Description
- Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from near the cruise pier!
- English speaking, local and trained Kauai shore excursion guides!
- Visit to Waimea Canyon!
- Photo stop at Waimea Town!
- Photo stop at Spouting Horn!
Although Mark Twain never visited Waimea Canyon, Hawaiian folklore says he gave it its nickname, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". Even though much smaller than its namesake in Arizona, there are striking similarities in this colorful 14 mile (22.5 km) long, one mile (1.6 km) wide gorge that reaches depths of up to 3600 feet (1,097 m).
From the cruise pier in Nawiliwili, it is approximately 90 minutes driving time to the northwest side of Kauai, home to the Waimea Canyon State Park. Erosion has slowly created the deep chasms of the canyon over millions of years. In addition, the ground underneath has collapsed under the earth's surface, giving Wailea its own unique terrain. A photo stop is made at the lookout, which is 3400 feet, 1036 meters above the canyon floor. Here you will have a bird's eye view of the many multicolored cliffs, buttes, jagged crags. The views are majestic so do not forget your camera!
On the return drive, you will visit the southwest coast of the island. You will drive through the small town of Waimea, where Captain James Cook first set foot on Hawaiian soil in 1778. He would be killed a year later, during a skirmish with the natives on the big island of Hawaii. In the center of town, you will see a statue of Cook, similar to one that stands in his hometown in England.
While on the Poipu coast, a photo stop will be made at the Spouting Horn, a blowhole that legend says contains a sea serpent. You will also pass through Old Koloa Town. Hawaii's first sugar plantation was started nearby in 1834, and the town sprung up to supply the plantation and sugar workers. Many of the quaint old buildings, now home to boutiques, galleries and cafes, are original structures that have been restored in recent years.
From here, it is approximately 30 minutes back to your cruise pier in Nawiliwili Maui.
Where we meet
For the Kauai Grand Waimea Canyon Excursion, you will meet on the Nawiliwili Kauai cruise pier. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.
Cancellation
Cancellations up to 24 hours prior to excursion are subject to a 15% cancellation fee. Cancellations within 24 hours prior to excursion are not refundable.
For the Kauai Grand Waimea Canyon Excursion, we issue full refund for your deposit or full payment to us if: Canceled by client prior to excursion date with a minimum of 24 hours prior notice by email to reservations@shoreexcursioneer.com.
For cancellation reasons below, you must contact us via email within 14 days after your excursion:
- Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
- Your ship skips/misses the port.
- Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
- A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
- Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
- Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.
