Top Things to do in Kauai
Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Kauai, Hawaii (HI)
Relaxing and pristine Kauai (the Garden Island) is the least commercially developed of the Hawaiian islands. Waterfalls, scenic drives and more than 60 beaches dot the landscape. Some beaches have great snorkeling, others offer child-friendly tidal pools and some are perfect for all kinds of water sports. Dry-land activities include hiking the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coastline, taking a day trip to Waimea Canyon and experiencing life on a sugar plantation at Grove Farm Homestead Museum.
Restaurants in Kauai
1. Kalalau Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,655 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. Kauai's hiking trail along the Na Pali coast.
Reviewed By wolverineJACK21 - Midland, United States
My family just got back from Kauai. We stayed near the NaPali coast. We had anyone from age 29-64 with us. There is a new rule now where you MUST have a park pass weeks ahead of time before being able to hike the Kalalau trail. We made this mistake and got sent away the first time. If you can’t get a pass, the best way to get access to the park is via the shuttle. The shuttle pass comes with entry to the park which is nice. The shuttle system is actually pretty efficient too. We took our shuttle from Princeville. After arriving, you have a 0.5 mile easy hike to the trailhead. There are bathrooms and a beach with a lifeguard here. If you want to hike, the trail itself is well marked and reasonably safe for the first two miles. It is mainly rocks but is wide and easily hike-able for people of all ages. There are tiny streams that you may have to step over but nothing too crazy. At the end, you hike down to a river. We went during the winter and the river was too high and too fast to cross. I recommend bring water shoes in a backpack to cross the river so that your hiking shoes aren’t soaked. It was at least waist high when we went. There is a small beach that you can hike down to which is nice. Overall, this trail is beautiful. I’m bummed we couldn’t make it to the waterfall on the other side of the river but highly recommend this.
2. Na Pali Coast State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,954 reviews
A scenic area offering beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs.
Reviewed By kalisTravelGuide - Pennsylvania, United States
I was lucky enough to view Kauai's 17 miles of coastline on the northwest sides by boat. The view is riveting. I could barely take my eyes off for fear I was going to miss it. The vast cliffs are very memorable and full of untouched natural beauty. I'd even say magical.
3. Hanakapiai Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 476 reviews
Reviewed By dsheon - Seattle, United States
Your journey starts by booking a shuttle bus, because it's almost impossible to get a parking permit at Ha'ena State Park, where the trailhead is located, unless booked weeks in advance. The good news is the shuttle gives you flexibility to look at the weather during your trip and decide the best date for this unforgettable journey. The 2 mile hike takes you over muddy trails through several waterfalls to a secluded beach, from which you can hike an additional mile to the H Falls. We went after days of heavy rain, so the trail was an absolute mess, but worth it. I just pretended the trail was made of milk chocolate and that powered me through. VERY IMPORTANT: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SWIM AT HANAKAPIAI BEACH DURING THE WINTER. A 27 year old male died the day we were there and was found 150 yards off shore. Plan on each mile taking about an hour given the rough footing. That means you'll want to get there no later than 11am to make it back before dark. Take lots of water and good footwear that you can throw out. Used sneakers or running shoes that you will trash and throw out are highly recommended!
4. Princeville Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,052 reviews
Princeville Botanical Gardens is a family owned and operated garden paradise located in the Princeville area on the magnificent north shore of Kauai. Established by The Robertson Family with the help of their close gardening friend Michael in 2001, this 9-acre property has been transformed into a breathtaking garden with dramatic landscaping in two steep valleys. The tour includes homegrown honey and fruit samples, as well as a chocolate tasting that teaches you the history of chocolate making. You'll have fun learning about the uses and folklore of native Hawaiian plants and exotic species from around the world. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Visitors can experience the garden on pre-scheduled tours on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Tours are not recommended for children under 6 years. Moderate mobility is needed to go on our nature walk. Please be sure to call us before visiting. Thank you!
Reviewed By MichelleK776 - Sacramento, United States
Expecting a typical botanical garden, I knew I would enjoy browsing through the flowers, but this is MUCH MORE. There is a little natural medicine, unexpected and very unusual plants, delightful grounds, a chocolate tasting and instructing, knowledgeable guide (Sara) and definitely worth the price. I would recommend this tour to ANYONE looking for something a bit unusual and entertaining on Kauai. Michelle K
5. Kauai Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 839 reviews
Reviewed By NicolleZ - Holt, United States
Great for all ages, my sister and parents and I had a wonderful bike ride along the coast. The paved path made for easy riding and there were plenty of pull-offs and scenic overlooks. You might even see a sea turtle or two! The rented bikes had baskets and bells on them. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat!
