20 Best Things to Do on Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi is known as the “Garden Isle” for its lush tropical rainforests. This is due in part to its ample rainfall — Mount Waiʻaleʻale receives more than 460 inches of rain a year, making it one of the wettest places on Earth. Kauaʻi is also the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and was the last to join the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi in 1810. With only one main highway and no building built higher than a coconut tree, Kauaʻi invites you to slow down and enjoy the nature around you. Take a scenic hike, go river kayaking or just chill at the beach. The less you do here the better. But if you are visiting for the first time and are eager to experience the island's highlights, here are 20 of the best things to do on Kauaʻi.

No experience captures Kauaʻi’s dramatic beauty like a Nāpali Coast boat tour. Towering cliffs rise over 4,000 feet from the ocean, dotted with sea caves, waterfalls and remote beaches. Catamaran, sail and raft tours depart from Port Allen or Hanalei, offering snorkeling and dolphin sightings along the way.

Local tip: Book a morning Nāpali boat tour when the ocean is calmest and the light hits the cliffs perfectly. And donʻt forget the Dramamine, for those waves that get rocky when boats are passing through the channel.

Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon State Park stretches 14 miles long and up to 3,600 feet deep. Its red and green cliffs are best viewed from scenic lookouts along Waimea Canyon Drive, or by hiking trails like Canyon Trail to Waipoʻo Falls. Just down the road, Kōkeʻe State Park offers over 45 miles of hiking trails along the perimeter of Waimea Canyon and views of Kalalau Valley from 4000 feet up. Popular hikes include Awaʻawapuhi Trail and Pihea Trail, both offering views of the Nāpali cliffs. Admission is free for kamaʻāina and $5 for visitors and there is parking and restrooms onsite.

Local tip: Stop at both Waimea and Kalalau Lookouts for good views of the canyon and coast — each offers a different perspective. Bring layers, temperatures can drop quickly at higher elevations.

Check the park's official website before you go for weather conditions and any potential construction projects in the area which will cause traffic delays.

Kauaʻi’s interior is so rugged that much of it can only be seen from the air. A helicopter tour gives you the best view of the Nāpali cliffs, the 3,000-foot Waiʻaleʻale Crater and hidden waterfalls, such as the 80-foot Wailua Falls – featured on the opening credits of the TV show Fantasy Island. You'll also see Manawaiopuna Falls – the 400-foot waterfall from Jurassic Park, also known as "Jurassic Falls," which is located on private land in Hanapepe Valley and only accessible by helicopter.

Local tip: Morning flights often have clearer skies. Sit on the left side for the best views of the coast.

Hanalei Bay is a postcard-perfect crescent of white sand framed by Kauaʻi's misty mountains. It’s ideal for swimming in summer, surfing in winter and for simply soaking up the island's North Shore charm. The nearby town of Hanalei offers boutiques, art galleries and laid-back eateries. We recommend Bar Acuda and Ama for dinner.

Local tip: For sunrise or sunset photos, head to the Hanalei Pier — it’s one of Kauaʻi’s most photographed locations. But be aware, due to overexposure, Hanalei Bay gets crowded and has limited parking. On days like this, visit the town for shopping, eating and supporting mom and pop spots.

Kauaʻi is home to Hawaiʻi’s only navigable rivers, and the Wailua River is the most famous. Rent a kayak or join a guided tour that paddles through lush jungle to Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls — a 100-foot waterfall that feels like a hidden paradise.

A short boat ride up the Wailua River brings you to the Fern Grotto, a lush cave where ferns grow upside-down from the rock walls. Once reserved for Hawaiian royalty, it’s now a peaceful site often used for weddings and musical performances.

Local tip: Bring reef-safe bug spray and wear water shoes. You’ll hike through muddy paths at the end.

Poʻipū Beach, on the island’s sunny south shore, is perfect for families and first-time snorkelers. Its calm, shallow lagoon teems with tropical fish, and Hawaiian monk seals often nap on the sand (make sure not to get near them as they are protected by law). With lifeguards, picnic areas and nearby restaurants, it’s one of Kauaʻi’s most accessible beaches. For sunset, head to Shipwreck Beach in east Poʻipū in front of the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi. Shipwreck Beach is a favorite for surfing, but due to its large surf not for swimming. Better to go for sunset picnics on the sand.

Local tip: Arrive early to find shade and a parking spot.

