23 Of The Best Things to do in Kauai

Kauai is an exotic heaven that will certainly intrigue journey tourists as high as households. Famous for its gold, sandy coastlines, you might invest every day relaxing by the blue-green waters.

But climbing out of the Pacific is a jaw-dropping coast, stressed by the unparalleled Na Pali Coast. Here, you’ll uncover remote sea high cliffs and also a thick forest with concealed falls. Add on the remarkable Waimea Canyon and also the Wailua River and also you’ll have no lack of experiences.

Top points to do in Kauai

When the legs burn out, the coastlines will certainly invite you back and also benches will certainly wait to offer vibrant mixed drinks as the sunlight drops. Wondering what to do in Kauai? Read on for our overview to the Garden Island.

1. Hike The Kalalau Trail

While the body is fresh and also getting ready to go, hiking down the Kalalau Trail is just one of the very best points to do in Kauai. The walking is an over night impressive that will certainly place your health and fitness to the examination. But for those that use up the difficult walking, you’ll see the magnificent Napali Coast as couple of canister.

The appeal of the path and also delicacy of the atmosphere implies you’ll need a license to start. But with that said arranged in advance, you’ll intend to obtain a very early beginning. The trailhead is discovered at Ke’e Beach. The initially 2 miles serpents along the shore in the direction of the lovely white sand of Hanakapiai Beach. This area can be active as it doesn’t need a license.

But when you get to the gold coast, you’ll transform inland and also start puncturing the Napali Coast. After 9 miles of jaw-dropping panoramas and also thigh-burning waviness, you’ll get to the turn-around factor. Some return for a total amount of 22 miles in a day, yet a lot of stay to camp behind Kalalau Beach.

As you hang with fellow walkers, appreciate the remote edge of Kauai that you can just get to with a little sweat and also a feeling of journey.

2. Waimea Canyon – The Grand Canyon of the Pacific

With the hardest walking on the island in the rearview mirror, you’ll await what’s following. Kauai is including chance and also while the experiences might be a little much shorter, they’re no much less phenomenal. Next up is Waimea Canyon, a 14-mile abyss that punctures the forest in Kauai’s southwest, revealing swaths of deep orange rock.

At its floor, Waimea Canyon mores than 3,500 feet deep and also a mile large. You can check out the canyon by driving down the impressive Koke’e Road. As you drive along, looking for impressive perspectives, you’ll be getting your jaw after every barrette edge.

There are numerous thrilling quits in the process, consisting of the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout. Put the automobile in park and also appreciate the quick walk to breathtaking sights. The most preferred quit, nevertheless, is the Waimea Canyon Lookout. It might typically be active, yet the sight is unequalled to the Waimea Falls.

If you’re ready for a walking, go out along the 2-mile return Cliff Trail. It’s quieter and also brings you appropriate to the side of Waimea Canyon.

3. Swim At Poipu Beach Park (South Shore)

You’ve started the journey with a bang, now it’s time to place your feet up on the gold sand and also locate your exotic happiness. On the South Shore, sunbathing at Poipu Beach is just one of the very best points to do in Kauai.

The coastline is divided in 2 by a sandbank, supplying a duo of smooth arcs to select from. They’re both within a secured bay, with the external coral reef reducing a lot of the swell. So not just is her soft sand ideal for a day of checking out real criminal activity on the coastline towel, yet it’s additionally prime for snorkeling.

Aside from various other tourists, you’ll typically be signed up with by environment-friendly sea turtles and also the Hawaiian monk seal. When you aren’t swimming or appreciating the wild animals from afar, Poipu Beach is backed by hotels supplying very easy accessibility to dining establishments and also sundown mixed drinks.

While you remain in Poipu, see to it to attempt your hand at some Ziplining. This Zipline Adventure has 8 Ziplines and also is an excellent method to appreciate some lovely sights and also some journey!

4. Go Whale Watching

From mid-December to April annually, great deals of moving humpback whales make their method to the Hawaiian islands. There are several perspectives on the island that will certainly enable you to find the whales from afar, yet absolutely nothing beats seeing them up close.

