18 Best Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is a well-liked Hawaiian island, and it’s the fourth largest! It’s generally known as the Garden Island; it bought this nickname thanks to the plush vegetation that wraps the island’s panorama.

The island will awe you with steep mountain spires, rugged coastal cliffs, and emerald inexperienced valleys with a jungle really feel to them.

The island’s North Shore is understood to be wilder and attracts adventurous souls who’re prepared to tackle the problem of exploring the tough mountainous terrain – the rewards in spectacular views and hidden wonders are bountiful!

More relaxed issues to do in Kauai will be discovered on the South Shore with its tender sand seashores. It additionally presents a extra mild panorama whereas the east and west have every thing in-between.

18. Ninini Point Lighthouse

This picturesque lighthouse overlooking Nawiliwili Bay is the right spot to take seaside pictures and catch a scenic sundown. The lighthouse was constructed in 1906, making it greater than 100 years outdated!

The lighthouse was automated again in 1953, so it progressively misplaced the same old lantern room and Fresnel lenses that characterize most lighthouses. It’s not the cutest of lighthouses, however it’s set on a rocky shore line with good views.

If you drive and park by Ninini Beach then the lighthouse on Ninini Point is only a quick stroll away.

17. Shipwreck Beach

Shipwreck Beach is close to Poipu. It’s wild and untamed, giving it a distinct form of attraction. There was as soon as an outdated shipwreck on its shores, therefore the identify.

It’s extra the form of place you go to for climbing than sunbathing. This seashore is ideal for adventurers who need to kayak, bodyboard, and discover the rugged shoreline on foot. There’s additionally a 40-foot ocean leap for adrenaline junkies!

Something else that Shipwreck Beach is nice for is whale watching – maintain your eyes on the ocean in whale season.

16. Kauai’s Hindu Temple

The Hindu Temple in Kauai presents you the distinctive probability to meditate amongst monks in their every day prayer, generally known as puja, and to get an intimate have a look at the Hindu beliefs and lifestyle.

The monastery and temple are nestled alongside the financial institution of the Wailua River. The temple is a spot of reflection, silence, and introspection. The complicated and its surrounding land are adorned with Hindu deities, just like the sculpture of Lord Shanmuga that sits in the middle of an unlimited banyan tree.

Stroll via the temple’s gardens, that are riddled with medicinal crops, and let your thoughts and soul discover a new sense of peace.

15. Kauai Coffee Company

We’ve all heard of Colombian espresso, however Kauai has its personal espresso beans to showcase – and so they’re simply pretty much as good as a few of the world’s best! The Kauai Coffee Company is the biggest espresso grower in Hawaii and the US.

The firm started in the early 1800s as a sugar producer, and so they now have greater than 4 million espresso bushes to their identify!

Visit their Visitor Center and Kauai Coffee Estate, the place you may tour their espresso plantation, sip on a sizzling cup of freshly roasted espresso, and see step-by-step how espresso is grown, harvested, and roasted earlier than being bagged up for you to take dwelling!

14. National Tropical Botanical Garden

Kauai is dwelling to a whole bunch of endemic plant species which can be uncommon and exquisite. Many are liable to going extinct, so the NTBG’s conservation efforts and academic schemes are attempting to put a cease to it.

The NTBG have two separate botanical gardens on Kauai Island, one (the Limahuli Garden and Preserve) in the north and one (the McBryde and Allerton Gardens) in the south.

Spend a calming day strolling via tall palms, uncommon flowers, and plush Hawaiian jungle flora. Tours final just a few hours!

13. Koloa Heritage Trail

The Koloa Heritage Trail is a 10-mile lengthy path that runs alongside the South Shore of the island and passes via Koloa and Poipu. It’s fashionable because it’s lined with the realm’s most necessary historic, cultural, and geological websites.

There are 14 monuments for you to cease at on the Koloa Heritage Trail. Koloa was traditionally a area with an array of sugar plantations, and this a part of the realm’s historical past is mirrored in monuments just like the Sugar Monument.

