Welcome to the best things to do in Kauai!
Known as the “Garden Isle,” this paradise is full of lush greenery, breathtaking beaches, cascading waterfalls, and outdoor activities.
It’s the perfect place to truly unplug.
In this post, I’ve put together the top things to do in Kauai, from hiking the Kalalau Trail to taking a sunset dinner cruise, and experiencing the island’s rich cultural history.
Ready to explore the best of Kauai?
Let’s dive in.
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Kauai Essentials
Top Experiences & Tours In Kauai
- Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour
- Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour
- Private Kauai Helicopter Tour with No Middle Seats
Where To Stay In Kauai
Budget-friendly
Mid-range
Luxury
How To Get Around Kauai
When you visit Kauai, you’ll definitely want to have your own rental car.
Many of Kauai’s highlights are pretty secluded, so you’ll need to be able to drive yourself.
Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance on RentalCars.com.
Short on time? I recommend booking a Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour!
1. Explore Hanalei
Hanalei is a small town on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii.
It’s surrounded by lush green mountains and has a stunning crescent-shaped beach.
This charming town is known for its laid-back vibe, with lots of cute art galleries, shops, and restaurants. To pick up some locally made souvenirs, head to Hanalei Surf Company or Sand People.
If you’re hungry, make sure to stop for tapas at Bar Acuda, or snacks at Hanalei Bread Co.
Hanalei Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning, where you can find fresh, locally grown produce, flowers, baked goods, and other goodies.
Hanalei Bay is also a popular spot for watching the sunset or taking a boat tour to see the famous Na Pali Coast.
The town is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and history, with many ancient Hawaiian sites nearby, like the Hanalei Pier and the Wai’oli Hui’ia Church.
If you’re visiting Kauai, spending the day in Hanalei is definitely one of the best things to do.
2. Visit the Na Pali Coast
No trip to Kauai is complete without a visit to the Na Pali Coast.
The Na Pali Coast is a rugged coastline on Kauai’s northwest side, featuring breathtaking sea cliffs, secluded beaches, and lush valleys.
Here are two of the best ways to experience the Na Pali Coast:
Helicopter Tour
A doors-off helicopter tour over the Na Pali Coast is one of my favorite travel experiences to date.
If you can fit it in your budget, I highly recommend it- it’s simply an amazing experience!
It’s the best way to see the Na Pali Coast from a bird’s-eye view, along with more of Kauai’s highlights.
The tour will take you over Kauai’s sea cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, and beaches, giving an unparalleled view of the island’s natural beauty.
One of the best parts is definitely flying over the iconic waterfall featured in Jurassic Park, while your pilot plays the Jurassic Park theme song into your headset.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
Boat Tour
A boat tour is the way to go if you prefer to experience the Na Pali Coast up close.
You can choose from various boat tours, including catamarans, zodiac rafts, and kayaks.
Boat tours usually depart from Hanalei Bay or Port Allen, offering different options, such as snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sunset cruises.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
3. Admire Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is a scenic canyon on the western side of Kauai.
The canyon is about ten miles long and 3,000 feet deep, with vibrant colors ranging from deep red to green and brown.
You can enjoy panoramic views of the canyon from lookout points along the main road, or hike through the canyon on various trails ranging from easy to strenuous.
Waimea Canyon State Park also offers picnic areas and camping facilities if you want to spend more time exploring the area.
If you want panoramic views with no hiking required, head to Waimea Canyon Lookout.
Here, you’ll find an easily accessible viewing platform.
If you’re up for a bit more of a workout, definitely check out the Canyon Trail.
This 3.2 mile trail takes you down into the canyon, offering spectacular views of the colorful rock formations and lush vegetation along the way.
4. Visit Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Kauai, and one of the best things to do on the island.
This stunning waterfall is located on the eastern side of Kauai, near the town of Lihue.
It’s about 80 feet tall, surrounded by lush vegetation.
One of the most unique aspects of Wailua Falls is the way the water cascades down from the cliff face, creating a beautiful mist as it falls.
You can easily view the falls from a lookout point on Maalo Road, or take a short hike down to the base of the falls for a more up-close and personal experience.
Wailua Falls has also been a popular spot for filming, having been featured in the opening credits of the TV show “Fantasy Island” and in the movie “Tropic Thunder.”
On the way to the falls, you can stop by the cute Wailua Falls Fruit Stand for some snacks.
5. Try Hawaiian shave ice
Hawaiian shave ice (not “shaved” ice) is a frozen dessert that originated in Japan but was popularized in Hawaii.
It’s made by shaving a block of ice into small, fluffy pieces and then topped with flavored syrups, typically made with natural fruit flavors.
The ice is shaved so finely that it has a texture similar to freshly fallen snow, making it super refreshing on a hot day.
Shave ice comes in a wide variety of flavors, for a truly customized treat.
No visit to Hawaii is complete without trying this local dessert!
Some of the best places to try shave ice in Kauai are:
- Wishing Well Shave Ice (Hanalei)
- Wailua Shave Ice (Kapaa)
- Waikomo Shave Ice (Poipu)
6. Kayak to Secret Falls
Kayaking to Secret Falls is one of the best adventurous things to do in Kauai.
