Location: Lihue
Top Things to do in Lihue
The 10 Best Things to do in Lihue, Hawaii (HI)
Lihue, Kauai's capital city, is also served by the island's only airport, making it the most popular port of entry to Kauai and a hub of industry on this small island. However, Lihue retains its island charm and emerald beauty despite its urbanization. Spend the day sunbathing and dipping into the temperate waters at Kalapaki Beach before enjoying a luau at Kilohana Plantation. Step out of town to witness breathtaking Wailua Falls cascading over tiered stone to a drop of 80 feet.
Restaurants in Lihue
1. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By Travel_the_world11 - Clive, United States
Located in Lihue, this was our ‘home away from home’ church. It’s a beautiful open church. A small grotto replica reminds of the Lourdes connection when Mary told Bernadette ‘I am the Immaculate Conception’, thus letting the more educated of the time know that Bernadette was telling the truth. Church had open windows & doors that let in the warm Hawai’i wind & flower perfume. The locals were wonderful & welcoming. They asked visitors to stand for a blessing. They gave us each a seashell necklace too. It’s on a steep drive in. They announced future construction plans, beginning of 2020. Wonderful place of worship!
2. Grove Farm Sugar Plantation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
This 80-acre site was originally a sugar plantation where you can see the original family homestead, the worker's quarters and many fine gardens. Visits are by reservation only, please contact us for arrangements.
Reviewed By AbsolutelyDubrovnik - Seattle, United States
After visiting Kauai for many years, we heard about Grove Farm last week and promptly called to setup a tour. Tours are for very limited numbers of people so book ahead. Loved the tour of the old Sugar Cane farm. Fascinating view of the family business, farming and life on Kauai in those days. The beautiful family house and other farm buildings have been beautifully maintained and the tour guide has wonderful knowledge. We also toured the original kitchen and received delicious cookies and mint tea freshly made there for us. A wonderful tour not to miss
3. Kauai Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 739 reviews
To inspire and promote in the community, an appreciation and respect for the indigenous and immigrant people of Kaua′i and Ni′ihau.
Reviewed By brooksh784
The Kauai Museum has some very nice displays with a nice variety of collections: early Hawaiian history and culture, surfing, plantation life, and paniolos. It's well worth a stop.
4. Wailua Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,484 reviews
A popular waterfall attraction.
Reviewed By briangD8820BP
The view of the falls was fantastic, gorgeous scenery all around, well worth the short drive! Parking is a little limited/tight.
5. Kalapaki Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 870 reviews
Reviewed By Montreal_Canada2011 - Montreal, Canada
Kalapaki Beach is a nice beach, as it is the case on many islands. Lots of wind. The waves were strong. Be careful if you want to swim.
6. Koloa Rum Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 794 reviews
For the first time in history, Rum is being distilled legally on the island of Kauai. Visit Koloa Rum's Premier Tasting Room and Company Store at Kilohana Plantation in Puhi, Kaua`i where our award winning Premium Hawaiian Rums are available. Also popular are our rum cakes, rum fudge sauce, Kukui Brand Mai Tai Mix, jams, jellies, syrups, Koloa Rum logo wear and other unique Hawaiian made products. Open daily at 10:00am, please visit our website for COVID-19 restrictions. All tastings and alcohol sales require a valid photo ID and all individuals must be 21 years or older to enter the tasting room. Please enjoy responsibly!
Reviewed By 418deniceh
This was a great way to spend two hours on a rainy and cloudy afternoon. Our tour guide Kai and driver Leon toured us through the Kilohana Plantation, one of Kauai's hidden gems. Bring your camera to capture pics of the lush vegetation and the farming areas teeming with a wide variety of fruits from avocado to papaya... Our tour guide Kai was incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining. Rum tasting along the way enlightened us about the varieties of Koala Rum and the tour culminated with a yummy mai tai made with fruits of the plantation.
7. Kauai Community Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By dianesE3809PI
Our Na Pali Experience boat captain, Austin, recommended the white pineapple at this Kauai Community Market, which is at Kauai Community College on Saturday mornings. White pineapple is so deliciously sweet, and the "ice cream" they make by freezing the pineapple (and adding no extra ingredients) is also incredibly delicious! Don't miss this if you're on the island of Kauai!
8. Kilohana Plantation Estate
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 817 reviews
Built in the 1930's, Kilohana Plantation is a historic landmark and premier visitor attraction offering visitors and locals a glimpse into Kauai's past combined with assorted island-style activities, dining and shopping. Ride on our Kauai Plantation Railway, winding its way through the plantation's working farms and orchards. Learn about Kauai's history, enjoy the beautiful views and stop to feed the pigs! Take the afternoon to stroll the grounds and explore the 16,000 sq. foot plantation home. Stop in at Koloa Rum Co. for a rum tasting or for a full "Rum & Dining Experience." Visit the various artisan shops located around the grounds and both upstairs and downstairs in the home. Established in 1986, Gaylord's restaurant is a Kauai tradition. Set in the courtyard of the estate, it offers fresh, island-inspired food and beverages for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Make lunch a part of your fun afternoon on the estate or make reservations for a romantic dinner. Memorable by day, unforgettable by night. Or check out Happy Hour in the new Mahiko Lounge. Luau Kalamaku is Kauai's only theatrical luau telling the story of the original Tahitian voyage to the Hawaiian islands. An interactive experience, it offers all the exciting luau features including an imu ceremony, torch lighting, Polynesian knife dance and of course traditional music & hula. Choose one or all of the features that Kilohana Plantation has to offer. Open daily, you'll love the chance to see a piece of Kauai's history while experiencing the best of the island today!
Reviewed By asianguitarguy - South Pole, null
This is a great place to spend part of your day, especially with kids. As one of the larger attractions on the island, there are several fun things to do while on the property. First, I highly recommend the train ride. It's an enjoyable way to explore the property. It's also comfortable, interestingly narrated, and the stop to feed the animals is great fun. Second, this location is excellent for rum aficionados. Free samplings and a large selection are available for purchase. Finally, just wandering the giant house and the surrounding properties is a good time. There's so much to see in one place. We will definitely be returning next time we're on the island.
9. Ninini Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By Xanerin - Alice Springs, Australia
What an absolutely beautiful scenic area with a bird sanctuary and a place where you can spot whales and dolphins. Suggest taking some binoculars as this would help your viewing pleasure. Camera is a must for some great snaps.
10. Kauai Plantation Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,244 reviews
