Discover an enchanting paradise on the Hawaiian archipelago with an array of captivating "things to do in Kauai." Nestled amidst lush greenery and surrounded by the cerulean waters of the Pacific, Kauai is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Begin your exploration with a visit to the iconic Na Pali Coast, where towering emerald cliffs meet the azure sea. Embark on a thrilling boat tour to witness the breathtaking coastline, and don't forget your camera to capture the awe-inspiring beauty.
For those craving outdoor adventures, Kauai offers an abundance of hiking trails, with the Kalalau Trail being a standout choice. Traversing the Na Pali Coast, this challenging trek rewards hikers with panoramic views of the ocean and lush landscapes. Lace up your hiking boots, embrace the challenge, and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur.
To experience the island's cultural richness, explore the historic town of Hanapepe, known for its charming art galleries, local crafts, and vibrant farmers' markets. Engage with the warm-hearted locals and discover the unique blend of tradition and contemporary creativity that defines Kauai's artistic scene.
Things to Do in Kauai
Unwind on the pristine beaches scattered across the island, where golden sands meet the gentle lull of the Pacific waves. Poipu Beach, renowned for its snorkeling and sunbathing opportunities, is a must-visit destination. Let the soothing sounds of the ocean provide the soundtrack to your relaxation as you soak up the Hawaiian sun.
For an adrenaline rush, take to the skies on a helicopter tour to witness Kauai's diverse landscapes from above. Soar over majestic waterfalls, dense rainforests, and awe-inspiring canyons for a perspective that will leave you breathless. This aerial adventure is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating "things to do in Kauai."
To delve deeper into the island's history, visit the Wailua River Valley, home to the Fern Grotto and the sacred Wailua River. Embark on a riverboat cruise to learn about the island's ancient legends while surrounded by the lush tropical scenery. The experience is both educational and enchanting, offering a glimpse into Kauai's rich cultural tapestry.
Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville on the North Shore
Although we stayed in a one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, Hanalei Bay Resort felt more like a typical resort and it was fun to have that experience.
There’s a gorgeous tropical pool with a swim-up bar (where we enjoyed daily cocktails!), a large jacuzzi under a waterfall, live music every afternoon by the pool and in the evenings at the main bar, and lots of facilities including multiple tennis courts.
The location was great just a five-minute walk downhill to lovely Pua Poa Beach and a short drive to Hanalei. The mountain views are stunning, and you pay much less than at the fancy resort next door.
The downsides were rather dated decor (but it depends which unit you get) and a disorganised check-in process (our room was ready late).
Despite this, I do recommend it for a resort experience but with the convenience of self-catering accommodation.
1) Helicopter Tour Over Kauai
Our favourite experience on Kauai was taking a helicopter trip over the whole island.
The diversity and beauty of the island is remarkable as you fly over waterfalls and beaches, red and green canyons, and weave in and out of the inlets of the Napali Coast.
It’s not a cheap experience (a 60-minute doors off tour with Jack Harter costs $359 per person or with Air Kauai it’s $353), but it’s worth saving up for this Kauai must do.
A cheaper alternative is a scenic small plane ride. The views are just as stunning, but it’s half the price of a helicopter trip (around $155). Check availability with the highly rated Wings Over Kauai here.
Technically, this should be in the east coast section as most helicopter trips leave from Lihue airport in the southeast, but we visited while staying in Poipu (30 minutes away) so I’m including it here.
Make sure to book your helicopter trip for early in your stay to allow time to reschedule if it’s cancelled due to weather.
2) Sail the Napali Coast (and See Whales)
The massive sea cliffs of the Napali Coast are the highlight of Kauai and you can see them by helicopter, boat, and on a challenging hike.
For most visitors to Kauai, a boat trip is a great option.
We signed up with Captain Andy’s for their Star Na Pali Snorkel BBQ Sail trip on a luxury 65-foot catamaran.
In the winter, all boat trips depart from the south coast (ours left from Port Allen) as the ocean is too rough on the north shore.
We did a morning trip, but next time I’d like to take a sunset Napali coast dinner cruise (no snorkelling)—the light on the Napali coast is stunning later in the day.
The sailing trip we did usually includes a snorkelling stop, but ours was cancelled as the conditions weren’t great (a common occurrence in winter).
We didn’t mind as we soon saw a turtle, two large pods of dolphins that swam alongside our boat, and four or five groups of humpback whales.
It was our first time seeing whales and it was wonderful to see these giant creatures jumping out of the ocean.
The Napali coast was as beautiful as we expected, very rugged and colourful.
