42 Awesome Things to Do in Kauai
Kauai is known for its laid-back and down-to-earth lifestyle. What the island lacks in sophistication and amenities, it more than makes up for with sheer breathtaking beauty!
From helicopter tours, hikes, beaches, and more, we are happy to share our 42 awesome things to do in Kauai!
>>> If also visiting Oahu, be sure to check out our 27 Top Things to Do on Oahu!
*This page contains links to our recommended activities. We receive a small commission for each booking made at no additional cost to you which helps maintain our blog!
First, many first-time visitors to Kauai are surprised at how long it can take to travel from one side of the island to the other. This is especially true when compared to Oahu, whose road system is more developed than Kauai.
When planning out your itinerary, we suggest considering the locations of your planned activities in relation to where you are lodging. Most of Kauai’s hotels, resorts, and Airbnb’s are located on the south and north sides of the island, and getting from one side to the other is not as quick as many think. If you need ideas on where to stay, check out our Kauai lodging guide with our top recommendations for all budgets.
>>>Renting a Car in Hawaii? See Our 9 Hawaii Car Rental Tips
42 Awesome Things to Do In Kauai
1. TAKE A CRUISE ALONG THE NA PALI COAST
Going to Kauai and not seeing the Na Pali Coast would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower! No roads go through or along the Na Pali Coast, so outside of hiking in, the only other option is a boat or aerial tour.
We highly suggest a sunset cruise that will have you passing by the most dramatic parts of this coastline during the gold light hours.
>>>Find the Best Kauai Cruises
>>>See our guide on 5 Epic Na Pali Coast Tours
2. TAKE A HELICOPTER TOUR
A helicopter tour will cover a ton of ground showcasing places like the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Manawaipuna Falls (aka “Jurassic Park Falls”), the North Shore, and Wai’ale’ale Crater. If you are visiting Kauai for a short visit, there is no better way to see so much in such little time.
We suggest booking a “doors off” tour, where you will be exposed to the open air and provided with unobstructed views! Don’t worry, you will be strapped and buckled in!
>>>Reserve your helicopter tour
3. CANYON LANDING SAFARI TOUR
The Canyon Landing Safari Tour is another helicopter tour that takes you over the cliffs of Na Pali and Waimea Canyon like the other helicopter tours do. What separates the Canyon Landing Safari Tour from the other helicopter tours is that you will also land in some key destinations such as Olokele Canyon, which was once an active volcano.
The tour also visits Mt. Waialeale, the second highest point on Kauai which is known as “the wettest place on earth”, receiving nearly 400 inches of rain each year!
One thing to note on any helicopter tour is to wear dark clothing to cut down on the reflections in the glass that could ruin some amazing photo opportunities.
>>>Reserve your Canyon Landing Safari Tour
4. HANAKAPI’AI FALLS HIKE ALONG THE KALALAU TRAIL
Hanakapi’ai Falls is a breathtaking 300-foot waterfall on the Kalalau Trail that begins at Ke’e Beach on the North Shore of Kauai. The hike to the falls is not the easiest, but the reward at the end is worth it. The trail is approximately 8 miles roundtrip and in the rain, it can be quite muddy and slippery!
Check out our blog post on our journey to the falls.
5. GO SNORKELING IN KAUAI’S DEEP BLUE WATERS
Kauai has several awesome snorkeling spots. We enjoyed the calm waters of Ke’e Beach on the North Shore where the Na Pali Coast ends.
Other great locations can be found at Haena State Park (North Shore), Tunnels Beach (North Shore), Anini Beach (North Shore), Poipu Beach (South Shore), Lydgate Beach Park (South Shore), and Prince Kuhio Beach (South Shore).
If you prefer a more guided experience, several snorkeling tour companies on Kauai will transport you to a few different snorkeling sights by boat and provide you with lunch and snacks as well!
6. TAKE AN AIRPLANE TOUR AROUND KAUAI
Airplane tours will cover much of the same ground as helicopter tours so it’s really a matter of preference. Generally, airplane tours are cheaper, but there can be greater view obstruction in an airplane when compared to a bubble canopy helicopter or a “doors off” helicopter tour.
