From its dramatic Na Pali coastline on the North Shore to sparkling beaches on the South Shore, there are so many things to do in Kauai. The Garden Isle is a wonderland of breathtaking ocean vistas, secret plunging waterfalls, and scenes straight from a movie set (literally).
Best Things to Do in Kauai
Kauai is my favorite Hawaiian island and I’ve explored it thoroughly. Some of my favorite activities on the Garden Isle are listed below.
Whether you’re looking for memorable hikes, where to snorkel, or how to see the best of Hawaii’s lushest island, you’ll fall in love with paradise.
Here’s what to do and where to go on your Kauai itinerary…
1. Kalalau Trail
Whatever you do during your days in Kauai, plan at least a half day to hike the incredible Kalalau Trail.
It’s 11 miles (the first hour is mostly up, up, up) along a muddy, rocky path on the Na Pali Coast on the wild North Shore.
It’s true that it’s on the steep side. In fact, serious backpackers and adventurers make a reservation months ahead of time to hike the whole thing, camping overnight on a far flung beach and then heading back.
But don’t let that deter you! Even if you hike only the first half mile, you’ll be oohing and ahhing the whole way as you ogle the panoramic view of the turquoise ocean through a sea of bright red hibiscus flowers and greenery. Don’t miss this experience!
Just remember to bring lots of water. And I also highly recommend trekking poles here.
Seriously, you’ll notice lots of jealous hikers around you if you have these…especially because they will totally save your knees on the way back down.
Trekking poles are not just for old people (even though my daughter thinks they are). You can get some hiking poles on Amazon here.
2. Snorkel at Tunnels
The perfect thing to do after all that exertion on the Kalalau Trail? Hit the beach at nearby Tunnels, also known as Makuna Beach.
In fact, you’ll park at the beach here to access the trail so it couldn’t be easier to swap your hiking gear for snorkel gear and a beach towel after you’re done.
We had some of the best snorkeling on our trip here. It makes a great beach for diving, swimming, and even kite surfing.
The sand is golden and divers love the dramatic underwater topography here. Some say it’s the best shore dive on the island.
Go at low tide and in the morning for best visibility for tropical fish and, hopefully, lots of sea turtles.
Where to Stay in Kauai
If you’re staying a week or more, consider basing in Princeville on the North Shore for part of the time (except in winter when it’s rainy) and the rest in Poipu on the South Shore. I recommend:
1. The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort villas—This North Shore beachfront paradise includes a full kitchen, on-site restaurant, and ocean views galore.
Check price and availability on the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort villas here.
2. Hideaway Cove Poipu Beach—The sugary white sand of Poipu Beach is just steps away when you stay here.
Tropical decor, private lanais, and your own kitchenette make Hideaway Cove the place to be!
Check price and availability on Hideaway Cove Poipu Beach here.
3. Hike to Queen’s Bath
Not far from Princeville on Kauai’s North Shore, Queen’s Bath is a natural pool on a shelf of hardened lava.
To arrive at this prize, you should anticipate a hike down a muddy cliff and then across the lava shelf.
This is no place for fancy sandals. I saw many abandoned along the way.
I highly recommend Keens for both men and women when in Hawaii. It’s one of my top items on my Kauai packing list.
They’re comfortable with a great sole for hiking in the mud and protect your feet from sharp coral in the water (so no need to pack water shoes). You can grab a pair on Amazon here.
As you enter the trail to Queen’s Bath, you may notice the dire warnings on a signpost about drownings here. Heed them!
The occasional rogue wave regularly washes tourists into the open ocean as they pose for Insta here.
I promise you’ll see plenty of people making it look safe and inviting but be smarter.
4. Na Pali Coast Snorkel Tour
If there’s one thing you should definitely spring for on in Kauai, it’s a boat tour. It’s hard to convey the sheer beauty and dreamy tropical nature of Kauai’s Napali Coast on the North Shore.
Verdant steep peaks disappear into the clouds here…frequently accompanied by rainbows. It’s impossibly beautiful. Your tropical fantasy come to life.
There are really only two ways to fully appreciate the sheer scale of nature’s majesty here. It’s nicknamed “The Eighth Wonder of the World” for a reason.
Tour it by helicopter (see #14 below) or by boat to seek out remote beaches, sea caves, and spinner dolphins along the way.
When choosing a snorkel tour, choose one that sails on a smaller catamaran with fewer people.
Enjoy a buffet lunch as you watch sparkling waterfalls drift down the remarkable cliffs.