I didn’t envy the people on rafts battling the 7–8 foot waves as they entered the sea caves, but this is an option if you want more adventure.
The catamaran felt crowded at first, but once people spread out we had enough space. There’s comfortable seating with tables inside and outside as well as trampolines at the front for lounging.
The crew were excellent and the food was good with a BBQ for lunch (request a veggie burger in advance) and the most delicious, freshly baked white chocolate, coconut, and macadamia cookies for dessert. Wine and beer are included and are available from just before lunch.
The Captain Andy’s Star catamaran trip costs $245 per person, check-in is at 7.30am and it lasts 5.5 hours.
There is also a cheaper Classic Na Pali Snorkel Picnic Sail for $215 on a smaller catamaran with a sandwich rather than a BBQ lunch that’s otherwise the same.
I recommend taking a sweater or light jacket as well as your swimwear as I was surprisingly cold on a cloudy day.
In winter, rough seas can mean they sometimes can’t sail up the Napali Coast. In this case, you can reschedule, get a refund, or head out on a different route.
I recommend calling the office at 6.30am before you head to Port Allen if going to Napali is a dealbreaker for you (it was for us).
3) Drive the Waimea Canyon for Stunning Views
Waimea Canyon, in the southwest of the island, is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and is one of the best things to see in Kauai.
The huge canyon is around 14 miles (23 km) long, 1 mile (1.6 km) wide, and up to 3,600 feet (1,100 metres) deep.
The brown and orange ridges are a contrast to the green mountains of the rest of the island.
It’s easy to drive up the canyon and stop at various viewpoints along the way or you can take longer hikes.
Clouds often obscure the views, so it’s best to check the weather before you head up—mornings are usually clearer.
We left Poipu at 7 am and headed straight up to Kokeʻe State Park beyond the canyon (see below) and then stopped at the following viewpoints on the way back down:
Cliff Trail – A 40 minute, 2-mile return hike from the main road (the turnoff is just before the Kokeʻe State Park sign) to a viewpoint overlooking the canyon. You could also drive most of the way here if you have a 4WD or do the longer Canyon Trail to a waterfall. This was quieter than the more accessible viewpoints.
Pu’u Hinahina Lookout – Another fantastic viewpoint just a short walk from the car park. Toilets available.
Waimea Canyon Lookout – The busiest but best view of the canyon and waterfall. At midday we were able to shoot away from the sun so got better photos than at the other viewpoints. There are toilets and a fruit and drink stand.
Make sure you pack warm clothes, rain jackets (which we didn’t need), and a picnic, and be prepared to get muddy if hiking.
Non-Hawaii residents must pay entrance ($5 per person) and parking fees ($10 per vehicle) at Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks. You can pay at pay stations in the parking lots and one payment is valid for both parks.
On the way back down we drove the Kokee road for a different view of Niihau Island.
If you’d rather explore Waimea Canyon (plus some other great spots) on a guided tour, check out this private Secret Kauai Tour.
Recommended Reading: If you are also visiting Maui, see our post on the best Road to Hana stops—this stunning road trip was one of our favourite activities in Hawaii.
4) Hike in Kokeʻe State Park
Kokeʻe State Park is just beyond Waimea Canyon and is known for its hikes and views of the Napali Coast.
We headed straight up Highway 550 to the furthest point, the Pu’u O Kila Lookout. At 8.30am there were only two other cars there, but when we returned at 10 am it was much busier. An early start helps avoid the crowds and the clouds that can roll in.
From the Pu’u O Kila Lookout you can see some of the Napali Coast, but the views are better if you walk the Pihea Trail which follows the rim of the valley.
We walked the Pihea Vista Trail, which was 2.6 miles return and took us 90 minutes.
There’s no need to go all the way, as there are excellent views of the Napali cliffs at the 0.5 and 0.75 mile markers, and beyond that the trail gets scrambly and muddy.
Decent shoes are essential (hiking sandals were fine) and I found a stick that had been left at the beginning useful for some steep sections. It would be very slippery after rain.
You can connect the Pihea Trail to the Swamp Trail for a longer hike or the Awa’awapuhi Trail is another more challenging hike in the park.
Afterwards, we stopped at the Kalalau Lookout (toilets available) for a quick and easy view of Napali before continuing down to Waimea Canyon.
5) See Turtles and Seals on Poipu Beach
We were surprised by how easy it was to see turtles and seals in Hawaii.
All we had to do was stroll along Poipu Beach where we saw eight huge green sea turtles as well as three monk seals sleeping in the sand.
They are protected by law so make sure you don’t touch them or get too close.