7. SEE THE BEST OF KAUAI WITH A GUIDED TOUR
If you are in Kauai for only a short time and would like to see as much as possible, the Best of Kauai by Land and River Tour has to be a top consideration. There is no need to rent a car since you will be driven to each destination. This full-day tour will take you to Hanalei Bay, the Kilauea Lighthouse, the historic sugar cane plantations, and finally a boat tour up the lush Wailua River Valley to the Fern Grotto.
>>> Book the Best of Kauai by Land & River Tour
8. GO ON A WHALE WATCHING TOUR
Whale-watching tours are very popular in Kauai and you will venture out to sea for opportunities to see the humpback whales that migrate from Alaska in the winter months. The ideal time of year for whale watching is December through April. We not only saw whales from our boat, but we also heard them later in our trip while scuba diving, so in our opinion, if you are in Kauai at the ideal time your chances are very high of seeing these beautiful creatures!
9. RELAX AT THE MAJESTIC KE’E BEACH
Ke’e Beach is a hidden gem located on the North Shore where the most eastern side of the Na Pali Coastline ends. It is a breathtakingly beautiful beach nestled at the base of a lush coastal mountain range.
This more secluded beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a serene escape.
The crystal clear waters of Ke’e Beach are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, and the beach is surrounded by lush greenery.
Visitors can explore the nearby Hanakapiai Falls along the Kalalau Trail or take a stroll along the beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the warm tropical breeze.
Please note that you will need to book in advance to visit Ke’e Beach as the area has become very congested with the travel boom that has occurred on Kauai in recent years. Reservations can be made here.
10. VISIT WAILUA RIVER STATE PARK
This stunning park is located on the island’s eastern side and spans over 1,000 acres of lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities like hiking, kayaking, and swimming. One of the most accessible waterfall views on the island is Opaeka’a Falls, which can be seen from the vantage point on Kuamo’o Road.
Finally, Wailua River State Park is also rich in cultural history, with ancient Hawaiian ruins located throughout the park.
>>> Directions to Wailua River State Park
11. HIKE THE WAIPO’O FALLS TRAIL
The Waipo’o Falls Trail is a 3.6-mile in-and-out hike that provides some great lookout views of Waimea Canyon before arriving at the top of Waipo’o Falls. Unlike Hanakapi’ai Falls, you will be at the top of Waipo’o Falls and not at the bottom looking up at the falls, so keep this in mind.
The hike is not very difficult, so it would be a good option for a family hike. Plan for about two hours in total.
>>> Directions to Waipo’o Falls Trail
12. GO BIKE RIDING ON KAPAA PATH
One unique way to explore Kauai is to beach hop via bicycle. Kapaa Path is a popular bike trail that spans part of the east coast of Kauai, providing visitors with an unforgettable bicycling experience.
The path is 8 miles long and offers great views of the ocean on one side and mountains on the other. You can rent a bicycle from one of the many rental shops in Kapaa and embark on a scenic journey along the Kapaa Path, stopping at food trucks and beaches along the way!
13. HIKE THE KALEPA RIDGE
Kalepa Ridge is a breathtaking hiking trail that offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the rugged coastline, and the majestic mountains of Kauai. The trail is not for the faint-hearted as it has some high-exposure areas, so plan accordingly.
We did not hike this trail due to poor weather, but it should provide some of the grandest views of any place on Kauai. Jackson Groves, a hiking enthusiast who has hiked hundreds of stunning trails all over the world, provides an in-depth review of the trail at journeyera.com. Check it out!
14. VISIT ALLERTON GARDENS
The Allerton Botanical Gardens are spread over 80 acres and are home to a diverse range of plant species from around the world. Allerton Gardens was once the private estate of Robert Allerton but was later donated to the National Tropical Botanical Garden to be preserved for the public to enjoy.
Visitors can explore the gardens through guided tours and witness the incredible beauty of nature. The garden boasts several natural wonders, including towering rainforest trees, cascading waterfalls, bamboo groves, and serene pools.
Fans of the original Jurassic Park movie may recognize parts of the garden used in the film.
>>> Allerton Botanical Gardens Tour
15. EXPLORE THE MAKAUWAHI CAVE
The Makauwahi Cave is part of a 17-acre archeological site, home to many fossils and geological formations that are still being studied. The cave is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm for free guided tours.