You can check price and availability on my recommended Na Pali Coast sail and snorkel cruise here.
PSA August 2021: Be aware that there is currently single lane public access during certain hours on Kuhio Highway—the main road on the North Shore due a massive landslide in March 2021.
This was the second landslide in this area so just be grateful you’ll still be able to access Hanalei Bay and all points west at all. (But you might want to avoid basing in Hanalei Bay for this reason.)
Please be patient and respectful with construction workers. Reinforcing this area’s a big job! In the meantime, you’ll need to plan ahead as the hours for public access to the road varies day to day.
You can get the current schedule from the Dept of Transportation here.
5. Kayak Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay, also on Kauai’s North Shore, is the biggest bay on island. And the little wooden pier makes a great backdrop for a sunset photo.
You might recognize it from the 2011 movie The Descendents with George Clooney, which was filmed here.
The little town of Hanalei is a great spot for a meal here, too. Then head over to the bay to watch the paddle boarders and sailboats drift by.
It’s also the perfect spot for a kayak and snorkeling tour. This family-friendly tour paddles the Hanalei River before entering the bay to look for Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Swap your kayak for snorkel gear and then enjoy lunch on the beach.
You can check price and availability of the Hanalei Bay kayak and snorkel tour here.
Read more on Hawaii travel here:
• 23 incredible things to do in Hawaii
• Where to stay on Maui
• The ultimate Hawaii packing list
6. Explore Waimea Canyon
With the moniker “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon State Park should not be skipped!
Starting in April 2021, the state of Hawaii now requires anyone who enters to purchase both parking and individual entrance fees ($5 per person) at parking pay stations. It’s worth it though!
Waimea Canyon is actually not far at all from the Kalalau Trail on the North Shore but since there’s no access from that end of the island, you’ll need to drive counter clockwise all the way past Poipu on the South Shore.
So if you’re spending time on Poipu, Waimea Canyon makes a great day trip. You can do it as a day trip from the North Shore but expect to spend two hours driving each way.
At a minimum, check out the view from the Kalepa Ridge trailhead.
It offers stunning views across the lush cliffs to the Pacific Ocean. And be sure to catch the incredible canyon views at Waimea Canyon Lookout at mile marker 10.
With more time, check out the 18 hiking trails in Koke’e State Park. Or—even better—how about a thrilling downhill bike ride?
You’ll take in view of Waipo’o Falls, the canyon, and sweeping views over three state parks on this easy downhill route with a guide.
Check out price and availability on the Waimea Canyon downhill bike ride here.
7. Go ziplining in Koloa
What could be better than a bird’s eye view of Kauai’s native forest? Soar on Kauai’s longest ziplines—it’s an 8 track course— near Koloa on the South Shore.
Hang on to the handlebars, cruise hands-free—or even upside down—over lush forests and the Waita Resevoir. It’s totally up to you!
Guest review: “Amazing experience and guides were awesome!! Highly recommend to anyone looking for some adventure or if you have preteen/teenage kids.” —William P. Aug 2021
You can check out price and availability on the Koloa zipline tour here.
8. Visit Kilauea Lighthouse
If you’re a bird watcher, bring your bincoluars and head to the Kilauea Lighthouse on Kilauea Point on the North Shore.
It’s located inside a wildlife refuge that works closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support Kauai’s wildlife.
The lighthouse itself has been here since 1912, when it was constructed to aid in navigation…not just of ships but also the very first flights here.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor during WWII in 1941, the light station went dark until the end of the war.
Today, you can admire the historic lighthouse as you search the horizon and the coastline for red-footed boobys, brown boobys, white-tailed tropicbirds, and so many other native birds.
9. Enjoy a Sunset Dinner Cruise
See the breathtaking Na Pali coast at the most romantic time of day. A sunset dinner cruise is the perfect evening out for two.
After you board your catamaran at Port Allen Marina, you’ll toast the light show in the sky with champagne and appetizers as you sail past the jagged green cliffs plunging into the sea. Keep a look out for spinner dolphins.
A buffet dinner, accompanied by Mai Tais and fresh juices, completes this magical experience. I can’t think of a better place for a sunset cruise than on the Na Pali Coast.
Check price and availability on the sunset cruise here.
10. See Wailua Falls and Opaeka’a Falls
There are epic waterfalls to see in Kauai! You’ll find Wailua Falls just north of the airport in Lihue.
Wind your way on country roads out into the middle of nowhere, past the occasional wild boar (yes really), and behold… Wailua Falls!
