Hawaiians to these islands.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Hikinaakala Heiau and learn of its sacred significance.
• View the scenic waters of Opaekaa Falls.
• Pass through Lihue and historic Koloa.
• Photograph the colorful volcanic landscape of Waimea Canyon.
• Conclude with hula, fire dancing and storytelling at Luau Kalamaku.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit the movie locations for some of Hollywood’s most celebrated films and then snap your own pictures at gorgeous Opaeka’a Falls. As you approach the various film locations, you will watch videos of scenes that were shot there and then stand exactly in those spots. You will see the pier at Ahukini Landing from the John Wayne classic “Donavan’s Reef,” the park that played a significant role in Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaii” and Kilauea Lighthouse Overlook, where parts of “Jurassic Park” were shot. Other highlights include pausing for photos at picture-perfect locations for films such “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Honeymoon in Vegas” and “The Descendants” with George Clooney. As you will see, the Hanalei pier is so photogenic that it has been in numerous film classics, including “South Pacific.” As a parting shot, you will stop at Opaeka’a Falls, a setting that just begs to be captured on film.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stand exactly where movie stars shot famous scenes from classic films.
• Visit locations for films such as “Jurassic Park,” “Blue Hawaii” and “South Pacific.”
• Spend free time in Hanalei, where you may enjoy lunch on your own.
• Capture the beauty of Oscar-worthy Opaeka’a Falls.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

McBryde and Allerton Gardens are breathtaking wonders and part of the network of gardens and preserves that make up the National Tropical Botanical Garden, you’ll have an opportunity to explore both of these jewels on this tour.

Allerton Garden is a masterpiece of landscape design. Stroll through the expertly crafted, colorful garden rooms and marvel at the collection of exotic plants, towering Jurassic trees, sculptures and water features.

Further up the Lawai Valley in the McBryde Garden – the flagship garden of National Tropical Botanical Garden and home to the largest collection of native Hawaiian plants in existence. Discover spectacular displays of vivid tropical plants and visit a beautiful waterfall surrounded by the garden’s lush tropical flora.

A deli lunch is served stream side under a covered gazebo. After the tour you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy the South Shore Visitors Center and a stop at Spouting Horn blowhole before returning to the pier.

Hike through the rainforest in Huleia National Wildlife Refuge to two spectacular waterfalls, where you may swim in the refreshing pools below. The refuge is closed to the public to protect the endangered species, but you will enjoy special access to this natural wonderland. As you follow a descending trail, the guide will describe the lush flora, which may include wild coffee, lobster claw heliconia and hau trees, the branches of which Hawaiians once used to make outrigger floats. Named for its stand of graceful bamboo, Bamboo Falls is the smaller of the cascades, while Papakolea Falls plummets down more than 60 feet. Both are breathtaking. Feel free to swim, stand under the waterfalls for a natural massage or simply relax on the rocky shore and behold nature’s beauty. Later, you will gaze out over Menehune Fish Pond, home to dozens of avian species such as the nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold two little-known waterfalls in Huleia National Wildlife Refuge.
• Swim in the pools below the cascades or simply enjoy the beautiful peaceful settings.
• Learn about the surrounding flora and fauna, much of it indigenous and endangered.
• Admire nearby natural areas such as the Menehune Fish Pond.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen and insect repellant.
• Wear water shoes or walking shoes with good traction.

OVERVIEW

Experience two signature sides of Kilohana Plantation with a narrated railway journey followed by an evening of Hawaiian dining and entertainment. Settle into an elegant mahogany passenger car aboard the authentic narrow-gauge Kauai Plantation Railroad for a 30-minute ride through the estate. Along the way, lively conductors share stories of Kilohana’s plantation history and commercial farming on Kauai today. Pass fields and gardens planted with sugar cane, pineapple, banana, papaya, coffee, tropical flowers and hardwood trees. After the train ride, continue to Luau Kalamaku, where a lavish buffet of local delicacies and desserts awaits. Guests may also have the opportunity to gather near the traditional fire pit and watch the roast pig emerge. As torches blaze, graceful hula, energetic fire dancing, story and song bring the ancient Polynesian sea voyages to Hawaii to life.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Board an elegant railcar for a plantation journey.
• Discover Kilohana Plantation’s history and present-day farming.
• View tropical crops, flower gardens and hardwood trees along the route.
• Witness an immersive cultural show of dance, fire, and music

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an extended evening at Kilohana Plantation that combines a scenic train ride, dinner in the restored manor house and premium seating at Luau Kalamaku. Begin aboard an elegant mahogany passenger car on the plantation’s authentic narrow-gauge railway. As you travel through fields of sugar cane, pineapple, banana, papaya and coffee, entertaining conductors share the history of the estate and the story of commercial farming on Kauai today. Continue to 22 North, the beautifully restored manor house that recalls the golden age of the island’s sugar industry. Admire its fine woods and Art Deco details before dining on Kauai-grown meats, fish and produce, including fruits and vegetables from Kilohana’s orchard and agricultural park. After dinner, you will be escorted to the luau and seated in the premium section. Hula, energetic fire dancing, story and song then bring the ancient Polynesian voyages to Hawaii to life beneath the glow of blazing torches.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Kilohana Plantation by train
• View the agricultural landscape and learn about farming on Kauai
• Taste dishes featuring Kauai-grown meats, fish and produce
• Watch Luau Kalamaku from included premium seating

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.