Planning a trip to Kauai? Here's a comprehensive list of best things to do in Kauai and accommodation options on the Garden Isle. Read on to find out more!

Ahhh, Kauai, Kauai, Kauai!

Kauai is a true a nature-lover's paradise. If you love to be adventurous during your vacation, you will fall in love with this tiny, charming island. From Hanalei Bay to Poipu Beach to hidden sea caves, Kauai is no doubt one of the best islands to visit in Hawaii.

12-min read

Hawaii is a travel destination that never fails to astonish visitors. With its gorgeous beaches, jaw-dropping mountains and friendly locals, we can see why! Of all the Hawaiian Islands - four islands stand out from the other smaller islands of Lanai and Molokai. These are the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the island of Hawaii (the ‘Big Island’). And, out of these islands, we'd say Kauai, Hawaii is the one with the most nature on display.

Kauai travel is more than just a simple holiday. So, pack your sunscreen, towel, hiking shoes, active wear and get set for the adventure of a lifetime! We’re here to show you the best of Kauai.

PS: Bring an umbrella - Kauai’s weather is unpredictable and subject to a lot of rain. Mount Waialeale, the highest point in Kauai, is one of the wettest spots on Earth. With an average annual rainfall of 460 inches (1,200 cm), the rest of the island can get pretty wet too!

JANUARY 2021 COVID-19 UPDATE: Please check the latest Kauai restrictions before visiting this beautiful island. Stay safe everyone!

Where to stay in Kauai

Finding accommodation in Kauai can be a bit tricky because rooms sell out fast. Hotels in Kauai are often sold out, with holidaymakers reserving accommodation very early. This means you should aim to book accommodation as soon as possible. Whether you're staying on Kauai's South Shore, North Shore or somewhere else around the island - here are some of Kauai's best places to stay.

Kauai Shores Hotel

The shore of Kauai is known as one of the best golden coastlines in the USA, so it's fitting that we stayed at a hotel called the Kauai Shores Hotel. We had an enjoyable stay at the comfortable Kauai Shores Hotel in Kapa’a. The staff were friendly, breakfast was great, parking was super easy.

The rooms were decorated in retro style. At first it took some time getting used to but we actually loved it by the end of our stay! Definitely don’t see too many hotels decked out in fancy colours like this. The restaurant and bar were great - we had many delicious meals and refreshing drinks by the poolside.

Hands down, one of the best things about the Kauai Shores Hotel is their beach, which hangs just off the pool. Surprisingly, it was one of the most enjoyable beaches we visited in Kauai.

One thing to remember is that some accommodation will not have air conditioning. If this is something that has the potential to make you uncomfortable, please check if your property has A/C beforehand.

The ISO

Another place you can check out is The ISO, which is an affordable beachfront resort that looks stunningly beautiful.

Check out these places to stay for the best of the best luxury in the island of Kauai.

South Shore or North Shore of Kauai? Which has more things to do in Kauai?

Not sure which side of of Hawaii, Kauai to stay on? A good way plan your Kauai trip is to map out which Kauai attractions appeal to you the most. That way, you can tick off a lot of things to do along the way, even if you're short on time.

Let's start with the South Shore. The South Shore is generally better for dry weather. This means if you're not keen on being rained on a lot of the time, the South Shore could be a great place to stay. Attractions include Poipu Beach, Spouting Horn, Shipwreck Beach and the Koloa area. For humpback whale watching, staying near Poipu, Kauai would be the most strategic choice.

The North Shore of Kauai is much wetter, but features some of the best things to do in Kauai. Kauai's North Shore is where you can find many Kauai attractions such as Anini Beach, Hāʻena State Park, Ke'e Beach, Haena Beach and other natural wonders. You can also occasionally see humpback whales from the Kilauea Lighthouse, although there are spots for whale watching all around the island.

The East side of Kauai can serve as a convenient base to stay if you're planning on branching on to opposite sides of Kauai in a short amount of time. The busier areas of Kapaa, Wailua and Lihue are located on this side of Kauai, and is generally where most locals stay. This means that you'll find the most amenities here including convenience stores, shopping malls and tour agencies.

If you want to visit one of Kauai's famous farmers markets, the North Shore would be the best choice, but you'll still be able to find farmers markets all along the coastline - even as far as the Kekaha area on the West Coast.

No matter which side of Kauai you're planning to stay on, your plan of attack should be to find the best attractions that appeal to you and find out where they're located - and then choose somewhere conveniently located in relation to these attractions.

