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Things to do in Kauai

Things to do in  Kauai

Welcome to Kauai

Time has dramatically carved the landscape of Kauai, the northernmost and oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. It has a more rural and intimate feel than neighboring Oahu, and still teems with authentic Hawaiian culture and heritage. Lush and enchanting, many of the aptly named Garden Isle’s natural wonders are seen only by air or water, and myriad tours and backcountry adventures abound. A first stop for many visitors is the western Na Pali Coast, where snorkel, kayak, and sunset sailing cruises navigate the waters beneath steep, brilliantly hued mountain ridges framing waterfalls and deep valleys. Some boat tours visit sea caves and nearby Niihau, the Forbidden Island, or ply the Pacific in search of spinner dolphins and migrating humpback whales. Back on land, coursing down trails on a mountain bike is an exhilarating way to explore Waimea Canyon—the Grand Canyon of the Pacific—and neighboring Koke'e State Park. Head east to the serene Wailua River for kayaking and hiking among fern grottos and hidden waterfalls. Down south, fly through the treetops on a Koloa zipline tour. And then, of course, there are Kauai’s heavenly beaches—Hanalei Bay and Spouting Horn are two of the island’s most scenic. Come evening, head to Luau Kalamaku for Hawaiian cuisine and Polynesian entertainment. And don’t be fooled by Kauai’s small size: There is a lot to do, so a multi-day tour may be the best way to see it all—or if you’re short on time, a helicopter tour reveals Kauai’s natural beauty from above.

Top 15 things to do in Kauai

#1
Na Pali Coast

Na Pali Coast

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With steep emerald cliffs, lush valleys, and remote cascading waterfalls, the Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful regions, and no visit to Kauai is complete without a visit to this magical coastline. There are only three ways to explore the Na Pali Coast—by air, by sea, and on foot—and each offers its own unique perspective.More
#2
Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls

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A prize of the Garden Isle, the dual curtains of Wailua Falls cascade into a glistening pool surrounded by lush tropical forests and—if you catch it at the right moment—dancing with rainbows. The picture-perfect falls got their fame when they were featured in the TV show “Fantasy Island” and they are now on the must-visit list of many Kaui vacationers.More
#3
Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay

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Located on the north shore of Kauai, Hanalei Bay is one of the island’s most picturesque stretches of water. This crescent-shaped bay boasts over 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) of white sand beach backed by mountains, waterfalls, and laid-back towns and offers an array of watersports, including kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and surfing.More
#4
Kilohana Plantation

Kilohana Plantation

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A historic sugar plantation set in the Garden Isle's lush tropics, Kilohana Plantation is a hub for Hawaiian culture and history. Visit the estate—centered around a historic Tudor-style mansion—to see tropical orchards, take historic train rides, visit a rum distillery, sample restaurants, participate in a theatrical luau, and more.More
#5
Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon

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A geological kaleidoscope of reds and browns, Kauai’s impressive Waimea Canyon—at 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) long, one mile (1.6 kilometers) wide, and 3,600 feet (1,097 meters) deep—is Hawaii’s version of the Grand Canyon. In fact, some say Mark Twain was the first to lend it its nickname: the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Stop on its winding rim road for views of a far-below river, sheer drop-offs, spectacular views, excellent hiking, and waterfall-lined crevasses, all just a short way away from the Garden Isle’s legendary Na Pali Coast.More
#6
Mt. Waialeale

Mt. Waialeale

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Be prepared for more colors of green than you’ve ever seen before in the area surrounding Kauai’s central Mt. Waialeale—it’s one of the wettest places on planet Earth, receiving more than 450 inches of rainfall each year. It’s dominating sheer green 5,066 cliff wall has also been called the Wall of Tears, for the many waterfalls that fill its crevices and stream down its face during frequent rains. And, if the setting looks familiar, that could be because it starred as the backdrop for opening scenes of the original 1992 Jurassic Park movie. To get to the base of Waialeale, and to the the Wailua River, you’ll have to take a 4x4 down the bumpy Wailua Forestry Management Road and then trek in. Alternatively, several helicopter tours take you much closer to its cliff face—and its waterfalls—than you could easily get to on a hike.More
#7
Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse

Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse

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Perched at the tip of Kauai’s northernmost point on a rocky peninsula high above the Pacific Ocean, the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse was built in 1913 as a navigational aid for passing ships. Although its light was replaced with an automatic beacon in the 1970s, the lighthouse remains one of Kauai’s most popular attractions.More
#8
Wailua River

