Top Things to do in Kauai
Top 10 Outdoor Activities 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. Nu'alolo Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Hiking trail located in Kokee State Park.
Reviewed By U1378YVjeffb - Milford, United States
We hiked the ‘Cliffs’ version of this trail, a loop where you start on the Nualolo trail, hike into the vista, backtrack 3/4 mile to the Cliffs trail junction, take the Cliffs trail 2 miles over to its junction with the Awaawapuhi trail, do the vista there and then hike back out to the road on the Awaawapuhi trail, leaving you a 1.7 mile walk down the road back to your car at the Nualolo trailhead. Total distance of about 13 miles w elevation gain about 2200 feet. Fantastic day, BUT some important notes! First 1.25m of the Nualolo was a steep downhill, heavy w mud wallows, making hiking poles essential and slowing us considerably. It had been raining for weeks apparently, though none for three days when we hiked. The mud varies apparently, but it’s no joke and you should not underestimate it. Trail eventually dried out for the most part and the Nualolo vista is incredible. The Ciffs connector trail was a surprise - interesting in its own right but unblazed w few markers, narrow, little used, subject to blocking w deadfalls, sometimes faint and challenging to follow. Hikers w substantial experience will enjoy it, but we encountered some novices having real trouble. The Awaawapuhi vista was fine, though nowhere near as spectacular as the Nualolo. And the mud factor on the hike out along the Awaawapuhi trail was far less troublesome than on the Nualolo. With the mud and the lingering here and there and our usual modest pace, it took us 9 hours to cover the entire loop (!) and we hiked back down the road to our car under the stars. Start the hike early if you are doing the whole thing!! By the way, the distances on the occasional state park trail markers and official maps seem to be off about 20% from what you’ll get on a GPS tracker. That is, the hike is longer than the ‘official’ distances indicate. The attendant at the museum/info center told us that the Nualolo trail is 4.5 miles one way to the vista versus the 3.75 given as the ‘official’ distance. My GPS says she was right. Weird, but there it is and plan your tome accordingly!
3. Na Pali Coast
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By johnnnita
This was one of my "bucket list" places to experience that I never got around to when living in Hawaii 20 years ago. I'm submitting this review just a day or so since another tragic helicopter crash. I mention this only because we did this tour on a three person "doors off" helicopter ride (including pilot/guide). We used a different helicopter tour company than the one that crashed. So, while we recommend such a way to see the Na Pali Coast, we understand the hesitancy of others who may want to choose a different way to see this magnificent coast line (i.e. boat/raft tour). We considered hiking since they just reopened the trail. However, we did not have enough time for that. So, we were fortunate that the weather was safe enough to take our tour and experience this unbelievably beautiful and mangificent coast line. While the coastline is the most well known view, we also toured the interiors with the manificent close views of waterfalls, valleys, etc. Sadly, accidents happen but if you play it safe and choose the right helicopter company (do your homework online), then you will be able to have a magical time.
4. 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!
5. Kalepa Ridge Trail
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. Lumahai Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
The isolated beach where the movie "South Pacific" was filmed. It is not a swimming beach but the views are spectacular.
Reviewed By Hjalmar007 - Stockholm, Sweden
Wait for cool swells and go swimming in the lagoon, be aware that this is the open pacific with rip currents, then just enjoy and have fun, best smashing waves on Kauai!
9. Hanalei Valley Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 742 reviews
Reviewed By AimeeE351 - Frisco, United States
Just off the main road a few parking spots await. You pull off and stop for a quick photo of the valley and the taro fields with mountains behind.
10. Brennecke's Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By Tzionap - Woodmere, United States
This was a great beach for kids. Its an area protected by a rock enclosure so there were no waves. Great tide pools for little kids and lots of shallow areas. Great place to snorkel. Best part was watching the green sea turtles come out of the water at dusk and go back into the water at sunrise. Beautiful place to watch sunset. There are 3 gazebos with picnic benches and a switch to turn on overhead lights at night. As grilling on the beaches is legal in Hawaii, this was a great place to have evening barbecues.
