Top Things to do in Kauai
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks 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 Lookout
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 587 reviews
Reviewed By getreal2me99 - Honolulu, United States
Coming here is breathtaking. At first, it was overcast then a little drizzle. Well, it's Kauai, so expect rain everyday. Once we reach the lookout, thanked God, weather is cooperating. The sun came out and gave us a phenomenal panoramic view of Kalalau lookout. It was very stunning to see the valley and also see waterfall on the backdrop. Even though, I was not able to see the native I'iwi bird that feeds on the Ohia blossoms, though I saw couple Nene's (endemic to Hawaii) that flew over the lookout. Due to the ongoing COVID-19, there weren't much people here. You have the place to yourself much. And when we were here, there were only 2 other families that came from other island that were visiting the park. Ample parking where you are greeted with wild chickens roaming around. And yes, chickens are all over in the island of Kauai. I adore this place so much because of its natural beauty. Highly recommend to add on your bucket list when visiting Kauai.
2. Waimea Canyon State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,194 reviews
"The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long and 3,600 feet deep.
Reviewed By Starlinghall
Beautiful sites that I think every person visiting Kauai needs to see... the highlight for us was going to the very highest lookout point at the end of the road at the top of the mountain. We looked out across the ocean and it took our breath away!
3. Lawai International Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Kmm808
My family has lived within 10 minutes of this place for over a hundred years and never heard about it!! My son found it online and just happened they were doing tours this past Sunday. They offer you tea and cookies, homemade by the "aunties" that volunteer there. Then there is a presentation about 30 minutes long about the culture and history of the place. It is pretty amazing!! It was raining a little, so they passed panchos out to everyone. Did I mention that this is all FREE?? By donation, but they don't ask you to donate. They just have little bowls out. We gave about $20 per person. The hike itself and visiting the pavilion takes about 30 minutes if you don't stop walking. It is built into the side of the hill and zig zags up and down the hill. If you have vertigo, or are afraid of heights, this is probably not good for you to do. Also not good for small children as their are areas with no handrails that is an easy 10 foot + drop. But if you are able to experience it, you will leave feeling at peace and lighter.
4. 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!
5. St. Raphael Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
Oldest Catholic Church in Hawaii, built in 1841, beautiful gardens and grounds. Walk the stations of the cross, overlooking the ocean surrounded by green mountains. Spiritual place, quiet, peaceful and lovely.
Reviewed By btgarner2013 - Saint Amant, United States
The oldest Catholic Church in Hawaii. Beautiful place. Nice grounds. Out of the way on a dead end road but easy to get to.
6. 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!
7. Sugarloaf Pineapple Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By U725PSalanh - San Diego, United States
They have reopened their tours from COVID they do them once a week on Thursdays at 10 a.m. I found them on Tripadvisor on a Wednesday evening and emailed them at 10 p.m. for a party of two. Jude called me back at 8 a.m. the next morning and was able to squeeze us in. That's quick service! The tour started with a history of their pineapple farm and how they got into the business. It was interesting and I just LOVE Jude's sense of humor! She went on to explain how pineapples are farmed and grown; very informative and interesting info! After that, we got to plant a pineapple sucker into the ground, as well as harvest our own pineapple. The pineapples on this tour were pretty small but it was just the right size to take back to our hotel room. We then got to taste some fresh cut sugarloaf pineapples, which were sweet and tasty! We were given the pineapple phrosties at the end of the tour, which was also delicious. It's an interesting tour and my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
8. Kapaia Suspension Bridge
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. Koloa Heritage Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
A 10-mile hiking and biking trail on Kaua'i's south shore.
Reviewed By HawaiiChris2020
The Heritage Trail is an excellent way to see the coast from lava cliffs, sea turtles in the coves, waves crashing into the coast, areas sacred to native Hawaiians, and a beautiful beach at the end of the hike. It is an in and out hike so take a water bottle and a camera! We got some phenomenal pictures of Kauai's coast. This trail has side trails for better views of the coast. Take your time and veer off to see the sites!
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