FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Karen Tilley, founder of Kauai Eden Tours.
A licensed and insured tour operator with the State of Hawaii.

Our customized tours provide the best of Eden.

Direct Access to Hidden Gems
Discover Kauai’s best-kept secrets, from secluded waterfalls to breathtaking vistas, far away from the crowds.

  1. Personalized Itineraries
    We tailor every tour to your preferences—whether you’re an adventure seeker, a beach lover, or a cultural explorer.

  2. Local Knowledge
    Our experienced guides share stories, history, and insights that bring the Garden Isle to life.

  3. Relax and Explore at Your Pace
    No rush, no schedules—just you and the beauty of Kauai, your way.

We offer a range of experiences to suit every traveler:

  • Adventure Seekers:
    Hike the stunning Kuilau Ridge Trail, swim in mountain pools, or explore rugged trails with panoramic views.

  • Beach Lovers:
    Relax on uncrowded, pristine beaches with emerald cliffs and turquoise waters as your backdrop.

  • Plant Enthusiasts:
    Visit beautiful gardens, learn about Kauai’s rich yet threatened ecosystem, and connect with local traditions.

  • Can I customize my tour for specific activities?
    Absolutely! Whether you want to focus on hiking, snorkeling, or cultural sites, we’ll design a tour that matches your preferences.

    How many people can join a private tour?
    Our tours are perfect for individuals, couples, families, and small groups of up to 14 people.

WILL YOU BE OUR TOUR GUIDE?

Yes! I am the guide myself so that I can 100% guarantee that you will have the exact experience you are looking for. I truly love meeting new people and showing them this island, and am very grateful to be a part of your trip to Hawaii.

ARE YOU LICENSED AND INSURED?

Of course! I carry commercial liability insurance and am fully tax compliant. While I don't hold transportation licenses as I won't be driving you, know I prioritize safety and legal compliance in all aspects of my services.

HOW LONG ARE THE PRIVATE TOURS?

My Short and Sweet Tours are 2 - 3 hours.

Full length tours are typically 6 hours. While booking, you can add additional hours on Full Day tours. This is a great idea if you are here only for a day or two and want to experience as much of Kauai before you go. .

On booking, you can easily reserve other excursions for your vacation. We’ll visit some of the premier beaches, locations and lookouts on Kauai.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CANCEL MY TOUR?

You can cancel within 5 days to the start time of the tour, your money is refunded minus a $100 non-refundable deposit.

Within 48 hours of the tour, Half the tour cost is refunded. Cruise ship Passengers : If the boat does not dock, then all the money is refunded.

WHEN DO WE BEGIN AND END OUR TOUR?

Typically, we start at 9 am for a fresh start. However, if you're keen on visiting Tunnels Beach during our North Shore tour, we need to kick off at 7:30 am.

If you require additional time in the morning, just let me know beforehand so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Since yours is a private tour, it can be shortened if you like, but it’s not longer than scheduled. I know that people have orher plans for the day.

WHAT IF IS PREDICTED TO RAIN OR IS RAINING HARD?

When there is a Flash Flood Warning ( a very rare event), tours are cancelled and all money refunded.
We go rain or shine. The weather man can say it's going to rain, when it will be a .25 of an inch 60 miles away. Rain means vibrant rainbows and raindrops on flowers. Kauai has extremely variable weather so don't worry.

WHAT IS THE PRICE FOR YOUR TOUR AND WHAT DOES IT COVER?

Every tour I offer includes:

A personalized private exploration of Kauai

Delicious local snacks

Map of where we are exploring

Play Costumes and Toy Dinosaurs (This is after all, Jurassic Park as well as Gilligan’s Island)

Photos of movie scenes taken right where we are

Ample supply of bottled water

Recommendations for dining and activities from your new friend here!

DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS FOR MULTIPLE-DAY TOURS?

Absolutely! I provide a $50 discount for second or third day tours. And, if your group exceeds seven people, get in touch via email for the arrangements.

CAN I PAY BE CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT CARD?

Certainly! You can absolutely pay using your credit or debit card. I utilize FareHarbor for managing bookings via this website, a widely trusted system used by tour companies globally. Payments are securely processed through STRIPE, a long-standing company, ensuring your transaction is safe and reliable.

ARE WE PLANNING TO STOP FOR LUNCH?

Would you like to stop for lunch, or would you prefer to continue exploring? If you're hungry, I can recommend some fantastic local spots where you can sample the renowned flavors of the island!

IS LUNCH PROVIDED?

No, lunch is not included. On average, meals typically range from $10 to $15 per person, depending on your choice of items.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

It's best to travel light, as break-ins are unfortunately common around the island. Additionally, there are stops where we'll need to bring all bags out of the vehicle with us.

Dress comfortably in casual wear, sunhat, and sandals. If you're interested in taking strolls or hikes, bring along a backpack and running shoes.

If you're planning to swim during the tour, don't forget to pack towels, swim wear and sunscreen. Also, ensure you have some cash on hand for lunch, as some food trucks may not accept credit cards.

DO YOU ACCEPT TIPS?

While tipping isn't customary in many of the countries my customers come from, if you've had an exceptional experience and feel inclined to leave a tip, it's always appreciated. However, please don't feel obligated to do so!

WILL THERE BE OTHERS ON THIS TOUR?

Absolutely not! This adventure is 100% private, exclusively for you and your group.

WHAT ROUTE DO YOU USUALLY TAKE?

Each tour is unique and entirely customizable, but you can explore some of my favorite destinations on the "TOUR" page.

WHAT VEHICLE WILL WE USE?

You'll be in your own car, and you driving, or if you prefer, I can guide the way in, caravan-style. On our Short and Sweet tours, vehicles are parked for the excursion.

HOW CAN I BE SURE THIS IS LEGIT? I'VE NEVER HIRED HIRED A PRIVATE GUIDE BEFORE!

I completely understand your concerns. Check out my reviews on TripAdvisor and browse my posts on Facebook to get a feel for the experiences I offer. I'm passionate about what I do and confident you'll have a fantastic time with me.

WE'RE INTERESTED! HOW DO WE BOOK?

Call us at 1-808-634-4575 or email KauaiEdenTours@gmail.com. Feel free to reach out with any questions you have. My schedule tends to book up quickly so please reach out soon to secure your spot.