Wailua River

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Wailua River (Attraction - Kauai, USA)Protected by Wailua River State Park, the Wailua is the largest navigable river in the Hawaiian archipelago (a feature found only on the island of Kauai). As the 20-mile (32-kilometer) river meanders through a lush valley, it passes through jungle landscapes and past two notable waterfalls: Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls.More
#9
Spouting Horn

Spouting Horn

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When the island of Kauai erupted from the sea between 4 and 5 million years ago, parts of the coastline were riddled with tubes where molten lava once flowed. One of those spots is the Spouting Horn on the island’s southern coast, where waves are channeled into the tube before violently erupting in a saltwater geyser over 50 feet in the air. Compared to other Hawaiian blowholes, what makes Kauai’s Spouting Horn unique is the guttural moan that precedes the powerful eruption. A second, smaller hole in the rocks funnels air as opposed to water, and the result is a sound that makes it seem like the rocks themselves are groaning. No wonder Hawaiians believed that amo’o was stuck inside of the rocks—a mischievous lizard of Polynesian lore that can still be heard to this day. Once finished admiring the geyser and feeling the ocean’s fury, peruse the homemade souvenir stalls erected by local vendors. Even if you don’t find that perfect give to bring back from your Hawaiian vacation, the locals are always a good source of friendly conversation.More
#10
Niihau

Niihau

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Known as the Forbidden Island, Niʻihau is mostly untouched by outsiders, creating a microcosm of Hawaiian history and culture. Just 17 miles (27 kilometers) off the coast of Kauai, the island’s fewer than 200 residents speak Hawaiian and live without cars, electricity, and modern amenities.More
#11
Menehune Fish Pond

Menehune Fish Pond

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The Menehune Fishpond is scenic—set amid lush jungle where craggy mountains are close enough to frame the edges of a killer sunset photo shot. But this giant pool of green-brown water has been attributed mythical qualities that are evident even in its name. Menehune is a mysterious race of little people—some say they’re like Hawaiian leprechauns—that have been credited with building sites throughout the Hawaiian Islands swiftly and stealthily. Legend has it they built this particular 39-acre loko wai (freshwater pond) by passing stones to each other from the village of Makaweli more than two dozen miles away, damming up the Hule’ia River with walls 900 feet long and five feet tall. In a single night. To get up close and personal with the work of the Menehune, join a kayak tour of the Hule’ia—it’s the only way to gain access into the otherwise off-limits Hule’ia National Wildlife Refuge that surrounds the pond. Fishponds like this one are found throughout the Hawaiian Islands and were used to store and easily retrieve fish for the alii or ruling class. And, the Menehune Fishpond is one of the best preserved examples of a Hawaiian freshwater fishpond still in existence today.More
#12
Opaekaa Falls

Opaekaa Falls

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Kauai, is green, and Kauai is wet—and that's why it's so beautiful. Parts of the island receive over 400 inches of rainfall every year, and all that rain means the Garden Isle is dripping in dozens of waterfalls. While some of these waterfalls require trekking through mud just to gain a glimpse of their splendor, others ones such as Opaekaa Falls only require stepping out of the car. Tumbling just over 150 feet, Opaekaa Falls is a year-round waterfall that is guaranteed to be flowing. The falls usually feature two separate streams that splash their way down the cliff face, but after periods of especially heavy rain, the two falls can merge into a single, explosive cascade. Whatever the size, the best time to visit is usually in the late morning when the falls are bathed in sunlight—and if it happens to be cloudy day, the falls are so close and easily accessible it’s easy to pay another visit.More
#13
Kalalau Lookout

Kalalau Lookout

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The Napali Coast tops nearly everyone’s Kauai bucketlists with its sheer green undulating cliffs dropping directly into cerulean waters. The Kalalau Trail takes you back in and along Napali’s Valleys for 11 miles down to the beach and back up and out for another 11—a trip that takes most people at least two days to complete. Not for everyone. Enter the Kalalau Lookout, an easily accessible vantage from which to take in the deep expanse of Napali’s most recognizable Kalalau Valley and get a taste of Napali from land without all of the hiking. Sitting at an elevation of 4,000 feet, the lookout is perfectly positioned to take in the full two-mile-across valley and the ocean beyond.More
#14
Kauai Coffee Company