Getting around the Island of Kauai

The best way to get around Kauai is to hire a rental car and drive. Kauai’s public transport is close to being non-existent. There are public buses, but they serve local areas as opposed to tourist spots. Uber and Lyft in Kauai currently do not operate. It’s possible to catch a taxi from Lihue Airport, but you don’t want to be catching taxis your whole trip do you? (No, no you don’t).

Taxi rides can be expensive, so it's best to pick up your rental car from Lihue Airport. You can also pick up your rental car from a few outlets in other parts of Kauai. We tend to rent our cars from Booking.com and thankfully haven’t encountered any problems with them so far. The great thing about renting from Booking.com is that their system puts together the rental quotes from all the different rental offices, gathering prices from companies like Alamo, Enterprise, Thrifty and Avis, so you don’t have to waste time shopping around for quotes yourself. Highly recommended!

Renting a car in Kauai is made easy by using Booking.comSource: Jetsetz — Renting a car in Kauai is made easy by using Booking.com
Source: Jetsetz

Things to do in Kauai - What should you not miss in Kauai, Hawaii?

These are Kauai attractions we would classify as 'essential' when you're visiting the garden island. Whether you're visiting for two weeks or three days, these are the best things to do in Kauai that you absolutely cannot miss.

Waimea Canyon

Every single travel guide about Kauai would have mentioned Waimea Canyon. It is often referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’. This is a big claim, but Waimea Canyon does not disappoint. Waimea Canyon is a huge canyon, about ten miles long and up to 3,600 feet deep. The canyon was formed by erosion from the nearby Waimea River. Over time, hues of red, brown and green emerged. The Canyon also features numerous waterfalls! So on a rainy day, it’s likely that you’ll see grand arching rainbows.

To be honest, this was probably our favourite attraction in our list of things to do in Kauai.

Waimea Canyon is extremely popular with visitors. For this reason, parking can be a tough situation – so get in early!

You can explore Waimea in a few ways.

Lookouts

The classic lookout which most visitors take pictures from is the Waimea Lookout. The lookout offers viewers a wide elevated overall view of the Canyon. Other popular lookouts are: Pu’u O Kila Lookout, Pu’u Ka Pele and Pu’u Hinahina Lookout. These offer slightly different but still stunning viewpoints of the Canyon.

Visiting lookouts involves little to no amount of strenuous walking or hiking. That's why Waimea Lookout is a a quick and easy way to see one of the best things to do in Kauai for minimal effort. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, this is an easy and accessible option.

Helicopter Rides

If you have room for a splurge item during your holiday, splashing on a helicopter tour is a great way to get acquainted with Waimea Canyon. This truly is one of the best things to do in Kauai, although we understand that paying for this experience can be a little expensive.

While helicopter rides may seem excessive for most travel destinations, in Kauai it is a really useful and fun way to experience the island. This is because only 10% of the island is actually accessible by car. The majority of the island’s beauty can only be seen from above.

Helicopter tours in Kauai are an amazing way to see all of Kauai’s green landscapeSource: Blue Ocean Adventures — Helicopter tours in Kauai are an amazing way to see all of Kauai’s green landscape
Source: Blue Ocean Adventures

Many companies offer helicopter tours flying over both the Waimea Canyon area and the Na Pali Coast State Park Area. For an amazing helicopter tour over Waimea Canyon check out Island Helicopter’s Jurassic Falls Adventure tour. This tour takes you through some of the locations used during the filming of the original Jurassic Park movies. You will also be able to see a few hidden waterfalls that would otherwise be inaccessible. Safari Helicopters also offers a waterfall tour. They have been known to score great reviews with Kauai visitors.

Depending on your tour, helicopter packages can be priced as low as $150USD to about $300USD.

Waterfall from a distance in Waimea Canyon

Hike

Hiking Waimea Canyon offers a more active and adventurous alternative. Some trails even lead to viewpoints that the lookouts would otherwise not provide. Visitors are spoilt for choice, with numerous hiking trails available to embark on. The Canyon Trail is perhaps the most popular, as it takes hikers through to the beautiful Waipo’o Falls over a 2.5-hour hike before ending at the majestic Kumuwela Lookout. This, in my opinion, is the best lookout in the area.

The Cliff Trail is another popular option for day-trippers looking for a light hike. The trail takes about 1 hour and is an easy, pleasant walk with rewarding views.

Na Pali Coast State Park

Undoubtedly considered in list of best things to do in Kauai is visiting the Na Pali coastline (otherwise referred to as the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park or Na Pali Coast State Park). The Na Pali coastline is considered to be Kauai’s crown jewel. It also commonly featured in travel magazines, calendars, desktop wallpapers, and travel bucket lists. It's essentially a glorious beach park with dramatic mountain ridges, and fascinating marine life.