Rent a bike and take a leisurely ride along the 8-mile Ke Ala Hele Makālae, or “The Path that Goes by Coast.” Then cruise Kūhiō Highway in this historic town for great food and shopping. Taste locally-grown and produced chocolate from Lydgate Farms (there are free samples!), browse locally-made products and art at Kiko, treat yourself to a cute new outfit at Shipwrecked, have dinner at Fish Bar Deli and grab dessert at Wailua Shave Ice.

Local tip: Show up on the first Saturday of the month from 5 to 9 p.m. for the Art Walk in Old Kapaʻa Town.

Known as Kauaʻi’s “Biggest Little Town,” Hanapēpē is full of local charm. Stroll across the historic Hanapēpē swinging bridge, browse local art galleries and visit during the Friday Hanapēpē Art Night for live music, food trucks and street vendors. This is also where you will find Hawaiʻi's oldest salt ponds, passed down through generations.

Local tip: Many local artists open their studios on Friday evenings, it’s one of the island’s most authentic cultural experiences.

Located near Hāʻena, Makua Beach is a top snorkeling and scuba destination with lava rock formations that create underwater tunnels and arches. The reef attracts colorful fish and sea turtles, all framed by the majestic Makana Mountain (Bali Hai).

Local tip: Visit on a calm day during the summer months, waves can be strong in winter. There are restrooms and parking, but the parking lot fills quickly, so arrive early or get dropped off.

Located near Poʻipū, Spouting Horn is a natural lava tube that shoots ocean water up to 50 feet in the air with each wave. According to the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, there is a Hawaiian legend that says this coastline was once guarded by a moʻo (lizard, shapeshifter) named Kaikapu that would eat anyone who tried to fish or swim there. A boy named Liko tried to outwit the Kaikapu by wedging a stick into Kaikapu’s mouth. Liko escaped Kaikapu by swimming under the lava shelf and exiting through a small hole. When Kaikapu followed she got stuck in the lava tube. These days, they say the hiss you hear when the water shoots up at Spouting Horn is Kiaka breathing.

Local tip: Visit near sunset for dramatic lighting and photos of the south shore. There are restrooms and plenty of parking.

Just north of Līhuʻe, this twin waterfall, made famous by the TV show Fantasy Island, cascades 80 feet into a lush pool below. It’s easy to access by car, with a viewing area right off the main road. Early morning sunlight creates rainbows in the mist — a photographer’s dream.

Local tip: Swimming at the base is not recommended. Admire it safely from the overlook.

Part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden network, Limahuli Garden & Preserve showcases native Hawaiian plants and traditional loʻi kalo, or taro fields, set against the backdrop of Hāʻena Valley — a 1,500-year-old, fully functioning ahupua‘a (land division and watershed). There is a Limahuli Garden Tour for guests with physical disabilities or limited mobility.

Local tip: Reserve ahead, visitor numbers are limited to protect the landscape.

Tihati Productions, Hawai‘i’s longest-running and largest entertainment company, presents The Wailua Nui Lūʻau . Enjoy dinner and a show with whole pig roasted in imu (underground oven), buffet dinner, live music and hula. Hosted at Hilton Garden Inn Kaua‘i Wailua Bay, this new lūʻau celebrates cultural traditions, history and artistry of Kaua‘i and the Pacific.

Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

Tickets: $175 for adults, $95 for kids 12 and under (kama’aina rates also available)

The Kalalau Trail is Kauaʻi’s most famous hike, tracing 11 miles along the Nāpali Coast from Keʻe Beach to Kalalau Valley (22 miles roundtrip). Even if you only do the first two miles to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, the views are spectacular. If you can make it a little longer, check out the 300-foot Hanakāpīʻai Falls (an 8-mile roundtrip hike). The Hanakāpīʻai Falls trail is a rewarding yet challenging one with slippery paths and streams to cross.

Local tip: Permits are required past Hanakāpīʻai and parking at Hāʻena is limited, so plan ahead.

Perched on a bluff above the North Shore cliffs, the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse offers panoramic ocean views and a chance to spot seabirds like red-footed boobies and frigatebirds. In winter, you might even see humpback whales offshore.

Local tip: Bring binoculars and a camera, Kīlauea Lighthouse is a national wildlife refuge and therefore one of the best wildlife viewing spots on the island.