Kauai Coffee Company

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There was once a time when the island of Kauai was awash in waving green sugar. When the last mill closed down, however, in October of 2009, the island was left searching for a new crop to step in and fill the void. Luckily for island plantation workers and caffeine lovers worldwide, coffee is starting to pick up on Kauai where the sugar cane industry left off.Nowhere is this more evident than at Kauai Coffee Company in the town of Kalaheo, where over 4 million trees on 3,100 acres officially make this the largest coffee farm found anywhere in the United States. Take a guided tour through the coffee fields to learn the production process, or sample from over 20 different coffees at the large tasting room on site. Every bean that’s served and sold is grown right here in Hawaii, and when you’ve gotten enough of a buzz for the day, look out at the rows of waving green leaves that disappear over gentle hills to the tropical shoreline below.More
#15
Polihale State Park

Polihale State Park

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Located at the end of a long and rugged dirt road, Polihale State Park is a remote beach on Kauai’s westernmost edge with excellent snorkeling, camping, and stargazing. Adventuresome visitors are drawn to the park’s wild and secluded nature and it’s one of the best spots in Kauai to watch the sunset. Ancient Hawaiians believed that Polihale was the departure point for the afterlife.More

Trip ideas

Top Hiking Trails on Kauai

Top Hiking Trails on Kauai

How to Get Off the Beaten Path on Kauai

How to Get Off the Beaten Path on Kauai

Best Beaches on Kauai

Best Beaches on Kauai

Top activities in Kauai

LUCKY LADY - Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour
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Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner & Show
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LUCKY LADY - Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour
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Entire Kauai Island Air Tour

Entire Kauai Island Air Tour

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694
From
HK$1,359.75
Na Pali Sunset & Sightsee Boat Tour
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Na Pali Sunset & Sightsee Boat Tour

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662
From
HK$1,565.64
Kauai ECO Adventure Helicopter Tour

Kauai ECO Adventure Helicopter Tour

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From
HK$3,307.65
Ni'ihau and Na Pali Coast Snorkel Boat Tour
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Koloa Zipline
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Koloa Zipline

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HK$1,318.07
Kauai ATV Backroads Adventure Tour

Kauai ATV Backroads Adventure Tour

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168
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HK$2,207.38
per group
"PRIVATE" Kauai Helicopter Tours with "NO MIDDLE SEATS"
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Half-Day Kayak and Waterfall Hike Tour in Kauai with Lunch
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Deluxe Waterfall Safari

Deluxe Waterfall Safari

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389
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HK$2,486.17
Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail
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Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail

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203
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HK$1,565.64
Na Pali Coast Kauai Snorkel and Sail
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Na Pali Coast Kauai Snorkel and Sail

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HK$1,826.65
Kauai's Ultimate South Island Zodiac Boat Snorkel Adventure
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Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
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Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour

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HK$1,117.97
"PRIVATE" Kauai Airplane Tour

Special Offer

"PRIVATE" Kauai Airplane Tour

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HK$1,667.10
HK$1,842.50  HK$175.40 savings
Kauai Learn to Surf GROUP for 2/Private for 3/Private for 4 (your own people)
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Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

