Top Things to do in Kauai
What to do and see in Kauai, Hawaii (HI): The Best Things to do
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. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. Anini Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 872 reviews
Reviewed By 910rachelh - Napier, New Zealand
This was an absolutely fantastic spot on the north shore of Kauai when the weather permits! We have a 2 year old who loved the shallow, warm protected waters and we had a good spot half under the trees. The sand is that wonderful coarser coral sand that doesn’t stick to everything too! Saw octopus, green turtle (saw 3) and loads of fish species and there is some coral trying to get a hold here - but expect a lot of degraded reef like everywhere else. You will need to be a reasonably confident swimmer to get out to the outer reef to see more interesting stuff - at least 60-100m off the shore.
6. 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.
7. Hanalei Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 529 reviews
Almost two miles of beach on Kauai's north shore.
Reviewed By beargem - West Grove, United States
Had a terrific 5 days at the North Shore Hanalei Bay Resort. Clean rooms, super views, great beach, excellent pool area with helpful and polite service all around. We also had tennis instruction with the pro, Mary Hannsz. She was excellent, great communicator, positive and was quickly able to analyze our strokes. Gave just enough instruction to help improve our game.
8. Sleeping Giant Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 842 reviews
Reviewed By TravelinD1 - Plymouth, United States
Great hike, gives you a nice workout, with only one area that you need to scramble on. It is listed as one of the hardest on the easy list. If you are a hiker and like a bit of a challenge this is for you. Beautiful views, can be slippery if wet.
9. 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.
10. Kauai Plantation Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,244 reviews
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