This was one of my favorite things I did in Kauai, and I felt like a literal jungle explorer!
The journey starts with a guided scenic kayak trip up the Wailua River, where you’ll pass by lush greenery and beautiful scenery.
Once you reach the trailhead, you’ll stow your kayak and continue on foot.
After a short hike through the forest, you’ll reach Secret Falls, a stunning 120-foot waterfall that cascades into a tranquil pool below.
The waterfall is surrounded by a beautiful rainforest setting, making it an ideal spot for swimming, picnicking, or just relaxing in nature.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
7. Attend a luau
Attending a traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do when visiting Kauai.
Luaus offer an authentic cultural experience that includes music, hula dancing, and a feast of local dishes.
Some of the best places to attend a luau in Kauai are Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau, the Luau Makaiwa, and the Aulii Luau at the Sheraton Kauai Resort.
A luau is a great way to learn about Hawaiian culture, and have an unforgettable night.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
8. Take a dip in Queen’s Bath
Queen’s Bath is a beautiful natural tide pool on the north shore near Princeville.
It’s famous for its crystal-clear water, stunning scenery, and the opportunity for adventurous visitors to swim and cliff jump.
Although, due to the unpredictable and dangerous ocean conditions, it’s important to check the weather and surf forecast before visiting.
Generally, Queen’s Bath is a lot more accessible in the summer, and more dangerous from October through March.
Always exercise extreme caution while exploring here.
If you arrive and find the gate locked, skip this attraction.
However, if conditions are good, it’s a truly beautiful place to swim and take amazing pictures.
9. Hike (part of) the Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike along the Na Pali Coast that spans 22 miles round-trip.
Wait, don’t scroll away yet lol!
If 22 miles sounds a bit much, it’s possible to only hike a part of the trail, which I recommend.
The Kalalau Trail offers breathtaking views of towering cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush valleys.
The trail starts at Ke’e Beach and leads you through rugged terrain with steep inclines, narrow paths, and slippery rocks.
The trail is known for its stunning vistas, waterfalls, and remote beauty, making it a bucket-list item for many hikers and outdoor lovers.
Day-use visitors are allowed to hike the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach to Hanakāpīʻai Beach without a permit, but you’ll need to have advanced reservations to enter Hā’ena State Park.
The state park has a 900 visitor per-day limit.
If you want to hike the entire Kalalau Trail, it’s important to note that it can be dangerous and requires proper preparation and planning, including obtaining a permit for overnight camping.
Find more information on the Hā’ena State Park website.
10. Relax on Tunnels Beach
Tunnels Beach, also known as Makua Beach, is a stunning beach on the north shore of Kauai.
Tunnels Beach gets its name from the underwater lava tubes that create a network of tunnels for snorkelers and divers to explore.
It’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling due to its calm, clear waters, and coral reefs.
You can see tons of wildlife here, like sea turtles, monk seals, and colorful tropical fish.
Right across the street, there’s even a cool cave to explore.
I recommend getting there early to secure parking, and just lounging on the beach and enjoying the beautiful views.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a peaceful day at the beach, Tunnels Beach is definitely one of the best things to do in Kauai.
11. Try Fresh Poke
Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish that’s made from raw fish that’s been marinated in seasonings and sauces.
Kauai offers some of the freshest and most delicious poke in the world.
Some of the best poke restaurants on the island are:
- Pono Market (Kapaa)
- The Fish Express (Lihue)
- Hanalei Poke (Hanalei)
12. Visit Kauai Coffee Company
Kauai Coffee Company is the largest coffee grower in the US, so visiting the plantation is one of the best things to do in Kauai for coffee lovers.
They offer tours where you can learn about the production process, taste different types of coffee, and enjoy the beautiful views of the coffee fields and surrounding mountains.
Make sure to stop by the gift shop and café where you can purchase coffee and souvenirs, as well as enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the scenic views.
13. Take A Surf Lesson
Is any visit to Hawaii complete without trying to surf at least once?
Kauai is known for its great waves and pristine beaches, so it’s the perfect place to learn how to ride the waves.
One of the best places to learn to surf in Kauai is in Hanalei Bay.
For top notch surf lessons, head to Hawaiian Surfing Adventures in Hanalei.
14. Visit Kilauea Lighthouse
Kilauea Lighthouse is a historic landmark on the northernmost point of Kauai.
Built in 1913, this photogenic lighthouse is a great place to learn about Kauai’s history and take in the dramatic coastal views.
You can tour the lighthouse, explore the grounds, and admire the view from the top of the tower.
The lighthouse is now part of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to seabirds and other wildlife.
In the winter, you can often see humpback whales breaching out in the ocean.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Kauai, add Kilauea Lighthouse to your list.
15. Take A Sunset Dinner Cruise
A sunset dinner cruise in Kauai is a great way to experience the island’s beauty from a different perspective, while enjoying delicious food and drinks.
These cruises typically take you along the Na Pali Coast, which offers stunning views of the cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Along the way, you can spot dolphins, sea turtles, and even humpback whales during the winter months.
Most sunset dinner cruises provide live entertainment, such as Hawaiian music and hula dancing, to enhance the experience.
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