For action seekers, do an ATV or off-road adventure through old sugarcane fields, splashing through muddy trails and stopping at movie sites used in “Jurassic Park” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Afterwards, grab some fresh poke at Koloa Fish Market or brunch at Break + Feast in Old Kōloa Town where Hawaiʻi’s sugar industry began.

Local tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Red Kauaʻi mud is famous for staining!

Anini Beach is known for its calm lagoon protected by the longest fringing coral reef in Hawaiʻi. It’s great for snorkeling, swimming and paddle boarding or just hanging out on the beach. You can also camp here.

Local tip: The deep water outside the reef has a strong current. Be safe and swim inside the reef in calmer waters.

Located on the ʻŌpaekaʻa Stream in Wailua River State Park, this 151-foot waterfall flows over basalt rock formed millions of years ago. There is a look out point on Kuamoʻo Road (Highway 580) where you can easily access the waterfall.

Hawaiʻi is the only place in the US that can grow coffee and cacao. That means we have true bean-to-cup and bean-to-bar coffee and chocolate. While you're on Kauaʻi, check out a farm tour at Kauaʻi Coffee Company or Lydgate Farms for Kauaʻi chocolate to see how both are grown and processed and how they taste compared to elsewhere in the world.

End your Kauaʻi adventure on the island’s remote west side. Polihale State Park boasts a vast, golden Polihale beach stretching for miles with unobstructed sunset views. The drive on a bumpy dirt road keeps crowds away, making it one of the island’s most magical spots.

Local tip: Ensure you have a 4WD vehicle, plenty of water and stay to watch the stars, the night sky here is incredible.

• Don’t leave anything of value in your car. In some tourist-heavy locations, cars — especially rental cars — have been broken into.

• Don’t leave your valuables unattended on the beach.

• Do not touch sea turtles, monk seals or any wildlife. These are protected, endangered animals, and it’s against the law to touch them or even get too close.

• Do not take rocks, sand, plants or animals from beaches or hiking trails. You may be removing something sacred or a native or endemic species that’s endangered in the area. Leave everything in nature as you found it.

• Do not leave any trash behind — anywhere.

• Heed warning signs at the beach. Lifeguards post signs for hazards such as strong currents, jellyfish sightings and high surf. Take these cautions seriously.

• Do not venture off the beaten path. Straying from marked hiking trails can cause land degradation. You may also be stepping on private or sacred grounds.

• Be mindful of your noise level. Don’t be the loud tourist who disrupts others’ experiences. It’s disrespectful — and a good way not to be invited back.

• Wear reef-safe sunscreen. It’s against the law in Hawaiʻi to use anything else. Help protect this fragile ecosystem.

Kauaʻi Activity FAQs

• Do I need to rent a car to do these Kauaʻi activities? Yes, it is best to rent a car on Kauaʻi. There is a public bus, but routes are limited. Rideshare is also limited on Kauaʻi.

• What are the most popular free attractions on Kauaʻi? Beaches, public parks, hiking, Waimea Canyon, Kīlauea Lighthouse, Spouting Horn Blowhole and waterfalls accessible by hiking are all popular free attractions on Kauaʻi. .

• Can I see/do all of these on Kauaʻi in one day? No, although it only takes about three hours to drive Kauai's main coastal road, which forms a "U" shape around the island (there is no way to drive a complete loop) the drive will take most of a day alone with traffic and frequent stops.

• How many days should I spend on Kauaʻi? We recommend spending at least two nights on the South Shore and at least one night on the North Shore to get the most out of your trip to Kauaʻi.

• What’s the best way to get around Kauaʻi? Renting a car is the best way to get around on Kauaʻi as buses and rideshare are sparse.

• Which Kauaʻi activities require a reservation? You should make reservations for restaurants; lūʻau; boat, ATV, kayak and snorkeling tours, helicopter rides and farm tours.

• What are the best outdoor activities on Kauaʻi? Water activities such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling and catamaran tours around the Nāpali Coast, hiking, visiting the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge Viewpoint, biking Ke Ala Hele Makālae (“The Path that Goes by Coast”) from Kapaʻa, farmers markets and strolling through towns like Hanapēpē, Kapaʻa and Hanalei.

• What are the top cultural attractions on Kauaʻi? Hikinaakala Heiau, Poliʻahu Heiau, Nāpali Coast and Menehune Fishpond.

Heading to another island? Check out our top activity picks for Oʻahu and Maui.