Top Things to do in Kauai
What to do and see in Kauai, Hawaii (HI): The Best Beaches
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. Kipu Kai
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Ke'e Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 822 reviews
A rocky northern Kauai beach where the hula dance is said to have originated. Also known to be the most visited beach in Kauai.
Reviewed By Californiamama145 - Riverside, United States
He'e beach is the beach at the end of the road, you can't go any farther. It's also the start of the Na Pali coast trail. There is a lifeguard, bathrooms, showers to rinse off and a great beach for snorkeling. The beach is protected and the water is fairly calm at the shoreline. Great for families.
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. Hanalei Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,829 reviews
Reviewed By puaka1 - Lee's Summit, United States
Breathtaking beach with nearby mountains making it a heavenly experience. A little ways from Lihue but the drive is beautiful itself. When it rains you can make out countless waterfalls on the nearby mountain range. Friendly shore break for body surfing, body boarding, surfing, or paddle boarding. You can even make out local canoe clubs practicing in the bay. Would live here if I could afford it lol but since I can't I will be back, frequently.
8. Poipu Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,745 reviews
Reviewed By elsalita
We love this beach, we swim and snorkel here every couple of days when we visit Kauai. It is safe, there are 2 life guard stations. We typically swim and snorkel in front of the Marriott. We see beached monk seals almost every time we are there. There's plenty of fish to see and variety of fish is really good, humu's, wrasse's, moorish idol's, puffer fish, trigger fish, tang's trumpet fish and more, we have occasionally seen turtles and eels. The waves are sometimes a little large but it's usually pretty easy to get in the water. There's also covered table area's if your spending the day and bathrooms and showers as well. There's lots of free parking.
9. Salt Pond Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
Reviewed By BrendaFBurg - South Padre Island, United States
This was our favorite beach you take the little ones. Perfect protected area for the little ones to experience the waters. Uncrowded so there was plenty of area to set up beach chairs and be comfy.
10. Tunnels Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 909 reviews
A beach in the northern part of Kauai.
Reviewed By cherylgiraffe
This is a local beach, accessible by parking nearby and walking down to it. It's not crowded - there are no services - but to me, it say real Hawaii, a place you go if you live in the neighborhood. Gorgeous water, magnificent view and the little neighborhood you drive through to get to it - across a couple of one-lane bridges is REAL Hawaii.