Historians and hikers will particularly love the Koloa Heritage Trail! If you’re not up to strolling all ten miles, map out a shorter stretch of path that has your favourite monuments alongside the way in which.

12. Anini Beach

Beautiful and quintessentially tropical, Anini’s Beach is a must-visit for guests who need to lay again and chill for the day. The seashores’ blindingly white sand and pristine ocean entrance is the right backdrop for some downtime.

It’s simple to get to, and you may drive virtually onto the seashore – a problem free day trip! There are picnic tables, showers, and restrooms there too, so the practicalities are coated.

The seashore has the widest fringing reef of all of the Hawaiian islands, so deliver your snorkeling gear! It’s additionally shut to loads of campsites, so why not flip your go to right into a a number of day journey?

11. Kauai Plantation Railway

The Kilohana Plantation is finest explored on-board a prepare! There are 3 prepare excursions out there on-site, every led by a conductor who will let you know curious and thrilling details concerning the plantation’s previous and current.

Jump on-board one of many outdated trains and weave via the sugarcane and taro, and previous rows of tropical fruit bushes like papaya, mangos, bananas, and pineapples.

At the tip of the trip you may cease to feed the plantation’s animals – a enjoyable day trip for the entire household! Side be aware, there’s additionally a rum safari on the grounds.

10. Napali Coast

The dramatic Napali coast is among the most alluring spots on the island. It boasts steep and protruding mountains coated in tropical vegetation, rocky shorelines, and a glistening, shiny blue ocean.

Whilst you’re right here it is best to go on a snorkeling or crusing tour, that may take you out into the ocean the place you may see the shoreline from afar and get shut to the native marine life. There’s additionally the choice of taking a sundown dinner cruise, excellent for {couples} on the lookout for a little bit of romance!

This stretch of coast will get numerous rain, so there are unbelievable waterfalls in all places! Another top-attraction alongside the Napali coast is the Kalalau Trail, one of the vital famend climbing routes in Hawaii.

9. Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is a tropical paradise. The lengthy stretch of white-sand seashore is surrounded by imposing mountains and positioned on the entrance of one of many island’s hippest cities, Hanalei.

It’s the right place to come and surf, chill, sip on a cocktail at sundown and marvel on the views. If you tire of stress-free on the seashore, head into city and browse the lovable retailers or cease for a chew at one of many tasty meals vehicles.

Hanalei Bay is a superb spot to get all of your Insta-worthy vacation footage and purchase enjoyable presents to take dwelling with you. Come and benefit from the solar, surf, and concrete really feel of the place!

8. Wailua Falls

The Wailua Falls on the east coast of Kauai are breathtaking. Two beautiful waterfalls drop aspect by aspect of a cliff and into a large pool under.

The waterfalls are simple to get to, you may drive proper up to them and park, however the panorama gives the look of being in a secluded and distant spot. The thick vegetation and rocky cliffs improve the waterfall’s magnificence and make Wailua Falls an incredible place to take vacation footage!

To prime it off, there are nearly all the time rainbows rising playfully out of the water! The finest time of day to catch a rainbow is in the morning when the solar shines down on the 80-foot waterfalls.

7. Princeville Botanical Gardens

This distinctive botanical backyard is hidden away deep in the valleys of Princeville on Kauai’s North Shore. It’s not like something you’ll have skilled again dwelling. The normal, fairly flower beds you see at botanical gardens are changed with jungle-like foliage and there’s a wild really feel to the place.

Come discover the island’s native flora and see a few of the medicinal and uncommon plant species which can be rising in these mystical gardens. Along the way in which, maintain a lookout for animals and bugs.

If nature and crops aren’t sufficient to lure you in, perhaps the chocolate and honey tasting tours are!

6. Poipu Beach Park

This tropical, crescent-shaped seashore close to Poipu is the right place to come and chill for the day. Laze round in the solar and browse that guide you’ve been making an attempt to end for weeks.

If you’re feeling adventurous head out into the ocean and do some snorkeling, or deliver your fishing rod and take a look at to catch dinner! Some days the seashore will get a superb swell and you may deal with the waves on a surf or bodyboard.