The Auau Channel that divides Maui, Molokai, and also Lanai might be one of the most popular whale enjoying area in Hawaii, yet Kauai has something those islands don’t, the Na Pali Coast. Short of doing the Kalalau Trail, there are just 2 means to absolutely record the remarkable sea high cliffs. That’s on a watercraft journey or a helicopter excursion.

So why refrain from doing 2 for the rate of one? Head out along the spellbinding shore searching for humpback whales, appreciating the views as you go. It won’t take lengthy to find the humpbacks, as they’re one of the most acrobatic whale varieties on earth. If you’re fortunate, you’ll see several whales breaching the surface area prior to rolling pull back, developing a brand-new collection of waves.

5. Visit Tunnels Beach

For exceptional snorkeling with brilliant vibrant fish head to the calm Tunnels Beach. On Kauai’s North Shore, the coastline includes lifeguards that keep track of the swimming problems. However, with minimal car parking, you’ll intend to show up very early.

It’s worth the early increase to get some serene snorkeling performed in the morning light. Dive right into the clear water with the coral reef covering out in all instructions. The coral reef’s sea caverns and also elaborate passages indicate there’s a shock around every edge. As you check out the bubbly reefs, watch out for sea turtles and also monk seals making their method to the cozy sand at Tunnels Beach.

After finishing the internal coral reef, endeavor to the external, where you’ll discover rolling sea high cliffs yet will certainly additionally have more powerful currents. Those that remain on completely dry land can settle back and also appreciate the looming hills behind them.

6. Take a Helicopter Tour

Speaking of looming hills, if you intend to see them from above, this is what to do in Kauai. Kauai’s diverse landscapes are tough to fathom and also the sheer range of the hills and also valleys typically makes adventuring walking a bridge also much. So, in order to see several of one of the most marvelous components of the island, you’ll require to require to the skies.

Book Your Helicopter Tour of Kauai Here!

From over, the island’s genuine kaleidoscope of shades gets on complete screen. See the deep blues of the Pacific Ocean discolor to white as it collapses versus the dark brownish high cliffs. As the high cliffs climb, the browns combine with light oranges and also eco-friendlies till the deep rain forest holds.

Taking a helicopter excursion is a fantastic method to record the may of the Na Pali Coast and also see vessels of whales. But your excursion can additionally take you to difficult-to-reach locations, consisting of the transcendent Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Falls).

7. Witness The Queen’s Bath

A quick journey from Princeville, among Kauai’s leading hotel communities, is the special Queen’s Bath. The “bath” is a massive trend swimming pool wrapped up in lava rock. Hawaiian aristocracy would certainly involve the North Shore to kick back in Queen’s Bath’s spiritual waters.

To the left of the all-natural bathtub is a mini high cliff that includes numerous tiny falls gathering. As they drop, the bathroom fluctuates with the sea, developing a spectacular view.

The finest time to see remains in the summertime when the water around Kauai has a tendency to be calmer. In the winter season, with the harsh swell, Queen’s Bath can be an incredible yet hazardous location to swim. Many pick to bypass that and also just appreciate the charm from a risk-free area. But if you pick to endeavor in, remain attentive for huge waves and also put on durable footwear.

8. Stroll The National Tropical Botanical Garden

The National Tropical Botanical Garden is devoted to conserving, examining, as well as additionally finding brand-new exotic plants. Its head offices are discovered right below in Kauai, with the island house to 4 unique yards (the fifth remains in Florida). Since the yards opened up in the 1960s, the yards have actually expanded to cover practically 2,000 acres including countless varieties from exotic areas around the world.

It’s an initiative to maintain these special and also lovely varieties, with much of the yard house to jeopardized or intimidated varieties. The NTGB also discovered a plant that was thought to be vanished.

Alongside these exotic plants is the biggest assemblage of indigenous Hawaiian plants in the world. Wander with any one of the 4 yards and also uncover why Kauai is called the Garden Isle.

9. Discover Wailua Falls

Known for its everlasting rainbow, Wailua Falls is both conveniently available and also definitely magnificent. On the island’s eastern shore near Lihue Airport, adhere to Highway 583 and also proceed driving till the stumbling block.