16. VISIT THE KAUAI PLANTATION RAILWAY
The Kilohana Plantation features 2.5 miles of railroad over a 100+ acre plantation where bananas, mangos, pineapple, sugarcane, and other crops are grown. Visitors can hop aboard a passenger train for a ride-along informative tour. The tour lasts about 40 minutes making it a great way to break up the day if needing a more relaxing activity.
17. VISIT THE KILAUEA LIGHTHOUSE
The Kilauea Lighthouse sits on a lava rock peninsula at Kilauea Point on the north shore providing a fantastic photo opportunity. The 52-foot-tall lighthouse was constructed in 1913. If you are anywhere along the north shore it’s well worth the stop for the view.
>>> Directions to Kilauea Lighthouse
18. ZIPLINE TOUR
If soaring above the valleys and treetops on three different ziplines ranging from 800 feet to 3/4ths of a mile sounds like an experience of a lifetime, then check out Kauai’s Zipline Tours!
19. TAKE AN INTRODUCTORY SCUBA DIVE
Kauai has excellent shore dive and boat dive locations. Even those who have never experienced a Scuba dive can do an introductory dive alongside a dive master in some of the most beautiful waters on earth!
Jessica was able to experience her first scuba dive in the beautiful Sheraton Caverns. These are ancient collapsed lava tubes that have become home to coral and all sorts of sea life!
If you want to know more about Scuba diving in Kauai, check out our post on our 5 recommended dives in Kauai for information on some of the top dive sites around Kauai.
20. WAILUA RIVER KAYAKING & HIKING TOUR
The Wailua River is famous for its lush greenery, waterfalls, and overall serene feeling. On this kayaking and hiking tour, you will experience all that and more as you paddle through the tranquil waters of the river and hike through the rainforest to Secret Falls for a dip in the water!
>>> Wailua River Kayaking & Hiking Tour
21. HANALEI RIVER PADDLE & SNORKEL
Another great Kauai activity is the Hanalei River Paddle and Snorkel tour. This guided tour will take you through the Hanalei River where you will make your way into the Beautiful Hanalei Bay. From here, you will snorkel the clear waters of Bay Reef Lagoon, a habitat for sea turtles and many tropical fish!
22. GO ON A PRIVATE JUNGLE WATERFALL TOUR
This half-day experience will have you trekking Kauai off the beaten path with a professional guide who will customize your route based on your interests and abilities. Expect to visit lush jungles, secluded beaches, waterfalls, and mountains. Private transportation, water, and safety equipment are provided.
23. ATV OFFROAD ADVENTURE
If you are looking for another great outdoor activity away from the crowds, check out an ATV tour where you will ride over plantation trails, see famous film set locations, visit the rocky coast at Mahaulepu Beach, and fish for bass on the Waita Reservoir. Be sure to bring a change of clothes because you will get dirty, especially if it recently rained!
>>> ATV Offroad Adventure Tour
24. TAKE A SURFING LESSON
There is no better place in the world to take your first surfing lesson than Hawaii! One of the best places to learn is with a lesson at Hanalei Bay. The waves are generally not as aggressive in the bay, providing a great environment to practice the fundamentals under the care of a professional surfer. Another great location in a more central location is Poipu.
25. HIRE AN OCEAN FISHING CHARTER
If catching a Tuna and Mahi Mahi on the open ocean sounds appealing, then book a private fishing charter with an experienced sea fisherman with all equipment provided for you!
26. HIKE THE OKOLEHAO TRAIL
The Okolehao Trail is on the North Shore near the town of Hanalei. It’s an in-and-out trail totaling 3 miles. Overall, most of the hike is heavily wooded with plenty of shade. The trail actually continues past the final trail marker and gets much more adventurous.
Check out Jackson Groves’ blog post at journeyera.com on what lies further up the trail if you think you may be up for more adventure!
27. HIKE THE HO’OPI’I FALLS TRAIL
The Ho’opi’i Falls trail is in the town of Kapa’a and will bring you past two beautiful waterfalls just outside of a quiet residential neighborhood. The total distance is about 2.5 miles.
There is a parking area on Kapahi Road for a few cars, but if full you will need to come back at another time unless you want to risk having your vehicle towed. People often come and go, so just come back 30 minutes or an hour later to see if there is an opening.
