Top Things to do in Kauai
What to do and see in Kauai, Hawaii (HI): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
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. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. Ha'ena State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By P4292JDjennym - Ankeny, United States
Make sure to reserve your parking spot before you go, way in advance. It is $5. You have to pick a certain time. It is a nice beach with a trail to a lookout and waterfall.
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. Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 915 reviews
Reviewed By Nthusiast-RCJ - Markham, Canada
We enjoyed a brief stop at Kilauea Lighthouse, and appreciated the efforts being undertaken to support and nurture wildlife in the area. A haven for sea birds, including huge albatross, and red footed boobies, it’s also supposed to be a great place for sighting whales this time of year. (Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great on our visit, so we didn’t have much chance to look before we were getting soaked, and the ocean was too rough to readily discern spouting from the many whitecaps and waves crashing the shore. A very reasonable $10 entry fee for adults, kids 15 and younger are free.