But how does one experience this truly astounding attraction?

Lookout

The Kalalau Lookout is the easiest viewpoint to reach if you’re short on time and don’t feel like going for a walk or hike. Just input ‘Kalalau Lookout’ in your GPS and you’ll find the carpark to the lookout. On a clear day, you’ll get to see the dramatic ridges of the Na Pali Coast in full form.

Hike

The most visited trail here is the well-known Kalalau Trail. This 11-mile trail has been described as one of the most beautiful but dangerous hikes in the world. So please, take precautions if you choose to embark on this hike. I would recommend against beginners completing the trail due to the difficulty.

To complete the 11-mile hike, you would first need to get a permit from the local authority. Many visitors choose do to the Kalalau Trail as a day hike to avoid getting a permit. They usually do this by starting from Ke'e Beach and hiking to Kanakapiai Stream, before finishing at Kanakapiai Beach.

Beware – if it has rained the day before or the morning of, the trail can be slippery. Exercise your discretion whether you should hike the trail or not (this goes for all trails in Kauai). If you choose to continue, go slow and be very careful. Wear proper hiking shoes. Do not wear sandals or casual shoes. Use trees to hold on to and consider the use of a hiking stick. We used one and its usefulness cannot be overstated!

2021 COVID-19 EDIT: The Kalalau Trail is open, but you must order a permit online before hiking. For more information, click here.

The Awaawapuhi Trail is a 6.2 mile hike that we completed and absolutely loved. The trail is moderately challenging, but doable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. It takes about 2.5 - 3 hours to do the trail and come back. Awaawapuhi Trail starts off almost completely downhill until you reach the viewpoint. This may lead you to believe that this is an easy hike, which is not the case. To return, hikers will have to ascent uphill for almost 3.1 miles.

The hard work will be completely worth it once you reach the end of the trail. We won’t spoil the viewpoint for you but it did feel like we were in our own natural amphitheater up there. Be careful to not go beyond the big final platform once you reach the end. There is a section which some hikers choose to continue on to, but the ground becomes very narrow. We chose not continue beyond the final platform as it simply wouldn’t have been worth it to risk our lives. We felt that reaching the final platform was more than rewarding enough.

Other popular trails include Honopu Ridge Trail, Nualolo Trail and Kalepa Ridge Trail.

Boat ride

Another way to see the Na Pali coastline is by boat. This is a great alternative for those not quite ready to splurge on an expensive helicopter ride, or to go on a hike.

A boat tour usually consists of a cruise along the Na Pali coast line, snorkeling time and lunch. Kauai is well-known for its snorkeling - so the snorkeling portion of the trip is a welcomed added bonus. Whale watching is also sometimes on the itinerary.

Make sure to do your research before booking a boat trip. Sometimes, prices vary according to what time of the day you choose to depart. The boat rides can get pretty rocky depending on the tide. So again, this all depends on your departure time on the day.

Tours usually range from $80USD to about $190USD. Many companies, including Capt. Andy and Catamaran Kahanu offer these tours.

Keen for an even more adventurous experience? There are niche tours that allow you to go over to places like Nualolo Cove, where you'll be able to snorkel with the famous sea turtles of Hawaii. There are also many whale watching tours available, which will take you along the Na Pali coastline where you can marvel at powerful humpback whales. Definitely something to consider when you're putting together your list of things to do in Kauai. You can also kayak or go on a tour to see a lava tube.

Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is a gorgeous double-tiered waterfall that sits 85 feet high above the ground. One of the most majestic and prettiest Kauai falls, it's not hard to see why it is a popular sight to visit. Many visitors recognise it from the opening scene of the long-running TV show Fantasy Island. Since then, it’s become an emblem for Kauai's lush beauty. Unlike the majority of Kauai’s waterfalls, Wailua Falls is easy to reach. No hiking is needed, and as long as you manage to grab a parking spot, you’ve essentially reached the viewpoint!

During periods of heavy rain, the falls sometime converge into a gushing single tier. At times, a third tier of falls can also emerge. On a certain angle, you’ll be able to see a rainbow from the falls as well.

It is possible to hike to the bottom of the falls, however we don’t encourage it as the trail is not officially marked. Unofficial trails can get very slippery after rainfall and become dangerous. Nonetheless, many visitors make the hike down and enjoy taking a dip. Either way, Wailua Falls is an absolute must-do when visiting Kauai.

Food Trucks and Shave Ice

No list of things to do in Kauai would be complete without mentioning Kauai's food trucks and shave ice. Actually, let me correct myself - no list of things to do in any of the Hawaiian islands would be complete without mentioning food trucks and shave ice. Shave Ice is one of Hawaii's modern culinary delicacies and is a must-try when in Hawaii.