From there, just get out of the automobile and also appreciate the 80-foot falls that topples down in 2 areas right into a jade-green swimming opening. But if enjoying from over just motivates you to intend to obtain a closer appearance, endeavor down the high yet brief incline where you can swim in the rejuvenating waters close to the holler of the drops.

However, for a real journey kayak along the Wailua River. It’s the only river you can kayak on the island and also will certainly take you not simply to Wailua Falls yet by old holy places and also with the untainted forest.

10. Grab Lunch at One Of The Food Trucks

When we consider what to do in Kauai, our minds consider hills, magnificent falls, and also white sand coastlines. But we require to include a 4th point to that listing: food vehicles.

The island’s food vehicle scene will certainly be among the very best shocks on your trips. You’ll locate them throughout, together with coastlines, at the trailhead, and also around community. You’ll encounter all kind of food and also beverage that will certainly maintain you sustained, from fish tacos to rejuvenating fruit smoothie mixes. The highlight? It’s economical.

But like all points, there’s constantly someplace that does it finest. If you just have one food vehicle experience, head to Kapaa, where you’ll locate them in wealth. Try Al Pastor Tacos or Nixtamai for Mexican food. To cool down, consume cut ice at Shave Ice Tege Tege.

11. Boogie Board at Shipwreck Beach

Along the shore from Poipu Beach is the appropriately called Shipwreck Beach. Many a watercraft has unintentionally and also often intentionally can be found in call with the coastline’s overseas coral reef, satisfying its death.

While Poipu obtains the groups, this coastline stays fairly silent. It’s a preferred browse coastline many thanks to its dynamic swell. But the swirling water doesn’t create the very best swimming, so arm on your own with a boogie board at the minimum.

On bright days, it’s a charming area for regional and also taking a trip pairs that can appreciate the serenity as they watch out throughout the rustic ship sticking around offshore. Another factor to see is the rising 40-foot high cliff. You’ll find thrill-seekers embarking on the high cliff like clockwork.

12. Walk The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

Departing from Shipwreck Beach, the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail will certainly provide you a glance right into the past. It’s among the simplest walks to do on the island, and also the ideal enhance to a day relaxing on the sand.

The path twists along the shore with continuous sights of the Pacific, lavish hills, and also red high cliffs. You might also see whales. Start early to stay clear of the warmth, as there is little color along the course.

Along the method cross courses with the sedimentary rock high cliffs, filled with fossilized aquatic life. Continue previous kiawe trees to get to the Makauwahi Caves, where you’ll locate a lot more fossils. The expedition finishes at Maha’ulepu Beach, a remote cove and also fantastic remainder quit.

13. Experience Hawaiian Culture

You’ll invest a lot of time discovering the island’s impressive landscape. But taking some time to experience regional society is just one of the very best points to do in Kauai.

There are a variety of means to do this, with several hotels placing on their very own experiences. Some will certainly have an every night hula dancing together with the chance to produce a lauhala (standard basket) or discover just how to utilize historical searching devices.

Other means to learn more about Kauai society are by going to the Kauai Museum and also the Koke’e Natural History Museum. Combine that with sees to tiny towns like Koloa and also Hanapepe for the full experience.

14. Hike To The Kilauea Lighthouse (North Shore)

On the idea of Kauai’s North Shore is a sturdy peninsula house to the Kilauea Lighthouse. The historical framework stands practically 200 feet over the Pacific Ocean and also was full in 1913.

There is a parking area near the lighthouse, giving very easy accessibility. But it’s finest to show up very early or late in the day to stay clear of the groups. Unfortunately, you can’t get in, yet the sweeping sights will promptly surprise any type of feeling of despair.

The lighthouse lies within the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge. So bring along your field glasses, as this is just one of the very best places on the island to appreciate some bird enjoying.

15. Find Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach)

Just mins from the Lighthouse on the North Shore is Secret Beach. The name no more fits, as word has actually quite ventured out. However, it stays among the leading coastlines on the island.

After a high 10-minute stroll to Kauapea Beach, appreciate the stretch of gold sand and also the serenity of the child blue water. Behind you are rising, rugged high cliffs giving a picturesque background. Such is the dimension of the coastline, that also in peak period, you’ll have a lot of space on your own.