Once you arrive at the gate, you will notice a dirt path going forward, so go ahead and follow it. After a few minutes, you will hear the sound of Kapa’a stream and come across a split in the path. The first option takes you down next to the stream, while the other continues up and away. You can choose either path.
If you choose the path down next to the stream, you will be led directly to Upper Ho’opi’i Falls. It’s a smaller swimming area, but many come here looking to jump into the water. Be careful where you jump as there are shallow spots just below the surface, so it is recommended that you check before jumping.
If you keep going down the trail, you will eventually reach the second, Lower Ho’opi’i Falls. There will be a large pool at the bottom along with a rope swing.
Overall, this hike is not very difficult, but it can get muddy and slippery in the rain, so be careful if the conditions are wet.
>>> Directions to Ho’opi’i Falls Trailhead
28. HIKE SLEEPING GIANT TRAIL
This incredible hiking is located on the east side of Kauai, and it offers breathtaking views of the island’s lush greenery and picturesque coastline. The trail itself is around 3 miles long and has some moderate incline.
The hike is named after the mountain range that it traverses, which resembles a sleeping giant when viewed from afar. Along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful vistas, lush forests, and a variety of wildlife. There is also an opportunity to climb to the top of the Sleeping Giant’s head to be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
One of the best things about the Sleeping Giant Hike is the diversity of the terrain. The trail takes you through dense forests and over rocky terrain, while also showcasing some amazing vistas over the island.
>>> Directions to Sleeping Giant Trailhead
29. HIKE KUILAU RIDGE
This trail is a must-visit destination for hikers of all levels, as it offers lush greenery, huge trees, and stunning vistas.
The Kuilau Ridge Trail is located just outside of the town of Wailua and is 2.1 miles in and out. The trailhead is located at the Keahua Forestry Arboretum and takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.
The trail is shaded by large trees in many areas, making it perfect for hiking even during hot summer days. There will be several streams, bridges, and meadows along the way, all of which add to the charm of this trail.
The highlight is undoubtedly the panoramic views of Kauai’s lush valleys and stunning mountains. Towards the end, there will be some covered benches. If you follow the path down, you will reach a dead end, but this is where the climatic view of the gorgeous mountains and valleys is at.
>>> Directions to Kuilau Ridge Trailhead
30. HIKE TO HANAKAPI’AI BEACH
Hanakapiai Beach is only accessible by hiking the Kalalau Trail. Black lava rock cliffs are present at the far end of the beach, which drop off into the ocean, creating some dramatic scenery.
Please note that the ocean conditions at Hanakapiai Beach can be dangerous, with strong currents and high surf.
>>> Directions to Hanakapiai Beach
31. RELAX AT KALAPAKI BEACH
Kalapaki Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Located on Kauai’s east coast, this beach is tucked into a little cove about 1,300 feet long.
It is a must-visit for anyone who loves swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and has tree cover just off the beach, making it the perfect spot for an afternoon swim and picnic.
Kalapaki Beach is a great beach for kids and is easily accessible from anywhere on the island. Whether you are staying in a nearby hotel or just visiting for the day, you will love this beach!
>>> Directions to Kalapaki Beach
32. VISIT QUEEN’S BATH
Queen’s Bath is a natural tide pool located in a lava rock formation. The pool is surrounded by cliffs and has a stunning ocean view; however, it is important to note that the pool can be dangerous during high tide.
>>> Directions to Queen’s Bath
33. SNORKEL AT ANAHOLA BEACH
Anahola Beach Park is located on the northeast side of the island. It is a perfect place for those seeking a peaceful setting since it is hidden from the main road. You can also try some snorkeling as the reef protects it.
The beach park is supervised by a lifeguard; however, the beach is quite popular among the locals and can get crowded on the weekends.
>>> Directions to Anahola Beach
34. RELAX AT DONKEY BEACH
Donkey Beach is a 1,200-foot beach located on the eastern side of the island and is accessible by a short trek on a paved trail. One of the best things about Donkey Beach is that it is usually not crowded.
>>> Directions to Donkey Beach
35. VISIT THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY KEALIA BEACH
This long 3,600-foot beach and its long stretches of golden sand are located just off Hwy 46 near the town of Kapa’a. Kealia Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and includes amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, making it the perfect spot for a family or a picnic.