Tip: Visit in the morning for possible rainbows as you take in the 80 foot drop of these majestic falls.
Opaeka’a Falls has a steeper drop than Wailua Falls (151 feet). This one makes a great stop if you’re with someone who needs easy accessibility.
11. See Limahuli Garden and Preserve
When we visited Limahuli Garden, we were the only tourists there! That’s probably because there’s a $25 entrance fee involved.
And even though you’re probably wondering why you’d spend money to see a garden when you’re essentially living on one in scenic Kauai, it’s worth every penny.
This is one of the most biodiverse valleys in Hawaii. It’s home to so many endangered plants and birds that you’ll find nowhere else on the planet.
My favorite experience here was wandering through the canoe gardens, a true slice of history.
The archaeological terraces here are 700 years old and show how native Hawaiians used to cultivate taro.
In fact, the canoe gardens feature more than two dozen plants that Hawaii’s original Polynesian settlers brought from home.
You’ll find Limahuli Gardens conveniently located near the Kalalau trailhead and Tunnels Beach.
12. Take a surfing lesson.
If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf, now’s your chance.
Try on the ultimate island experience for yourself here in Kauai during a relaxed group lesson from a local professional surf instructor.
No need for special equipment. Your lesson includes a surf board, rash guard, and water shoes to save your feet from coral while you learn.
Guest review: “Monica was great! The whole experience was super fun and really chill! We had so much fun catching waves.” — Crush, Apr 2021
Check price and availability on a group surf lesson here.
13. Hit the Beach in Poipu
North Shore beaches in Kauai feel wild and untamed. And many of them require a significant hike to access.
South Sore beaches near Poipu are just the opposite. The shoreline is flatter here and beach access is easy.
They’re also dramatic with lots of black volcanic rock. Plus, snorkeling can also be amazing here!
I find that some visitors to Kauai are die hard North Shore fans while others vastly prefer the area near Poipu.
If this is your first visit and you’re not in either camp yet, be sure to explore both.
Popular beaches near Poipu include Poipu Beach Park, Shipwreck Beach, and Baby Beach. Makawehi Lithfield Cliffs makes a scenic hike above the beach here, too.
14. Get a bird’s eye view on a helicopter tour
There’s no better way to fully appreciate the beauty of the Garden Isle than to soar over the dramatic green spires of the Na Pali coast, waterfalls of Waiapuna, and majestic Waimea Canyon.
Kauai is definitely the place to see by helicopter. Whatever you do, be sure to choose a company that can demonstrate its commitment to safety.
Blue Hawaiian has earned the FAA’s Certificate of Excellence, or Diamond Award so you can enjoy this onece-in-a-lifetime experience with confidence.
Plus, their Eurocopter Eco-Star helicopter reduces flight noise by 50 percent. You’ll also be able to communicate with the pilot by two way radio.
On this tour, you’ll explore stunning Manawaiopuna Falls (known as Jurrasic Falls), fly over views of the Olokele Canyon, and weather permitting, fly over Mount Wa’ale’ale, the second wettest place on earth.
This helicopter tour out of Lihue has more than 1,500 five star reviews from happy customers.
Guest review: “Chelsea was an amazing pilot and her narrative of what we were seeing was perfection.” —Debra A, Aug 2021
Check price and availability on the Kauai ECO adventure helicopter tour here.
15. Eat shave ice
What would a visit to Kauai be without taste testing all of the delicious shave ice?
Never had it? Shave ice resembles fluffy snow and then is topped with flavored syrups that range from passionfruit to papaya.
It’s often served with a scoop of ice cream at its core. YUM!
Waikomo Shave Ice in Poipu is the place locals recommend as there are no artificial flavorings or colorings.
On the North Shore, try Wishing Well Shave Ice, a food truck, in Hanalei. This is aloha in a bowl! Bonus: friendly staff and parking.
16. Kayak Wailua River
The Wailua River is the only river on the island that you can kayak.
Weave your way through the lush flora and fauna and then stop for a guided nature hike to a waterfall.
Afterwards, refuel with a picnic lunch and then enjoy a refreshing dip at the base of the waterfall.
This is a favorite day out for many in Kauai. No kayaking experience required.
Traveler review: “This was a perfect experience on Kauai. We had the best tour guide, Po. We were even treated to Po’s song and conch shell ceremony at the waterfall.” —Beth T, August 2021
Check out price and availability on the Wailua River kayak and hike here.