In the summertime, swimming below gets on factor. But come winter season, it’s a web surfer’s heaven and also a resource of cost-free enjoyment for sightseers.

16. Swim At completion Of Hanakapiai Falls Trail

Featuring the initial area of the Kalalau Trail, this expedition is the ideal choice for those that can’t finish the over night trip. Additionally, you don’t require a license.

Begin by complying with the awesome shore to Hanakapiai Beach. Stop for a rest and also prep your legs for over 2500 feet of altitude gain. As you reduced inland, the path climbs progressively with the forest and also doesn’t slow down. Your feeling of journey will certainly be tested after every sticking around tree origin. But ultimately, you’ll make it.

Hanakapiai Falls is just one of the very best in Hawaii. It’s a 300 feet rolling white shroud that entwines the thick forest. Jump in for a swim, prior to going back to Ke’e Beach.

17. Try Surfing at Hanalei Bay

The enchanting seaside community of Hanalei is house to the biggest harbor on the island. Hanalei Bay allows sufficient to include a triad of white sand coastlines to enhance the regional walks, coastline bottom society, and also farmers’ markets.

When you aren’t taking pleasure in the regional society, pick in between Hanalei Beach Park, Waioli Beach, and also Black Pot Beach. They all integrate to produce the crown gem of Kauai searching.

Watch from afar or appreciate a wonderful swim by the coastline. Later, stray along the sand to locate the Hanalei River and also its historical pier. Finish with a revitalizing drink at any one of the beachfront bars that populate Hanalei Bay.

18. Tackle The Alakai’i Swamp Trail

Beginning at the show-stopping Pu’u O Kila Lookout in Koke’e State Park, the Alakai’i Swamp Trail guarantees to be one of the most special walking yet. Essentially a towering overload, the path starts along the Pihea Trail where you’ll have lovely sights of the Kalalau Valley.

Soon the path changes left, and also you’ll be met increased boardwalks. From there, you’ll venture with the greatest rain forest and also swampland in the world.

The vital to this walking is recognizing you’ll obtain unclean. As useful as the boardwalk is, there’s no going out tidy. Wander amongst the gigantic hapu’u brushes, prior to getting to the unparalleled Kilohana Lookout where you’ll really feel on the side of the globe.

19. Swim At Anini Beach

After obtaining all sloppy in the Alakai’i Swamp, treat on your own to the vibrant Anini Beach. As you tip onto the soft marshmallow sand, you’ll find the shades of the vivid coral reef streaming with the surface area. The off-shore coral reef is additionally the factor Anini Beach includes several of the calmest year-round swimming in Kauai.

The beachis on the North Shore and also extends 2 miles. The small slope enables a wealth of superficial water, ideal for households with young youngsters. On top of the sights and also very easy swimming, Anini Beach supplies a complete variety of facilities, from washrooms and also showers to outing tables.

If you intend to check out the coral reef, you can rent out snorkels exactly on the coastline.

20. Polihale State Park

To experience among one of the most private and also excellent coastlines on the island, endeavor right into Polihale State Park. The park is renowned for its gold coast, yet as accessibility is challenging, you’ll seldom see huge groups.

The just method to get to the shore is along a harsh and also undulating 5-mile dust roadway, suitable for just 4WD. Whether you endeavor know 4 wheels or 2 feet, you’ll be awarded with thrilling, untainted paradise and also over 15 miles of gold sand.

From your personal heaven, appreciate the emerald Makaha Ridge, which causes the sharp high cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Get your outdoor camping license, so when day looks to evening you can settle back with good friends without a treatment worldwide.

21. Tackle The Sleeping Giant Trail

The Sleeping Giant Trail blasts off the ridgeline on Nounou Mountain to 360-degree sights. Legend has it that the hill was developed by a titan that consumed way too much at an event kept in his name. He basically fell under a food coma, wandering right into a timeless sleep. From a range, you can construct the form of the titan.

The preliminary expedition takes you with a vast tree ranch that started in the 1930s. As you obtain altitude, the trees start to distribute, leaving you with an ultimate ridgeline walking. As the hill drops away to either side, the path degrees out with fascinating sights everywhere.