6. Hawaiian Organic Noni Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
Call for FREE TOUR. Discover Noni, an ancient Polynesian medicinal food. Our tours are on Monday,Wednesday,and Friday at 10 am.Come visit us at the Kaakaaniu Plantation for a personal tour of our thirty seven acre Hawaiian Organic Noni Farm. We are a certified organic family farm with over thirty years of experience at growing Noni through organic practices. We enjoy sharing our knowledge of Noni and organic farming methods.You will see: an ancient valley and orchards stretching all the way to the Pacific ocean.During your tour:- Discover the traditional uses of Noni and published research on this fruit.- Educate yourself about organic farming practices learn how we cultivate Noni for maximum potency.- Learn how our unique drying process makes this extraordinary fruit in to a whole raw food.- Taste a super fruit which will awaken your immune system, relieve pain, and supports your path toward wellness.- Enjoy free samples of our Noni Fruit Leather and Noni lotions. We will offer these during the tour as well!Tours are by Reservation only. Please call for more information or to book your guided tour.
Reviewed By Jharri01 - Jackson, United States
Visited the farm with my husband and 18/22 year old daughters. I love gardening but them, not so much. I was delighted that they thoroughly enjoyed the tour. No sales pitch, no targeted marketing, just the facts of what they do. Loved it. AND, it was FREE! We learned/heard about so much more than just Noni. It was a truly enjoyable few hours and we would do it again. My youngest has severe scalp psoriasis and we have tried so many things thru our dermatologist with no relief. So, when we saw the info on this condition we knew we would give it a try. After only 2 (YES 2) days of applying the Noni lotion to her affected areas, we could visibly see it diminishing. And, her mild acne is cleared. I am planning (with her permission) to post pics before/after once she has used it a while. Its only been 2 weeks of use to date. Mahalo Steve for sharing your passion and beautiful farm!
7. Kalepa Ridge Trail
8. Polihale State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 946 reviews
A historical state beach park with breathtaking views and landscape.
Reviewed By genyit
Yes, the dirt road is rutted, potholed, and can easily take 40-50 minutes to get to the beach. I had a Jeep Wrangler 4x4 and it didn't make the trip any faster, but I wasn't worried about bashing the undercarriage or stressing the shock absorbers. I personally think it would be foolish to try this ride with a regular car (think rain, mud, sand, hard-as-rock potholes, etc.) just make sure you've paid for the rental car insurance if you do. As far as the beach is concerned, it was worth every bone jarring bounce to get there and back. I was there on a beautiful sunny day, there were only a handful of other people for miles of gorgeous beach. Recommendation: bring a towel, umbrella, maybe a light weight chair, and lots of drinking water. Note: on my visit the bathrooms were closed. Although I wore a bathing suit I never gave any thought to going in the ocean. The surf was big and wild with a serious undertow. It was amazing to watch the huge waves roll in and then explode as they neared the beach. If you look to the North end of the beach you see the mountains frame the beach. If you look south you see miles of pristine beach and dunes, really quite stunning.
9. Waioli Mission House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Located in Waioli, this two-story restored house was built in 1837.
Reviewed By TomW628
Hanalei's iconic green church is one of the town's favorite landmarks. What many people miss is the Waioli Mission House hidden in a grove behind the church. The Mission House was the parsonage for the church and it provides a very fascinating look back into the daily lives of the early missionaries. Guided tours are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9AM to 3PM. The day I was there, a nice gentleman gave a very thorough tour of the house. He was knowledgeable about all things Mission House and it appeared he had much more information he could offer if he only had more time. For me, a history buff, this has been one of my favorite tours on the island.
10. Ho'opi'i Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
One of Kauai's best hiking trails.
Reviewed By melaniem598
We loved this hike. It was very muddy... but I think they all are! Where good runners and they will get muddy! Walk slow as the mud does get pretty slippery! Our youngest is 8 and we were able able to do this hike. The hardest part is climbing down the cliff ( and back up) after we had an amazing time in the falls and swinging on the rope swing!!! Careful of the huge rock when you drop off the rope. ( We had someone stand there so no one hit it and swung the rope back) what an experience!!! If you hike do this for sure!
