15 Things to Do in Kauai Hawaii: The Garden Isle Adventure
Kauai, Hawaii’s fourth-largest island, is often called the “Garden Isle” for its lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. With its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and laid-back vibe, Kauai is the perfect destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Kauai, Hawaii! First the list:
- Explore the Na Pali Coast
- Visit Waimea Canyon State Park
- Relax at Kauai’s Beaches
- Take a River Adventure
- Experience a Traditional Luau
- Discover Spouting Horn
- Visit Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge
- Go Hiking
- Discover Waterfalls
- Explore Hanapepe Town
- Take a Helicopter Tour
- Enjoy Local Cuisine
- Visit Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden
- Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
- Explore Kauai by ATV
Below you’ll also get a full itinerary of how to best explore these places within several days!
Photos:
1. Explore the Na Pali Coast
The Na Pali Coast is one of Kauai’s most iconic landmarks. Its emerald cliffs and cascading waterfalls are best viewed by:
- Boat Tour: Cruise along the coastline to see sea caves, marine life, and stunning vistas. Many tours include snorkeling opportunities.
- Helicopter Tour: Get a bird’s-eye view of the coastline’s dramatic beauty.
- Hiking: The Kalalau Trail offers an unforgettable experience for adventurous hikers (permits required for extended hikes).
2. Visit Waimea Canyon State Park
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is a must-see for nature lovers. Highlights include:
- Canyon Overlook: Panoramic views of the canyon’s colorful layers.
- Hiking Trails: Trails like Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls lead to breathtaking views and waterfalls.
- Lookouts: Check out Pu’u Hinahina Lookout for sweeping views of the canyon and beyond.
3. Relax at Kauai’s Beaches
Kauai boasts some of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches. Top picks include:
- Poipu Beach: Great for snorkeling, swimming, and spotting Hawaiian monk seals.
- Hanalei Bay: A crescent-shaped beach with calm waters, perfect for paddleboarding and relaxing.
- Ke’e Beach: The starting point for the Kalalau Trail, ideal for snorkeling and sunset views.
4. Take a River Adventure
Kauai is home to Hawaii’s only navigable rivers. Popular options include:
- Wailua River: Rent a kayak or take a boat tour to explore this scenic river. Stop by the Fern Grotto, a natural amphitheater of ferns.
- Hanalei River: Paddle through the serene waters surrounded by lush mountains.
5. Experience a Luau
Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with a traditional luau. Enjoy delicious Hawaiian food, live music, and hula performances. Smith Family Garden Luau is one of the island’s most popular options.
6. Discover Spouting Horn
Located near Poipu Beach, Spouting Horn is a natural blowhole where waves force water through a lava tube, creating a spectacular spray. It’s especially dramatic at high tide.
7. Visit Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge
This historic lighthouse sits atop a dramatic cliff and offers stunning ocean views. The nearby wildlife refuge is home to seabirds, such as albatrosses and frigatebirds, and provides an opportunity to spot humpback whales during the winter months.
8. Go Hiking
Kauai is a paradise for hikers. Some of the best trails include:
- Kalalau Trail: A challenging trail along the Na Pali Coast with jaw-dropping views.
- Sleeping Giant (Nounou) Trail: A moderate hike with panoramic views of Kauai’s east side.
- Awa’awapuhi Trail: A trail that leads to dramatic cliffs overlooking the Na Pali Coast.
9. Discover Waterfalls
Kauai’s waterfalls are legendary. Be sure to check out:
- Wailua Falls: A double-tiered waterfall that’s easily accessible by car.
- Opaekaa Falls: Located near the Wailua River, this picturesque waterfall is another easy-to-reach spot.
- Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls): Accessible via a kayak and hike on the Wailua River, this is a must for adventure seekers.
10. Explore Hanapepe Town
Known as Kauai’s “biggest little town,” Hanapepe is a charming destination for art lovers and foodies. Don’t miss:
- Hanapepe Art Night: A weekly event with local art, live music, and food trucks.
- Swinging Bridge: A fun, historic footbridge over the Hanapepe River.
11. Take a Helicopter Tour
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a helicopter tour of Kauai offers breathtaking views of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest places on Earth.