Green Sea Turtles at Poipu on the south coast of Kauai
6) Beach Hop Along the South Shore
Exploring the beaches is, of course, one of the top Kauai activities.
Poipu is the main beach on the south shore and it’s well equipped with lifeguards, toilets, picnic tables, and a children’s play area.
There’s a calm section of water that’s ideal for snorkelling and is safe for children. You can also see turtles and seals. It does get busy, though.
See our detailed guide to the best beaches in Kauai to find the perfect beach for you.
We preferred Kiahuna Beach (aka Sheraton Beach as it’s in front of the resort) which connects to Poipu Beach but is quieter.
We stayed right on this beach in a condo at Kiahuna Plantation. This is a good place to learn to surf and lessons and rentals are available at the beach hut at Kiahuna Plantation.
You can also arrange private and group surf lessons on Poipu Beach.
We also enjoyed a walk on Kekaha Beach after visiting Waimea Canyon. It’s long, wide, uncrowded, and you can watch surfers riding the big waves.
It has a wilder, more local feel than Poipu but has no services or shade and isn’t suitable for swimming. It’s easily accessible as you can park right next to the beach.
We considered heading further west to the even wilder and longer beach at Polihale State Park, but you need a 4WD to get down the bumpy access road.
An unusual beach that’s worth a quick visit is Glass Beach in Port Allen. This small cove is in an industrial area and was created from washed-up glass that has been smoothed away to make glittery pebbles of green and white and amber.
The amount of glass depends on the tides and it wasn’t super obvious when we were there.
Recommended Reading: While you are lazing on Kauai’s beaches, read some of these fascinating novels set in Hawaii (including Kauai).
7) Hike the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is a beautiful and fairly easy coastal trail with gorgeous views of the ocean, red cliffs, green mountains, and even whales.
The hike starts at Shipwreck Beach in Poipu near the Grand Hyatt Resort. You can walk as far as you want before turning back.
We went to Punahoa Point near CJM Country Stables, which was about 4 miles return and took about 1.5 hours (we actually walked to and from the trail from Kiahuna Plantation which added an extra 1.5 hours). You could also continue down to the quiet Gillin’s Beach.
It’s best to start early to avoid the heat, take water, and wear a hat. Hiking sandals are best as parts of the trail are through sand and others are on jagged rocks.
Sometimes it’s unclear which way to go, but all the small trails lead the same way in the end.
After the walk we stopped at the Grand Hyatt for a coffee and pastry at the Seaview Terrace, which is basically a Starbucks in the mornings and is not as expensive as we expected.
There’s a lovely view over the grounds and out at the ocean (with free binoculars on the terrace for whale watching). The Grand Hyatt pool looks fantastic and this is one of the top places to stay on the island.
8) Visit the Spouting Horn Blowhole
Blowhole at Spouting Horn Park on the Kauai south coast in Hawaii
Spouting Horn Park is worth a quick stop to see the blowhole of water spouting out from the rocks in the ocean. The sound is otherworldly, like an enraged Hawaiian god.
This was my favourite running destination from Kiahuna (6 miles return) following the coast. There are toilets and a water fountain at the blowhole.
9) Eat Shave Ice
The best Hawaiian treat is shave ice. It’s vastly superior to a snow cone as it’s made with ice shaved so finely that it’s soft and fluffy.
Our favourite was at Waikomo Shave Ice in Poipu. We got ours with macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom (recommended!), all-natural mango and pineapple syrups, and a topping of coconut cream and fresh pineapple. Delicious!
10) Shop and Eat at Warehouse 3540
Warehouse 3540 is a cool warehouse of artisan stalls selling locally made clothes, jewellery and art with some tasty food trucks outside.
It’s a little off the beaten track away from the towns, but it’s only a 10-minute drive from Poipu and is well worth a stop when you’re driving along the south coast.
The shops are open Monday to Saturday from 10am – 4pm and the food stalls have looser hours from around 11am – 7pm (coffee from 8am – 3pm), so check the website.
11) Buy Local Produce at Farmers Markets
Locally grown produce on Kauai is of excellent quality and the best way to buy it is at one of the farmers markets.
Even if you aren’t self-catering, they are worth stopping at for foodie gifts and treats like flavoured macadamia nuts, fruit pies, honey, and jams.
Hale Halawai Farmers Market in Hanalei – A large market with beautiful mountain views and a mix of crafts, clothes, fresh produce, and prepared food. We loved the spicy mango salsa. It’s on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm.
Kukui’ula Kauai Culinary Market in Poipu – Outside a shopping centre on Wednesday afternoons from 3.30–6pm. It was larger than we expected with a range of produce, hot food stalls, foodie gifts, and treats. We loved the mac and cheese from the soup stall and sweet pies from The Right Slice (worth the queue!).