Recent reviews from experiences in Kauai

star-5
Fabulous tour!
Morgan_L, Aug 2022
Entire Kauai Island Air Tour
Would recommend to anyone who wants to see the full beauty of Kauai.
star-5
Definitely worth seeing!
Cheryl_W, Aug 2022
Kauai Shore Excursion: Journey to Waimea Canyon
He obviously really loves Kauai and wanted us to know about its rich history and to see its beauty for ourselves.
star-5
A must do!!
Lisa_B, Aug 2022
Kauai ATV Backroads Adventure Tour
Fun way to see the less accessible parts of Kauai!
star-5
Beautiful river and easy hike
Abigail_R, Jul 2022
Wailua River and Secret Falls Kayak and Hiking Tour on Kauai
The waterfall got a little crowded at the top.
star-5
Super fun adventure
Vanessa_G, Jul 2022
Stand Up Paddle Rental- Wailua River to Secret Falls
We traveled to Secret Falls and did the hike to the falls followed by a fantastic cooling off in the water.
star-5
Great way to end our visit
gricel_c, Jul 2022
Wailua River and Secret Falls Kayak and Hiking Tour on Kauai
The waterfall was perfect.
star-5
This was the most amazing...
Jon_F, Jul 2022
Amazing Air Kauai Helicopter Tour
This was the most amazing way to see the inner parts of Kauai and waterfalls that you cannot access any other way
star-5
Great tour, Great captain
Jitesh_G, Jul 2022
Entire Kauai Island Air Tour
The canyons, Na pali Coast, the Wauila Water Fall.
star-5
Enthusiastic, personal, friendly
Denise_P, Jun 2022
Kauai's Waimea Canyon and South Side Private Guided Tour
With personal touches through the tour, it’s a great way to see and learn about the amazing canyon and south side.
star-5
Awesome adventure
James_W, Jun 2022
Guided Kayak Adventure on the Wailua River
The hike was amazing up to the beautiful waterfall.
star-5
Awesome Experience
Kenneth_H, Jun 2022
LUCKY LADY - Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour
We experienced up close and personal caves, water falls and other areas along the Na Pali cost.
star-5
Great tour. Scott was awesome.
Christopher_M, Jun 2022
Private Luxury Tour of Kauai: North & East Shores
He took us all around and we were able to see some highlights.
star-5
What a day!
Steven_k, Jun 2022
Private Waimea Canyon Tour
We stopped everywhere and got to see all of this great area in Kauai.
star-5
Doors off is the way to go!
Clay_W, May 2022
Doors Off Air Kauai Helicopter Tour
Best way to see Kauai!
star-5
Awesome experience for us
Doug_D, May 2022
Half-Day Kayak and Waterfall Hike Tour in Kauai with Lunch
Wonderful way to see beautiful Kauai.
star-5
Beautiful boat ride
Rosemarie_M, May 2022
Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail
We got to see bottlenose dolphins and even glimpse a whale!
star-5
Great Adventure!
Ralph_L, May 2022
The Secret Waterfall Private tour with photos
The most memorable experience was swinging across the water by the waterfall.
star-5
Awesome experience!
Wade_J, May 2022
Kauai ECO Adventure Helicopter Tour
Seeing the ocean, the coast, the rugged canyons, the lush hillsides and incredible waterfalls from the air was the perfect way to cap off our visit to Kauai.
star-5
Amazing
Debra_S, Apr 2022
Private Kauai North Shore Tour
Since it was a private tour we did the Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls
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Great tour to explore Na Pali coast!
Ramani_A, Apr 2022
LUCKY LADY - Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour
This tour was a great way to visit Na Pali coast..
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All about Kauai

Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
HST (UTC -10)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English

People Also Ask

What is Kauai known for?

Kauai is known for its dramatic natural beauty and is often called “The Garden Island” due to its verdant landscapes. The island is studded with lush, emerald-colored valleys, jagged mountain spires, cascading waterfalls, and tropical rainforest. Kauai’s most famous natural attractions are the tall sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.

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What is the best month to go to Kauai?

Any time of year is a great time to visit Kauai but, considering such factors as crowds, rainfall, and temperature, the ideal months are April, May, June, September, October, and November. September may just be the best time to visit Kauai as you’ll avoid crowds and heavy rain, and have the opportunity to attend the Kauai Mokihana Festival.

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Is Kauai or Maui better for families?

Maui. While it depends on your family’s preferences, Maui has more family-friendly resorts, accessible attractions, and beaches that are suitable for swimming. That said, Kauai offers more adventurous options, such as paddling and hiking, and children will likely love exploring the locations where Jurassic Park was filmed.

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How many days do you need to visit Kauai?

Five days on Kauai should be enough time to see the most important attractions, but longer is better to truly get a feel for the island. With five days you could split your time between the North Shore and the South Shore in Poipu to thoroughly explore each side of the island.

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What do you recommend to do and see in Kauai?

Much of the island can only be seen from the air, so take a helicopter tour. Drive to Waimea Canyon on the south side of Kauai and along the North Shore to the Hanalei Valley Overlook. Take a surf lesson at Hanalei Bay and a snorkeling cruise along the Na Pali Coast. Finally visit Allerton Garden to see where Jurassic Park was filmed.

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What is the best way to explore Kauai?

Public transportation on Kauai is of limited use to tourists so the best way to get around is by renting a car. If you don’t want to drive, book a few guided tours with hotel pickup. Some of Kauai’s top sights cannot be reached by road, so you’ll need to book a boat or helicopter tour.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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