Complete the walking at sunup or sundown, for a tale you’ll be informing for many years.

22. Witness Mount Waialeale

Known as the wettest area in the world, Mount Waialeale is a collection of sweeping high cliffs. Each year, Kauai’s 2nd highest hill gets around 450 inches of rainfall. In truth, in the 1980s, it when overcame 660 inches!

It’s not a surprise then that Waialeale implies “overflowing water”. You’ll be a fortunate vacationer to see the top as it’s typically framed in clouds. While treking to the top is not usual, it’s understood to be house to old damages.

There are 2 routes on the eastern side. One of them, a 5-mile walking to Blue Hole, awards walkers with an up-close sight of the crying wall surface. While those discovering in a helicopter needs to see to it to fly over Mount Waialeale.

23. Try Shave Ice

You cannot involve Hawaii and also not attempt cut ice. It is just one of one of the most preferred deals with in the Hawaiian Islands. Shave Ice is a quite straightforward treat yet a pleasing one after treking or a day at the coastline. Essentially, it is cut ice that is covered with a flavorful syrup and also is typically offered with an inside story of gelato between.

If you remain in Kauai we advise Waikomo Shave Ice in Poipu or Hee Fat General Store which has several of the very best Shave Ice on the island. No issue where you obtain it you won’t regret it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

How to reach Kauai Hawaii?

Kauai’s Lihue Airport can be discovered on the island’s eastern shore. Thanks to Kauai’s expanding appeal, several airline companies supply straight solutions from landmass U.S.A..

However, it’s equally as usual to fly right into Honolulu Airport on Oahu prior to transforming aircrafts. The trip time in between both islands is a brief 25-minutes.

There is no public ferryboat that attaches Kauai to the various other Hawaiian islands. If you’re willing to spray the money, after that you can charter a watercraft in between each location.

Getting around Kauai?

Like all Hawaiian Islands, Kauai has actually restricted public transportation. Visitors will certainly locate a series of assisted scenic tours, yet in order to check out on an impulse, you’ll require a rental automobile. You can comapre Rental Car Prices Here for the very best offer.

This will certainly enable you to drive from the North Shore to the South Shore uncreative. Although you can check out Waimea Canyon and also Koke’e State Park with any type of automobile, it pays to rent out a 4WD. Your alternatives will certainly open, enabling you to venture additionally off the traveler path.

Drivers will certainly additionally intend to have a map of Kauai pre-downloaded onto their Google Maps. This will certainly enable you to not obtain shed in times of erratic solution.

Best time to see Kauai?

The weather condition in Kauai stays unbelievably secure throughout the year. The winter season “dips” to the mid-70s (24c) with summertime getting to the mid-80s (29c). So you’ll constantly have the ability to appreciate some pleasant weather condition.

The wettest component of the year is throughout the winter season, yet tornados often tend ahead and also go promptly. They’re additionally mainly limited to the East and also North shores, also known as the windward side of Kauai. The leeward side is usually drier.

Because of the profession winds, the sea is calmer throughout the summertime with the swell getting in the winter season. However, there are some coastlines that continue to be swimmer-friendly throughout.

Ultimately, there’s never ever a hard time to see Kauai. The summertime includes fantastic swimming, hotter walks, and also a lot more pricey resorts. Winter is a little cooler, swimming is harsh, yet you’ll appreciate impressive browse and also whale viewing.

Where to remain in Kauai?

Budget

Kauai Beach House Hostel lies on the beachfront in Kapaa. Choose in between budget plan dormitories and also personal collections. Enjoy the cost-free Wi-Fi and also an outside swimming pool while being within strolling range of stores and also numerous coastlines.

Mid-Range

Simple, tidy, and also economical yet exactly on the Pacific Ocean, Kauai Shores Hotel is worth for cash. The fundamental two-story resort fits with fundamental king bed rooms and also an exclusive porch. Enjoy the on-site swimming pool while being actions from stores, dining establishments, and also the coastline.

Luxury

With sights of the marvelous Na Pali Coast, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the selection for an extravagant trip. Each space has island decoration with the sights streaming in. When you aren’t out taking a trip, kick back in the extraordinary infinity swimming pool that looks into the bay.