Anaina Hou Community Park on North Shore– We came across this market on the north shore after visiting Secret Beach. It’s much smaller than the Hanalei market but has some of the same stalls including the mango salsa lady and a local goats cheese stall.
We cooled off with a delicious frosty made from frozen banana and pineapple fed through a juicer to make a healthy soft serve. Open on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm.
Another way to experience Kauai’s food scene is on the Local Tastes Small-Group Food Tour. There are options all over the island and some include markets.
12) See Rainbows at Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls double waterfall and rainbow - one of the best Kauai attractions
We didn’t spend a lot of time on the east coast of Kauai, but we did stop at Wailua Falls while driving from the south to our second condo on the north shore.
This beautiful double waterfall is easily accessible (just drive up and park) and often features a rainbow.
Its beauty and ease make it one of the must see places in Kauai.
13) Kayak the Wailua River
On our Kauai bucket list for next time is this kayak trip on the Wailua River.
The five-hour tour includes a local guide and all the gear you need and is suitable for beginners.
You start by paddling down the gorgeous Wailua River Valley, learning about Hawaiian plants, wildlife, and history on the way.
Then you leave the kayaks behind for a 45-minute hike through the rainforest to the 100-foot waterfall, Uluwehi Falls (also known as Secret Falls), where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
14) Hike the Sleeping Giant Trail
View of Kauai from the Sleeping Giant Trail
Another East Kauai activity we plan to do on our next trip is hike the Sleeping Giant trail up Nounou Mountain.
There are a few routes up but the Sleeping Giant East Trail is easiest. The 3.4 mile out and back hike takes most people around two hours.
It’s a steep climb with some scrambling required in rocky sections, but at the top you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the valley and coast.
Start early to avoid the heat and crowds, then get breakfast in nearby Kapaa.
15) Visit Hanalei
Hanalei is a small, laidback surfer town that was our favourite town in Kauai.
You can browse cute shops, eat at excellent food trucks (see the where to eat section below), visit the Saturday morning farmers market, and relax on the beautiful 1.6 mile beach that’s backed by green mountains.
It’s a better beach for surfing than swimming (at least in winter), but we enjoyed walks and sunrise runs along the long stretch of sand and there’s plenty of space for everyone to spread out.
This would be a fantastic town to stay in, but as part of its charm is that there are no big hotels or resorts, accommodation is limited to vacation rentals and prices are high.
16) Beach Hop Along the North Shore
The beaches on Kauai’s north shore are even more beautiful than in the south because they are backed by rugged green mountains.
This does mean they are often less easily accessible and can involve a clamber down a trail to reach. (Hiking sandals like my Teva Verra sandals are better for this than flip flops).
The ocean is rougher in the winter on the north shore than in the south, but there are a few swimmable spots.
A long, popular, and easily accessible surfing beach in a cute town. The surfing here is only suitable for beginners in the summer months.
A small golden sand beach with mountain views and calm water. It’s in front of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and just down a path from Hanalei Bay Resort where we stayed.
The reef means it’s not ideal for swimming but there is a sandy channel I swam in. It can be pretty busy—if you head to the left it’s much quieter but shady.
On the other side of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (follow the narrow path by the tennis courts), this lovely little beach has calm, turquoise water and mountain views.
It’s not a secret but does feel secluded and can only be reached by a short but very steep muddy trail. Some clambering is required but there’s a rope that helps.
Hiking sandals are better than flip-flops and it’s best to have your hands free so pack light. Lots of people were snorkelling here so we wished we’d brought some gear. There’s plenty of shade.
Secret Beach, officially known as Kauapea Beach, on the Kauai north shore
Another not so secret but beautiful beach that’s well worth visiting. Secret Beach (officially known as Kauapea Beach) is much bigger than Hideaways, so there’s plenty of space to find a quiet spot.
It’s a 10-minute walk downhill to get here—the trail is steep and uneven but not as difficult as the one to Hideaways. The ocean was rough in winter so we didn’t swim, but locals surf here.
This is one of the best beaches for swimming on the north shore in the winter with very calm water protected by a reef (you can also snorkel).
It wasn’t our favourite, though, as in the afternoon the narrow beach was mostly shady and the sunny spots were crowded. There are toilets, showers and picnic tables and you can park close by.
We didn’t visit the popular Queen’s Bath as it can be very dangerous in winter and many people have died here. Even if the tidal pool looks calm, rogue waves can come along suddenly and sweep you out to the ocean, so I don’t recommend visiting.