On our trip to Kauai, Hawaii, we had shaved ice at the Koloa Mill Ice Cream & Coffee, but you can find shaved ice places all around the island. Shave ice parlours are especially popular around the beachy area of Poipu, Kauai.

Things to do in Kauai - Beaches

Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach is widely regarded as the best beach in Kauai. This quaint crescent-shaped beach is one of many pristine beaches in the North Shore. It is also known for its excellent snorkelling. Parking here is notoriously limited so arrive early in the day.

Hideaways Beach (Pali Ke Kua Beach)

A short trek down from the car park will reward visitors with Hideaways Beach, another Kauai North Shore gem. In clear weather, the water here is a picturesque, bright blue colour. Be careful when climbing down as, again, the trail might be slippery. Parking here is extremely limited as well (as with pretty much all parking in Kauai). So plan your day and set expectations accordingly.

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay (also known as Hanalei Beach) sits off the charming small town of Hanalei on the North Shore. This is a over a 2-mile wide beach, suitable for surfing, body boarding, fishing, as well as watching the sunset. Hanalei Pier, which can be found on the beach, is a popular photo opportunity spot for visitors. Parking here is a little easier than the previously mentioned North Shore beaches. Hanalei Bay is definitely one of the top things to do in Kauai, Hawaii.

Secret Beach (Kaupea Beach)

Despite its name, Secret Beach is quickly becoming a well-known global beach destination. A 10-15 minute hike is needed to reach this beautiful beach along the North Shore. Because of this, Secret Beach is kept relatively secluded and peaceful. This long, sandy and scenic beach is surrounded by red and black sea cliffs and lush vegetation. It also stretches about 3000 ft and offers great views of Kilauea Lighthouse and Moku'ae'ae Island Bird Sanctuary.

Polihale State Park

Polihale State Park is a remote beach park in Kauai, Hawaii. It's extremely wide, rugged and a little difficult to get to as you need to traverse through an unpaved road to get there. Still, dedicated travelers will find one of the most underrated things to do in Kauai, Hawaii when they reach this beach.

Travel tips: Bring your own shade because Polihale can get notoriously hot!

Poipu Beach

Poipu Beach has been included in many “Best Beaches in the World” lists. Located on the South Shore, Poipu is actually two beaches in one. This beach is popular for its endangered Hawaiian monk seals, and is a hit with families and young children. The waters here are calm and safe. You’ll also be pleased to know that it’s relatively easy to find parking at this beach.

Aloha! The palm trees reminding you that you made it to Hawaii

Things to do in Kauai - Waterfalls, Rivers, Ponds

Wailua River

The calm Wailua River runs through waterfalls and the lush greenery of the Kauai jungle on Kauai’s east side. The river runs for 20 miles and can be explored in many ways. Adventurous travellers have the option to kayak or stand-up-paddle through the river. Others can go on boat tours that sail through this iconic landmark.

The Wailua River Lookout is a great way to see the river in all its glory for those who would rather travel by car. Definitely should make our list of things to do in Kauai.

Menehune Fishpond

The Menehune Fishpond, also known as Alekoko Fishpond, is an important Kauai and Hawaiian landmark. So much such so, that the Menehune Fishpond has been listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Easily accessible by car, this picturesque fishpond lies south of the town of Lihue.

Read more about this Kauai gem in our post about Menehune Fishpond.

Queen’s Bath

Located in the North Shore town of Princeville, Queen’s Bath is a natural rock formation that created a beautiful infinity pool. After a 15-20 minute hike down a slippery path, you’ll reach the pool. The hike was tougher than expected for us, so make sure to wear proper hiking shoes.

This attraction is a fascinating and beautiful natural attraction. However, visiting Queen’s Bath must be done with caution. From October through May, the coast at Queen’s Bath is exposed to unpredictable tides, and many have died due to these big waves. Do not visit if you have any mobility issues or if you are not a confident swimmer.

When visiting, you can also check out the nearby laidback Anini Beach, which is only a 16-minute drive away. Anini Beach is one of Kauai's hidden beach spots that isn't as popular with tourists as other beaches in Kauai, Hawaii.

Opekaa Falls

The grand Opekaa Falls stands 151-foot tall and 40-foot wide, and is popular with visitors due to its easy access. The falls are located in Wailua, two miles up Route 580. You can’t miss the lookout point as there will be clearly marked signs pointing you in the right direction. Opekaa Falls is easily visited on the same day as Wailua River as both are close to each other.

