Things to do in Kauai

Things to do in  Kauai

Where nature runs the show

The lushest of Hawaii's islands, Kauai is in a class of its own. Nature is the big draw to the so-called “Garden Isle,” and many of the best things to do in Kauai involve getting outside and exploring. Hikers can spend time at the Waimea Canyon, the island chain's answer to the Grand Canyon, or challenge themselves to a backpacking trip along Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast. There’s also plenty for those who want to take it easy, from visiting coffee farms to wandering through gorgeous botanical gardens.

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Top 15 attractions in Kauai

#1

Na Pali Coast

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With steep emerald cliffs, lush valleys, and remote cascading waterfalls, the Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful regions, and no visit to the island of Kauai is complete without a visit to this magical coastline. There are only three ways to explore the Na Pali Coast—by air, by sea, and on foot—and each offers its own unique perspective.More
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#2

Mt. Waialeale

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In the center of Kauai sits Mt. Waialeale, among the wettest places on earth. This emeraldine mountain is characterized by beautiful jungle expanses and a massive cliffside dubbed the "Wall of Tears" due to its numerous waterfalls. Movie buffs take note: The mountain was used as a backdrop for some of the opening scenes of Jurassic Park.More
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#3

Waimea Canyon

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A geological kaleidoscope, Kauai's impressive Waimea Canyon—at 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) long, one mile (1.6 kilometers) wide, and 3,600 feet (1,097 meters) deep—is Hawaii's version of the Grand Canyon. In fact, some say Mark Twain was the first to lend it its nickname: the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Stop along the scenic drive on its winding rim road for panoramic views of a far-below river, awe-inspiring drop-offs, excellent hiking, and waterfall-lined crevasses, all just a short way away from the Garden Isle's legendary Na Pali Coast.More
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#4

Hanalei Bay

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Located on the north shore of Kauai, Hanalei Bay is one of the island’s most picturesque stretches of water. This crescent-shaped bay boasts over 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) of white sand beach backed by mountains, waterfalls, and laid-back towns and offers an array of watersports, including kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and surfing.More
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#5

Lihue

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Kauai’s capital city, Lihue is located on the eastern side of the island and is home to both the main cruise port and the only commercial airport. The city is also Kauai’s main shopping destination and boasts several historic spots, such as Kilohana, a historic plantation, and the Kauai Museum.More
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#6

Waimea

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Situated on the northern end of Hawaii’s Big Island, Waimea is the center of Hawaiian cowboy (paniolo) country. This historic area is filled with rolling green hills, endless open pastures, and spectacular valleys. With its stunning scenery and great local food, Waimea is one of the Big Island’s top tourist towns.More
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#7

Wailua River

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Wailua River (Attraction - Kauai, USA)Protected by Wailua River State Park, the Wailua is the largest navigable river in the Hawaiian archipelago (a feature found only on the island of Kauai). As the 20-mile (32-kilometer) river meanders through a lush valley, it passes through jungle landscapes and past two notable waterfalls: Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls.More
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#8

Spouting Horn

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One of the most photographed locations in Kauai, the Spouting Horn—a blowhole on the South Shore—puts on one heck of a show. When waves course through this sunken lava tube, a violent geyser erupts some 50 feet (15 meters) into the air. But it’s not just the constant spray (and gorgeous views) that attract visitors: It also moans.More
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#9

Opaekaa Falls

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With more than 400 inches of rainfall every year, it’s no wonder Kauai is nicknamed the “Garden Isle.” This Hawaiian island comes blanketed in Mother Nature’s most fabulous works, from lush canyons to explosive waterfalls—and none is more accessible than Opaekaa Falls. Visible from the roadside, this 151-foot waterfall is a guaranteed show, no admission fee required.More
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#10

Menehune Fish Pond

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The Menehune Fishpond is a spectacular place to take photos and is set among verdant, lush jungle, just a short drive from Lihue. According to legend, this pond was built by the Menehune, a mythological race of tiny people believed to mostly come out at night.More
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#11

Niihau

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Known as the Forbidden Island, Niʻihau is mostly untouched by outsiders, creating a microcosm of Hawaiian history and culture. Just 17 miles (27 kilometers) off the coast of Kauai, the island’s fewer than 200 residents speak Hawaiian and live without cars, electricity, and modern amenities.More
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#12

Wailua Falls

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A prize of the Garden Isle, the dual curtains of Wailua Falls cascade into a glistening pool surrounded by lush tropical forests and—if you catch it at the right moment—dancing with rainbows. The picture-perfect falls got their fame when they were featured in the TV show “Fantasy Island” and they are now on the must-visit list of many Kaui vacationers.More
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#13

Kilohana Plantation

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A historic sugar plantation set in the Garden Isle's lush tropics, Kilohana Plantation is a hub for Hawaiian culture and history. Visit the estate—centered around a historic Tudor-style mansion—to see tropical orchards, take historic train rides, visit a rum distillery, eat at the on-site restaurant, participate in a theatrical luau, and more.More
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#14

Kauai Coffee Company

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Warm temperatures and mineral-rich soil make Kauai an ideal spot for growing coffee, so it's no surprise that the Garden Isle is home to the largest coffee estate in the country. While Kauai Coffee Company's focus is on producing and roasting beans, they also welcome visitors who want to see—and taste—their offerings.More
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#15

Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse

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Perched at the tip of Kauai’s northernmost point on a rocky peninsula high above the Pacific Ocean, the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse was built in 1913 as a navigational aid for passing ships. Although its light was replaced with an automatic beacon in the 1970s, the lighthouse remains one of Kauai’s most popular attractions.More
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Explore Kauai by interest

Trip ideas

Best Beaches on Kauai

Best Beaches on Kauai

Looking for a good spot to stretch out on the sand? Here’s a list of Kauai’s best beaches.
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Itineraries for your Kauai trip

Top activities in Kauai

Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show

Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show

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Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady

Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady

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$233.73
Entire Kauai Airplane Tour with All Window Seats

Entire Kauai Airplane Tour with All Window Seats

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$159.00
Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady

Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady

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$219.42
Kauai Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour

Kauai Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour

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$409.00
Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

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$125.00
Kauai Waimea Canyon, Wailua River Boat and Fern Grotto Tour

Kauai Waimea Canyon, Wailua River Boat and Fern Grotto Tour

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$230.86
Na Pali Sunset & Sightsee Boat Tour
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Na Pali Sunset & Sightsee Boat Tour

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$240.86
Private Doors-Off Kauai Helicopter: Ultimate Waterfalls & Canyons

Private Doors-Off Kauai Helicopter: Ultimate Waterfalls & Canyons

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$409.00
Koloa Zipline in Kauai

Koloa Zipline in Kauai

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$166.49
Kauai Deluxe Sightseeing Flight

Kauai Deluxe Sightseeing Flight

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$149.00
Kauai Deluxe Waterfall Safari
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Kauai Deluxe Waterfall Safari

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$309.00
Kauai’s Ultimate Guided Shore Snorkel (NO BOAT): South Poipu

Kauai’s Ultimate Guided Shore Snorkel (NO BOAT): South Poipu

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$119.80
Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail
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Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail

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$240.86
Princeville Botanical Gardens Tour and Chocolate Tasting Ticket

Princeville Botanical Gardens Tour and Chocolate Tasting Ticket

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$126.00
Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House Dinner & Show

Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House Dinner & Show

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$236.66
Kauai's Ultimate South Island Zodiac Boat Snorkel Adventure

Kauai's Ultimate South Island Zodiac Boat Snorkel Adventure

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$161.43
Kauai Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Tour

Kauai Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Tour

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$197.47
Na Pali Coast Kauai Snorkel and Sail
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Na Pali Coast Kauai Snorkel and Sail

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Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Hike - With Lunch
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Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Hike - With Lunch

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All about Kauai

When to visit

Kauai is a year-round destination, but ìavoid the rainy season, which runs from April to October. You can expect crowds during the summer vacation months and again between late November and early January when mainland travelers visit for the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays. January and February are ideal for beating the post-holiday crowds and offer warm weather without too much rain.

Getting around

The best way to get around the island is by car, and you can rent a vehicle for your trip right at Lihue Airport. There is also bus service on the island, but it’s limited, so ride-hailing apps are usually a better option for non-drivers. Joining guided tours is another great way to get around and can be ideal if you want to cover the top things to do in Kauai in a limited amount of time.

Traveler tips

Don’t leave the island before visiting one of the branches of Kauai Juice Co., where you can sample cold-pressed juices, salads, and health “elixirs” made from fruits and herbs produced right on the Garden Isle. The shop also offers a fantastic range of chili pepper sauces and finishing salts that make ideal gifts for culinarily inclined friends back home.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
HST (UTC -10)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
37
Tours
208
Reviews
41,635
EN
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People Also Ask

What is Kauai known for?

The island is known for its dramatic natural beauty and is often called “The Garden Island” due to its verdant landscapes. It’s studded with lush, emerald-colored valleys, jagged mountain spires, cascading waterfalls, and tropical rainforest. The most famous natural attractions are the tall sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.

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What is the best month to go to Kauai?

Any time of year is a great time to visit, but considering such factors as crowds, rainfall, and temperature, the ideal months are April, May, June, September, October, and November. September may just be the best time to visit Kauai as you’ll avoid crowds and heavy rain, and have the opportunity to attend the Kauai Mokihana Festival.

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Is Kauai or Maui better for families?

Maui. While it depends on your family’s preferences, Maui has more family-friendly resorts, accessible attractions, and beaches that are suitable for swimming. That said, Kauai offers more adventurous options—paddling and hiking are popular things to do in Kauai—and children will likely love exploring the locations where Jurassic Park was filmed.

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How many days do you need to visit Kauai?

Five days on Kauai should be enough time to see the most important attractions, but longer is better to truly get a feel for the island. With five days you could split your time between the North Shore and the South Shore in Poipu to thoroughly explore each side of the island.

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What do you recommend doing and seeing in Kauai?

Much of the island can only be seen from the air, so take a helicopter tour. Drive to Waimea Canyon on the south side of Kauai and along the North Shore to the Hanalei Valley Overlook. Take a surf lesson at Hanalei Bay and a snorkeling cruise along the Na Pali Coast. Finally, visit Allerton Garden to see where Jurassic Park was filmed.

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What is the best way to explore Kauai?

Public transportation on Kauai is of limited use to tourists so the best way to get around is by renting a car. If you don’t want to drive, book a few guided tours with hotel pickup. Some of Kauai’s top sights cannot be reached by road, so you’ll need to book a boat or helicopter tour.

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