>>> Directions to Kealia Beach
36. SEE A SUNRISE ON NUKOLII BEACH
If you are searching for a quiet and uncrowded beach, Nukolii is a great option. The beach stretches for two miles, is located just south of Kapaa, and has amazing morning sunrises to enjoy!
Be cautious as the currents, rocks, and surf make this spot less than ideal for swimming most of the year. During winter, the waves can get quite large. During summer, the conditions are better, but even then, swimming and snorkeling can be tricky.
Facilities at Nukolii Beach are pretty basic, with showers and bathrooms that vary in quality and availability. But the picnic tables offer a great spot to relax and enjoy the stunning views, especially during sunrise. It’s a secluded beach, so it is worth the drive from other parts of the island if in search of quiet.
>>> Directions to Nukolii Beach
37. VISIT THE MASSIVE BEACH AT POLIHALE STATE PARK
Polihale State Park features the last beach before the rugged Na Pali Coast begins. The entire stretch of beach is 17 miles long which means there will be plenty of room to isolate yourself if you are seeking quiet and solitude.
One thing to note is that access to the northernmost area of the beach will require driving a few miles on a very rough dirt road that is prone to flooding during the rainy season. Most rental car companies will not even allow their vehicles to go off-road because many vehicles have been damaged by tourists taking them off-road.
Even if you can’t go all the way to the end, there will be plenty of beach to stake out your claim on for the day.
One thing to note is that it can get very windy and the fine sand on the beach can practically sandblast you on a windy day. Bringing a pair of light pants and a windbreaker jacket could be beneficial.
>>> Directions to Polihale State Park
38. EAT AMAZING FOOD AT FOOD TRUCKS
Just like you must experience a 5-course meal in Italy, you must also experience the food truck scene in Kauai. The island has some AMAZING food truck options which is one of the best ways to eat on such a laid-back island with so many outdoor activities!
Unlike fast food, where one sacrifices quality for speed, the food trucks of Hawaii provide numerous highly-rated options (just look at the Google reviews!) for fairly cheap.
We had some of the most amazing Hawaiian barbecue while bike riding along the coast in Kapa’a. The towns of Wailua, Kapa’a, Lihue, and Koloa are all prime locations for excellent food truck options.
39. GO SHOPPING AT THE SHOPS AT KUKUI’ULA
The shops at Kukui’ula can be found in the town of Koloa. These quaint little shops have several clothing apparel and gift shops, a grocery store/pharmacy, an art gallery, and several restaurants. The shops are a great way to break up the day between activities or provide alternative plans if it happens to rain!
>>> Directions to the Shops at Kukui’ula
40. INDULGE ON HAWAIIAN SHAVED ICE
This is not your ordinary snow cone with finely crushed ice where most of the syrup collects at the bottom. The thinly shaved ice adds a whole other texture, allowing the ice to absorb the syrup better. If you opt to have ice cream in the center with sweet whipped topping you will be in heaven!
41. EXPERIENCE A HAWAIIAN LUAU
One of the best ways to experience Hawaiian culture is at a Luau gathering. The name Luah translates to “gathering meal”, and is a centuries-old feast and ceremony featuring hula dance and fire knife performances, all capped off with a grand meal!
>>> Reserve a Luau
42. KAUAI LOCAL TASTES FOOD TOUR
Whether you are a “foodie” or looking a nice meal after a fun day of activities, a Kauai Food tour is a fantastic way to sample local foods with some of the island’s best local chefs. The locations will vary by season.
>>> Reserve a Local Tasts Food Tour
WRAP UP
Kauai offers a very unique vibe over the other islands. If outdoor adventure is what you seek, there is no better island to experience this than Kauai! Still, the island has much more to offer than just outdoor adventure. Kauai is also home to great food, beaches, shopping, and people!
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER KAUAI GUIDES!
5 Best Kauai Boat Tours on the Na Pali Coast
Ultimate 3-Day Kauai Itinerary
Renting a Car in Hawaii: 9 Tips You Should Know
Where to Stay on Kauai: A Lodging Guide
Hanakapiai Falls Hike in Kauai
Kauai Scuba Diving: 5 Amazing Dives