When we visited, the road past Hanalei was closed after serious flooding (it has now reopened but does occasionally close again), so we focused on the beaches in the northeast.
Now that the road past Hanalei has reopened, some of the most beautiful Kauai beaches to visit are Ke’e Beach, Tunnels Beach, and Haena Beach.
You need an advance reservation (up to 30 days in advance) to visit Haena State Park (where Ke’e Beach is) and there are daily visitor limits. See the Haena State Park website for details.
17) See Birds and Coastal Views from Kilauea Lighthouse
The Kilauea Lighthouse is located on a rocky peninsula with fantastic views along the coast.
It’s a wildlife refuge and you can see many seabirds including the red-footed booby, red-tailed tropicbird, lawson albatross, and great frigatebird.
You can borrow binoculars for free from the information centre and get a close-up view of the birds and even whales in the winter.
You can’t go inside the lighthouse—it’s more about enjoying the views and wildlife, although you can read about its history.
You must make a timed reservation to visit Kilauea Lighthouse. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm. It’s quieter later in the day.
The $10 entrance fee felt quite expensive for a quick stop, but it goes towards protecting the birds so it’s a good cause. America the Beautiful NPS passes are valid here.
18) Drink a Sunset Cocktail
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (previously Princeville Resort) is one of the most desirable places to stay in Kauai. We didn’t stay here, but we did splurge on a cocktail at the bar high up on the hillside to enjoy the mountain and ocean views at sunset.
Note that the sun disappears behind the mountains before the actual sunset time so get there earlier (5.30pm in winter was ideal).
19) Enjoy the View at Hanalei Valley Lookout
This scenic viewpoint in Princeville is worth a stop on the way to Hanalei for a lovely view of taro fields and the surrounding mountains.
The light is better in the morning, but the growing vegetation makes good photos a little difficult.
20) Hike the Kalalau Trail
One of the best adventures on Kauai is hiking the Kalalau Trail. It’s the only way to reach the stunning Napali Coast without paying for a boat or helicopter tour.
It was closed on our visit, but it’s top of our list for next time.
The full trail is 11 miles each way from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach across five lush valleys.
It’s a rugged, challenging hike that takes a full day, so to do the complete trail you must get a camping permit for Kalalau Valley (available 90 days in advance).
If you only want to do a day hike, you can hike the first two miles to Hanakapi’ai Beach (you can’t go beyond without a camping permit). As the start of the hike is in Haena State Park, you must make a reservation up to 30 days in advance.
Even this 4-mile return hike is more challenging than many people expect and can be muddy and slippery. Make sure you wear good hiking shoes and take plenty of water and snacks.
FAQ
Q1: What are some popular hiking trails in Kauai?
A1: Kauai offers several popular hiking trails, including the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast, the Waimea Canyon Trail for stunning canyon views, and the Hanakapiai Falls Trail leading to a beautiful waterfall.
Q2: Is there public transportation available for exploring Kauai?
A2: Public transportation options in Kauai are limited. However, visitors can use The Kauai Bus, which serves major towns and attractions. Renting a car is a more convenient option for exploring the island.
Q3: Are there any must-visit beaches in Kauai?
A3: Absolutely! Some must-visit beaches in Kauai include Poipu Beach for snorkeling, Hanalei Bay for its picturesque beauty, and Ke'e Beach for its proximity to the Na Pali Coast.
Q4: What's the best time to visit Kauai for favorable weather?
A4: The best time to visit Kauai for favorable weather is during the drier months from April to September. This period ensures more sunshine and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Q5: Can you recommend family-friendly activities in Kauai?
A5: Certainly! Family-friendly activities in Kauai include a visit to the Kauai Plantation Railway, exploring the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, and enjoying the calm waters at Lydgate Beach Park.
Conclusion: Indulge in a culinary journey by savoring the local flavors at Kauai's vibrant food scene. From traditional Hawaiian poke bowls to fusion cuisine, the island offers a delectable array of dining options. Don't miss the chance to feast on fresh seafood while enjoying the ocean breeze at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Cap off your Kauai adventure with a visit to Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Marvel at the vibrant hues of the canyon's red and green landscapes, and venture onto the numerous lookout points for unparalleled views. Exploring Waimea Canyon is undeniably one of the most unforgettable "things to do in Kauai."
Kauai beckons with a kaleidoscope of experiences that cater to every traveler's desires. Whether you seek thrilling adventures, cultural immersion, or serene relaxation, Kauai's enchanting landscapes and warm hospitality ensure an unforgettable getaway filled with countless "things to do in Kauai."
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