Things to do in Kauai - Lookouts and Architecture

Kilauea Lighthouse

The Kilauea Lighthouse is located within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. A fee of $5 is required to enter, and it offers visitors the opportunity to observe various local wildlife. To name a few, you may be able to spot the Wedge-tailed shearwater, Hawaiian monk seal, Green sea turtle, red footed bobby and Humpback whale. We thought that the red footed bobby was especially unique and cute!

Even if you aren’t a fan of bird watching or observing wildlife, we would still recommend a visit as it’s an excellent scenic viewpoint nonetheless. This is a different type of attraction in our list of things to do in Kauai.

Waioli Mission House and Church

The quiet town of Hanalei is no doubt worth a visit. While you’re there, stopping over at the Waioli Mission House and Church is a must-do. The Waioli Mission House, built in 1837, was home to early Christian missionaries Abner and Lucy Wilcox. It's recognised as an icon of Hanalei town, and found on the National Register of Historic Places.

Nearby lies the old Waioli Church, founded in 1834. This striking green church is another landmark symbol of Hanalei and Kauai itself. Its stained glass windows have since become a popular Instagram spot among visitors.

Hanalei Valley Lookout

No visit to the North Shore or Kauai is complete without visiting the enchanting Hanalei Valley Lookout. Easily accessible - all you have to do is pull over on the side of the road to visit this attraction.

If you look closely, you’ll be able to see waterfalls, taro fields, lush greenery and other hidden gems at this lookout. The Namolokama Mountain stands proudly and serves as a magical backdrop to this charming place.

Hanapepe Valley Lookout

Located about half a mile from the small town of Hanapepe, this Lookout offers visitors a beautiful view of Hanapepe Valley. With its contrasting green and red tones, Hanapepe Valley is not an attraction to miss. If you’re already on the west side of Kauai, or visiting the old town of Koloa (another worthwhile destination), do visit Hanapepe Valley.

This was another location Steven Spielberg used when filming the Jurassic Park series. In terms of things to do in Kauai, this is one of the easiest to tick off.

The animated dinosaurs once roamed here in Jurassic Park

Things to do in Kauai - Gardens and Greenery

Allerton Garden

If you’re a fan of gardens, Kauai has got you covered with several lush garden landscapes. The Allerton Garden is one of Kauai’s best gardens. The garden covers an 80-acre (320,000 square metre) area and is situated beside the Lāwaʻi Bay. The Garden is fit for royalty, as Queen Emma of Hawaii once resided over the garden in the 1800s.

Princeville Botanical Gardens

This is another garden worth visiting in Kauai, as it often garners rave reviews from travelers. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to book a tour, as entering on your own isn’t allowed.

Kauai Plantation Railway

The Kauai Plantation Railway is a fun way to fill a relaxing day. Once you board the Kauai Plantation Railway, the train ride takes you through green fields, cattle and various animals. It’s an enjoyable, informative and educational way to learn more about Kauai’s old plantation days.

We had a good time simply just relaxing while on the train and taking in the sights slowly.

You can visit the Kauai Plantation Railway’s website here.

Things to do in Kauai - Hiking Trails

Kuilau Ridge Trail

This is an easy 2-mile return hike and will take you about 2 hours to complete. The trail is more of a nature walk, and you’ll feel immersed in the lush jungle vibes Kauai has to offer. Epic views of the valley await once you reach the end, with layers upon layers of greenery. Highly recommended if you’re short on time and looking for an easy hike!

Mahaulepu Heritage Trail

Again, this Kauai trail is more of a scenic coastal walk rather than a strenuous hike, but is picturesque and enjoyable all the same. With Shipwreck Beach as your starting point, you’ll walk along sand-dune cliffs, Kiawe trees, and limestone formations. All while the beautiful sea is right beside you! The entire hike is about 2 miles each way and will take about 3 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.

READ MORE: BEST HIKES OF 2019

Sleeping Giant Trail

The Sleeping Giant Trail is an easy trail with an awesome payoff, leading to a breathtaking view at the very end. The trail is named ‘Sleeping Giant’ because the mountain that’s being trekked on, the Nounou Mountain, is in the shape of a giant lying down. The hike is 2 miles each way, so allow for about 2-3 hours. Many say that the best time to go is during golden hour as the valley will look magical during this time.

As you can see, there is absolutely no shortage of things to do in Kauai, Hawaii. We hope you took something out of our comprehensive list of Things to do in Kauai, Hawaii! There’s a lot to see and do on such a tiny island, so it’s good to plan out your days beforehand. Either way, you’ll have an absolutely amazing time visiting.

United States

Things to do in Kauai [2024]