17. Ogle the monk seals
Seeing Hawaiian monk seals is such a magical experience.
Their numbers unfortunately are currently on the decline as a threatened species due to things like sharks, lack of food, and climate change but they’re hanging in there.
There are are just 1,400 of them left throughout Hawaii…which is why you should be extra careful that you don’t add to the stress by approaching them.
In fact, it’s illegal! Maintain a respectful distance instead.
The best place to see them? Poipu Beach is a popular spot to find them napping on the sand.
We met one at Tunnels on the North Shore. Keep your eyes peeled as they could be anywhere!
18. Snorkel the Forbidden Isle of Ni’ihau
The island of Ni’ihau just off the coast of Kauai’s North Shore is known as “the Forbidden Isle” since it’s closed to outsiders who don’t live there.
While you can’t visit, you can admire it from the water and learn its unique history from the water.
This is a “two for one” tour as you’ll first make your way along the Na Pali Coast and then head across the channel to Ni’ihau.
There, you’ll snorkel the coral reefs around the island and nearby Lehua Crater, one of Hawaii’s best snorkeling spots.
Check out price and availability on the Secret Ni’ihau snorkel cruise here.
19. Buy a new bikini.
As soon as I arrived in Kauai, I realized two things: I’d overpacked and I’d under packed.
With all the outdoor activities and humidity, I never reached for my make-up, hair accessories, or fancy clothes once!
I wished I’d packed several bathing suits, however, and a few loose and feather light dresses that could double for beach cover-ups and sunset cocktails.
Thank goodness for Pualini Hanalei on the North Shore. This is the top place to find a bikini that fits…even if you’re curvy. Lots of other cute boutiques nearby too.
Check out South Shore Bikinis for a nice selection of sarongs too.
20. Take a hike
Aside from the famous Kalalau Trail, Kauai is home to some of Hawaii’s most scenic hikes. And you’ll find hikes for every level of ability here.
Try Awa’awapuhi Trail (6 miles, moderate) which begins in Kokee’e State Park and goes through the Napali Kona Forest Reserve.
Hoopii Falls Trail is another moderate but short (1.7 miles) trek to a scenic falls.
Looking for easy, flat hikes? Try the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail from Shipwrck Beach to Punahoa Point on the South Shore near Poipu.
With just 318 feet of elevation gain, this 2.7 mile walk is good for every skill level.
Plus, it’s a great spot for whale watching in winter!
21. See secret Kauai
Looking to get off the beaten path? Hire a private guide for a customized itinerary and five hour tour of Hawaii. You’ll watched geysers spray at the Spouting Horn blowhole, explore the rugged backcountry, and so much more.
Traveler review: “DJ was absolutely amazing. He was super knowledgeable and made the tour exciting from start to finish. Definitely not your average tour. He personalized the tour just for us.” —Brandon K, July 2021
Check price and availability on the secret Kauai tour here.
Best activities in Kauai
The best things to do in Kauai are the ones that renew and rejuvenate you. That’s the best recipe I know for the perfect vacation.
Resist the urge to see and do everything. Instead, choose a few bucket list activities and see where your days take you the rest of the time. Whatever you choose to do, may your days be full of Hawaiian rainbows and aloha.
FAQ
How many days do you have?
How many days do you have? Seriously, there’s no end to beautiful beaches here. Spend at least three days to explore the North Shore beaches, drive to Waimea Canyon, and see some epic waterfalls.
If you’re island hopping, add more days here if wilderness and beaches are what calls you to Hawaii. Plan extra days in Maui instead if you’re looking to lounge poolside at premier resorts.
Add time to your Big Island itinerary for hiking Volcanos National Park. You’ll find Pearl Harbor on Oahu.
2. What should you not miss on Kauai?
• Tunnels Beach on the North Shore,
• Kalalau Trail (first half mile),
• snorkel sail on the Na Pali Coast
• Popipu beaches
• Waimea Canyon
3. What is the best month to go to Kauai?
For fewer crowds, great weather, and better prices on hotel and airfares, visit Kauai between September to November or April to June.
How many days do you have? Seriously, there’s no end to beautiful beaches here. Spend at least three days to explore the North Shore beaches, drive to Waimea Canyon, and see some epic waterfalls.
If you’re island hopping, add more days here if wilderness and beaches are what calls you to Hawaii. Plan extra days in Maui instead if you’re looking to lounge poolside at premier resorts.
Add time to your Big Island itinerary for hiking Volcanos National Park. You’ll find Pearl Harbor on Oahu.
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