12. Enjoy Local Cuisine
No trip to Kauai is complete without sampling the island’s delicious food. Don’t miss:
- Poke Bowls: Fresh and flavorful seafood dishes.
- Shave Ice: A Hawaiian favorite, perfect for cooling off.
- Farmers’ Markets: Taste fresh tropical fruits and local delicacies.
13. Visit Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden
These two botanical gardens, part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, showcase Kauai’s rich plant life and stunning landscapes. The gardens are located near Poipu and offer guided tours.
14. Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
The clear waters surrounding Kauai are perfect for exploring marine life. Popular snorkeling spots include:
- Tunnels Beach: Known for its coral formations and diverse sea life.
- Lawai Beach: A small but excellent snorkeling destination.
15. Explore Kauai by ATV
An ATV tour offers a fun and unique way to explore Kauai’s backcountry. Ride through lush valleys, muddy trails, and scenic landscapes, often featured in movies filmed on the island.
Plan Your Kauai Adventure:
Kauai is a destination that offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to serene relaxation. Whether you’re hiking the Na Pali Coast, kayaking the Wailua River, or enjoying the sandy shores of Poipu, Kauai promises an unforgettable experience. Pack your bags, embrace the aloha spirit, and prepare for a journey to the Garden Isle!
5 Sample Itinerary Ideas for Kauai, Hawaii
Itinerary 1: Classic Kauai (3 Days)
Day 1: South Shore & Waimea Canyon
- Morning: Visit Spouting Horn and relax at Poipu Beach.
- Afternoon: Drive to Waimea Canyon State Park and enjoy scenic lookouts.
- Evening: Attend the Smith Family Garden Luau.
Day 2: Na Pali Coast Adventure
- Morning: Take a boat tour of the Na Pali Coast.
- Afternoon: Relax at Ke’e Beach or snorkel.
- Evening: Watch the sunset at Hanalei Bay.
Day 3: East Shore & Wailua River
- Morning: Kayak or take a boat tour on the Wailua River to Fern Grotto.
- Afternoon: Visit Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls.
- Evening: Explore Hanapepe Town and the Swinging Bridge.
Itinerary 2: Outdoor Adventure (5 Days)
Day 1: Arrival and Beach Day
- Relax at Poipu Beach or Hanalei Bay after arriving in Kauai.
Day 2: Hiking the Na Pali Coast
- Hike the Kalalau Trail for stunning coastal views.
Day 3: Waimea Canyon & Backcountry
- Explore Waimea Canyon and go on an ATV tour through Kauai’s backcountry.
Day 4: Waterfalls and Botanical Gardens
- Visit Wailua Falls and Secret Falls.
- Tour Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden.
Day 5: Helicopter Tour & Departure
- Take a helicopter tour of the island for a grand finale.
- Relax at Tunnels Beach before your flight.
Itinerary 3: One-Day Quick Visit
- Morning: Take a helicopter tour of Kauai for an overview of the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
- Midday: Visit Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge.
- Afternoon: Kayak the Wailua River to Fern Grotto and visit Opaekaa Falls.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner near Poipu Beach and watch the sunset.
Itinerary 4: Family-Friendly Kauai (4 Days)
- Day 1, Relax and Explore Beaches: Visit Poipu Beach and enjoy snorkeling.
- Day 2, Nature Adventures: Kayak the Wailua River and hike to Secret Falls and visit Opaekaa Falls.
- Day 3, Wildlife and Scenic Views: Visit Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge and explore Hanalei Bay and the Swinging Bridge in Hanapepe Town.
- Day 4, Na Pali Coast & Luau: Take a family-friendly boat tour of the Na Pali Coast and end the trip with a traditional luau.
Itinerary 5: Romantic Getaway (3 Days)
- Day 1, Scenic Drives and Beaches: Drive along Waimea Canyon and watch the sunset at Hanalei Bay.
- Day 2, Helicopter Tour & Relaxation Take a helicopter tour of the island and relax at Tunnels Beach and enjoy a romantic dinner.
- Day 3, Na Pali Coast Boat Tour: Spend the day on a boat tour of the Na Pali Coast with snorkeling and picnicking.
Each itinerary offers a mix of relaxation and adventure to suit various travel styles and schedules!