At Poipu Beach you may often spot a Hawaiian monk seal. The species is experiencing declining populations due to hungry sharks, an more and more sizzling planet, and some different elements. There aren’t many spots in Hawaii which can be nonetheless visited by monk seals; there are just a few 1,400 throughout the island – so maintain your eyes peeled!

5. Tunnels Beach

The Tunnels Beach is understood domestically as Makua. It’s the tropical seashore of your desires, proper right here in Kauai. There are lengthy stretches of lush, white sand seashores you may spend the day sunbathing on, in addition to a number of enjoyable sports activities you are able to do!

It is a well-liked spot for snorkeling and scuba diving via the reef, that’s tremendous shut to shore! If you’re fortunate you would possibly spot a sea turtle, and also you’ll positively see loads of tropical fish.

Tunnels Beach is alongside the North Shore of Kauai and it’s a improbable place to come on a tenting journey. Aside from which you can discover the close by climbing trails that take you deep into the rocky cliffs across the seashore, surf, and examine distant coastal caves.

4. Take a Helicopter Tour

Ever puzzled what Kauai seems like from above? This enjoyable and simple method to discover the island is a superb household outing. Jump on board then let the adrenaline kick in as you soar into the air.

In only a quick trip you’ll give you the chance to get a superb have a look at a few of Kauai’s finest spots, just like the Napali coast, dramatic Waipuna waterfalls and Manawaiopuna Falls, and the jaw-dropping Waimea Canyon and Olokele Canyon. If the climate is nice it’s also possible to fly over Mount Waialeale, one of many wettest locations on the planet.

A tour firm value trying into is Blue Hawaiian, they’ve bought nice critiques and boast the FAA’s Certificate of Excellence, so you may assure you’re in protected fingers! The firm you choose will decide the route you are taking, so be sure to’re getting a hen’s eye view of your favourite spots.

3. Queen’s Bath

Queen’s Bath is among the uncommon locations on earth the place you may stroll alongside hardened lava to historic lava swimming pools. The dramatic panorama, the place the shore’s volcanic black rock meets the clear blue sea, will depart you in awe.

The rugged cliffs round Queen’s Bath are a chief sundown spot, and the pool itself, a pure tide pool nestled by historic lava rocks, is spectacular.

But… Queen’s Bath shouldn’t be very protected. The waves crash onto the shore and have pushed many vacationers into the ocean. Sadly, escaping the tough tides and getting again onto the rock is almost unimaginable – a number of vacationers have died right here. The pool is fenced off now, however you may see the pool from above and the views are wonderful!

2. Waimea Canyon

The Waimea Canyon is a particular must-see in your journey to Kaiau. It wasn’t given the nickname “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” for no purpose – it’s huge and spectacular. The canyon is riddled with breath-taking views of lush, inexperienced cliffs that lead down to the Pacific Ocean.

One of the very best spots for these of you trying to take the very best footage is the Waimea Canyon Lookout. From this high-up vantage level there are sweeping views of the rugged canyon that extends round you in each path.

The canyon is straightforward to get to from Poipu, however it’s a good few hours drive from the North Shore of Kauai. Either method, it is best to do your finest to match it into your journey!

1. Kalalau Trail

Along the north shore of Kauai there’s a scenic and untamed 11-mile lengthy hike, the Kalalau Trail. You can stroll as a lot or as little of the path as you want, however put it on the prime of your things-to-do in Kauai.

The path runs alongside the Napali Coast on the island’s North Shore. The panorama is characterised by cliffs coated in thick, luscious vegetation and a turquoise blue view of the ocean. Follow the purple dust path up and down the steep hills, passing purple hibiscus flowers and stopping to awe on the unique views!

Be warned, the trail can get quite steep – climbing poles are extremely advisable. Hiking the entire path (after which again once more) is simply advisable for skilled hikers, however everybody ought to stroll at the very least the primary mile or two of this one-off path. Most day hikers do the primary 2 miles (after which 2 extra again) from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapiai Beach.

Map of Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii