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40 Exciting Things to Do in Kauai (+ insider tips!)

Home » Blog » U.S.A. » 40 Exciting Things to Do in Kauai (+ insider tips!)

Hawaii’s Garden Island showcases the true essence of Aloha with lush jungles, glittering coastlines, and pristine nature. In this guide to top things to do in Kauai, we’ve rounded up the best foods to try, hiking trails, iconic locations, hidden gems, and cultural experiences not to miss.

Known for lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, and one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world (cough cough, the Na Pali Coast!), Kauai is a stunner.

With fewer crowds than Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, Kauai makes a perfect choice for travelers looking to get off of the typical tourist trail. But just because there are fewer tourists doesn’t mean there’s a lack of things to do. 

With incredible snorkeling , quaint towns, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” , and arguably Hawaii’s best hiking trail , there are plenty of fun things to do in Kauai. 

Whether you’re looking to relax poolside or have the adventure of a lifetime (or a little of each!), we think you’ll find lots to love about Kauai. We sure did! 

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Kauai – from the must-see items most travelers include in their itineraries to things that most tourists miss. We’re sharing all sorts of insider tips to help you get off the well-trodden path , eat some incredible food, and have an unforgettable trip to this Hawaiian paradise.

Kauai Travel Guide

For more tips and advice for planning your trip to Kauai, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).

• How many days do you need
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• How to get around
• Where to eat
• Where to stay
• What to pack

Did you know? Kauai is home to the wettest place on earth, Mount Waialeale, which averages 450 inches of rain annually. Be sure to pack a travel umbrella and a rain jacket.

Our personal experience in Kauai

My grandparents spent half the year on Oahu for 30+ years, so growing up, I went to Hawaii a few times but we never made it to Kauai. This Hawaiian island has long been on my list (those dreamy Jurassic Park mountains have been calling my name for as long as I can remember!).

Finally, in April 2023, we made it to Kauai for the first time (definitely not the last!). We traveled with our daughter, who was 16 months old at the time, and we met my parents on the island. 

It was wonderful having them there because not only could we travel together with them and make lots of memories, but Juniper was able to spend quality time with Grandma and Grandpa while we hiked the Kalalau Trail (a long-standing bucket list item of ours!).

Traveling with little ones? Check out our top tips for traveling with a baby !

After Kauai, we hopped over to the Big Island so we could explore a bit more of Hawaii. These islands made a great combo for us, especially since we aren’t huge fans of crowds, and we love nature. 

Psst! Want help deciding which Hawaiian islands to visit? Head over to our Hawaii trip planner where we compare them all!

We loved our time on Kauai and we gathered all sorts of insider tips to share with you in this guide!

Top things to do in Kauai

If you’re looking for a quick & easy list, these are our very top recommendations for things to do on your first visit to Kauai.

• Take a scenic helicopter ride
• Mountain tubing tour
• Go snorkeling
• Mai Tais and live music at Tahiti Nui
• Waimea Canyon
• Boat tour on the Na Pali Coast

Keep scrolling for all the details on how to do each of these experiences yourself (+ insider tips and what to expect!).

1. Hike the Kalalau Trail

If you’re an experienced hiker, the Kalalau Trail is one for the bucket list ! 

We’ve been wanting to do this trek for years and finally made it happen. Even though we had high expectations, we were truly blown away by this trail that brings hikers along the stunning Na Pali Coast.

The turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean jut up against towering jungle-covered mountains for a backdrop that will leave you breathless (and if it doesn’t, the strenuous hike sure will!). 

Psst! If this scenery looks familiar it’s because it was the setting of Jurassic Park.  

Before you pencil it on your itinerary, there’s a LOT to know about the Kalalau Trail. It was one of the most challenging hikes we’ve ever planned for. Don’t worry – we created a guide to hiking the Kalalau Trail so you have everything you need at your fingertips. 

Spoiler Alert: It’s well worth the effort!

2. Take a scenic helicopter flight

With prices ranging from $300-$400 per person, taking a scenic helicopter flight certainly won’t fit into all travel budgets, but in my opinion, this once-in-a-lifetime experience was worth every penny.

Not gonna lie, the price of this experience almost scared me away, but I’m so glad I decided to splurge! 

There are lots of companies you can choose from (all of which I’m sure are great!), but we personally decided to do the Doors Off tour with Jack Harter . Not only are they known as the original helicopter operator on Kauai, but they’ve also been voted the best on the island.

Insider Tip: My parents took a helicopter flight right after us (we had to alternate who watched our daughter!), and they could not stop raving about their pilot, Becca. I don’t know if Jack Harter allows requests, but if they do, ask for her!

The Doors-Off experience was incredible. We’ve been on a helicopter once before (in New Zealand ), and while both experiences were wonderful, I think having the doors off makes it even more memorable. Plus, you can get much better photos!

Cheaper alternative: Taking a scenic flight in a small plane is about half the cost of the helicopter tours, making it a good option for those on a tighter budget.

3. Go on an exciting mountain tubing tour

When researching things to do in Kauai, one of the activities we received the most recommendations for was tubing with Kauai Backcountry Adventures. We have major FOMO, so we booked it right away. And what a fun time it was!

This company has everything running like a well-oiled machine. After checking in and gearing up, all you have to worry about is having fun!

Float down the canals that were once used as the irrigation system for a historic sugarcane plantation . You’ll pass through 5 tunnels , each of which was carved out by immigrant workers. 

While those with claustrophobia might find the tunnels a bit uncomfortable, you have headlamps and a gaggle of giggling tourists with you to keep you company and your nerves at bay. Other than one tiny “drop”, this is mostly a “lazy river” experience rather than an adrenaline fueled adventure.

Not only is this one of the most unique things to do in Kauai, but you’ll also learn a lot about history on this tour. Plus, it’s suitable for just about every age. Children 5 and up are welcome to join (there were 2 kiddos on our tour) as are seniors (we had quite a few of them with us!).

Shout out! Our guide, Boo Boo, was one of the best tour guides we’ve had in a long time (and we’ve had a LOT of tour guides!).

Tour Details

• Tour length: 3 hours
• Ages: 5 years+
• Tours depart frequently between 8:20 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.
• Price: $149

Logistics: Since we were traveling with my parents, they were able to watch our daughter during this tour. Kids 5 and up are able to join, but she was just 16-months-old at the time of our trip.

4. Go snorkeling

The Garden Isle continues its colorful reputation even below its turquoise shores. With a mask, snorkel, and a pair of fins, discover the island’s underwater world.

We’ve curated a complete list of the very best snorkeling in Kauai , but here are two highlights:

• Anini Beach : one of the longest coral reefs on Kauai that’s great for beginner and advanced snorkelers. Check visibility conditions before you head out.
• Tunnels (Makua) Beach : lava tubes, barrier reefs, and tropical fish are highlights of this stunning beach.

Note on safety : Kauai has limited snorkeling areas since most of its shoreline is only accessible by boat. With that, many of these limited areas are located on the North Shore, which can be unsafe for snorkeling in the winter due to waves and swell. Before getting into the water anywhere, be sure to observe the surf and potential hazards.

Ethical travel note : Coral reefs are very fragile ecosystems. Explore them responsibly by wearing reef safe sunscreen and not touching/stepping on them.

5. Enjoy a Mai Tai and live music at the famed Tahiti Nui

A secret, original recipe perfected with a pineapple, cherry, and lime garnish isn’t called the “ World Famous Tahiti Nui Mai Tai ” for no good reason.

Head to this laid back Kauai spot to sip on one (or a few!) of this beloved cocktail with their signature Tahitian menu while enjoying nightly live music and happy hour from 3-5 p.m .

Looking for food to go with your Mai Tai? The coconut shrimp and the ahi carpaccio are both excellent.

Good to know : They offer virgin Mai Tai’s for kids and DD’s.

This is one of the most popular spots in Hanalei, so it does get busy. We’d recommend coming early to lessen your wait.

Tahiti Nui Google Maps Location

6. Drive through Waimea Canyon

Although infinitesimal to the real deal, this mile-wide canyon on Kauai is dubbed the “ Grand Canyon of the Pacific ” and absolutely lives up to its nickname.

Fill up your gas tank, pack a lunch, then set out on the 14-mile Waimea Canyon Scenic Drive to stop at numerous lookouts showcasing the interesting blend of verdant and rust-colored mountains.

The views get better the deeper into the canyon you go, and the waterfalls in the distance are spectacular.

Entrance fee: There is a $5 per person (over 3 years) fee as well as $10 per vehicle. Your ticket also includes entrance to Kokee State Park. You can purchase this at Waimea Canyon Lookout.

Insider tip : Arrive early, drive to the end of the road, then visit the lookouts in reverse order to help avoid crowds.

There are hiking trails dotted throughout the drive that are ideal if you’re an ambitious hiker and want to get off the trodden path, but be sure you’re prepared with proper footwear. The Waimea Canyon Trail is a highlight with attractive detours.

Feeling hungry after your drive? Stop by Island Taco in Waimea (the first town you’ll pass through on your way out of the canyon) for seared ahi wasabi tacos. Or head across the street to The Shrimp Station where you’ll find all sorts of shrimp dishes that can be enjoyed outside on picnic tables.

7. See this unique red dirt waterfall

Unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, Kauai’s Red Dirt Falls is what you would picture a waterfall on Mars to look like.

This is a quick and worthy stop (about 15-minutes) when heading into the Waimea Canyon (#6) area. Note there is no signage or a proper parking area.

8. Sail along the Na Pali Coast

The Na Pali Coast is arguably one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The juxtaposition of turquoise waters that meet remote white sand beaches that are flanked by jungle-covered mountains is a sight that will take your breath away.

In fact, this stretch of coastline on Kauai’s North Shore was famously the backdrop of Jurassic Park . Now do you know why it looks familiar?!

Short of hiking the entire Kalalau Trail (which we highly recommend, but know it’s not for everyone!), one of the best ways to see the iconic Na Pali coastline is by boat. In addition to gorgeous views of the coast, you may even see dolphins dancing in the water or whales breaching.

Psst! If you’re looking for another perspective of this stunning coast, a scenic helicopter flight will give you a birds eye view. We did this and can confidently say it was one of the coolest things we did on Kauai. Find more information on helicopter flights in #2 on this list. 

From sunset cruises with cocktails to morning rides with opportunities to snorkel, there are many different types of boat tours to choose from depending on what you’re looking for. 

Here are some we’d recommend:

Sunset sail with dinner with Holo Holo Charters

Enjoy a glass of champagne and dinner aboard this 50-foot catamaran as the sun sinks into the horizon. This 4.5-hour experience is one you won’t soon forget.

Here’s what guests are saying:

“The service of the crew exceeded expectations – they make sure you always have a drink in your hand and the food was also good! Saw lots of beautiful scenery, a beautiful sunset and even a whale breaching in the sunset. The waters can be a bit rough near Napali and you can’t sit on the front of the boat for a little adventure or sit somewhere dry and more calm if you want in the back so there’s something for everyone.” – GetYourGuide Traveler , 2021

Full-day boat trip with snorkeling & a visit to Hawaii’s “forbidden island” with Holo Holo Charters

This full-day, 7-hour cruise is adventure-packed! 

Enjoy a continental breakfast and a deli-style lunch while spotting waterfalls, jungle-covered valleys, and sea caves. As long as weather permits, your catamaran will venture across the channel to snorkel at Lehua Crater just off of Niihau, Hawaii’s “forbidden island”.

Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea turtles and even humpback whales (in the winter months). 

What guests are saying:

“Unforgettable experience. The captain and crew were phenomenal. They go above and beyond any service industry worker could possibly. The captain makes sure he stops and points out all beautiful landscape and history. They whales and spinner dolphins were breathtaking. We knew nothing about snorkeling. and they went above and beyond with my 7-year-old to make sure he got the best first experience ever. There are not enough positive words to describe this experience. I will definitely be back.” – GetYourGuide Traveler , April 2023

Rafting adventure & snorkeling with Kauai Sea Tours

If you’re looking for a less-cushy, more adventurous way to see the Na Pali Coast, swap a catamaran for a motorized raft!

This tour requires guests to be “in above average physical shape” since the raft journey can be bumpy and more physically demanding than a traditional boat. The reward for a more bouncy ride is that the small and agile rafts can get closer to sea caves and parts of the shoreline that boats cannot reach.

It’s also worth noting that this tour has a maximum of 14 guests so it’ll be a more intimate experience than most of the boat tours which host more people.

“Our crew was the MOST fun! We had a total blast the entire time – easily one of the coolest things I’ve ever done on any of the Hawaiian islands. 100/10 recommend this tour to anyone. My crew was Shane and Gabe. They made the experience so enjoyable and definitely made us feel safe when the wind and waves got a little crazy! LOL pretty extreme boat ride in the wind, but it will definitely be a core memory. Will never forget the amazing views of the Na Pali coast.” – Claire, May 2023

Good to know: If you are prone to motion sickness, we’d recommend you take medication before any of these tours, as the waters can be choppy. We’ve heard from several people who have gotten sick on this boat ride so do your best to prevent it. In addition to medication, you may also want to try motion sickness bands, like this basic version or this high-tech one .

9. Marvel at the stunning Wailua Falls

Cascading 140-feet into a dramatic pool where rainbows frequent, Wailua Falls is a staple postcard image of Kauai .

While many waterfalls in Kauai require a bit of work to see, you can drive directly to the viewpoint where this natural wonder is on display.

I will be honest and say that the view you get from the parking lot is not quite as dramatic as most images you’ll find online, which are taken from a vantage point that requires hiking. However – and this is a big however – hiking to the base of the falls is both very dangerous and illegal . 

In fact, there were recently laws put in place to ban people from hiking past the parking lot, spurred by a hiker’s death. Please respect the local rules put in place for your safety and enjoy the falls from the view at the parking lot.

10. Cool off with shave Ice

On any given day in Kauai, fluffy domes of rainbow syrup that put any regular snow cone to shame, occupy the hands of locals and tourists.

While considered a simple combination of ice and syrup, locals have perfected the details, creating a golden ratio of flavor and consistency (as well as topping options!) that you shouldn’t leave without tasting.

Oh, and if there is the option to get ice cream in the middle, do it . Always get the ice cream.

Best shave ice in Kauai:

• Wishing Well Shave Ice
• JoJo’s Shave Ice (+2 more locations)
• Waikomo Shave Ice

Fun fact : While called “snow cones” in the continental US, this treat is exclusively called “ice shave” or “shave ice” in Hawaii. The name is a direct translation from the word “kakigori”, since the dessert was introduced by Japanese immigrants.

11. Take a poke cooking class

If you want to experience Kauai like a local , there’s no better outlet than joining a local ohana hosted Poke Class .

Outside, against Homestead Kauai’s mountainous backdrop, use locally-caught fish to prepare poke three ways : original, modern day spicy, and create-your-own using ingredients you harvested directly from their garden.

Eaikakou (enjoy together) all your creations, taking away authentic recipes and lifelong memories.

Good to know : a vegetarian option is available.

12. Take a dog on a “field trip”

The Kauai Humane Society hosts one of the most adorable things to do in Kauai , bringing a shelter dog on an exciting day trip around the island with you.

For a $40 donation they pair you with the ideal adventure companion and give you an ideal list of places to venture depending on the weather and your pup.

• Pick up: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Return anytime before 5:00 p.m.

It’s a win-win experience where you have a field-trip buddy for the day and the shelter dog improves their chances of adoption!

13. Tour a local distillery

Using Kauai-grown and sourced ingredients, Hanalei Spirits Distillery Corp. captures the flavors of the island in their pours.

Sample their vodkas, rums, and seasonal releases, then bring home your favorites to make the perfect island cocktail back home (or at your Airbnb).

Good to know : tastings and tours are by appointment only , so contact them ahead of time to organize everything.

14. Hike the iconic Sleeping Giant

Stretched between Kapaa and Wailua is the Nounou Mountain range, but if you look closely, you can make out the outline of a local Hawaiian legend snoozing away. 

As long as you’re careful about waking him, you can traverse across his body along the 3.4-mile Sleeping Giant Trail for oceanside vistas and views of the Wailua River and Mount Waialeale.

15. Learn how chocolate is made at Lydgate Farms

The fifth-generation family at Lydgate Farms have been producing some of the best cacao beans in the world since the original Kingdom of Hawaii. 

On their famous chocolate farm tour, praised as “ widely copied, never surpassed ”, you’ll partake in a 3-hour tour of the farm and sample their award-winning palm honey, vanilla beans, tropical fruit, concluding with an extensive chocolate tasting.

16. Browse art galleries in Hanapepe

Historic downtown Hanapepe is known for its showcase of local and global artistry . 

Whether you’re only looking to admire or pick up a piece to take back home, this is the place to get art on Kauai. Start your hunt at the Island Art Gallery , where the art scene was pioneered.

17. Hike to this waterfall

A short jungle hike along the Ho’opi’i Falls Trail leads you to a waterfall blanketing a cliffside, small pools to make a splash in, and an adventurous rope swing.

Shoes with good grip will serve you well on this hike as the trail can get very muddy and slippery in parts, even if it hasn’t rained. Mosquito repellant is also recommended if you don’t want to turn into an all-you-can eat buffet.

Good to know : Swimming at and near the waterfalls is no longer recommended due to bacteria in the water.

Ethical travel note : this waterfall is on private property, so please stay on the trail and be mindful of your volume as you’ll be in a residential area. This will keep the trail open for everyone to enjoy.

18. Get a view over Hanalei Valley

Squared-off taro fields against a backdrop of carved mountains create, undoubtedly, one of the most photographed views on Kauai .

Hanalei Valley Lookout is a roadside vista in Princeville, so low effort with a very high reward!

Plan your visit for sunrise or sunset, when the valley is drenched in golden light, or after rain, when the mountains are decorated with waterfalls.

19. Explore the stunning Limahuli Garden Preserve

Emulating the way Hawaii’s earliest ancestors experienced the most biodiverse valleys in the islands , the Limahuli Garden Preserve is much more than a plant-lovers paradise.

On a self or guided tour, transport yourself centuries back into raw Hawaiian wilderness as stories of nature unfold around you along their 0.75-mile trail. 

Entrance : $25 per person. Prices are discounted if you’re using the North Shore Shuttle . Reservations are recommended since your ticket comes with parking. 

20. Walk to Secret Beach

Surrounded by dreamy cliffsides shrouded in lush trees and awe-inspiring seascapes, Kauapea Beach is a sliver of unspoiled paradise .

Although not the secret it once was, its lack of accessibility has kept it quieter than many other beaches on Kauai.

How to get there : Access the trailhead via the rough Secret Beach Road, then follow the steep, 0.25-mile hike down to the beach. If it has rained expect mud.

Good to know : This beach is not recommended for swimming as waves can get big and the current is deceptively strong. 

21. Shop local at the Hanalei Farmers Market 

The best way to start any Saturday morning on the North Shore is wandering the stalls at the Hanalei Farmers Market .

Get your fix of fresh produce, local foods, and handmade crafts while enjoying a majestic mountain view as a backdrop.

Tip : arrive early so you can grab a parking spot and your pick of the best produce.

22. Take a self-guided tour at Kauai Coffee Company

Whether you take pride in a meticulous coffee regime or indulge occasionally in a cup of joe, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Kauai Coffee Company . 

You can peruse their estate for free, sampling their coffees grown in rich volcanic soil while learning about their sustainable roasting and cultivating practices. 

23. Kayak to Secret Falls

Cascading 110-feet into a magical swimming pool, Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls) is one of the most magical waterfalls on Hawaii , even though it’s a well-known secret nowadays.

It’s best accessed on a half-day Kayak and Waterfall Hike Tour where you’ll paddle up the Wailua River, where the first Hawaiians arrived in Kauai over 1500 years ago .

Listen to the legends and stories of Kauai’s most sacred area, then dock your kayak and follow your rainforest guide 1 ¼ miles to the waterfall where you’ll take a dip and enjoy lunch, following your same route back to the meeting point.

What you need to know:

• Hours: 5-6 hours
• Price: $130.37 USD
• Location  

What guests are saying :

“It was my dream to hike to a waterfall in Kauai. This tour met all my expectations and more. Beyond Beautiful. Our guide, Zach, was awesome and Very entertaining! Thank you so much for fulfilling my dream!” – Alice H., November 2022

Do it on your own: It is possible to get to this waterfall on your own. Rent a kayak and follow this route . Note many companies do not offer rentals on Sundays.

24. Crawl on your hands and knees at Makauwahi Cave Reserve

Brimming with local flora and fauna, archaeological ruins, fossils, and massive tortoises, the Makauwahi Cave Reserve is a living museum of Hawaii . 

You’ll feel like you’ve been dropped right into the plot of Alice in Wonderland as you crawl through a narrow tunnel to reach the entrance.

This cave reserve is a great addition to the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail (#34 on this list) since you’ll pass it on the walk.

Otherwise, you can head down a bumpy dirt road to the cave parking area to access it. It’s free to see, but donations are recommended.

25. Start your day with sunrise yoga

The soundtrack and artistry of Kauai is on full display during this Sunrise Yoga Practice at Makai Golf Course . 

As you’re taken through a mellow flow, you’ll watch the morning sun reveal the Hanalei and Haena mountains, spot whales breaching off the coast, and listen to ocean waves crash against the most beautiful coastlines of the North Shore.

• Hours: 1.5 hours
• Price: $25 USD

“This experience was incredible. Watching the sun rise over the mountains and hearing the ocean during the practice was wonderful. Highly recommended for anyone staying in Kauai, it’s so worth it. Even my nearly 70yo mum did it with me and enjoyed the flow. We saw whales breaching too! Thank you!” – Olivia, March 2023

26. Buy fresh seafood & cook your own dinner

The Hanalei Dolphin triples as a restaurant, sushi lounge, and top-notch fish market where their master fish cutters clean and slice the finest fish and beef daily on Kauai. 

Using their impressive selection of proteins and fine accouterments , you can whip up a “cook-your-own”, menu-worthy meal back at your Airbnb.

27. Sample taro donuts 

As frequent Portland visitors, we know our way around a hype-worthy donut . I mean, just check out our list of the best donuts in Portland to get an idea of what we mean…

And Holey Grail Donuts in Hanalei serves circular treats that are a force to be reckoned with.

They specialize in unique-flavored taro donuts that are fried in coconut oil . Can you get more Hawaiian than that?!

Each week they feature 4 new flavors which you can taste individually or all together in their tasting box. The flavors are elevated and unique, like saffron snickerdoodle, lilikoi (passionfruit), local truffled honey and sea salt. And did we mention they’re vegan?! 

Fried to perfection, not too sweet (which is key for me!), these circular treats are the perfect companion to their coffee and matcha drink offerings. 

We got a box of donuts to share after completing the Kalalau Trail . It was the perfect indulgence after 3 days in the Hawaiian wilderness, but even if you’re not going on some crazy hike, these donuts are definitely worth the stop.

28. See monk seals at Poipu Beach 

The unofficial mascot of this crescent-shaped beach are the Hawaiian monk seals that laze away under the sun.

Although the seals visit here often, the chances of seeing one are slim since there is no official spotting season. Consider yourself fortunate if you get the chance to see one!

Ethical travel note : As adorable as they are, remember that these are wild animals, and a protected, endangered species in Hawaii. If you get the opportunity to see one, keep a safe distance and don’t try to touch them. 

29. Taste exotic fruits on this farm tour

Follow Adam as he weaves through over 1,000 fruiting trees, 200 different fruit varieties, and 5 acres of vegetables, sampling the in-season specialties on his Exotic Tropical Fruit & Vegetable Tour . 

As Hawaii’s most diverse, organic farm, a walk through it will evoke all five of your senses , introducing colors, shapes, and smells you may have never heard of before .

• Hours: 2 hours
• Price: $95 USD

“Such a fabulous, fantastic, flavorful, fun adventure into all things fruit! Did I mention epic deliciousness! Our farm cruise with Adam and Daria was nothing short of amazing. We loved their passion for growing all the wonderful (and often exotic) fruits, veggies and herbs that nourish our bodies.. but feed our souls. This tour will go on permanent repeat mode for ALL our future trips to Kauai. Mahola” – Anne, March 2023

30. Go on an ATV adventure

Kipu Ranch Adventures offers the most exhilarating off-road rides through Kauai’s untouched landscapes .

Their signature Ranch Tour ventures into the tropical Huleia Valley where lush green pastures, rainforest canopies, and iconic movie filming locations create 360° views against a backdrop of Mt. Haupu.

• Hours: 3 hours
• Price: $187 USD

What guests are saying

“1000/10 recommend! Our tour guides were so informative about the culture of the island and ranch itself. It was so cool to learn the history of how the ranch was preserved and how it came to be. They were very thorough explaining the importance of safety and the vehicles which made us feel at ease operating them through the trails. They both had an amazing sense of humor as well! They offered to take pictures of us at every stop & knew how to hit all the good angles haha! The trails and views were also superb! Don’t sleep on this adventure!” – Jade (February 2023)

31. Visit Kilauea Lighthouse and birdwatch

Situated in a wildlife refuge, the Kilauea Lighthouse stands 180-feet above the ocean with sweeping coastal vistas and soaring flocks of birds .

Tip : Binoculars will definitely come in handy if you have them as a seabird sanctuary juts into the ocean just below the cliffside.

Entrance fee : $10 USD 

After seeing the lighthouse, be sure to wander the charming little town of Kilauea! 

32. Soak up Hawaiian culture at a Luau

Kuaui’s lack of commercialization and commitment to preserving Hawaiian culture means that they throw a legendary luau. 

In fact, the luaus on Kauai are claimed to be the best and most authentic in Hawaii, so attending one of these feasts is a must for your itinerary!

• Smith Family Luau : Locally-ran luau consistently ranked among the top on the island. 
• Auli’i Luau : Authentic luau in front of one of Kauai’s best beaches.
• Ahi Lele Luau : Intimate and authentic luau with an impressive fire show.

33. Walk to the famed Queen’s Bath

Framed by igneous rock, this tidal pool was originally a sacred bathing place for royalty, but nowadays is a scenic seaside pool on the North Shore.  

To access the Queen’s Bath , you’ll need to hike 0.8-miles along the moderate Queens Bath Trail . Note that there is severely limited parking at the trailhead, so you may have to park and walk.

Note on safety: Queen’s Bath is arguably one of the more famous spots on Kauai’s North Shore, but it is also known to be dangerous in certain conditions. Make sure to read up on the potential dangers of this area and to check its status before going. It is often closed during the winter months due to increased safety risks. If the trail is closed, please respect the rules and do not go. 

That said, even if you don’t take a dip in the pool, admiring it from above will still provide a fulfilling visit as the views are downright spectacular.

34. Walk the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

Showcasing coastal vistas and something spectacular around every turn, the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is one of the most beautiful walks on Kauai .

Stretching 3.7-miles along Kauai’s south coast, watch waves crash into rugged sea cliffs and discover secluded coves, sculpted lava formations, petroglyphs, a sacred Hawaiian site, and endangered monk seals.

Tip : During the winter months, this is a prime spot for whale watching!

35. See the famous Jurassic Park fig trees at Allerton Garden

Serving as both a center for tropical plant research, conservation, and education, and a popular backdrop for blockbuster films, the Allerton Garden is a paradise where artistry meets tropical flora and fauna.

Touring the grounds, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the area dating back to the 1800s, marvel at the scenery, and of course, keep an eye out for dinosaurs among the fig trees.

• Hours: 2.5 hours
• Price: $63.60 USD / group

“Beautiful gardens. Very well kept. Excellent knowledgeable and entertaining guide who answered every question. Fascinating trees used in popular movies. Had to go home and see the movie again to find the trees. I would gladly return for another tour.” – GetYourGuide Traveler, April 2023

Psst! Booking through this link is slightly cheaper than what they charge at the door.

36. Do a rum tasting at the historic Kilohana Plantation

You don’t want to miss the chance to sample Hawaii’s award-winning single-batch rums .

Every hour, the tasting room at the Kōloa Rum Company is filled with an array of rums stirred into crafted cocktails using locally-sourced ingredients and infused with the “Spirit of Aloha”.

Note that the booking process is a bit unique as there are no in-advance reservations and you must book in-person on the same day you want to do the tasting.

Kilohana Happy hour 

If you’re not able to snag a spot at the rum tasting (it often gets booked up), don’t fret. There is a daily happy hour from 3-5pm featuring some great deals.

Try their signature Mai Tai, made with the plantation’s rum, or other cocktails, like a cucumber lavender mojito, a coconut cooler, or a caliente margarita. During happy hour, cocktails are between $8-10 and a variety of small bites are available as well.

Looking for more to do? The Kilohana Plantation also has a luau and offers train rides of the historic property.

37. Take a surf lesson

Learn the basics of surfing, safety and awareness in the water, paddling, standing up, and how to ride the waves on this personalized and Private Surf Lesson .

As you immerse yourself in a quintessential pillar of Hawaiian culture , all your moments catching the waves will be photographed for you to keep as memories.

• Price: $150 USD / group

“We can’t stop talking about what a great time we had learning to surf with Kevin! He set us up for success with our location for the day, safety info, demonstration of different ways to pop up & instructions. We felt comfortable for our skill level and he was in the water right alongside picking great waves for us. Kevin’s a great teacher, easygoing & seemed to be having as much as we were. Rad experience & we 100% recommend it!” – Teri, March 2023

38. Shop for artisan goods at Warehouse 3540

Blink and you might just miss it, this hidden gem is a beloved marketplace among creative locals and travelers getting off the beaten path .

It’s filled with shops and boutiques selling an eclectic mix of handmade goods, jewelry, artwork, clothing, and other assorted items. 

Warehouse 3540 extends itself outside, where you’ll find an assortment of food trucks with drool-inducing menus.

Tip: While you’re there, grab a coffee at Kind Koffee Company .

39. Go on a ziplining adventure

Soar through Kauai’s untouched, verdant valleys on an exciting Ziplining Tour . 

Immerse yourself in local flora and fauna, with craggy mountains and sweeping vistas over Kauai’s southern coastline as a backdrop.

• Hours: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
• Price: $136.07 USD

“Great experience! Safe & fun with very nice guides. There were 5 guides for a group of 12. Tip: since you can’t take anything with you, but you can take something to drink, leave it in the van that takes you to the first platform and get your bottle at platform 3. It was very hot and sunny when we were there. […]” – GetYourGuide Traveler, March 2023

40. Learn the art of spearfishing

Spearfishing is a way of life on Kauai as fresh fish is a staple on the tables of local homes, and the star of countless traditional Hawaiian dishes.

When you join a Kauai native on this Hawaiian Reef Spearfishing Tour , you’ll learn about the culture and techniques of spearfishing , and use what you’ve learned to catch a variety of colorful fish to cook up for dinner .

• Price: $125 USD

“Christian was an amazing instructor. He was very thoughtful and thorough during the tour. He is very knowledgeable about the water, fish, and culture of the surrounding area. He made sure we were safe and able to swim with a spear. We couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. We caught some fish. Definitely, recommend him and when we do go back during the summer, we will go back with Christian. Mahalo Christian.” – Darmawan, February 2023

How many days do you need in Kauai?

The amount of time you spend on Kauai depends on what you’re doing and where you’re going.

The minimum amount of time we recommend for Kauai is 3-5 days. This may be all you have time for if you’re also visiting another island.

If you want to thoroughly explore the island, but still have time to unwind on the beach, 7-10 days is ideal , especially if you’re doing any serious hiking, like the Kalalau Trail . 

Best time to visit Kauai

May, late August, September, and October are the best months to visit Kauai since accommodation prices are lower, crowds are fewer, and chances of rain are lower.

For the best weather, visit during the summer months from June to August. This time of year has ideal conditions for snorkeling, sailing the NaPali coast, and hiking. Although note that this is the busiest time to visit Kauai and it will be crowded.

Winter months boast a warm escape, however with huge swells and largest chances of rainfall, this may not be ideal. Although, winter is prime whale-watching season on Kauai which is something to factor in.

All in all, the best time to visit Kauai depends on what you’re doing and where you’re going. We put together a guide to the best time to visit Hawaii that will help you decide when to go for your personal travel needs.

How to get to Kauai

The best and only way to get to Kauai is by flying.

Kauai has one commercial airport, Lihue Airport (LIH) on the east shore that handles inter-island and domestic flights. A few major cities on popular airlines now offer direct flights to Kauai.

If there isn’t a nonstop route offered from your city, you’ll first need to fly through Maui or Honolulu International Airports, then to Kauai. The flight is short and sweet, about 25-minutes.

Transportation in Kauai

The island of Kauai has only one main road, and other than the occasional traffic jam, driving around the island is pretty easy.

Although transport options are plentiful, the best way to get around Kauai is with your own rental car .

However, just like the rest of the prices on Kauai, car rentals aren’t cheap.

Typically when we book rental cars around the world, we compare Discover Cars and Booking.com (formerly RentalCars.com) to make sure we’re getting the best deal.

However, we did find a way to save quite a bit of money through a local car rental service…

Discount Hawaii Car Rental

While searching for rentals, we were thrilled to find that Discount Hawaii Car Rental offered cheaper prices for the exact same rentals we found on other sites.

While the prices were in a similar ballpark, even saving a few hundred dollars is worth it, on top of supporting a local company!  

Before you book, be sure to read our detailed guide on renting a car in Hawaii .

Alternative modes of transportation

If you don’t plan on getting a rental car, here are some alternative ways to get around the island.

• The Kauai Bus offers all day passes for $5 USD or single rides for $2 USD. It’s an ideal way to get around if you’re on a budget and not in a hurry. 
• Also, Kauai recently launched the North Shore shuttle that is useful while traveling around the area. 
• Ubers and Lyfts run cheaper than taxis, making them the more appealing option since they consistently have the best price. They’re available in most hub towns like Hanalei, Kapaa, Lihue, and Poipu.
• Bicycles and mopeds are available for rent through local companies, both fun and convenient ways to get around. 

Good to know: Since there’s only one main road on the island, it often gets backed up with traffic. The worst delays tend to be on the east coast and around the airport. Be sure to give yourself enough time to get to the airport.

Where to eat in Kauai

There are plenty of top-notch places to eat on Kauai. Here are some of our top recommendations. Be sure to save these in Google Maps so you can easily find them during your trip!

Kauai’s North Shore: Where to eat

• The Spot : this was our favorite breakfast on the North Shore (the benedict bowl and the 100% fruity bowl were both excellent)
• Holey Grail Donuts : known for hype-worthy taro doughnuts fried in coconut oil that come in unique flavors.
• Nourish Hanalei : healthy bowls and salads
• Pink’s Ice Cream Shop : ice cream, milkshakes, and grilled cheese 
• AMA Restaurant : ramen, bao buns and incredible views (reservations recommended)
• Saenz Ohana Breakfast : breakfast burritos 
• Tahiti Nui : enjoy live music, seafood and a Mai Tai
• The Dolphin : known for sushi, but you can also get fresh fish at their onsite market and cook it at your Airbnb (this is what we did!)
• Hanalei Poke : casual food truck for a great poke bowl 
• Hanalei Bread Company : small breakfast menu (be prepared for a line) – we loved the breakfast burrito here
• Wishing Well Shave Ice : some of the best on the island
• Java Kai Br Coffee Roasters : cute coffee shop with great breakfast sandwiches
• Kilauea Fish Market : poke and other fresh seafood 
• Kilauea Bakery & Pizzeria : cute spot to hang out and enjoy breakfast or a pizza
• Sushi Girl : food truck serving sushi and poke
• Kauai Juice Co Kilauea : fresh juice 

East Coast: Where to eat

• Tony’s Catch : we loved the fish tacos at this food truck
• Lava Lava Beach Club : oceanside cocktails and great food options (the poke nachos are delish!)
• Fish Bar Deli : cozy spot for casual yet elevated dishes (like an ahi BLT) and cocktails
• The Musubi Truck : good spot to try Spam musubi
• Sleeping Giant Grill : excellent fish tacos, as well as bowls and burritos
• 808 Grill : restaurant-quality food served out of a food truck

Kauai’s South Coast: Where to eat

• Kiawe Roots : laidback eatery open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Waikomo Shave Ice : small stand offering shave ice with macadamia ice cream
• Da Crack Mexican Grinds : popular spot for tacos and burritos, order from a window (no dine-in)
• Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company : amazing and hearty breakfast spot
• JoJo’s Shave Ice : small local chain famous for shave ice
• The Shrimp Station : all sorts of shrimp dishes that can be enjoyed outside on picnic tables
• Island Taco : hole-in-the-wall spot for tacos (like seared ahi wasabi) and burritos

Where to stay in Kauai

Kauai has a handful of different areas/neighborhoods that are ideal, however, the best place to stay depends on what you’re doing and where you’re going:

• North Shore : Most scenic part of the island with hiking, surfing, and solitude.
• East Coast : Centrally located and most developed part of Kauai with local culture, hiking, adventure, and budget-friendly accommodation.
• South Shore : Most popular (busiest) place to stay with the best weather, shopping, and dining. 

North Shore accommodation

Our recommendation: Northshore Condo

This unit in Princeville is where we personally stayed and overall we’d recommend it. The main bedroom has been updated and looks even better than the photos. The lanai (balcony) is spacious and the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee (weirdly, the host has a coffee maker but doesn’t provide actual coffee). Other than that, we had a lovely stay here.

Budget option: Studio in the heart of Princeville

In the heart of Princeville, it’s hard to find any accommodation cheaper than this! This clean and well-equipped apartment is near beaches and popular attractions. Cook meals in the kitchenette, leisure on the lanai, enjoy free Wifi, and relax in the properties pool and hot tub. Take full advantage of the bikes, snorkel gear, and beach towels that come with your stay. 

Mid-range budget option: Hawaiiana Charmer

Situated on the North Shore in Princeville, this guest suite has everything you need for the ideal adventure base camp: a kitchenette for light cooking, private lanai, spacious living area, internet, bikes, kayaks, and even paddleboards.

Splurge Airbnb: Nico Hale (award-winning Airbnb)

This secluded cottage just outside of Hanalei was voted as one of the best Airbnbs in Hawaii by Conde Nast Traveler, and is actually reasonably priced compared to just about everything else in Hanalei. If you see an opening, snag it because they go fast!

Splurge hotel: The Cliffs at Princeville 

Plotted perfectly on the cliffs of the North Shore, you have all the amenities of an apartment converted to luxury at this hotel. Aside from two private balconies, you’ll have a full kitchen for cooking, dining area, washer and dryers, free Wifi, and spacious rooms. On the property, there are two swimming pools, hot tubs, courts for a variety of sports, bike rentals, and a fitness center.

East Coast accommodation

Mid-range budget option: Ocean View Studio

This clean, bohemian bungalow is the perfect spot to base yourself on Kauai’s east coast. Compared to most other accommodations in the area, it is a great value.

Mid-range budget option: The Secret Garden

This Kapa’a studio is planted among lush flora and fauna with its own private entrance. Your room comes with a BBQ grill, microwave, refrigerator, free Wifi, indoor/outdoor eating areas, plus a welcome basket from the hosts. It’s in a prime location on the east coast with equal access to all the best things to do in Kauai. 

Reserve on Booking | Reserve on Airbnb

Splurge stay: Kaha Lani Resort

If you’re looking for a luxury stay near Lihue, this is a perfect choice! With ocean views, a sumptuous lanai, a refreshing pool, this place is everything you need for a comfortable stay.

South Shore accommodation

Mid-range budget option: Prince Kuhio

The Poipu area is popular, but tends to be full of very expensive resorts or mediocre condos. If you want to stay on the southern coast but are working with a smaller budget, this is an excellent option. This property is clean, well-equipped, has a pool, and is perfectly located.

Splurge hotel: Kaloa Landing Resort

This 4-star resort on the South Shore has floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular oceanside views from the fully-equipped rooms. Landscaped ponds and dreamy torch-lit walkways line the property where you’ll find resort-style pools, a spa, fitness center, shopping, and nearby beaches. This is where we’d stay if we wanted a splurge stay in Kauai!

What to pack for traveling to Kauai

While this is not a comprehensive list, these are some of the items you definitely don’t want to forget for your trip to Kauai!

• Reef safe sunscreen
• Rash guard (if you plan to do  lot of snorkeling, this will minimize sunburn on your back)
• Quick-drying towel
• Snorkel gear
• Travel umbrella
• Reusable utensils 
• Reusable water bottle
• Reusable bag
• Comfortable and lightweight clothing

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for Hawaii !  It’s packed with good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your Italy trip. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

Round up of the best things to do in Kauai

Here’s a recap of all the best things to do in Kauai so you can see everything in one place.

• Hike the Kalalau Trail
• Scenic helicopter ride
• Red dirt waterfall
• Wailua Falls
• Try shave ice
• Poke cooking class
• Kauai Humane Society doggy “field trips” 
• Hanalei Spirits Distillery tour
• Hike Sleeping Giant
• Lydgate Farms chocolate workshop
• Hanapepe art galleries
• Hike to a swimming hole
• Views of Hanalei Valley
• Limahuli Garden Preserve
• Secret Beach
• Hanalei Farmers Market
• Kauai Coffee Company tour
• Kayak to Secret Falls
• Makauwahi Cave Reserve
• Sunrise yoga
• Fresh seafood dinner
• Taro donuts
• Monk seals at Poipu Beach
• Exotic fruits farm tour
• ATV adventure
• Kilauea Lighthouse
• Queen’s Bath
• Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
• Allerton Garden
• Rum tasting at the Kilohana Plantation
• Learn to surf
• Warehouse 3540
• Spearfishing

Are you planning a trip to Hawaii?

We have lots of resources on travel in Hawaii and destinations around the islands. Check out our  Hawaii Homepage  for everything you need to know, or start by reading some of our favorite Hawaii travel articles to help you plan your dream vacation to the Aloha State:

• Best Time to Visit Hawaii
• Best Snorkeling in Kauai: Which Spots to Choose
• Kalalau Trail: Ultimate Guide to Kauai’s Best Hike
• Hawaii Trip Planner: Your Dream Hawaiian Vacation Guide

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Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary For Kauai: The Unbeatable Guide

Kauai is a jewel of the Hawaiian Islands because it is wild, rural, and breathtakingly beautiful.

In essence, I would say that 10 days in Kauai Hawaii is the perfect length to see practically everything you may want. Even though it is not possible to see every sight and visit every restaurant, a 10 day itinerary for Kauai will leave you with some activities for when you inevitably want to return.

In this article, there are two itineraries for Kauai based on your choice of accommodation. It is common to stay your whole trip in Kapa’a in the east of Kauai or split your time between Kauai’s north and south shores. However, you will have the best adventures in Kauai no matter where you stay.

The articles are devised from my personal experience visiting Kauai for 10 days. I stewed over this for numerous hours and devised the perfect 10 day Kauai itinerary. I used my knowledge, plus I scoured online forums for other frequent visitors to Kauai’s top tips.

The two Kauai itineraries in this article rely on you renting a car because it is very difficult to travel around Kauai without one. Book your rental car from Discount Hawaii Car Rental and enjoy your Kauai road trip.

How Many Days Do You Need in Kauai?

For those wondering how many days to spend in Kauai, I would say that 10 days in Kauai is an excellent length to allow you to see as much as possible. With a 10-day itinerary for Kauai, there is still some free time for relaxation and flexibility to move activities in case of bad weather .

It is also possible to do almost all the same activities with a one week itinerary in Kauai, but it offers fewer afternoons by the pool to relax. Alternatively, you could remove some activities to dedicate some more time to relaxing.

If you only can manage 3 days in Kauai, make sure you book accommodation in East Kauai for your whole stay. This gives you a slightly more central location to travel to each attraction in Kauai.

The fundamental answer to how many days in Kauai is enough is as many as you can afford to spend. Essentially, the longer you have the more you will get to see. You will also have to consider where you are travelling from to make the journey worthwhile.

In this article, I focus on a 10-day Kauai itinerary to give you the maximum number of activities and ideas. You are welcome to change the days around – in fact, you may need to change the order of some activities and restaurants due to the availability or its opening hours.

Kauai Itinerary 10 Days – Overview

What comes in the next section is a 10 day Kauai itinerary based on staying in Poipu and Princeville (changing accommodation just over halfway through).

The purpose of this first Kauai vacation itinerary incorporating Poipu and Princeville accommodation is that it makes the most of the activities near to you. Staying in Poipu and Princeville means you can do less each day because you are nearer to the activities. You do not need to dedicate a whole day to certain regions and spend a long time in the car.

Not to mention, the scenery in Princeville is out-of-this-world – so you should dedicate a decent amount of time to this part of Kauai. Plus, there are some fabulous restaurants in both towns, affording you a shorter journey to your dinners in the evening.  

Remember – if you need to change some of the days in this Kauai 10 day itinerary, keep the Na Pali boat tour and helicopter tours early on . Also, leave some free space later in the itinerary to move them if needed due to inclement weather in Kauai .

If you are creating your Kauai honeymoon itinerary, you should include the Grand Hyatt Kauai as your accommodation in Poipu. Staying at Grand Hyatt Kauai is the ultimate experience and worth every penny .

Itinerary for Kauai – Option 1: Stay in Poipu and Princeville

Here is an overview of this 10 day itinerary for Kauai (based in Poipu and Princeville).

• Day 1: Arrive in Kauai and Check-In to Poipu
• Day 2: Kokee and Waimea Canyon Lookouts & Na Pali Coast Sunset Boat Tour
• Day 3: Wailua River Kayaking & Free Afternoon
• Day 4: Botanical Gardens, Mahau’uelpu Heritage Trail & Luau
• Day 5: Hiking Morning and Relaxing Pool Afternoon
• Day 6: Kipu Ranch and Coconut Coast Snorkelling
• Day 7: Kuilau Ridge Trail and Journey to Princeville
• Day 8: Kalalau Trail and North Shore Beaches
• Day 9: Sunrise Swim & Hanalei Bay
• Day 10: Departure

If you would like to put together your own Kauai travel itinerary, you can find out the best things to do in Kauai Hawaii in this article .

Day 1 of Kauai Itinerary

Arrival in kauai.

I highly recommend picking a flight that arrives in Kauai during daylight . Your first impressions of Kauai when you arrive and leave the airport are such precious memories.

Plus, if your flight arrives in the evening, you may need to check what time the car rental offices close . Some offices close around 10:45 PM; therefore, do not pick a flight that arrives after around 9:30 PM.

The arrivals side of the Kauai airport is small, so it will not take you long to gather your belongings. However, the line for rental car pick-ups can be rather long .

Therefore, you should have the main driver in your group go to the car rental shop by shuttle while you wait for the luggage. It will save you lugging your suitcases onto the shuttle bus. Instead, you can wait in the arrivals hall, where there is Wi-Fi, and be collected after.

I recommend arranging your car rental with Discount Hawaii Car Rental as soon as you have booked your flights . Car rental offers free cancellation until the day before your pick-up time, so there are no risks with locking in a good price.

Plus, with Discount Hawaii Car Rental you can cancel your booking for free and rebook at a cheaper rate if you see it has changed.

Check-in to Poipu Hotel

The next step of this itinerary for Kauai is to drive to Poipu, around a 25-to-30-minute drive from Lihue airport.

Keep an eye on a map and notice when you are about to drive through the Tree Tunnel . Take a picture of the marvellous tunnel of Eucalyptus Trees as you travel through.

For your stay in Poipu, I recommend booking Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa .

The hotel grounds are spectacular, the beachfront location is ideal, and the rooms and service are comfortable and welcoming. Plus, you will receive a fresh lei on arrival at the resort – a Kauai bucket list item for me.

Other hotel recommendations for Poipu include:

• Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu (Autograph Collection) – it is not a beachfront hotel, but it has one of the best-rated swimming pools in the US
• Sheraton Kauai Resort – close to Kiahuna Beach and Poipu Beach
• The Lodge at Kukuiʻula – has the highest price point but offers ultra-luxurious villas and cottages

Depending on your flight arrival time, you may need to leave your bags in the hotel’s storage unit until your room is ready. However, you can enjoy the resort’s pool, restaurants, and scenery straight away.

This afternoon, take some time to enjoy the resort and walk along the beach.

Book dinner at a local restaurant in Poipu, either Eating House 1849 (can be booked 3 full months in advance) or Merriman’s Kauai (book just under 3 months ahead of date).

Both restaurants are located at The Shops at Kukui‘ula, which is a short 5-minute drive from the hotel. However, if you do not wish to drive – you can arrange a shuttle pick-up from Grand Hyatt (speak to the hotel directly for availability) or call for a pick-up on the fun Aloha Spirit Shuttle (tip-based).

Day 2 of Kauai Itinerary

Morning exploring state park lookouts and hike.

Starting from Poipu, drive to Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park for a morning exploring the awe-inspiring lookouts. Set your GPS to Pu’u O Kila Lookout, the furthest viewpoint, which will be around an hour and 20 minutes’ drive from your hotel.

Other viewpoints to see include Kalalau Lookout, Waipo’o Falls Lookout, Pu’u Hinahina Lookout, and Waimea Canyon Lookout.

Take your time with the drive to the lookouts because the road is winding to get up the mountain. Pay for the park entrance fee at the first parking lot you stop in. It is $10 per vehicle, plus $5 per person, and payable by card.

It is better to arrive earlier at these state parks because the clouds roll in more throughout the day. Therefore, you will get the best views earlier in the morning.

Also, the benefit of arriving early is that you have time to enjoy one of the majestic hikes inside the state parks before the afternoon’s activity.

For today’s walk, I suggest the Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls Trail . Here you will see landscapes reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. The hike should take around 2 hours and is a 4.8 km hike (nearly 3 miles round trip). It starts from the Pu’u Hinahina car park.

Bring a walking stick if you have one and make sure you are wearing sturdy hiking boots. The trail can get extremely muddy after rainfall in Kauai . It was so muddy when we did it, that we had to turn back half-way. Find details of the Waipo’o Falls route on AllTrails . 

After a relatively strenuous hike, you will have worked up an appetite. Head to Porky’s Kauai in Waimea to grab a delicious pulled pork sandwich for lunch. My family and I enjoyed some excellent food there.

Discover more of my favourite places to eat in Kauai here.

Na Pali Coast Sunset Cruise

The next adventure of the day is a sunset Na Pali Coast boat tour from Port Allen, and it is near your lunch spot.

The benefit of combining the two state parks and a Napali Coast catamaran ride is that the boats launch relatively close to the lookouts. Therefore, it makes sense to combine them today.

However, be warned that you should book your Na Pali Coast boat tour early in your trip in case it needs to be rescheduled. There is a decent chance of a cancellation if you are travelling to Kauai in winter , as I experienced.

Do not forget to take some motion sickness tablets before your boat cruise (according to the package). I suggest dramamine, which you can purchase in a supermarket on Kauai.

Be careful with drowsy medication because there were several people on our cruise that had fallen asleep and missed the main attraction.

The start time of a sunset dinner cruise with Capt Andy’s is usually around 2:30 – 3:00 PM, depending on what time sunset is. So, you should have plenty of time to see Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon, and have lunch, providing you leave your hotel early that morning .

It is also possible to book a morning Na Pali Coast tour with snorkelling and then see the lookouts in the afternoon. However, the visibility of the lookouts may not be as good in the afternoon.

The journey to the Nāpali coast from Port Allen takes you along Polihale State Park, a famous beach in Kauai. Polihale Beach is hard to reach by car because it requires a 4×4 and many car rental shops write in their contracts that you are not allowed to attempt the drive.

The sunset cruise ends once the sun has dipped behind the horizon. A light dinner is served on the boat; therefore, you may still be hungry later this evening.

You could reserve a table for later this evening at Brennecke’s Beach Broiler or Stevenson’s Library (Grand Hyatt’s sushi restaurant).

Day 3 of Kauai Itinerary

Wailua river kayaking.

Again, starting from Grand Hyatt Kauai or your other choice of hotel in Poipu, drive to Wailua Kayak & Canoe for a 7:30 AM start.

Call the kayak rental company the week before to reserve your boats for kayaking along the Wailua River and a self-guided hike to Secret Falls. Choose the morning rental period to beat the tour groups to the falls.

Or, book a guided kayaking tour and hike to Secret Falls here. Book the earliest start time and choose a tour without lunch because there are good places to go nearby.

Be aware that it is not possible to book a tour or take out any rental equipment on the Wailua River on the weekend .

The Wailua River and Secret Falls activity was one of my favourites in Kauai. Therefore, I would also suggest doing this early in your Kauai vacation in case it needs to be rescheduled.

It is not recommended to kayak on the rivers in Kauai after several days of heavy rainfall and storm surges due to increased bacteria in the water. So, you will want any bad weather to pass before taking to the water.

Make sure you wear waterproof/quick-dry shorts and sturdy shoes that can get completely wet. You will have to go up to your waist/above the knee (depending on your height) in water as you wade several stream crossings. For women, I suggest activewear brands such as Lululemon or Nike. Men can wear their swimming trunks. Find out more suggestions in this Kauai packing list .

The water beds are rocky and the current moves quickly, so I do not recommend going barefoot or wearing flip flops or slides. Instead, I suggest wearing Keens or Tevas , or perhaps hard-soled water shoes that will dry quickly and have good grip.

Hiking boots or trail runners would be good, but remember, if you do this activity at the beginning of the week, you will need these shoes again during this itinerary for Kauai. You could put your shoes in the tumble dryer (inside a pillowcase to avoid damaging the machine) to dry them out if you have a self-contained unit.

Beach Afternoon

After kayaking, bring a change of clothes and throw on some flip flops to go for lunch. I suggest going to Lava Lava Beach Club, which is very close.

It is a casual restaurant where reservations are not required at this time of day. They offer a limited menu for lunch, but with many tasty options, such as fish tacos or coconut shrimp (both went down very well in my group).

You can dine with your feet in the sand and walk along the beach or go in the water while waiting for the food.

On your way home from Lava Lava Beach Club, stop for a quick view of Wailua Falls. You could also stop at ‘Opaeka’a Falls first, but the falls are quite far away from the viewpoint, so I would suggest missing this spot.

Then, spend time at your leisure back at the resort in Poipu or visit a beach nearby.

This afternoon could also be left open for a helicopter tour of Kauai. The best light to take photos of the Na Pali Coast will be early morning or late afternoon. There is often fog in the late morning.

Reserve a table for dinner at Tidepools in Grand Hyatt Kauai , even if you are not staying at the resort. The setting is gorgeous with its well-kept gardens and fish pond. Reservations open around six months ahead of your date, so you can book it well in advance if desired.

Day 4 of Kauai Itinerary

Getting to know poipu.

Before going for breakfast this morning, take a walk down to Shipwreck Beach (if you are staying at Grand Hyatt) or to whatever beach is closest to your hotel in Poipu. You may be lucky enough to see some Hawaiian Monk Seals resting on the beach, like I was lucky enough to see.

After breakfast, stop quickly at Spouting Horn. The light can be too harsh in the middle of the day for taking good photos, so go early or later at sunset. I visited at midday and it was not worth a visit.

Later this morning you could book a Botanical Gardens Tour to see Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden. If you prefer to see only one garden, visit Allerton Gardens to see the famous so-called Jurassic Park trees.

This morning time slot in the Kauai itinerary would be another chance to book a helicopter tour around Kauai if you prefer a more adventurous morning. Or you could play a round of golf – make sure you use the high tech golf cart at Poipu Bay Golf Course.

Next, grab a quick and casual lunch from Puka Dog or Bubba Burgers – although, the lines can get long during peak hours. It took us around 30 minutes to get our Bubba Burgers, but it was well worth the wait. My beef burger with teriyaki sauce and pineapple was phenomenal and I could have easily eaten two.

Walk off your lunch along the stunning Mahau uelpu Heritage Trail. The trail gets hot, so bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. It is also possible to do this walk one morning while in Poipu if it is too hot in the early afternoon. Go for a swim after to cool off.

Experience the Hawaiian Culture

If it is your first time in Kauai or Hawaii, you must book a luau – a traditional Hawaiian show, often served with a buffet of local cuisine.

If you are looking for a convenient luau in Poipu, opt for Grand Hyatt Luau or the oceanfront ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau at the Sheraton . My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the Grand Hyatt Luau and it was a huge benefit that it was located on the hotel property.

Those looking to go to one of the most highly rated luaus on Kauai should book tickets for Lu’au Kalamaku , a 20-minute drive from Poipu. It is possible to book Lu’au Kalamaku with or without transportation.

You should book your Luau in advance because they are a popular way to spend the evening in Kauai. Take note that some luaus do not operate on certain days of the week, so consider this in case you need to swap it with another evening’s dinner plans.

Day 5 of Kauai Itinerary

Morning hike in kokee.

After an early breakfast, head off to Kokee State Park for another hike to explore the area again. This activity would give you an additional chance to photograph the lookout spots if you had any clouds impacting your view the last time.

Drive to Pihea Trailhead for the Pihea to Alakai Swamp hike (4 hours, 12.4 km or 7.7 miles). Make sure you stop at Kilohana Lookout for a stunning view and bring some snacks to keep your hunger at bay.

Wear good hiking boots to navigate the rough terrain and potential mud. 

If you prefer not to hike again, you could leave this morning open as a backup slot for your Na Pali Coast boat tour or helicopter ride. Alternatively, you can spend an afternoon enjoying activities in Poipu .

Recharge Your Batteries

If you did not already eat your lunch on the hike, stop at Kokee Lodge Restaurant for some food and drinks. Return to your hotel to rest your legs. 

Book dinner tonight at Keoki’s Paradise and order a Pina Colada in a pineapple. Keoki’s Paradise can be booked around 3 months in advance. There are plenty of other Kauai restaurants to choose from for dinner this evening if you want more to choose from.

Day 6 of Kauai Itinerary

Adventure by vehicle.

Drive 20 minutes from Poipu to Kipu Ranch for a morning adventure around the private estate. You will see many locations used for films and some interesting animals while on the tour.

You can also book the afternoon tour, but a morning adventure means you have time to relax afterwards. If you prefer a slower-paced activity, then you could book the gentle Fern Grotto Tour instead of Kipu Ranch.

The Kipu Ranch activity is worth the cost and was another of my favourite activities in Kauai. Luckily, Kipu Ranch tours run rain or shine, so there is less chance of it being called off due to bad weather.

Good to know – it is the same price to book 4 adults in one vehicle or to have 4 adults in 2 vehicles (since you pay per person). Therefore, you should book this tour well in advance – it is very popular. We had to have three of us in one because the rest of the vehicles were booked up.

I suggest wearing dark coloured clothes with long sleeves that are easily washable. You may need to do laundry during your trip or bring an old shirt and leggings/track pants specifically for this tour that you do not plan to wear again. If you wear a poncho (available for purchase at Kipu Ranch) you will not get as dirty – which is what we did.

Find out other essential items to pack with you in Kauai here.

Afternoon on the Coconut Coast

For lunch, given that you will be a bit scruffy, I suggest driving to the food trucks in Kapaa. My favourites are Chicken in a Barrell or Da Melting Pot.

Then, visit Lydgate Beach for snorkelling and to experience more of the east coast beaches.

Dinner With a Sunset View

Return home to freshen up and go to dinner at Beach House restaurant .

Book your reservation for just after sunset so you can watch the sunset on the front lawn with a cocktail from their bar.

Beach House serves one of the most delicious, but strongest Mai Tais on the island – so be careful how many you order. The foam on top is delicious.

Again, you can use one of the shuttle options available to you to get to and from your hotel in Poipu (Grand Hyatt or Aloha Spirit shuttle).

Day 7 of Kauai Itinerary

Travel to the splendid north shore.

After 6 wonderful days staying on the south shore, it is time to check-out of your hotel and see more of Kauai. There are plenty of activities to do on the journey from Poipu to Princeville.

Even though you may not be able to get into your next accommodation until 3:00 or 4:00 PM, I would suggest leaving soon after breakfast to make the most of your day.

Today you will tackle the beautiful Kuilau Ridge Trail , a 3-hour hike (approx. 5.7 km or 3.6 miles). If you are looking for a more challenging hike, you could instead hike the Sleeping Giant. 

Alternatively, if it has been raining the last few days and the hiking trails are too muddy, you could rent bikes and ride along Ke Ala Hele Makalae Path .

For lunch, visit the food trucks again – chances are you will have loved the food you tried last time and want to try food from another truck. I loved the food from Da Melting Pot.

Continue the stunning drive to the North Shore of Kauai. You will pass some wonderful views while driving. Before you reach Princeville, stop at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and visit Kilauea Lighthouse .

You need to make a reservation to visit the lighthouse with a timed-entrance slot. Reservations are available for the next 2 months at a time, and the lighthouse is only open from Wednesday to Saturday.

Arrival in Paradise

As you arrive in Princeville, stop for a quick view at Hanalei Valley Lookout . You will pass this viewpoint every day while in Princeville, so you can always return if the view is too cloudy. Additionally, there are only a few spots for cars, so you may have to return when people have moved on.

Finally, it is time to check-in to your new accommodation. I recommend either renting a whole house on VRBO in Princeville or staying at a resort.

This is the VRBO I stayed at in Princeville , and I would recommend it for groups needing 4 bedrooms. Although there was no pool, we were a reasonable walking distance from Puu Poa Beach.

Alternatively, you could stay at Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville, a condo resort with a pool . Booking accommodation with a washing machine and dryer would be helpful to clean up some of your clothes that got muddy or sweaty from your previous adventures in Kauai.

Once you have settled into your new accommodation, grab a few supplies from Foodland, the nearby grocery store. You will need a packed lunch for tomorrow.

Drive to Hanalei Bay and stop for dinner at Tahiti Nui (featured in The Descendants movie with George Clooney). Make sure you order the Mai Tai – it is frequently voted the best Mai Tai on the island and I can vouch for it. There is live music every night from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.

Tahiti Nui does not take reservations, so get down early to put your name on the waitlist. You can expect to wait around 25 minutes, so you may have time to walk around the town a little while you wait.

Day 8 of Kauai itinerary

Exploring na pali coast on foot.

This morning you will be hiking the famous Kalalau Trail . I recommend walking the route from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai Valley – it will take you around 3 to 4 hours round-trip and it is 6 km or 3.7 miles. 

Make sure you book your parking passes and entry tickets 30 days before your preferred hiking date. Haena State Park only allows a limited number of visitors each day, hence the requirement to book in advance.

I suggest booking two consecutive time slots on the same day: the morning slot at 6:30 AM and the second time slot at 12:30 PM. This booking gives you the maximum time to explore Hāʻena State Park.

The tickets go online at midnight Hawaii time. So, set your alarm and wake up early (or stay up late) to book your tickets as soon as they go on sale. Be warned, they do sell out quickly . Make sure you know how many people are in your group because the tickets are non-refundable.

If you do not manage to get a parking pass for your preferred day, you can book a North Shore Shuttle ticket instead (from the same website). The shuttle tickets are easier to purchase.

Shuttle tickets mean you will park at Waipa Park and Ride, just past Hanalei and access the state park by shuttle. The former ticket allows you to park your own vehicle in the Haena State Park parking lot.

An alternate option is that you could try booking the ticket again the next day. You can swap Day 8 and Day 9 of this itinerary for Kauai around if necessary. But always try to book the Kalalau hiking trail for your earliest option in the itinerary so there is space to be flexible.

Something else to note with the parking tickets is that if there is bad weather and the bridge to Hanalei Bay closes, you will not get a refund. You will lose the money and you may want to attempt to book a shuttle slot if there are any available last minute. The bridge was sadly closed the day we had tickets, so we experienced this.

Make sure you have your backpack filled with lunch, drinks, and swimwear. Plus, you need to have your tickets printed (there will be no cell service in the park).

Once you have finished the hike, you should walk to Haena Beach and explore the North Shore beaches. You should also attempt to see the famous Tunnels Beach.

It can be hard to get a parking spot for Tunnels Beach, so you can always try to come again tomorrow early morning if you failed in finding somewhere to park.  

Dinner in Hanalei

Return home to shower and freshen up for dinner. Tonight, you should arrange to have dinner at Bar Acuda in Hanalei (check the dates are correct since it is only open from Tuesday to Saturday). Reservations are difficult to get, so you need to be on the case.

Reservations for Bar Acuda are released 30 days in advance, and they get booked immediately. Keep your eye on the dates that can be booked a week or two before the 30-day mark so you know you have your timings right.

If you do not manage to book a table for Bar Acuda, you could try to get a walk-in table for The Dolphin in Hanalei. Or if you have a kitchen in your accommodation, you could buy local fish from The Dolphin’s fish market and cook it yourself. This is what we did one night and made a papaya salsa to go with our local fish – it was exceptional.

Day 9 of Kauai Itinerary

Sunrise swim.

Today you should go for an early morning swim at Anini Beach to look for turtles . Parking spots are limited at Anini Beach, hence why it is worth going early.

However, as I mentioned previously if you missed Tunnels Beach, make sure you try again this morning.

Hanalei Bay Wander

Go for breakfast at Hanalei Bay Bread Co in Hanalei Bay. Visit Hanalei Bay Beach and walk around the town. Hanalei Bay Beach often has nice sized waves for beginner surfers and boogie boarders.

You may start to feel peckish; therefore, walk to town and grab something from Wishing Well Shave Ice or JoJo’s, and some Holey Grail Doughnuts.

Return to Princeville

For a healthy lunch spot, try Nourish Hanalei in Princeville where there is a great view over Hanalei Bay. This afternoon, you can enjoy a walk around Princeville.

There is a nice route from the shopping plaza in Princeville to Puu Poa Beach. Before or after your walk around Princeville, stop for an exotic cocktail at Tiki Iniki . The cocktails are served in fun tiki mugs.

Tonight, you will go back to Hanalei Bay for dinner at the mouth-watering AMA restaurant . Make sure you book a table during daylight because the view is stunning. We dined at night, but I had visited earlier in the day, and the view was so much better in early evening. Although, there is a fire pit to sit around at night.

Again, make your reservation 3 months ahead of time and be aware that they are only open from Thursday to Sunday, so you may have to move this dinner plan to another day in the itinerary if it does not align well. Otherwise, it is possible to show up just before the restaurant opens to get on the waitlist.

Day 10 of Kauai Itinerary

Goodbye kauai.

Depending on your flight time today, you could manage another early morning visit to Anini Beach or Tunnels Beach.

Another point to note with your car is that the rental car return locations do not open until around 6:00 AM . Therefore, I would advise against a departure before 8:00 AM.

Check-out of your accommodation and make sure you do not leave anything behind. I suggest eating some food before getting to the airport, if you have time, given that the dining options at Lihue Airport are limited and the service can be slow due to demand, which we learnt the hard way.

You could visit Duke’s Kauai, a restaurant near the airport, for your last glance at the beach if you have time.

You should leave plenty of time if travelling from Princeville directly to Lihue Airport because the traffic can be heavy in Wailua .

Itinerary for Kauai – Option 2: Stay in Kapa’a

I have created a second itinerary for Kauai based on spending ten days in the same accommodation in Kapa’a . The benefit of staying in one place during your time in Kauai is that you do not have to pack up your belongings more than once during your vacation.

Additionally, by staying in Kapa’a, it is a relatively central location in Kauai, which means you are a reasonable distance from most attractions. Plus, you are closer to some excellent restaurants , which makes it easier to visit in the evening.

If you are looking to spend 3 days in Kauai , I suggest having accommodation booked in this part of East Kauai. It will be more of a nuisance to pack your suitcase several times during your stay on a shorter trip to Kauai.

Here is a summary of the second of the Kauai itineraries (based in Kapa’a).

• Day 1: Arrival and Check-In to Kapa’a
• Day 2: State Park Lookouts & Hike and Na Pali Coast Sunset Boat Tour
• Day 3: Wailua River Kayaking & Beach Afternoon
• Day 4: Kalalau Trail and North Shore Beaches
• Day 5: Kipu Ranch and Poipu Sunset Evening
• Day 6: Poipu Exploration
• Day 7: Botanical Gardens Tour and Free Afternoon
• Day 8: Hiking or Fern Grotto, and Luau
• Day 10: Departure Day

 Day 1 of Kauai Itinerary 

Arrival in kauai and check-in in kapaa.

Pick up your car rental at Lihue Airport and check-in to your accommodation.

If you are hoping for a lei on arrival at the airport, you will need to arrange it yourself.

For East Shore accommodation I recommend:

• Pono Kai Condos – well situated apartment rentals in Kapa’a
• Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort – Luxury beachfront resort in an accessible location
• Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences – Ultra-luxurious residences near Kalapaki Beach

Depending on the time of your arrival, you can stop for lunch at one of the food trucks in Kapa’a . There is plenty of parking near the food trucks. If you were looking for a sit-down but still casual meal, you could go to Duke’s in Lihue.

For those staying in a self-contained apartment, you should pick up some groceries. There are many options for supermarkets in Kapaa so you will not have to travel far.

After a busy day of travelling, you are free to explore the area or enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the beach . Given that you may be jetlagged by a couple of hours (or much more), go for an early dinner at Lava Lava Beach Club .

There is live music at Lava Lava Beach Club starting at 5:00 PM, which will help keep you entertained and stay up for longer. No reservation is needed – but go early to get your name on the waitlist.

Hiking Morning and Na Pali Sunset Boat Tour

As I mentioned previously, it is important to do most of the bucket-list items early in this itinerary for Kauai. The weather can be unpredictable, so you should get your must-do activities accomplished early or have time towards the end of your Kauai itinerary to try again.

Therefore, early this morning you will be heading to Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon .

Start the day with a hike from Pihea Trailhead to Alakai Swamp (4 hours, 12.4 km or 7.7 miles). You will also see Kilohana Lookout. 

The drive from Kapaa to Pihea Trailhead is over 90 minutes. The earlier you get to the state parks, the better due to increased cloud coverage throughout the day and parking spots. Also, you want to have enough time to do everything you had planned.

After the hike, stop at the Waimea Canyon Lookouts. You will have a chance to come back another time to see the lookouts if the views are too cloudy. Then, I recommend having lunch at Porky’s Kauai because it is close to your next stop, plus the pulled pork sandwiches are delicious.

This afternoon you will embark on a sunset boat tour along the Napali Coast . The tour will start at around 2:30 PM and a light dinner is served on the boat.

Wailua River Kayaking and Beach Afternoon

This morning you will not have to travel far for your first activity – kayaking down the Wailua River. You can also book a guided tour , but I liked the sense of adventure in attempting the hike to the Secret Falls without a guide.

After a tiring morning, you can head across to Lava Lava Beach Club again for lunch. It is very close to the kayaking, so it is a convenient next stop.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend on the beach. Perhaps you want to visit Lydgate Beach to go snorkelling.

There is also the option to book a helicopter tour or there is time in case you need to reschedule the Na Pali Coast boat tour. This is common during winter in Kauai .

Keep your evening open tonight for cooking at home or finding a walk-in restaurant nearby.

North Coast Exploration

Today it is finally time to visit the heavenly North Coast of Kauai. The drive is just under an hour to get to your starting location of Kalalau Trailhead ; thus, you will need an early start. Make sure you have brought a packed lunch.

You should have booked morning and afternoon tickets for the Kalalau Trail (more details in the above itinerary). After hiking the Kalalau Trail, stay in the area and enjoy the beaches such as Tunnels Beach, Haena Beach, and Ke’e Beach .

After a muddy and sandy morning, head to Hanalei Bay Beach where you can use the public showers to wash your feet and legs. You can also change into fresh clothes ready for dinner.

Visit Tahiti Nui for dinner this evening (no reservation needed). It is relatively casual, so you do not need to dress too fancy for this dinner. 

Kipu Ranch Adventure

Get ready for a thrill with a Kipu Ranch Tour starting at 9:30 AM. Make sure you book in advance and come in dark clothes with long sleeves. 

You may wish to get lunch from the Kapaa food trucks again after this adventurous excursion.

After getting cleaned up at home in Kapaa, travel to Poipu Beach to look for turtles before sunset. You can also see the Spouting Horn.

Then, enjoy a spectacular dinner at Beach House. Arrange your dinner for just after sunset so you can watch the sun go down with your pre dinner drinks.

Enjoying Poipu

Today you will be exploring Poipu , so travel to Shipwreck Beach or Poipu Beach before breakfast to look for seals . Make sure you drive through the Tree Tunnel as you approach Poipu.

Grab some breakfast from Poipu, such as Little Fish Poipu . However, you may have to order online to avoid the huge queue that Little Fish often gets.

Next up, you could hike the Mahau ulepu Heritage Trail . The benefit of doing it in the morning is to avoid the mid-day heat.

Stop for lunch at Bubba’s Burgers . I love the teriyaki and pineapple burger. You can also wander around the shops in Poipu to pick up some souvenirs .

On your way home, have a quick stop at Wailua Falls.

This evening you should arrange to have dinner at JO2 in Kapaa.

A week into your itinerary of Kauai, you have some flexibility to see if there are things you already did and want to repeat, or that you want to squeeze into your vacation.

You could visit Passion Bakery Cafe for breakfast this morning – you may need to call ahead to order as it can get busy.

I suggest seeing some flora on a Botanical Gardens Tour in Poipu. You could also play a round of golf.

Alternatively, leave the day open to reschedule your Na Pali Coast cruise or for a helicopter tour.

Day 8 of Kauai Itinerary

Hiking, fern grotto and luau.

Today you will return to Waimea Canyon to get up close and personal with the trails.

I suggest the Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls Trail . You can also walk a much shorter trail to get a good view of Waimea Canyon – it is called Iliau Nature Loop & Kukui Trail .

If you are not interested in a hike, you can also rent bikes along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Path in the Kapaa area.

This afternoon would be a great time to book a Fern Grotto tour – you can combine it with the Smiths Luau onsite. Or you can go to the renowned Luau Kalamaku a little further away.

Hanalei Bay and North East Kauai

Early this morning, drive to Tunnels Beach if you did not manage to visit it on your last trip to the North. Otherwise, I recommend heading straight for Anini Beach for an early morning swim to look for turtles.

You can enjoy the remainder of the morning in Hanalei Bay , playing or relaxing on the beach and walking around the town. Pick up some shave ice and doughnuts from Holey Grail.

On your way out of Hanalei, make sure you stop at Hanalei Valley Lookout.

As you continue your journey back towards East Kauai, visit Kilauea Lighthouse (you need to book time slot tickets). 

This afternoon you may wish to hike Kuilau Ridge Trailhead or Sleeping Giant (the harder option).

Book dinner at Hukilau Lanai tonight.

Time to Leave

Check-out of your accommodation this morning and have an early lunch at Pono Market (depending on your flight time). I recommend eating before you arrive at the airport because there are limited options and the service can be slow.

How to Make an Itinerary for Kauai?

Here are some things to think about when you are creating your own Kauai itinerary.

Try to segment your itinerary into the corners of the islands . But remember that you cannot drive from North Kauai anticlockwise to West Kauai – you must go all the way around the island in the clockwise direction .

Even if you are spending the day in one area of Kauai, you will likely be sandy, muddy, or sweaty by the end of the day. So, consider this when booking dinner reservations. You will most likely need to dine close to where you are staying , so also keep this in mind when choosing your accommodation. 

Check the opening times for restaurants, luaus, and activities before booking anything to prevent you from closing off certain days to places with limited opening hours.

Book your Na Pali Coast boat tour and/or helicopter tour for early in your trip in the event it needs to be rescheduled due to bad weather.

People rise early and go to sleep early in Kauai , partly due to the roosters waking you up at the crack of dawn. Therefore, do not be afraid to book activities early in the morning. Also, do not expect there to be much nightlife in Kauai.

What Activities to Include in an Itinerary for Kauai?

Here are some key activities to do in Kauai to add to your Kauai itinerary.

North of Kauai

• Kalalau Trail
• Tunnels Beach
• Haena Beach
• Hanalei Bay – beginner surfing or stand-up paddleboarding
• Princeville
• Anini Beach – snorkelling with turtles
• Puu Poa Beach
• Hanalei Valley Lookout
• Kīlauea Lighthouse

South of Kauai

• Shipwreck Beach
• Mahau’ulepu Coastal Trail
• Poipu Beach
• Botanical Gardens
• Spouting Horn
• Look for turtles & seals

East of Kauai

• Secret Falls kayaking
• Fern Grotto boat tour
• Lydgate Beach for snorkelling
• Wailua Falls
• Kuilau Ridge hike
• Sleeping Giant hike

West of Kauai

• Kalalau and Pu’u O Kila Lookouts
• Waimea Canyon lookouts
• Iliau Nature Loop & Kukui Trail
• Pihea Trailhead to Alakai Swamp hike
• Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls hike
• Na Pali Coast boat tour

Further Reading to this Itinerary for Kauai article

Check out the rest of my Kauai articles below for more travel tips. They will be vital for you to plan a vacation to Kauai, particularly for first-timers to Kauai (or even Hawaii).

Read this article if you prefer to visit Kauai for 3 days .

If you need help deciding where to stay in Kauai, read about the best side of the island to stay on .

For more resources on how to visit Kauai, read my Kauai travel blog . You will learn some essential facts about visiting Kauai for the first time. You can also read about what to bring with you to Kauai .

FAQ – Itinerary Kauai

How many days do i need for kauai.

The longer you can spend in Kauai the better. You will find plenty of activities to fill your time.

You may not be able to do all the things you wanted to in Kauai and wish you had longer to spend there.

Therefore, 10 days is a perfect amount of time to spend in Kauai if you want to gain a good understanding of the island. You will be able to see all the main sights, plus have time for days of relaxation or for flexibility to move activities in case of inclement weather.

Is 7 days too long in Kauai?

Seven days is a decent amount of time to spend in Kauai. However, the length of your vacation will depend on your interests and the rest of your itinerary.

For example, if you have planned to spend time in other Hawaiian Islands, you could spend less time in Kauai. The flight to Kauai is far from many destinations; therefore, you want to spend considerable time overall in Hawaii to make the journey worthwhile.

Also, if you enjoy adventurous activities, such as hiking, ATVS, helicopter rides, kayaking, and surfing, you may want to spend longer in Kauai. Compared to those who prefer to relax on the beach, who would rather spend less time on Kauai, given that Kauai typically has the wettest weather out of the islands in Hawaii.

Samantha is the founder of Continuous Roamer, a travel website focusing on adventure and the outdoors.

With a love for adventure and the great outdoors, Samantha shares tips on skiing, luxury safaris, camping, and finding hidden food gems in different destinations.

With over 20 years of skiing experience across Europe, North America, and beyond, she's also an expert in luxury accommodations and experiences.

Whether camping in Canada or dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, Samantha always seeks out the best experiences and accommodations, and her blog highlights the best of them for her readers.

Samantha is currently living in London.

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My friends frequently ask me for suggestions on how to plan a trip to Hawaii. Because I’ve been to more than 40 times in the last 25 years and am generally aware of where to find the finest Hawaii holiday deals, I believe this is the case.

The hardest part of organizing an unforgettable trip to Hawaii is deciding which Hawaiian island is right for your trip.

Despite the beauty of each island, I believe that a vacation on Kauai is the best.

This is true because there are so many activities on Kauai with kids of every age. For visitors seeking simple Kauai vacation ideas and logistics, I have a ton of Kauai recommendations.

Since our children were infants, we have taken them to Kauai very often. As a result, we have learned many insider secrets about the Hawaiian island that we wish we had known beforehand.

We also have a lot of insider knowledge because my mom lives there!

You should read this before your trip, whether it’s your first time to Kauai or planning a Hawaiian vacation for the first time .

For my top travel advice for Kauai, keep reading!

Kauai Vacation Planning Tips

1. 7-10 days is the typical kauai vacation length.

You should stay at least a week if you truly want to experience the best of Kauai.

In this manner, you’ll have enough time to see the North Shore , the East Shore, and the South Shore.

You can take part in several tours and excursions, eat at a variety of tasty restaurants and food trucks, and yet have time for some beach days and poolside relaxation.

You’ll want to be able to fully enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Kauai without feeling rushed.

2. It’s Easy to Day Trip to Kauai

Although a journey to Kauai should ideally last seven days or longer, island hopping from another Hawaiian island will allow you to see the island in a hurry.

To make the most of your time if you’re taking a day trip to Kauai, attempt to book one of the morning’s first flights and one of the evening’s final flights.

I advise you to create your ultimate list of things to do in Kauai and then reduce it to just one or two items.

Even if some of the Kauai activities are half-day or full-day excursions, you won’t be able to complete them all in a single day.

I suggest looking for activities unique to Kauai (like seeing Waimea Canyon, driving up to Hanalei , or going sugar cane tubing .)

Another option is to simply take in the experience of visiting a different island, indulging in shave ice , going snorkeling, and checking out Kauai’s food scene.

3. The North Shore is the Rainy Side

Because it’s so beautiful up there, many people believe that the North Shore is the greatest spot to stay on Kauai.

The lush, tropical vegetation and gorgeous coastline indeed make it very stunning.

But because it rains so often, there is a lot of greenery.

The road leading to Hanalei may occasionally close depending on how much rain falls. Therefore, if you decide to stay there, you can be detained there for a few days while the route is closed.

Also, check the weather before organizing a day trip there.

In case it decides to rain the rest of the vacation, we normally travel up to the North Shore on the first day that it is sunny and clear.

4. Highway Doesn’t Go All The Way Around

It’s a common myth that you can drive all the way around Kauai.

The Na Pali Coast , a significant impediment, stands in the way of the highway’s ability to connect the North Shore and West Shore.

Even though it might not seem important, you should nonetheless make plans for traffic. You see, there is only one way to travel both up and down the shore.

You can use a few bypass roads to speed up your journey during times of heavy traffic, but generally, it will take longer than you anticipate to get from the South Shore to the North Shore and vice versa.

For instance, a trip to Waimea Canyon could take up to two hours if you were staying in Princeville and there wasn’t any traffic.

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5. Reserve a Kauai Rental Car

Wondering how to get around Kauai ? You should rent a car in Hawaii in Hawaii regardless of where you stay in Kauai (or any other island).

This is because some of the best things to do in Kauai necessitate driving, and the island lacks excellent public transit.

In addition, fewer tour operators on Kauai will pick you up at your hotel (as opposed to those on Oahu’s Waikiki Beach).

Bringing your own car seat rather than renting one from the rental car agency is one of my top recommendations for families renting a car in Kauai.

In this manner, you can be certain that it fits your child properly and that they are already at ease wearing it.

Driving a rental car in Hawaii can save you a good amount of time because you won’t need to make as much advance planning and may decide how long you want to spend anywhere.

I strongly advise getting the Kauai Shaka App . You can get an audio tour of your driving locations by using this GPS-based Hawaii travel app. It’s inexpensive and jam-packed with knowledge. DOWNLOAD THE APP .

Discount Hawaii Car Rental is among the top places to rent a car on Kauai. They receive incredible discounts on well-known national companies, including Payless, Alamo, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, and Avis. Check out the latest prices and more details .

If you don’t have a driver’s license, the best option is to stay at a resort with a shuttle or one where you can stroll to restaurants and activities and reserve tours that include pickup.

6. South Shore is the Sunny Side

Due to its reputation of being on the sunny side of the island, Poipu is the most popular area to stay in Kauai.

On Kauai, it might be pouring outside, but there’s a decent chance you’ll find at least a little sunshine on the South Shore.

Booking a hotel or resort in Poipu if you’re visiting Kauai in the winter will help you make the most of the bright days during the rainy season . There are also lots of cool Poipu vacation rental options .

Keep the South Shore on hand the rest of the year in case it rains on the North or East Shore.

7. Kauai is a Foodie Island

About ten years ago, Kauai truly advanced in the culinary world.

You can discover a ton of delectable food trucks here (several of which have now opened brick-and-mortar restaurants), as well as casual and fine dining.

In addition, Kauai is renowned for its abundance of organic food, vegan and vegetarian eateries, and farm-to-table establishments.

They also provide some really fantastic Kauai Food Tours that take you to all the top locations to sample some amazing cuisine. Check the latest rates and availability.

8. Can’t go to Haena Without a Reservation

Haena State Park is a well-liked attraction on the island of Kauai. On the North Shore, here is where the road comes to an end.

The hula mound, Ke’e Beach, and trekking trips to Hanakapiai and the Kalalau Valley are popular draws for visitors.

There has long been a parking problem there, so a few years ago they turned it into a park that accepts reservations only.

Each day, they have 100 parking spaces reserved in their lot. However, a shuttle is also available to transport you to the park. Both call for reservations in advance.

Make your Haena State Park reservations here

9. Waimea Canyon Has Fickle Weather

I’ll never forget the time my friend and I went up to the Waimea Canyon very early in the morning only to discover that a sea of dense fog had obscured the vista.

Such a letdown, I tell you.

However, because we were inexperienced, we didn’t consider checking the weather before we left. Don’t make that mistake !

Due to the distance, you might want to spend a few hours hiking at Waimea Canyon or continue on to Kokee State Park to explore.

Undoubtedly, it’s among the top things to do on Kauai under $10!

10. Kauai Luaus are Unique

I frequently hear individuals claim that you only need to do a luau once because it is all the same.

I can categorically state that most Kauai luaus are unique in their own unique way because I am a professional hula dancer.

Smith Family Luau is one of our all-time favorite luau experiences on Kauai. You can first take a boat ride to Fern Grotto, then wander through their magnificent garden before going to the luau.   Find best prices and check availability .

Additionally, there is Luau Kalamaku , which offers a train tour through the Kilohana Plantation followed by a theatrical storytelling performance about the arrival of the Polynesians in Hawaii. Find the best prices here.

How to Plan a Trip to Kauai FAQ

If Kauai is the only Hawaiian island you plan to visit, you should plan on staying there for at least 7 to 10 days. That will leave you with plenty of time to take a couple of day trips, go on a few tours, check out the beaches, and chill.

To see and do everything on Kauai, you’ll need a car or other motorized vehicle unless you have a reasonably flexible schedule. One major highway goes almost around the whole island (with the Na Pali Coast as the exception).

On Kauai Island, it rains all year long. With an average rainfall of 5.2 inches, January is the wettest month on Kauai Island. With an average rainfall of 1.0 inches, June is the month that rains the least on Kauai Island.

Planning a Trip to Kauai Wrap Up

There you have it, then! My best advice for first-time visitors who wish to organize a trip to Kauai like an expert! With these Kauai travel tips, you’re sure to have a memorable Kauai vacation!

Looking for more Kauai travel resources? Find out how to plan a trip to Kauai , cheap hotels on Kauai , romantic Kauai honeymoon resorts , Big Island vs Kauai , kid-friendly Kauai resorts , cheap and free things to do on Kauai , best things to do on Kauai with kids , and my Kauai packing list .

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Although no point on the tiny island of KAUAI is as much as a dozen miles from the sea, the variety of its landscapes is quite incredible. This is the oldest of the major islands, and erosion has had more than six million years to sculpt it into fantastic shapes. The mist-shrouded extinct volcano Mount Waialeale at its heart is the world’s wettest spot, draining into a high landlocked swamp. Nearby is the chasm of WaimeaCanyon, while the north shore holds the vertiginous green cliffs of the awe-inspiring Na Pali coast, familiar from films such as Jurassic Park and South Pacific, but the sole preserve of adventurous hikers. Kauai is a place to be active, on sea and land; if you take only one helicopter flight in your life, this is the place to do it.

The Na Pali coast

The small town of HANALEI itself, set around a magnificent bay, has some low-key apartments for rent, but otherwise little formal accommodation. Gorgeous Lumahai Beach, just beyond the western edge of the bay, has starred in countless movies, among them South Pacific, but is far too treacherous for swimming in winter. All the roadside beaches from here on, however, are good for snorkelling. The road finally comes to an end at Kee Beach, perhaps the most delightful spot of all, with safe inshore swimming.

Despite the rampant resort-building elsewhere on the island, the lush valleys of Kauai’s Na Pali coast remain inviolate – though accessible enough by canoe to sustain large Hawaiian populations, their awesome walls shield them from any attempt to build roads. Separated each from the next by knife-edge ridges of rock thousands of feet high but just a few feet thick, they make Kauai one of the world’s great hiking destinations.

The Kalalau Trail along the shore, which starts alongside Kee Beach, is unforgettable. The full eleven-mile trek to Kalalau Valley is arduous and gets progressively more dangerous; in places you have to scramble along a precipitous (and shadeless) wall of crumbly red rock.

However, the first two miles of the trail, to Hanakapiai Beach, are the most beautiful. They’re steep but straightforward, passing through patches of dense vegetation where you clamber over the gnarled root systems of the splay-footed hala (pandanus) tree. From the beach, a further hour’s arduous hike (off the main trail) leads inland to the natural amphitheatre of the towering Hanakapiai Falls. It takes at least four and a half hours to get to the falls and back from the trailhead.

See our comprehensive  first-timers-guide to the Hawaiian islands  for overviews of all six freely visited islands, and more on what to see and do in Kauai.

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19 Things to Do on Kauai (That You Can’t Do ANYWHERE Else)

This post may contain some affiliate links, which means I’ll make a little money on anything you choose to purchase. But of course, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make HulaLand possible.

Planning a trip to Kauai? You’re going to love it! It’s one of the most beautiful Hawaiian Islands, well known for its lush, green mountains. Remember Jurassic Park? Well, that’s Kauai. 

With so much natural beauty (beaches! hiking! snorkeling!), you could stay busy for weeks exploring every part of this island, and I could give you a long list of things to do…but I’m going to keep this paired down to things you can ONLY do on Kauai. 

Things You Can ONLY Do on Kauai

Whether you’re planning to spend 3 days or 10 days on Kauai (or still trying to figure out which Hawaiian Island to visit), use this list to see the very best of Kauai. 

Here’s a quick “table of contents” for what’s in this post:

• Boat Ride Down the Napali Coast
• Hike the Kalalau Trail
• Waimea Canyon
• Fern Grotto & Smith Family Luau
• Helicopter Tour
• Shopping in Hanalei & Mai Tais at Tahiti Nui
• Hideaways Beach
• Koloa Tree Tunnel
• Sunset Dinner at the Beach House
• Wailua Falls
• Kilohana Plantation
• Spouting Horn Blowhole
• Princeville Botanical Gardens
• Ni’ihau, the Forbidden Island
• Warehouse 1530
• Snorkel at Tunnels
• Polihale Beach

1.Take a Boat Ride down the Napali Coast

This is my #1 thing to do on Kauai for a reason…if you come to Kauai and you don’t see the Napali Coast, you haven’t seen Kauai. 

This is something EVERYONE has to do at least once. Kauai’s Napali Coast is so incredible, but you can really only see it by boat or helicopter. A helicopter tour is amazing (more on that below), but by far the best bang for your buck way (and my favorite!) to see it is by boat. 

I used to really prefer going with one of the small companies that leave from Hanalei on the north shore (the ocean rafts are so zippy and they can pop in and out of all the sea caves), but they’ve gotten exorbitantly expensive lately which is…a little hard to justify in this economy. 

I think the best overall option for seeing the Napali Coast by boat is on a catamaran cruise that leaves from the south side (Port Allen). You’ll spend more time in transit around the island to get to the Napali Coast and the big cat can’t go into the sea caves, but it’s generally a more comfortable “pleasure cruise” type of trip plus it’s a lot more budget friendly. 

I did this Napali Snorkel Sail with HoloHolo Charters last time I was on Kauai, and it was really fun!

We spent about 5 hours sailing, snorkeling, having lunch, and just enjoying being out on the water along the Napali Coast. 

Now I’ll level with you…most of these companies market these trips as a “snorkel cruise” and while there is a stop where you can snorkel for about 45 minutes or so,  these boat trips are NOT about the snorkeling. They’re about seeing the Napali Coast. 

The snorkeling is nowhere near as good as other places you’ll find in Hawaii (in general I’ve not been super impressed with the snorkeling on Kauai compared to the other islands). I’ve done several of these boat trips (stopping at different snorkeling spots) and the reef is usually minimal and the fish are sparse. 

BUT it’s fun to get in the water and it’s a nice addition to the cruise in general. 

Like I said, this is really all about seeing the Napali Coast. It is BEAUTIFUL. No matter how many times I see it, I’m always amazed. 

Pro tip: When you’re settling onto the boat, find a spot on the right side of the boat for the best views while you’re going up the coast. When you’re headed back to Port Allen, the boat will turn around and the views will be on the left. 

On this tour, when the boat sailed past the Kalalau Valley (the real showpiece of the Napali Coast), the captain really slowed the boat down and the crew was great about taking people’s pictures in front of the railing with that magnificent backdrop. 

Once we reached our farthest point on the coast, we turned around, the captain put the sails up and it was SMOOTH sailing while we had lunch and they opened the bar. The food was honestly the best I’ve ever had on a snorkel boat tour (and I’ve had a lot) and the service from the crew was phenomenal the whole trip. 

You’ll find a lot of options for Napali Coast cruises out of Port Allen, but I’ve had good experiences sailing with HoloHolo (since back in the day when they used to do tours out of Hanalei), and highly recommend them. 

2.Hike the Famous Kalalau Trail

If there’s a holy grail of all hikes in Hawaii, it’s got to be the Kalalau Trail. This 11-mile trek takes hikers into the heart of the Napali Coast, which is typically only seen by boat or by helicopter.

This is a once in a lifetime hike. 

But don’t freak out about that 11 miles! Most day hikers hike two miles down the coast to Hanakapiai Beach and back. 

I’ll be honest, it’s a pretty grueling hike (up and down and up and down) but if you’re at all able bodied and can push through, you’ll likely never experience anything else like it. 

The trail starts at Ke’e Beach which is at the end of the road on the north shore. 

YOU HAVE TO HAVE RESERVATIONS FOR PARKING AND HIKING. This is new. In an effort to control crowds at Haena State Park (Ke’e Beach and the Kalalau Trailhead) after the historic flooding of April 2018, parking reservations are now required. You can make them online 30 days in advance at midnight Hawaiian Standard Time. And they usually sell out in less than a minute. 

There are three different time slots (7AM-12PM, 12PM-4PM, 4PM-7PM). You can reserve multiple time slots if you want to stay all day or you think you’ll get there later (if you’re driving from Poipu). For four adults, it cost $40 for all of us to reserve the first two slots of the day. And we ended up needing them. We got started about 10AM and wrapped up about 1:30PM. 

If parking reservations sell out, there is a shuttle option, although I’m going to level with you…it’s not ideal. During busy seasons, the shuttle still sells out in advance (as I’m writing this it’s booked out a solid two weeks with only limited times available) and it’s $35/person. It leaves from Hanalei about every 30 minutes. Here’s more info on the shuttle .

It’s better than not being able to go at all, but I highly recommend being on top of the drop times for the parking permits and snagging one of those. Also, you’ll need to register every person in your party and they do check your IDs when you arrive. 

3.Waimea Canyon

Mark Twain called Waimea Canyon the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s worth the drive to the most remote part of the island to gaze out across the canyon and from some lookouts you can even look down on a unique view of the Napali Coast.

For the most dramatic view, be sure to stop at the Kalalau Lookout. 

I haven’t been up here at sunset (yet), but since it’s a western facing view, it’s got to be spectacular. I mean, it’s spectacular any time of day, but at sunset it’s probably even better. 

Plan for at least an hour drive from Poipu up to the canyon lookouts, but once you get there it’s easy to park and just walk over to the lookout. No hiking required. 

***Want to save major $$$ on your trip to Hawaii? I get asked ALL the time how I’m able to travel so often to Hawaii and stay at really nice resorts. Well, my favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free airfare and free nights at some of Hawaii’s most high end resorts. Read my full guide on the exact system I use to max out credit card rewards here . Seriously, it’s going to save you soooo much money. 

4.Fern Grotto & Smith Family Luau

If you’re looking for a luau on Kauai, this is my pick. The Smith Family Luau is completely charming. While it’s a modern operation, the setting and atmosphere will have you reminiscing of Hawaii in the 1960s. 

The luau’s setting (it’s hosted in a 30+ acre tropical garden) looks EXACTLY like Elvis’ Blue Hawaii (it was actually filmed right up the road at the Coco Palms Resort) and I’m not going to lie, that was a major selling point!

It feels very vintage, so wear your best aloha attire and get ready to step back in time.

Arrive early because there’s plenty to see on the grounds and you won’t want to miss the Imu ceremony (the unearthing of the pig). 

The meal takes place in a covered pavilion and there’s entertainment on a small stage while you’re waiting for your turn at the buffet and while you’re eating your dinner. 

The meal is all you can eat with all the trappings of a typical luau (salad with guava dressing, macaroni salad, fried rice, mashed taro, stir fried veggies, plantains, guava bread, sweet bread, sweet and sour mahi mahi, teriyaki beef, and of course, kalua pork.

After dinner, there’s a short intermission and everyone makes their way to the covered theater for the show. 

The show is a pretty nice production with a decent storyline, which begins with an erupting volcano (the birth of Hawaii) and the migration of her people to the islands. There were probably a dozen or so numbers including the traditional hula plus dances from Tahiti, China, Japan, the Philippines, New Zealand, and some other pacific islands and the whole thing was topped off with a fire dance. The show lasted about an hour and it felt just right.

I would also suggest adding on the cruise up the Wailea River to see the fern grotto before the luau. Since the Smith Family also runs the river cruises and the marina is right next door to the luau grounds, it’s all pretty seamless. If you do the last cruise of the day (usually about 3:30 PM), you’ll arrive back at the gardens as they open for the luau. 

There’s a band and a couple of hula dancers on the boat that provide entertainment while you cruise up the river (yes, they’ll probably sing an Elvis song or two). 

When the boat docks at the Fern Grotto, it’s a short walk to the viewing platform. The Fern Grotto is still recovering from the damage from Hurricane Iniki in 1992, but it’s still pretty impressive. 

My entire experience with the Smith Family Luau (including the fern grotto tour) was pretty amazing. Although it was a big crowd, it still felt like a gracious family hosting us for the evening. From the aunties in the kitchen, to the uncles presiding over the ceremony, and the cousins dancing in the show, this truly is a family affair and likely a much different experience than you’ll have at some of the larger luaus on Oahu. If you’re looking for a luau on Kauai, go spend the evening with the Smith Family…you’ll be in good hands!

5.Take a Helicopter Tour

Kauai was pretty much made to be seen from the air. Only 20% of the island is developed (including roads!) which means that most visitors only see a tiny fraction of its splendors. And boy does it have splendors. 

While every Hawaiian Island has absolutely stunning scenery, Kauai is overwhelming in the “jagged, majestic green mountains that look like the backdrop to every single Jurassic Park movie” department.  

Sadly, many of its most beautiful sites are so remote and difficult to reach that they remain unseen by all but the most intrepid hikers. And that’s why helicopter tours are more popular on Kauai than any other Hawaiian Islands. 

The only time I’ve ever been in a helicopter (they make me a little nervous ; ) was on Kauai and it was an incredible experience. 

For most people, a helicopter ride is a once in a lifetime bucket list experience. Because it seems like such a “big deal” (and maybe because it’s also so expensive), I get asked a lot of questions about tours. I’ve rounded up my most common FAQs about Kauai helicopter tours here .

6.Shopping in Hanalei and Mai Tais at the Tahiti Nui

Hanalei has got to be one of the most magical places in Hawaii (maybe the whole world) and while there’s no end to the incredible things you can do on the north shore, I’m pretty basic so shopping and mai tais are the way I like to go. 

There are cute little boutiques all throughout town, but don’t miss I Heart Hanalei and the handful of shops that are on the edge of town as you come in. 

And definitely stop in Tahiti Nui for a mai tai…it’s a Kauai institution. This iconic tiki bar claims to be the oldest tiki bar in Hawaii and its mai tais are legendary. 

Stop by during the day for drinks (it’s always 5 ‘o’ clock in Hawaii) or grab a pizza (they’re really good). 

7.Monk Seals in Poipu

There are only about 1000 monk seals left in Hawaii and I’ve only ever seen them on Kauai. The beaches on the south side of Kauai around Poipu are a favorite resting area for the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals, and after a big meal they’re known to crawl up onto the beach and nap all day. 

I’ve seen them at Poipu Beach and also Shipwreck Beach, but REMEMBER…it’s illegal to approach them so just admire them from a distance!

8.Find Hideaways Beach

One of the north shore’s best beaches is pretty hidden (hence the name) and requires quite an adventure to find. 

It’s in Princeville (make the turn into the resort area where you see the sign for the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay off the main road). You’ll go about two miles through Princeville and then turn right into a tiny little parking lot just before you reach the 1 Hotel guard shack. Just outside the parking lot, you’ll see a small pathway between the two fences. 

You’ll need good shoes to do this little trail (not flip flops!). There’s a pretty sketchy staircase you have to navigate before you get to the series of rope handles that will lead you to the hidden beach. 

Don’t miss this one!

9.Koloa Tree Tunnel

Close to the Poipu on the southside, don’t miss the famous tree lined road to the cute well preserved town of Koloa. 

Koloa is a historic plantation town just a stone’s throw from Poipu that’s been decked out with some cute shops and restaurants. It feels pretty picturesque, like it might have 100 years ago. 

We stopped at the Koloa Mill Coffee and Ice Cream shop for coffee and breakfast on our way up to the north shore one morning and it was slow but very good. I’ve also had lunch at Pizzetta which I loved. 

10.Sunset at the Beach House

If I only have time (or the budget) for one nice dinner on Kauai, this is probably it. And it’s a place I’ll go back to on every trip. 

It’s one of Chef Peter Merriman’s restaurants (you’ll know him from the Monkeypod and Merriman’s) so besides his signature farm to table fresh and local ingredient based menu, it has that “buzzy” type of vibe that really explodes around sunset. 

The way the property is situated on the south side of Kauai (it juts out a bit at an angle) makes it a prime time spot for sunsets all year long. 

Favorites on the menu: Monkeypod mai tai (of course), lobster deviled eggs, pork potstickers, mac nut crusted mahi mahi, and coconut creme brulee. 

Make reservations here .

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals . They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

11.Wailua Falls from Fantasy Island

There are plenty of waterfalls to see on Kauai that require a bit of a hike, but if you’re not super active you’ll definitely want to see the most famous one. 

Wailua Falls is an 80-foot waterfall just outside of Lihue that’s famous as the backdrop to the opening sequence of Fantasy Island. 

Driving north from Lihue (highway 56), turn left on Maalo road in Hanamaulu. About 3 miles down the road, it dead-ends in the parking lot and overlook. 

12.Kilohana Plantation

This is top of my list for my next trip to Kauai. This historic plantation near Lihue has developed a pretty stellar roster of offerings and activities and it seems pretty high end. 

Things to do here: a historic sugar cane train ride, a rum safari (what??), dinner at the Plantation House (supposed to be one of the best restaurants on Kauai), a luau, and plenty of shopping. 

Check out their website here . 

13. Hanapepe Town

This little town on the west side of Kauai is said to be the inspiration behind the town in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and it’s easy to see why. 

It has plenty to offer visitors, but it still feels like a local town in a way that a lot of little towns that have been “made over” don’t. 

The time to go is on Friday night for Art Night when the shops and restaurants are open later and there are a few more vendors. 

Don’t miss the fun swinging bridge in town.

14.Spouting Horn Blowhole

There are several blowholes throughout the Hawaiian islands with varying degrees of both impressiveness and accessibility. I think this one is my favorite. You can drive right up, park your car, and walk over to the railing. It’s a great viewing spot for kids, older folks, and people who aren’t up for a major hike to view a natural wonder. 

The blowhole here is very clearly fenced off, but in case you get any crazy ideas…you should never get anywhere near a blowhole. Many deaths have occured near blowholes in Hawaii. It’s possible to get sucked in as well as swept into the ocean by the large waves. Keep a distance!

15.Princeville Botanical Gardens

Kauai is home to some truly spectacular botanical gardens, but the Princeville Botanical Gardens on the north shore are the best. 

Show up and stroll around on your own, or book this tour which includes a chocolate sampling. 

16.Visit Ni’ihau, Hawaii’s Forbidden Island

It’s easy enough to visit the eight main Hawaiian Islands (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island/Hawaii, Lanai, and Molokai), but there are two “other” islands that are pretty much inaccessible to visitors. 

Ni’ihau (nicknamed the Forbidden Island because it’s closed to visitors) is just off the coast of Kauai. While you’re not able to fully explore the island, this tour is the only one with permits to land at a beach on the island so if you’re looking to cross off a major Hawaii bucket list item and visit Ni’ihau, you’ll need to book the tour . It includes snorkeling and sightseeing part of the Napali Coast. 

17.Shop Local at Warehouse 1530

When Walmart souvenirs just won’t do, head to this local collective to do some shopping and support locals. The large warehouse space has been converted and is home to many shops, gathering areas, and food trucks. 

They’re open 10AM-4PM and located in Lawai which is on the road between Poipu and Port Allen so if you’re going on a Napali Coast boat tour that leaves from Port Allen it’s the perfect stop on the way back to Poipu. 

They’re open Monday through Saturday, but most of the food trucks aren’t open on Mondays.

If you’re on island for the second Saturday of the month, stop by for their night market from 5-8 which usually features even more vendors. 

On Another Note: If you’re looking for a condo or vacation rental for your trip, I always book with Vrbo . They’ve got the largest selection of rentals you’ll find anywhere and you can easily filter to find exactly what you’re looking for. Need a specific number of bedrooms and bathrooms? Narrowed it down to a certain location? Want flexible cancellation terms? Need to stay under a fixed budget? Click here to search for Kauai vacation rentals for your trip.

18.Snorkeling at Tunnels

Most visitors to Hawaii want to do a little snorkeling, and while Kauai isn’t generally known for having the best snorkeling compared to the other islands, Tunnels is the best spot. It’s also one of Kauai’s most famous (and iconic) beaches. 

It’s hard to find and there’s not much parking (there are two short access ways which look an awful lot like driveways and a lot of “no parking” signs-that’s how you know you’re near) but you can park at Ha’ena Beach and walk back to the east. 

19.Polihale Beach

Kauai’s most noteworthy sunset adventure is just that…an adventure not for the faint of heart, and it’s mostly because of how remote it is. It’s not the kind of place you’re going to pop over real quick in between getting cleaned up from a day at the beach and heading out to dinner. It’ll take a good half day and some planning, but it’s definitely the best spot to catch sunset on Kauai. 

Polihale Beach is as far as you can possibly go around the west side of Kauai by car and besides being one of the few western facing accessible beaches on Kauai, it’s also the start of the island’s famed Napali Coast so it’s just a picturesque spot in general. 

So what’s the big deal? Well, it’s remote. It’s about an hour and a half drive from Poipu and the last 30 minutes or so you’re not likely to see too many people. Not many people besides locals venture out here and even not too many of them. 

From the end of the main road (highway 50), you’ll drive about 5 miles down a pretty rough dirt road to get to the end of the beach. 4WD is advisable, and depending on how much it’s rained lately, maintenance, etc the road’s passability can vary. If you’re driving a high clearance 4WD vehicle (say, a Jeep), you should be fine to make it down to the area where the facilities are. 

But here’s what you don’t want to do…drive on the beach! Because the beach is so remote (not super monitored), plus the kind of place where you need to pack it all in and out, a lot of locals drive on the beach out here and set up camp. But unless you 1) are driving a jacked up Tacoma and 2) have other friends on the island with jacked up Tacomas, tow straps, and a willingness to drive out to Polihale to tow you out, you should not be driving on the sand. It’s a recipe for disaster. 

So you’ll want to drive all the way to the end of the road where there’s a place to park on a packed surface plus restrooms, showers, picnic tables, etc. And even from there it’s quite a trek to carry all of your stuff down to the beach. It’s a wide beach and it’s very exposed to the elements so you’ll need to bring your own shade (umbrellas, tent, etc.). You’ll need to pack in everything actually. Water (bring plenty of it), food, etc. 

So while it’s not undoable, it’s definitely an adventure that’s going to take some planning. Also, it’s not a great spot for swimming, so be careful.

Want to read more posts about Kauai? I’ve got plenty!

Things You Can ONLY Do on Kauai // Things to Do in Poipu (South Side) // 5 Day Kauai Itinerary // 4 Day Kauai Itinerary (North Shore) // 3 Day Kauai Itinerary //

Where to Stay on Kauai: Princeville vs Poipu // Grand Hyatt Kauai Review // My Favorite Restaurants in Poipu

Kauai Travel Tips (Things to Know Before You Go) // Napali Coast: Boat Tour vs Helicopter // Kauai Helicopter Tour FAQs

Maui vs Kauai

Here’s one more really important thing you need to know before your Hawaii trip…

Reservations You Need to Make BEFORE Your Hawaii Trip

You’ve got your airfare, hotel, rental car and your big activities booked, so you should be good to go, right? Wrong!

Travel is BOOMING in Hawaii so a lot of state and national parks used the closure and reopening to institute reservation systems at some of the island’s most popular spots to make things a little more sustainable. 

That means that there are now over half a dozen sites (beaches, trailheads, etc.) that require advance reservations. And some sell out well before you arrive on the island so you really need to have some sort of a plan. 

I recently saw somebody in a Hawaii travel group post in a panic that they didn’t know they had to make reservations for things in advance…they thought they could just show up and “go with the flow.” I was tempted to say, well, “as long as the flow doesn’t take you somewhere that requires reservations, you can!” ; )

But I don’t want YOU to be that person, so I’ve pulled together a list of all the places you need to reserve entry in advance (plus all the details on booking windows, price, links, etc.) and a handful of popular tourist hotspots that book out really far in advance too. 

Haleakala National Park (Maui)

To visit Haleakala National Park for sunrise at the summit, you must make reservations in advance here . 

Reservations are required to enter the park gates between 3AM and 7AM (sunrise hours). 

Online reservations are $1 per reservation/vehicle PLUS you’ll pay the park entrance fee of $30/vehicle when you arrive (National Park annual passes are also accepted at the gate).

The reservation booking window opens 60 days in advance at 7AM HST. There are also a limited number of tickets released two days before. 

You can make one reservation every three days with the same account. So if you want to make reservations for back to back days (in case of weather/conditions), you’ll need to do so with separate accounts (email addresses).  

If you can’t get reservations for sunrise, you can enter the park anytime after 7AM without reservations. The summit is spectacular during the day and you don’t need reservations for sunset. 

I strongly recommend creating an account before and making sure you’re logged in at 7AM HST because it’s not uncommon for reservations to sell out quickly. 

Waianapanapa State Park (Maui)

To visit Maui’s famous black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana, you must make reservations in advance here . 

Reservations are required to visit the beach and are distributed in windows from 7AM-10AM, 10AM-12:30PM, 12:30PM-3PM, and 3PM-6PM. And they are pretty strict about exiting by the end of your window time (you can arrive anytime within your window). 

It’s $5/person to enter plus $10/vehicle to park and those fees are paid when you book your time slot. 

Reservations open up 30 days in advance. 

Iao Valley State Park (Maui)

To visit the lush, green mountains and hike at Iao Valley State Park, you must make reservations in advance here . 

Reservations are offered for 90 minute time slots beginning at 7AM and ending at 6PM. They ask that you arrive within the first 30 minutes of your time slot. 

Entry is $5/person plus $10/vehicle to park. 

Diamond Head (Oahu)

To hike to the top of Waikiki’s famous Diamond Head, you must make reservations in advance here . 

Reservations are offered in two hour increments beginning at 6AM (6AM-8AM, 8AM-10AM, etc.) and ending at 6PM. If you’re parking onsite, they ask that you arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reservation window. 

Tip: I recommend booking one of the first two time slots because there isn’t much shade on this hike and it gets pretty hot. 

Hanauma Bay (Oahu)

To snorkel at Oahu’s pristine Hanauma Bay, you must make reservations in advance here . 

Entry times are staggered in 10 minute increments from 7AM to 1:20PM with roughly 1000 slots being assigned in advance every day.

Reservations can be made two days in advance and they open at 7AM HST. They’re usually gone in minutes (if not seconds).

If you’re unable to get an advanced reservation, you can try for a day of, walk in ticket. They open at 6:45AM and they only have a limited number available. Everyone in your group needs to be present when you purchase your tickets in person. 

There are no reservations for parking and it’s first come, first serve. $3/vehicle. 

It’s $25/person to snorkel at Hanauma Bay (12 and under, active military, and locals with HI ID are free).

The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday (CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY) from 6:45AM-4PM. Last entry is at 1:30PM, the beach is cleared at 3:15PM and you have to leave the facility by 4PM. 

Jellyfish patterns can also affect whether or not the bay is open so double check the day before/day of. 

USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor (Oahu)

If you want to take the boat tour at Pearl Harbor out to the USS Arizona, it’s recommended to make advance reservations here . 

Online reservations are guaranteed a specific boarding time to go out to the USS Arizona. If you’re unable to get an advance reservation, you can wait standby when you arrive. The line could be short (15 minutes or so) or long (hours) and it just depends on the day (if they’re having problems with the loading dock sometimes they don’t take many from the standby line) and the time of day. 

Reservations are supposed to open up 60 days in advance, but keep an eye on your exact dates, because lately they’ve actually been opening up about 57ish days in advance???

They also release a small batch of tickets the day before. 

The boat ride out to the USS Arizona is free, but it’s $1 to make the reservations online. 

They recently started charging $7/vehicle for parking at Pearl Harbor. 

Haena State Park / Kalalau Trail (Kauai)

If you want to hike Kauai’s famous Kalalau Trail, you must make advance reservations here . 

You’ve got three options here: 

1) Parking & Entry: This is the most flexible option and also the most limited. THESE RESERVATIONS SELL OUT IN LESS THAN A MINUTE. There are three time slots available: 6:30AM-12:30PM, 12:30PM-5:30PM and 4:30PM to sunset. You can purchase multiple time slots if you want to stay longer. It’s $10/timeslot (parking) plus $5/person and you have to reserve every person when you initially book. Everybody has to arrive in the same car and your ID needs to match the reservation. 

2) Shuttle & Entry: If you can’t get parking at the trailhead, there’s also a shuttle option. Shuttle reservations are $35/person (16+), $25/person (ages 4-15), 3 and under can ride free. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes 6:20AM to 6:40PM.

3) Entry Only: If you’re a Hawaiian resident (with HI ID) or someone WITH a Hawaiian resident, you can purchase entry only for $5/person with no advance reservations. Also, if you’re walking or biking to the trailhead you can do this option. But there is NOWHERE to park in the area to walk in. So this really only works for those with bikes or who are staying close enough to walk. They will tow your car if you park outside the designated areas. 

The reservation window opens 30 days in advance at 12AM HST. The parking & entry option usually sells out in a minute, but the shuttle availability will last longer. 

There are a TON of FAQs here including the possibility of snagging a canceled reservation. 

Other Things to Book in Advance

Hawaii is a busy place these days! Besides the state and national parks above, here’s a handful of miscellaneous things you should make reservations for in advance (if they’re on your radar):

Mama’s Fish House (Maui) : The iconic spot is the most popular restaurant in Hawaii and dinner reservations usually start filling up about 6 months in advance (they open up bookings 18 months in advance). Make reservations through their website and if the dates you want are already booked, you can join a waitlist.  Most people have pretty good success getting in on the waitlist (even if it’s for lunch). 

Old Lahaina Luau (Maui) : Honestly, any luau you’re planning to attend you should book early, but most people are usually shocked how far out the Old Lahaina Luau books out. Book it as soon as you know your dates (I think they open at the six month window). They also have a waitlist. 

Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour (Oahu) : Everybody loves Jurassic Park so getting to ride UTVs where they filmed the movies is very popular. The ranch offers a lot of different tours but the UTV tours usually book out a couple of months in advance. 

Spa Reservations : If you’re staying at a resort with a spa (or planning on visiting one), don’t wait until you arrive to make your reservations. I’d make them at least a month in advance. 

Tee Times : Same for golf, reserve your tee times well in advance. 

Dining Reservations : Any “fancy” or resort restaurant is likely to be booked up these days so if you like having a nice dinner every night, make your plans in advance.

P.S. Thanks for sticking around and reading this whole post! If you have ANY questions about planning your trip to Hawaii, you can join my free Facebook group here . I’m there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share!

Also, if you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@ caitylincoln ). My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. And please share my account with your friends that are headed to Hawaii! Your support really helps me keep this blog running!

15 Best Things to Do In Kauai for Adventure Travelers

Taking a trip the beautiful Hawaii islands? Here’s our bucketlist of the best things to do in Kauai for adventure-seeking travelers.

A few years ago, I spent two action-packed weeks exploring the best things to do in Kauai. I had a blast taking in the beautiful landscapes, hiking the lush trails, and sunbathing on the white sand beaches. Kauai really is a paradise. Whether you want to snorkel with turtles, hike to a waterfall, or see the island from a doors-open helicopter, there is no shortage of bucket list adventures to check off during your trip.

In this blog post, I share a list of my favorite adventure activities and things to do in Kauai.

Whether you’re catching the aloha spirit or a wave, here’s your guide to the best things to do in Kauai.

A note before you go: In addition to actively practicing Leave No Trace ethics , it is equally as important to be a respectful tourist. Kauai is a small island that’s exploding with tourism, so be thoughtful and conscientious while you’re there. Avoid blocking people’s driveways at crowded trailheads, follow any warning signs while on the trails and in general, just be aware of your impact.

Best Things to do in Kauai – Mapped!

Best outoor adventures in kauai – north shore, best outdoor adventures in kauai – south shore, best outdoor adventures – east kauai, best outdoor adventures – west kauai, kauai trip planning resources.

1. Hike to Hanakapi’ai Falls

One of the more adventurous things to do in Kauai is a hike to the picturesque Hanakapki’ai Falls. You can do this as an 8-mile day hike or as part of a multi-day backpacking trip along the Nā Pali Coast on the Kalalau Trail. Both day hikes and overnight camping trips require a permit , which you can apply for 30 days in advance. For more information on permits, visit the Division of State Parks website .

The first two miles follow the coast with amazing views. After reaching Hanakapi’ai Creek, you’ll turn up the valley for 2 more miles of unmaintained river crossings, boulder hopping, and route finding until you reach a 500-foot waterfall with a chilly pool at the base . Like many of the other hikes listed in this guide, you’ll want a good pair of hiking shoes .

The hike to Hanakapi’ai is strenuous and only recommended for experienced hikers. Flash flooding is common in this area, so do not attempt this hike if rain is in the forecast!

2. Chill at Hideaways Beach

If you’re like me, avoiding the crowds and scouting out secret spots remain at the top of the best things to do in Kauai. Hideaways Beach is a small but gorgeous stretch of white sand just around the bluff from the St. Regis Hotel in Princeville. Parking is limited, so get there early.

3. Spend a day in Hanalei

A crescent-shaped coastline marks the watery limits of Kauai’s Hanalei, a cute and low-key beach town that’s worth a visit. Here, you can take a break from hiking and swimming to explore the town’s shops, galleries and dive headfirst into all the great places to eat.

4. Take a dip in the Queen’s Bath

This natural tide pool on Kauai’s North Shore is a worthy half-day excursion that can be combined with a visit to Hanalei. Visitors can hike for less than a mile out to the point where igneous rock has formed a clear blue pool that is perfect for jumping in.

While this is an extremely scenic spot, it can also be very dangerous if you don’t follow the signs and warnings. Only take a dip when the seas are calm and the tide is out. Do not enter if the gates are closed . Harrowing rescues at the Queen’s Bath have put the lives of locals in serious danger, so be respectful of the land and the people when visiting.

5. Hike the Mahaulepu Beach Trail

The Mahaulepu Beach Trail was one of my favorite hikes on the island that we did and is one of the best things to do in Kauai. The hike starts at Shipwreck Beach just a mile north from the Grand Hyatt in Poipu. This 2 mile-long, out and back hike starts with a quick climb up to the top of the cliffs where you’ll get great views of the South Shore. Depending on what you’d like to do, you can stop and turn around wherever you like, but the farther you go, the prettier and more secluded it gets .

About halfway through, you’ll intersect a golf course at the 15th hole. Just continue to hug the cliff on the edge of the golf course and you’ll drop back down onto the trail. Eventually, the trail descends down onto a beautiful, soft white sand beach that is frequented by endangered monk seals.

If there are any seals on the beach, give them their space for their protection and your safety .

6. Go Snorkeling at Poipu Beach Park

Snorkeling is a must-do in Kauai. At Poipu Beach Park, there is the opportunity to see turtles, live corals, parrotfish, and more marine life. Poipu Beach is divided into two parts: a swimming beach and a protected snorkeling area which is directly in front of the Marriot Waiohai Beach Club. Rent flippers, a mask, and a snorkel for the day then hang out at the beach when you’re done.

While you’re exploring the aquatic paradise make sure to avoid touching the corals or accidentally kicking coral with your fins. Don’t touch anything or approach wildlife and leave it exactly as you found it. As always, follow the Leave No Trace principles both on land and underwater.

We also suggest sticking to reef-safe sunscreen, as many sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm marine life. One of our favorite reef-safe sunscreen brands is  ThinkSport Sunscreen or check out  Hawaiian-made Kokua Sunscreen .

7. Take Surf Lessons with Kauai Surf School

All wannabe surfers or those looking to learn a thing or two can take a lesson at Kauai Surf School in Poipu Beach. The instructors are friendly, helpful, and patient so don’t hesitate to try it if you’ve never surfed before. Plus, it’s open to people of all ages so you can book a lesson if you’re with the whole family.

As a bonus, the beach isn’t super crowded so you won’t have to feel like you have an audience.

8. Visit Kauai Coffee

Visiting Kauai Coffee farm only takes an hour and is a great rainy day activity on Kauai. The farm has a self-guided walking tour where you can learn about the process of growing, roasting, and brewing coffee. After you’re done, grab a free sample or purchase a bag of beans to take home.

9. Hike the Sleeping Giant trail

Take in the scenic views of Kauai’s eastern coast from the top of the popular Sleeping Giant trail. Sleeping Giant is named because of the way it looks like the silhouette of a sleeping person from anywhere on the island.

This 3.4 mile (round-trip) out and back hike has a rapid elevation gain of 1,000 feet and you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views from the top .

10. Take a Doors-off Helicopter Tour with Jack Harter

The  doors-off helicopter tour with Jack Harter was one of the best things we did in Kauai . Apart from being thrilling, the doors-off option allows you to get the best photos from up high with no glare from the windows. It’s also a great way to avoid crowds and get a new perspective on the island.

As the weather is unpredictable, wear long pants, good shoes, and an extra wind shell layer . They also require that cameras be securely attached to your body with a wrist or neck strap .

11. Kayak Wailua River to Wailua Falls

Kayaking to Wailua Falls is well worth adding to your Kauai itinerary. You can kayak or paddleboard 2 miles up the Wailua River that eventually brings you to a trailhead. Here, you’ll embark on a 30 minute, moderate but muddy hike up to Wailua Falls.

Bring your bathing suit, bug repellent , a few layers, and your camera to capture this beautiful spot. You can rent kayaks from Kayak Kauai .

12. Hike to Ho’opi’i Falls

At 2 miles, this out and back hike to Ho’opi’i features a few small waterfalls and is a very peaceful area to explore. The often-muddy trail runs alongside a river and through a forested area before spitting you out at Ho’opi’i Falls.

Bring a towel and a change of clothes if you think you might want to go swimming. Parking is limited, so make sure you don’t block people’s driveways . As you hike, please stick to the blazed trail as the other land is private property.

13. Explore the hiking trails in Koke’e State Park

Koke’e State Park is home to the more famous hikes on Kauai, namely the Awa’awapuhi Trail . We hiked the Alaka’i Swamp Trail but sadly didn’t get the views due to incoming fog. We also missed out on the Awa’awapuhi Trail due to recent flooding which resulted in muddy and dangerously slippery trails.

However, with better weather luck, these trails give you the best that this old island has to offer with iconic coastal cliffs that plunge down into the Nā Pali Coast.

Plan for at least 1-2 full days in Koke’e for hiking and visiting the overlooks . You can check current trail conditions and information about the park on their website .

14. Take a Zodiac Tour of Na Pali Coast with Captain Andy

Take a tour of the Na Pali Coast with Captain Andy’s Raft Day Expedition . The zodiac boats allow you to go deep into some of the sea caves and if you are lucky like we were, see Hawaii’s famous dolphins from the water level. I will say it can be a rough ride depending on the swell, but it is a fun and exciting thing to do in Kauai and gives you a different perspective of the Nā Pali coastline.

If you’re prone to seasickness consider taking natural ginger tablets the night before and the day of. You can also try using Sea-Bands to help with motion sickness .

If you’d rather have a smoother trip on the water, consider one of Captain Andy’s sailing trips instead.

15. Explore Waimea Canyon State Park

One of the best things to do in Kauai is visit the beautiful Waimea Canyon State Park. I highly recommend taking the time to hike either the Iliau Nature Loop or the Kukui Trail for incredible views of the canyon contrasted with the lush Hawaiian landscape.

There is a $5 per person entrance fee and an additional fee if you want to park your car and explore the scenic hikes in and around the colorful gorges

• This book by Andrew Doughty is THE Kauai travel planning bible ! I highly recommend you purchase it for your trip and download their app to your phone. It’s the only Kauai guidebook you’ll need.
• For packing recommendations, check out our Beach Essentials Packing List
• If you’re thinking about renting a camper van, be sure to read our van rental experience here

What are your tips for the best things to do in Kauai? What else would you add to this Kauai bucket list? Leave a comment below!

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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Oh man I wish I had this list when I went in 2016! The only thing I would recommend that you didn’t is visiting the Allerton botanical gardens. It’s like an art museum set in the gorgeous Kauai landscape. Now I want to go back and do some of this stuff!

Ahhh! I can’t wait until I can start planning our trip to Hawaii! I couldn’t believe how many fun activities can be had on Kauai. I always heard people talking about how they just lounged around at the beach all day. It’s nice to hear about all of the trails and adventures. I definitely want to take one of the open-door helicopter tours. It just looks amazing!

I also enjoyed these all amazing things during my last journey of Kauai and came back with stunning memories.

There’s also a Maliuhi Tree Tunnel a long road lined with green eucalyptus trees on the south shore of Kauai. It’s pretty cool to drive through. This one also a best thing which you can include in your list.

Sounds beautiful, thanks for sharing!

KAUAI TRAVEL GUIDE – WHAT TO SEE, EAT & DO!

WHAT TO SEE (SIGHTSEEING)

Being that we live on Oahu, Kaua’i airfare is not as pricey as coming from outer state or other countries. Hawaii is paradise and paradise is not cheap. Therefore, here are most things to see on Kaua’i for free.

WHAT TO DO (ACTIVITIES)

A trip to Hawaii is expensive, but if you save accordingly, you’ll be able to do tours and activities. We made sure we got our money’s worth and did the best ones we could find.

WHERE TO EAT

Although we didn’t eat out much, as we focused more on activities and sightseeing, we did manage to go out a few times. Here are places we recommend going and also things to taste!

There you have it – What to do see, do, and eat on Kaua’i after experiencing it for ourselves! We hope this helps with your vacation planning to Kaua’i. Enjoy!

MORE KAUAI RELATED POSTS

10 best things to do in kauai 10 places to eat in kauai (opens in a new tab) kauai travel guide 48 hours in kauai, where to stay in kauai, koloa landing resort waimea plantation cottages courtyard kauai airbnb in kauai.

There are Airbnb’s available throughout Singapore. If you’re not familiar with Airbnb, it’s an online marketplace for arranging or offering lodging, primarily homestays, or tourism experiences. Get $40 off your first booking at any Airbnb in Kauai!

For more places to stay in Kauai, Booking.com offers hotels, apartments, and hostels. You get free cancellation on most rooms and the best price guarantee!

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What to Do in Kauai: Kauai Travel Guide

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This post was written pre-panny so make sure locations are still open and be aware of all travel guidelines and restrictions. Check out the County of Kauai’s travel information here .

I’m really excited to share this Kauai travel guide today because the Hawaiian Islands are basically my happy place and everyone should add them to their bucket list—p.s. this post was written pre-panny, but I’ve updated some locations making sure they’re still open.

When we were kids my family used to vacation in Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii so the islands have a lot of really special memories for me.

Omied and I recently went to Kauai with his family and I hadn’t been in about six years, so it felt wonderful to be back!

Kauai is so beautiful, lush and green and such a special place. I’ve put together this travel guide based on all my favorite spots and eats to give you the best travel tips.

If you’re planning a trip there, be sure to check things like opening days/hours when you’re thinking about your itinerary.

It’s a small island so sometimes places are closed on random days of the week or close early on certain days.

But it’s worth the little bit of extra planning to get to taste some of the most amazing tropical fruits and Hawaiian fish!

What to do in Kauai: Day 1

My family always used to stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai in Poipu and it’s still my favorite place.

It’s an incredibly beautiful hotel with wonderful staff.

Poipu is on the south shore of the island, and the other popular area to stay in is on the opposite, north side in Princeville.

Kauai is so small that you can get from one side of the island to the other in just over an hour, so either spot can easily be your home base.

We went nearby to Poipu beaches to relax, but if you’re willing to take the road up north to Hanalei Beach  there is a Pier that is a very popular spot and very Instagrammable.

Drinks at the Hyatt Seaview Terrace

Whether you’re a guest at the Hyatt or not, having sunset drinks at the terrace is a great welcome to the island.

They have live hula dancing every night (we got up and learned how to do the hula…kinda, haha), the drinks are delicious (omg get one of their smoothies like coconut or macadamia nut, they don’t have alcohol in them but they are the BEST), and the view is gorgeous.

What to do in Kauai: Day 2

Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau Trail is probably my top, must-do thing in Kauai.

When I was a kid my parents would attempt to take us hiking here and I didn’t really appreciate it and would get bored, but now I see why it’s always rated as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.

The views of the Na Pali Coast are stunning and the jungle is lush and beautiful.

You definitely don’t have to do the entire 11-mile hike.

You’ll see beautiful views even just hiking a couple of miles in and turning around. Be prepared for mud and slippery rocks.

Ke’e Beach

Right next to the trailhead of the Kalalau Trail is beautiful Ke’e Beach.

It’s a great place to sit and relax and also snorkel and the sunsets are beautiful. Tunnels Beach is also nearby and a popular snorkeling spot too.

Kilauea Lighthouse

The Kilauea Lighthouse is a really popular spot to visit in Kauai and is on the way back if you’re heading to Poipu.

It’s also known as the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, so you can spot some Hawaiian birds in their natural habitat.

Banana Joe’s

Omg Banana Joe’s!! I don’t even like bananas, but their banana smoothies are amazing.

They use apple bananas, which are smaller and sweeter than regular bananas on the mainland.

Even if you’re a banana-hater like me, these tropical bananas are a game-changer.

What to do in Kauai: Day 3

Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon State Park is referred to as “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and there are some really amazing lookout points that you can drive to.

There are also great  hiking trails  at Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park if you’re looking to do a hike.

JoJo’s Shave Ice

JoJo’s is one of my favorite shave ice places on Kauai and there’s one in Waimea so it’s great to hit up after leaving the canyon.

Be sure to get coconut or macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom!

Fish Express

Fish Express has delicious plate lunches and of course, fish!

Don’t miss their delish poke bowls.

What to do in Kauai: Day 4

Na Pali Coast Boat Trip

The Na Pali Coast is so stunning and magical, and it’s pretty amazing to see it by land (hiking), sea (boat trip), and air (helicopter ride).

We did a boat trip with Captain Andy’s that took us out snorkeling, stopped in a bay to see dolphins (where I pretty much cried because I love dolphins so much), and up around to the Na Pali Coast.

Keoki’s Paradise

After a long day out at sea, we went to Keoki’s for dinner, which always has delicious fresh fish.

Of course, we finished it off with a giant slice of hula pie.

What to do in Kauai: Day 5

Kauai Juice Co

We started our day out with some fresh juices from Kauai Juice Co.

Their local, organic juices were delish and I especially loved trying the pretty turquoise one, made with blue-green algae.

Allerton Botanical Garden

There are two botanical gardens in Kauai (McBryde and Allerton), and in my opinion, they’re both worth visiting, but if you have to choose one Allerton is the most interesting.

Schedule a tour and your guide will take you down into these amazing gardens where you’ll see plants and flowers you’ve never seen before.

The giant Moreton Bay Fig trees (where they shot the scene in Jurassic Park where they find the dino eggs) are a great photo opp and the bamboo forest is the most serene place to walk through.

Wailua River Kayak

Kayaking down the Wailua River is so much fun and so relaxing.

You can kayak to Sacred Wailua Falls and get some great photos at the base of the waterfall.

Koloa Fish Market

My other fav food spot on Kauai!

This place is tiny and everything is ordered to-go, but the Hawaiian plates and poke are delicious and inexpensive.

I could prob eat here every day and not get sick of it because they have so many different options.

In the photo above I’m having grilled ahi in a wasabi cream sauce. Yum.

What to do in Kauai: Day 6

Helicopter Tours

Go on a Kauai helicopter tour to see the Na Pali Coast by air—it’s my absolute favorite way to go.

There are certain places that are only accessible by helicopter, and it is absolutely breathtaking to fly into a canyon that is covered in lush greenery, with dozens of waterfalls spilling over everywhere you look.

Try to go on a clear, calm day.

Queen’s Bath

These large tidepools are really fun to hike to and swim in.

The hike is pretty easy, but you’ll still want hiking shoes.

A few more foods recs if you’re looking for places to try would be Makai Sushi , Duke’s (near the airport), Porky’s Kauai , and The Green Pig (a food truck).

So those are all my hot tips for Kauai, and I’m missing The Garden Island already!

I’d love to come back and really focus on some of the north shore things, like spending time on the Napali Coast , Polihale State Park , Hanalei Bay , or Anini Beach .

If you’re looking for more outdoor activities to do try getting up early to do the entire Kalalau Trail or Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail ! #goals

If you have some time definitely check out the farmers markets around the island.

Explore the spouting horn blowhole and be sure to explore any beach parks nearby to see the natural beauty Kauai has to offer!

Traveling to Hawaii? Be sure to explore my other Hawaii content here.

What to do in Maui: The Ultimate Maui Travel Guide Top 15 Best Restaurants in Maui Where to stay on Maui The Best Airbnbs in Kauai

To really explore what Kauai has to offer it is recommended to spend at least a week. If that is not possible 3 – 5 days will work.

The best months to visit Kauai is between September and November or April to June. These will be when the weather is the best and the prices are lower.

I recommend making time to explore: – Napali Coast – Polihale State Park – Ke’e Beach – Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park

Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab , a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.

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Kauai Itinerary: 3 Days on the Garden Island

I ’ve visited Hawaii plenty of times for a mainlander and I love it. Unfortunately my travels have never taken me to Kauai, one of the more laid-back Hawaiian islands (you can read a comparison of the different islands here ). Today I’m turning it over to an expert, my friend Marcie Cheung. She’s visited Kauai dozens of times and even has an entire website dedicated to Hawaii travel!

Marcie’s used her decades of experience to put together the perfect Kauai itinerary for 3 days. This is a great option for visitors who are considering island-hopping in Hawaii, people visiting Hawaii on a cruise, or even those who are planning 4 or 5 days in Kauai but want to build in some relaxing beach time. Marcie has even written an amazing guidebook for visiting Kauai with kids!

I’ve been to Kauai more than 30 times. I know that sounds like a lot, but we started going when I was in elementary school. My grandma owned a condo there and we went to visit her. After she passed away, my family would go once or twice a year. My mom actually moved over there about 10 years ago, so now I bring my family to Kauai every year.

Because we’ve been so many times, I’ve come up with a 3 day Kauai itinerary that covers all the top Kauai attractions, best places to eat, and a few of my personal favorite places on Kauai. Since you cannot do a circle island tour of Kauai (the road doesn’t connect), it’s best to focus on one shore per day.

Before we get started, I highly recommend that you check the weather each morning. If it’s raining on the North Shore, start with the South/West Shore itinerary (it’s usually sunny there.) If it’s foggy, don’t bother driving to Waimea Canyon (you won’t be able to see anything.)

This Kauai itinerary is geared for people who are island-hopping from Oahu , Maui, or the Big Island . However, it also makes a great plan for people spending 4 or 5 days in Kauai who want some days in-between to relax and revisit their favorite spots.

Ok, let’s dive in!

Tips For Your Kauai Vacation

• Renting a car on Kauai is strongly recommended. Taxis and Uber are available, but add up quickly. There is a bus that runs to the major hotel areas and stops at the airport, but it doesn’t allow large luggage. Check here for the best rental car prices.
• Be sure to check for road closures before you arrive. The island basically has one highway that goes most of the way around the island, and you’ll want to plan your schedule based on any restrictions.
• The North Shore of Kauai is known for its intense winter swells. Unless you’re an experienced surfer, don’t attempt the waves there! They won’t be pleasant for splashing around either.
• If you want to pick up sunscreen, souvenirs or snacks check out Walmart in Lihue, just a few minutes from the airport. They also have a well-stocked grocery section in case you want to pick up breakfast or lunch foods to save money in Hawaii .
• Speaking of sunscreen, make sure you bring reef-safe sunscreen everywhere you go in Hawaii!
• Don’t overpack. All of Hawaii is extremely casual and you probably won’t wear half of what you bring. Check out this list of Hawaii essentials to make sure you have what you need.

Want to plan the ultimate Kauai vacation? Click here for step-by-step Kauai travel planning help!

Psssst… don’t forget to pick up this guidebook ! It’ll be your best friend on Kauai:

Where To Stay On Kauai

Choosing the right place to stay on Kauai really depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want save money on your accommodations and groceries by staying at a vacation rental, check out these top-rated cheap places to stay on Kauai . Cheap is relative, of course.

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels in Kauai

Where to Stay on the East Shore of Kauai

The East Shore tends to draw a lot of families and budget travelers. There are a bunch of great condo options with full kitchens. And it’s really easy to drive up North or South depending on your itinerary and the weather. There are tons of places to stay in Lihue and Kapa’a.

• Budget-friendly: Kauai Beach Resort
• Moderate: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
• Splurge: Kauai Marriott Resort

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels on the East Shore of Kauai here

Here’s a great budget-friendly option in Kapa’a to consider:

Bargain 2 Bedroom in Wailua

• Location:  Waipouli Beach (Kapa’a)
• Max guests:  4
• Beds:  Queen (bedroom 1), Queen (bedroom 2)
• Bathrooms:  2
• Outdoor living:  walking distance to Waipouli Beach; two lanais (one with BBQ)
• Extra features:  coin-op laundry in complex, beach gear
• Parking: free parking on-site

Where to Stay on the South Shore of Kauai

The South Shore is one of the most popular places to stay on Kauai because it’s got the sunniest weather on the island. It’s also where the majority of Kauai resorts are located, as well as boutique shops and high end restaurants. There are plenty of great places to stay in Koloa (which includes popular Poipu Beach).

• Budget-friendly: Kiahuna Plantation
• Moderate: Kuhio Shores
• Splurge: Grand Hyatt Kauai (my favorite!)

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels on the South Shore of Kauai here

Where to Stay on the North Shore of Kauai

A lot of people are drawn to the North Shore because it’s absolutely stunning. There are a few awesome snorkeling beaches, but the rest of them tend to have rough water that isn’t great for swimming. And during the winter months, the roads tend to flood making it difficult to drive around the area. The main towns to stay in are Princeville and Hanalei.

• Budget-friendly: Club Wyndham Ka Eo Kai
• Moderate: Hanalei Colony Resort
• Splurge: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (formerly the Princeville Resort , re-opening in 2021)

Use the interactive map to find vacation rentals and hotels on the North Shore of Kauai here

Here’s a wonderful vacation rental in Princeville to consider:

Tropical Paradise for 4

• Location:  Hanalei Hideaway (Princeville)
• Beds:  King (bedroom 1), Queen (bedroom 2)
• Outdoor living:  stunning mountain view lanai, quick drive to North Shore beaches
• Extra features:  in-unit laundry, snorkel/beach gear, boogie boards, cooler, high chair, baby gate

3 Day Kauai Itinerary

Day 1: north shore kauai.

The North Shore of Kauai is famous for its gorgeous coastline. You’ll even pass by Lumihai Beach, where Mitzi Gaynor famously “washed that man right out of [her] hair” in South Pacific . This is also the rainy side of the island and there has been massive flooding there the past few years. It’s really important to check the weather and road conditions before you go.

Drive up to Ha’ena Beach

This is as far as you can go on the North Shore of Kauai. The road literally ends at Ha’ena Beach. I suggest heading straight here so that you can look out the window on the drive and decide where to stop on the way back. Plus, it will be less crowded if you head straight there in the morning. 

If you are looking for a great Kauai hike with an epic view, plan on hiking to Hanakapiai Falls. The hike starts at Ha’ena. It’s part of the Na Pali Coast and this is where you can get the ultimate Instagram shot. The hike is about 8 miles roundtrip, so it’s best to do it early in the morning so it doesn’t take up your entire day.

Otherwise, walk up to see an ancient Hawaiian heiau that is built to honor Laka, the Hawaiian goddess of hula.

Note: You need to make advanced reservations to enter and park at Ha’ena Beach Park. 

Hop back in your car and head to Hanalei. This is a super cute (and hipster-chic) North Shore Kauai town. This is where a lot of The Descendants with George Clooney takes place along with Soul Surfer , the Bethany Hamilton story.

You’ll want to get out and take a photo in front of the Wai’ola Hui’ia Church . It’s a green church with stained glass windows and it’s featured in a ton of Kauai artwork. It’s simply stunning.

Then, drive to the Hanalei Pier. The beach here is so calm and peaceful and the gentle water is great for swimmers of all ages and abilities. This is a great beach to walk along the sand. The pier usually has a couple of local fishermen on it, so be respectful of that. Hanalei Bay is a great spot to do a picnic lunch, if you’ve brought food along. However, Hanalei has some amazing food that I highly recommend you try.

There’s a cluster of food trucks along the highway in Hanalei that are worth a stop. My favorite is the Hanalei Taro and Juice Co. They have a bowl that has kalua pork, poi, and lomi lomi salmon layered together and it’s outstanding! 

Make sure to save some room for shave ice. Wishing Well Shave Ice has my favorite Kauai shave ice. They use organic syrup and top it with freshly cut fruit. Personally, I always order my own (it’s soooo goooood!) but you can also share.

Still planning your trip? Check out Marcie’s incredible Kauai with Kids guidebook !

There’s also a fantastic scenic lookout over Hanalei Valley that’s worth a stop. It shows a bunch of taro fields and it kind of looks like a patchwork quilt, making it one of the best photo stops on your Kauai 3 day itinerary. Hanalei grows a ton of taro and you’ll drive past several fields on your way down to Kilauea. There are also some one lane bridges, so make sure to follow the rules.

If you end up coming back to Hanalei later in your trip, make a point to have dinner at Tahiti Nui . Their food is outstanding and they often have live Hawaiian music and hula dancing.

Insider tip: While this may sound a bit unconventional, just bear with me. Head to the 76 gas station in Princeville and order a pizza to go. There’s a little take-out restaurant there. They shipped over a pizza oven from NYC and they make some of the best pizza I’ve ever had. You probably won’t be hungry yet, but the pizza can hang out in the car while you do a bit more sightseeing.

First up is Kilauea Lighthouse , another top Kauai attraction that’s featured on many postcards of the island. The lighthouse is more than 100 years old and it makes for a cute photo backdrop. You can sign up for a free lighthouse tour, which happens a few times each week. You’ll also find a wildlife refuge, which is a top spot for birdwatching on Kauai .

Next, head to Na Aina Kai Botanical Garden . You can explore yourself or join one of their many tours. If you are heading to Kauai with kids , you’ll definitely want to spend time exploring their Children’s Garden, which features a cool gecko maze.

If you haven’t already dug into your pizza, now is a good time to enjoy it and rest up for another day of adventure on Kauai!

Day 2: East Shore Kauai

The East Shore of Kauai is where most of the residents live and it’s also where Lihue Airport is located. If you’re staying more than a couple of days, you’ll probably want to hit up Walmart or Costco for groceries or spend time at Kukui Grove Shopping Center.

The sun rises in the East so it should be no surprise that the East Shore has the best sunrises on Kauai. You really can’t go wrong with heading to any beach to watch it. Lydgate Beach Park is a pretty easy one to get to and they have a big parking lot. But really, any of them will do.

Coffee at Java Kai or drinks at Kauai Juice Co.

One of the best coffee shops on Kauai is Java Kai . It’s located in a trendy area of Old Kapaa Town and they make some incredible coffee creations and offer tasty breakfast items. You can eat there or take your breakfast over to the bike path and do a morning walk while you enjoy breakfast on the go.

If you aren’t a coffee drinker, pop next door to Kauai Juice Co . Not only do they have some incredible cold pressed tropical juices, but they also make their own kombucha infused with island flavors like lilikoi (passion fruit.) They sell them bottled, so grab a few to enjoy later in the day.

They also have the cutest Instagram wall featuring colorful pineapples that is just screaming for you to take a photo in front of it.

Kayak on Wailua River

If you are up for an adventure, head to Wailua River for some of the best kayaking on Kauai. You can rent your own kayak or sign up for a kayak tour . This one will even take you to a secret waterfall!

Hike Sleeping Giant

Alternatively, if you want to hike on Kauai you can head for Sleeping Giant. The trailhead is in a residential area, but you’ll hike up the mountain and get great views. It’s about 2 miles to get up to the lookout point and then 2 miles back down to your car.

Lunch at Mark’s Place in Puhi

If you want to experience a real Hawaiian plate lunch, you have to check out Mark’s Place in Puhi. It’s in the middle of an industrial area and you will feel like you are in the wrong place before you get there. They have some of the best Hawaiian food I’ve ever had. I’m partial to their beef stew and my husband can’t get enough of their loco moco. Plus, they offer yummy baked treats like butter mochi and cookies that will knock your socks off.

You’ll want plenty of time to head back to your hotel to get cleaned up for your luau. It’s a great excuse to get dressed up in Hawaii!

While there are tons of great luaus on Kauai, two of them offer really cool bonus features you can’t find at other Hawaiian luaus.

We’ve been going to the Smith Family Luau since I was a kid. They do a nice job of showcasing both Polynesian and Asian cultures in their show. But what sets them apart is that they also offer a boat tour to Fern Grotto before your luau. You’ll take a really calm boat ride on the Wailua River to the grotto and then listen to Hawaiian music and watch hula dancing on the boat ride back. Once you get to the luau, you can hop on a tram that will take you all over their gorgeous grounds. There are tons of great photo spots. Check out more details here, including schedule and pricing.

If you are heading to Kauai with young kids, Luau Kalamaku is a great option. They have a train ride you can take around Kilohana Plantation and learn about Hawaiian fruits and even feed some animals. The entertainment is more of a theatrical performance that shows the journey from Tahiti to Hawaii. It will remind you a little bit of Disney’s Moana , as they take you on the ocean journey. Click here for more details and tickets.

Day 3: South/West Shore Kauai

The South Shore of Kauai is known for being the “sunny side” and it’s where you’ll find another one of Kauai’s top attractions: Waimea Canyon.

Waimea Canyon

Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Kauai’s Waimea Canyon is truly a marvel. The road to get up here is a bit windy so don’t try to drive too fast. Along the way, you’ll see some bright red dirt and a little bubbling brook/mini waterfall. Get out of the car and get a closer look. Just be sure you aren’t wearing your favorite clothes because the red dirt will stain . Trust me.

Once you get to the parking lot, you’ll be able to head to the viewing platform for a great view of the canyon. If you have the time and energy, there are tons of great hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Otherwise hop back in the car and continue up to Kokee.

Kokee State Park is just North of Waimea Canyon and it also offers a ton of great hiking trails. It also has 2 amazing scenic viewpoints of the Na Pali Coast: Kalalau Lookout and the Puu O Kila Lookout. There’s also a lodge and museum there where you can learn a bit more about the area. Because of its high elevation, it can get pretty chilly up there. So, bring a light jacket or sweater.

Shrimp Station in Waimea

This should put you right about in time for lunch. My favorite place to eat on the West Shore of Kauai is Shrimp Station . Here, you get to eat Kauai shrimp on a picnic table next to the highway. It doesn’t get more authentic than that! While they offer a ton of shrimp options, I love their coconut shrimp. It’s so flavorful and hits the spot!

Menehune Ditch and Swinging Bridge

After lunch, head over to the Menehune Ditch and see where, according to legend, the “little people” of Kauai created a stone ditch in just one night. Right across the street from the Menehune Ditch is the Waimea Swinging Bridge. This one is a lot of fun to cross and does actually swing a bit. It’s a quick stop, but it’s still fun!

Hanapepe Town

Next up is Hanapepe, Kauai’s “biggest little town.” It’s basically just one road that loops around, but they have several cute art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Japanese Grandma’s Cafe is a hidden gem if you want a little after-lunch snack. There’s also a lot of street art here. A favorite is the Lilo & Stitch wall. The movie was set in Hanapepe, so you’ll see little nods throughout the town.

Kauai Kookie Factory

Continue on to Kauai Kookie Factory in Ele Ele. This is the factory where they make some of the best Hawaiian cookies. They have a factory store where they have the cheapest prices on all kind of Kauai Kookies, including ones not distributed anywhere else. Plus, they offer yummy samples!

Waikomo Shave Ice

If you’re up for another sweet treat, head to Waikomo Shave Ice . This is one of my favorite places to get shave ice on the South Shore. It’s located in an unassuming parking lot, but their flavors are on point! They also have organic syrups and you can get your shave ice in a cute coconut cup.

Spouting Horn

Another popular thing to do on Kauai is see the famous blowhole Spouting Horn. This is where water shoots up through the rocks to create an impressive gush of water. How high the water goes really depends on the weather and how choppy the ocean is. You might need to stand around for 10 or 15 minutes to get a good one on a calm day.

There is also a whole wall of vendors, so it’s a neat place to take kids if they are itching to buy a Kauai souvenir somewhere.

Dinner at Merriman’s at the Shops at Kukui’ula

Your last stop should be the Shops at Kukui’ula. This is the newest shopping center on Kauai and has tons of fabulous boutique and amazing restaurants. They also have a culinary market once a week with live music that is a lot of fun.

One of our favorite places to eat there is Merriman’s because they make the best Mai Tai I’ve ever had. It has lilikoi foam on top and it’s pure heaven! Their food is also outstanding and incorporates locally grown ingredients. 

It’s the perfect way to end 3 glorious days on Kauai!

About Marcie Marcie Cheung writes the Hawaii travel site Hawaii Travel with Kids and the family travel site Marcie in Mommyland . You can follow her on Instagram , Facebook , Pinterest , and YouTube .

Planning your trip to Kauai: The Garden Isle

Don’t miss these other helpful articles and resources as you plan your unforgettable 3 days in Kauai!

See all of our Hawaii travel planning resources in one place

Travel planning resources:

Compare rental car prices for Hawaii

5 simple money-saving hacks for booking.com

General Hawaii resources:

How to visit Hawaii on a budget

Renting a car in Hawaii: 10 things you NEED to know What to pack for Hawaii

Is a cheap GoPro knock-off worth it?

Hawaii with kids:

What’s the best Hawaiian island for families? Is it worth visiting Hawaii with a baby?

Ultimate packing list for Hawaii with kids

Top 10 things to do with kids on Oahu

The best snorkel gear for kids of all ages

Oahu resources:

Best Oahu travel guide book Perfect 7 day Oahu itinerary Where to stay on Oahu

Family-friendly Oahu vacation rentals Cheap Places To Stay On Oahu

10 Fun Things to do on Oahu for $10 or less

Getting the most bang for your buck on your Go Oahu discount card Insider tips for visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center

The best beaches on Oahu (and why to visit them) Where to find the best shave ice on Oahu The best easy hikes on Oahu

North Shore Oahu complete visitors guide Kayaking to the Mokes with Twogood Kayaks Family-friendly kayaking with Holokai Adventures

Visiting Pearl Harbor

Maui resources:

Best Maui travel guide book

Perfect 3 day Maui itinerary

Cheap Places To Stay On Maui

Big Island resources:

Best Big Island travel guide book Perfect 5 day Big Island itinerary

Cheap Places To Stay On the Big Island

Kauai resources:

Best Kauai travel guide book

Perfect 3 day Kauai itinerary

Cheap Places To Stay On Kauai

Still planning? Pin this for later!

The post Kauai Itinerary: 3 Days on the Garden Island appeared first on The Family Voyage .

Top 25 Fun Things to do in Poipu, Kauai

Staying in poipu kauai for your next hawaiian vacation scroll to find out the best things to do in poipu hawaii for families, couples, adventurers and more, this post on the best things to do in poipu kauai was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Out of all the places to stay on Kauai , one of the most popular resort towns is Poipu on the South Shore of Kauai. And there are tons of Poipu Kauai vacation rental homes , too!

Poipu is known as the “sunny side” of the island and it’s one of the best places for Kauai snorkeling , shopping, dining, or just relaxing on the beach.

It’s located just 20 minutes from the Lihue Airport and it’s very easy to get to by rental car or resort shuttle.

Whether you are traveling to Kauai with kids , going on your honeymoon , or doing a solo vacation, Poipu HI is definitely something you should have on your Kauai itinerary !

Keep scrolling for our favorite Poipu attractions and activities!

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Kauai.

Popular Kauai Tours/Activities

• Na Pali Coast Snorkeling Tour (this one also goes to the forbidden island of Ni’ihau)
• Kauai Helicopter Tour (this is the BEST way to see waterfalls on Kauai)
• ATV Tour to a Private Waterfall (this is a romantic adventure that feels like a secret getaway)
• Mountain Tubing (this is a low-key adventure down an old sugar cane canal)
• Luau Kalamaku (you can do a little train ride and feed farm animals before the luau)
• Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)

Favorite Kauai Resorts/Hotels

• Grand Hyatt Kauai (this Poipu resort has a luxurious pool area, romantic restaurants, and a stunning ocean view)
• Koloa Landing Resort (this is a luxury resort with an amazing pool area and truly spacious rooms)
• Royal Sonesta Kauai (we LOVE the pool here because it’s the largest one in Hawaii)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii? One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Kauai Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Click here for step-by-step Kauai travel planning help

Poipu Kauai FAQs

Poipu is located on the South Shore of Kauai, about 20 minutes from Lihue Airport.

It’s pronounced poy-POO.

Yes, in fact, it’s one of the safest beaches in Hawaii for families. There’s a lifeguard on duty 7 days a week. But, remember to check ocean conditions and never turn your back on a wave.

25 Awesome Things to do in Poipu, Hawaii

If you’re heading to the South Shore of Kauai, you’re in luck! There are tons of super cool things to do in Poipu for all ages and abilities!

1. See Spouting Horn

I have to list Spouting Horn first because it’s one of the biggest Kauai tourist attractions in Poipu HI, just minutes from most Poipu resorts.

Basically, the ocean water bursts through a small opening in a lava shelf and it creates a 50-foot tall gush of water out of a blowhole.

While there are other blowholes in Hawaii, Spouting Horn is the most famous. It’s definitely one of the best things to do on Kauai for under $10 !

You’ll want to check the weather and the tide, as that can greatly impact whether the water will shoot up really high or if you’ll just get a little burst of water.

There are also tons of vendors at Spouting Horn selling all kinds of Kauai souvenirs .

Insider tip: Go at sunset and the golden light will make the spray shine with all the colors of the rainbow!

2. Snorkel at Poipu Beach Park

Out of all the places to snorkel on Kauai , Poipu Beach is a popular snorkeling spot for beginners. That’s because the water is super calm and easy for families with kids of all ages.

It’s also an awesome spot to see Hawaiian Sea Turtles (also known as Honu) swimming in the water or sunbathing on the beach.

You can snorkel on your own, or you can book a Poipu snorkeling tour to go with an expert. Check out the latest prices and more details.

Find out more about snorkeling on Kauai and get my Hawaii snorkeling tips !

3. Eat at Puka Dog

One of our favorite casual places to eat in Poipu is Puka Dog at Brennecke’s. We’ve been coming here for years (when they were at their Poipu Shopping Village location) and it’s always excellent, especially with kids.

Basically, they poke a hole (also called a “puka” in Hawaiian) in a bun, shove a hot dog or Polish dog in there, and then squirt specialty Hawaiian mustard and relish inside. It’s the tastiest hot dog I’ve ever had.

Not only was it featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations Hawaii , but it was also chosen as one of the Top 10 Hot Dog Stands in America by The Travel Channel.

There are tons of places to sit and eat at their stand or you can take it to go and enjoy it at a beach.

4. Explore The Shops at Kukui’ula

One of the newest (and most impressive) places to shop on Kauai is The Shops at Kukui’ula . This outdoor shopping center has lots of boutiques, restaurants, and even a natural foods store.

Some of my favorite shops include SoHa Living (which has the cutest Hawaiian home decor), Malie Organics (which makes the most amazing organic bath and body products), and Lululemon Pop Up (which sometimes has Hawaii-specific merchandise).

And you’ll definitely need to grab a Mai Tai at Merriman’s as well as dinner at Eating House 1849 .

Plus, every Wednesday they have a Kauai Culinary Market that includes a farmers market , live Hawaiian music , and food demonstrations.

5. Go Golfing

If you’re looking to play golf on Kauai, Poipu has 3 amazing golf courses to choose from.

Kiahuna Golf Club is a challenging golf course that includes the remnants of an ancient Hawaiian village in its design. Plus, you can enjoy lunch at Paco’s Tacos, a popular place to eat in Poipu.

If you are traveling to Kauai with kids who want to golf or are short on time, consider playing at Kukuiolono Golf Course . This semi-private 9-hole course in Kalaheo has 2 sets of tees for different skill levels.

And if you are looking for an oceanfront championship golf course, look no further than Poipu Bay Golf Course . You’ll get breathtaking views and the chance to see Hawaii’s state bird: the Nene Goose!

6. Shave Ice at Waikomo

While there are tons of places to get shave ice on Kauai , one of our favorite Poipu spots is Waikomo Shave Ice .

It’s located in a little strip mall and it’s easy to drive right past it. But, it’s totally worth a stop! They have all-natural organic syrups and can top your shave ice with fresh fruit.

Plus, you can order your shave ice in a souvenir coconut bowl, which is a huge hit with kids!

7. Tour a Coffee Plantation

If you love Hawaiian coffee, you’ll definitely want to stop at Kauai Coffee . With more than 4 million coffee trees, they are the largest coffee grower in the United States!

Stop by their estate to do a self-guided walking tour to learn more about how coffee is grown and harvested. And take a peek at their museum to see old photos and antique coffee machinery.

They also do an amazing Kauai coffee farm tour that is a fun way to explore the plantation.

But, the biggest reason to visit Kauai Coffee is to take advantage of their free coffee samples and to stock up on the ones you like! It’s one of the best coffee shops on Kauai !

Plus, they have an amazing gift shop with a great selection of Kauai gifts and clothing.

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

8. See a Free Hula Show

One of the best free things to do in Poipu is to see an authentic Hula dance show at Poipu Shopping Village.

There’s a little outdoor performance space in the middle of the shopping center where you can sit and listen to the exciting drum beats and watch professional hula dancers perform with live Hawaiian music.

It’s fun for the whole family and it’s perfect for kids who can’t sit through an entire luau performance.

Head over to the Grand Hyatt Kauai and enjoy a luxurious spa day at Anara Spa , the largest spa on Kauai.

They incorporate traditional Hawaiian elements into their massages, facials, and body treatments. Plus, they have a full hair and nail salon.

You can even get a romantic couples massage in a private bungalow near the beach!

10. Day Trip to Waimea Canyon

Hop in the car and drive about 1 hour to get to Waimea Canyon, one of Kauai’s biggest attractions. It’s nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and it’s simply stunning.

Park your car and head over to the viewing platform to get an epic view of the canyon and take your photos. You’ll even be able to see a waterfall!

If you are looking for an adventure, there are tons of cool hiking trails to do there with lots of great photo ops. In fact, it’s one of the top places for hikes near Poipu.

And if you don’t want to drive, you can take a guided tour of Waimea Canyon . Check out the latest prices and more details.

11. Shop at Warehouse 3540

One of the trendiest places to shop on Kauai is Warehouse 3540 . It’s a space for local Kauai artisans to sell their handmade items, including clothing, beauty products, baby items, and artwork.

My favorite places include Navy Dylan , Take Two , and Hanako .

It’s also an awesome place to grab lunch. They have several food trucks , including Kauai Poke Co. (which makes some of the best poke on Kauai!)

And they even have a shave ice stand called The Fresh Shave where they give you a little straw with a mustache!

12. Take Silly Photos at the Hawaiian Trading Post

One of my favorite places to go on Kauai is the Hawaiian Trading Post in Lawai. It’s just down the street from Warehouse 3540 and it’s a store that sells Hawaiian gifts and the highly coveted Niihau shell necklaces.

However, we mainly go there to take advantage of the awesome photo ops!

There’s a surfboard and fake wave setup that’s always a hit with my kids. Plus, there’s a giant pineapple, tiki statues, and a beach scene with Adirondack chairs.

It’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable spots on Kauai !

13. Go to a Luau

If you are staying in Poipu, there are several Kauai luaus that don’t require a very long drive.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai has its own on-site luau with an assortment of Asian and Hawaiian food, plenty of drinks, and an incredible show featuring dances from Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

One of the newest luaus on Kauai is Auli’i Luau at the Sheraton Kauai Resort. This is Kauai’s only oceanfront luau and people love the tropical cocktails , buffet dinner, and amazing Polynesian show.

14. Explore Old Koloa Town

For a cutesy and historic place to shop, head to Old Koloa Town . These sugar plantation-era storefronts are perfect for window shopping or picking up a few gifts to bring back home.

Some of my favorite Old Koloa Town shops are Koloa Trading Post and Emperor’s Emporium for souvenirs and Crazy Shirts for adult and kids clothing.

They also have a nice coffee shop called Aloha Roastery where you can get a specialty coffee to sip as you walk around the shops.

15. Snorkel the Na Pali Coast

One of the most jaw-dropping sights on Kauai is the Na Pali Coast. It’s not accessible by car, so you either need to hike in or take a helicopter ride to see it.

However, my favorite view of the Na Pali Coast is actually from the water.

There are a bunch of different Na Pali Coast boat tours, but I suggest doing a snorkeling cruise. That way, you can still gaze at the jagged sea cliffs, lush green valleys, and waterfalls, but you can also get in the water to see dolphins and Hawaiian sea turtles! Check out the latest prices and more details.

Book your Na Pali Coast Snorkel Boat Tour

16. Go Ziplining

Another fun thing to do on Kauai is going ziplining . You’ll get an adrenaline rush as you fly over the jungle to get amazing views of Kauai. Check out the latest prices and more details .

The longest zipline on Kauai is in Koloa. They have 8 different zipline tracks where you can either use handlebars or their hands-free harness (which allows you to do acrobatic stunts!) This is by far one of the best things to do in Koloa.

Book your Koloa Zipline Adventure

17. Kauai ATV Waterfall Tour

If you are looking to swim in one of the most private waterfalls on Kauai , while going on a thrilling adventure, hop in an ATV for the ride of your life! Check out the latest prices and more details.

You’ll pop on some goggles and a helmet and drive through historic sights like WWII bunkers, movie sites in Kipu Valley, before heading to a small waterfall at the base of Kahili.

You’ll have plenty of time to swim in the waterfall pool while chatting with your tour guides and enjoying a small snack.

Be prepared to get super dirty with Kauai’s infamous red dirt!

Book your Kauai ATV Waterfall tour

18. Explore Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden

Two of the prettiest places on Kauai also happen to be part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden network.

Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden are located right next to each other in Poipu. You can walk around the gardens on one of their easy trails or hop on their little tram for a tour. Check out the latest prices and more details.

And movie fans will love seeing the huge Moreton Bay Fig Trees from Jurassic Park !

They even offer hula shows and outdoor movies from time to time, so check their events schedule.

19. Go Whale Watching

If you are heading to Kauai during the winter months of December-May, you are in for a real treat! This is when the humpback whales come to Hawaii!

There are tons of Kauai whale watching tours and excursions to choose from and this is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Kauai in the winter. Check out the latest prices and more details.

Listen to their sweet whale songs or simply watch these majestic creatures pop up from the ocean.

Book your Kauai Whale Watching tour

21. Learn to Surf

What’s more iconic than learning to surf in Hawaii? You can rent a board and do it on your own or learn to surf from a professional.

While there are lots of Kauai surfing lessons, most are offered at the exact same time. That’s why I suggested booking one at “odd” hours to avoid other surfing groups. And booking a small group tour for lots of attention. Check out the latest prices and more details.

Poipu is a great place to learn to surf in Hawaii for adults, teens, and kids because the waves are very gentle.

Book your Kauai Group Surfing Lessons

22. Explore a Kauai Cave

Did you know Kauai has an active dig site? Book a Makauwahi Cave Tour and head on a private hiking tour with a local guide. Check out the latest prices and more details.

Your guide will tell you all about the cave and Hawaiian history, plus you’ll have the option to add on snorkeling to your tour.

Book your Makauwahi Cave Tour

23. Go on a Sunset Cruise

We all know Hawaii is known for its amazing sunsets, so why not get out there on the water and see for yourself?

Book a Na Pali Coast sunset cruise and they will provide dinner and drinks while you take in the beautiful rugged Kauai coastline. Check out the latest prices and more details.

And if you book this during winter, you might even get to see humpback whales!

Book your Kauai Sunset Cruise

24. Hike in Kokee

Another fun Kauai day trip from Poipu is Kokee State Park . It’s one of the best Kauai parks and it’s located next to Waimea Canyon.

You’ll just head up the road a bit more and you’ll find yourself in the peaceful (and sometimes misty) forest.

There are hikes for all ages and abilities. You can take a simple nature walk (perfect for kids) or do a much more extensive hike like the super muddy Alawai Swamp hike (for serious hikers wanting epic views of Hanalei Valley.)

25. Go Scuba Diving

Want to go scuba diving in Hawaii but don’t have your scuba diving certificate? First-time divers can book a PADI Discover Scuba Diving course where you can get introductory scuba diving skills. Check out the latest prices and more details.

It’s a 4-hour experience with certified instructors that will count toward a PADI Open Water Certification (if you choose to pursue that.)

Plus, you’ll get to go face to face with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles!

Book your Kauai Scuba Diving adventure

Best Places to Stay in Poipu

Grand hyatt kauai.

One of the best Poipu resorts is the Grand Hyatt Kauai. It’s perfect for honeymooners , families with young kids, or couples looking for a relaxing vacation. Check out the latest prices and more details.

They have tons of swimming pools, the largest spa on Kauai, an on-site luau, and several restaurants.

Check Rates and Availability

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu

This Kauai resort is part of the Autograph Collection of boutique hotels. Here, you can rent anything from a studio unit to a 4-bedroom unit. Check out the latest prices and more details.

They also have a 350,000-gallon swimming pool and they are just a few steps away from The Shops at Kukui’ula. Read my full Koloa Landing Resort review .

The Point at Poipu

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly place to stay on Kauai, check out The Point at Poipu. Check out the latest prices and more details.

This family-friendly oceanfront resort overlooks Shipwreck Beach. They have a large outdoor pool, BBQ grills, and picnic areas.

Looking for more things to do on Kauai? Check out our posts about the best places to snorkel , epic Kauai waterfalls , best Kauai breakfasts , amazing Kauai whale watching tours , birding on Kauai , Kauai Instagram guide , free things to do on Kauai with kids , and more!

Love this post about what to do in poipu kauai find out 101 incredible things to do on kauai with kids and get my kauai packing list .

• Private Tours
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• Why Tour with Makana Charters?
• Welcome to Kauai’s Na Pali Coast
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Camping in Kauai: Quick Guide and Top Spots

In Adventure , Things To Do: Makana Charters Blog by Makana Charters March 21, 2021 Leave a Comment

With Kauai’s magnificent rainforests, mountains and vistas, it’s no surprise that it’s home to many of the world’s most loved camping spots. The island has 13 campgrounds in total – six of which are state campsites and the remaining seven county campsites.

Kauai has much to offer when it comes to this unique activity, so we’ve prepared a quick guide to camping around the island for all eager campers. In this article, we discuss things you need to prepare before your camping trip and feature 5 of Kauai’s most beautiful camping spots. 

What to Prepare

The first thing to check and take note of when camping in Kauai is the weather. Although the island’s average yearly temperature ranges between 84 and 69 degrees, rain can be sporadic. Some rainfall on your trip could make your way to a campground more dangerous and leave you with an experience less eventful than expected.

We recommend checking the weather at least a week before your planned trip. Usually, a weather pattern from previous weeks can help you determine the best day to go camping. Better yet, plan your camping trip around the month of August, which is usually the island’s warmest and driest month. 

Secondly, make sure to secure a camping permit from Kauai’s county campsites before your trip. All state areas are administered by the government of Hawaii. They prefer that campers make advanced reservations on their online portal, whether you’re planning to camp out at a state or county site.

Kauai’s Best Campgrounds 

1. na pali coast wilderness park.

Starting with the most sought-after camp site on the island, the Na Pali Coast Wilderness Park features an adventurous hike along its 4,000 foot seaside cliffs. Camping on the Na Pali grounds requires hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley where drinking water is scarce despite waterfalls and streams cutting through valleys along the way.

Campers at Na Pali will have the opportunity to explore further through snorkeling and kayaking. Be prepared to pay the camping fee of $10 per person and make sure to have ample food and water with you to make the most our of your time in this spectacular campsite. 

2. Haena Beach Park

Haena Beach Park is another favorite among Kauai’s locals and tourists. It covers the most popular beach around the island’s North Shore, as well as Tunnels Beach – a famous spot for snorkeling and relaxed swimming. 

Great for backpackers, this campsite features clean public showers and restrooms, as well as barbecue grills anyone can use. With lifeguards always on duty, this camping spot is also perfect for families with kids and groups who plan on swimming during their stay – the beach can be exposed to open ocean waves that can make some spots difficult to navigate. Haena is a great option if your priority is to feel safe during your camping trip.  

3. Anahola Beach Park

Kauai is home to the most beautiful bays and beaches on the planet and Anahola Bay is no exception. Located on Kauai’s east shore, the bay is the perfect place for travelers to enjoy a lovely stroll by the beach. Within the bay, is a convenient camping spot called the Anahola Beach Park.

The idyllic beach is surrounded by ironwood trees, giving campers some much-needed shade from the tropical Hawaiian sun. The right end of the bay is perfectly built for a safe and enjoyable swim making it a prime spot for locals and travelers alike. The Anahola Beach Park is an attractive option for campers that want to bum it out on beautiful beaches, chilling by the shore without a care in the world, and soaking up that warm Hawaiian sun.

4. Hanalei Beach Park

With a name that means “crescent bay,” there is none more beautiful than Hanalei. The bay itself is shaped like a half moon, peppered with golden sand backed by 4,000-foot-high green mountains teeming with flora. 

Hanalei is the ideal camping spot for travelers who are looking for the perfect balance of water and land. The pristine camping spot is home to lush green mountains and several breathtaking waterfalls. Hanalei is also the largest bay in Kauai , so travelers will find that there is much more to explore than meets the eye – you can expect to wake up to beautiful sunrises on soft sand, and maybe a good view of surfers catching gentle morning waves.

5. Koke’e State Park

Nestled along the edge of Waimea Canyon, Koke’e State Park is home to some of the prettiest scenery on the island of Kauai. The campsites found here might be minimally developed, but that won’t matter when you’re exploring all that this breathtaking park has to offer.

Spanning more than 4,000 acres, camping at Koke’e State Park will offer panoramic views of both the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and Kalalau Valley. The area has been specifically developed for hiking and camping, with clearly marked campsites and seven main hiking trails – each one taking wanderers to one-of-a-kind adventures. 

Campsites at Koke’e cost $12 for residents per night for up to six persons and $18 for non-residents. However, if you prefer not to pitch a tent, you can opt to stay at the Koke’e Lodge , which offers cozy cabins at the heart of the park. The cabins available are great for groups of 4 and even for families with kids. 

Ready for the Experience of a Lifetime? 

It was a challenge picking only 5 campgrounds to feature because there are various sites that dot the island, some being privately-owned but just as exciting. That being said, we highly recommend just using this guide as a starting point and doing further research to find a campsite that perfectly matches your ideal camping vacation.

Whether you’re looking to save on rentals or experience something unique on your trip to Kauai, we hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip to The Garden Isle. Just remember to come prepared, and the island’s wonders will take care of the rest.

Related Articles

• 5 Best Easy Hikes in Kauai
• The 7+ Best Easy-to-View Waterfalls in Kauai (With Map)
• 10 Essential Kauai Travel Tips

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Poipu Beach

South shore beach.

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Poipu Beach South Kauai

One of america's best beaches.

Enjoy sandy beaches, warm sun, spectacular sunsets, and ocean sports at one of the best beaches in America. The Travel Channel named  Poipu Beach one of the top ten beaches in the United States.

Overview of Poipu Beach

Poipu Beach has soft golden sand with lava rock formations on either end of this crescent-shaped beach. It's a prime location for swimming because of a barrier reef. In winter, large swells break against the reef, which helps protect swimmers from dangerous rip currents and high surf.

Poipu Beach Park falls into two sections: Brennecke Beach and Poipu Beach. The eastern portion of Poipu Beach Park holds an excellent reputation for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere. You'll find clear water with lots of colorful fish here. Enjoy the moderate swells. The western end of Poipu Beach stands slightly more rugged than its eastern counterpart. The powerful waves make it less suitable for young children but more ideal for adventurous types who want to experience some of Kauai’s best surf spots firsthand. While this section of Poipu Beach lacks a lifeguard tower or picnic tables, it provides these amenities with breathtaking views. 

The water off Poipu Beach also offers an incredible marine ecosystem with tropical fish and other sea life that can be seen while snorkeling or diving around the barrier reef. Visitors can also see monk seals lounging on the sand.

Directions to Poipu Beach

To get to Poipu Beach, take Lawai Road east back toward Poipu for about 2 miles. Lawai Road will merge with Poipu Road. You want to turn right onto Poipu Road, continuing to head east. Right beyond the Poipu Shopping Village (which will be on your left), there will be a road named Hoowili Road on your right. This is the road that provides beach access.  

Essential Advice for a Great Poipu Beach Visit

The reefs primarily protect the waters surrounding Poipu Beach from large waves. Yet, strong currents and waves can and have broken on the reef, so we recommend you talk to the lifeguard on duty for the most current safety information. Sharp coral, slippery rocks, and strong tides may endanger swimmers who venture beyond the marked swimming area.

You can find many rentals to rent equipment for the many water sports found here.

Poipu Beach Amenities

Poipu Beach has a wide variety of amenities and facilities, including:

• Picnic Tables
• Shade structures (first come, first serve)
• Surfboard and bodyboard rentals (seasonal)
• Large grassy area for picnicking or relaxing

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Our Recommended Tours, Activities, & Accommodations

If you're looking for some fabulous things to do on Kauai, look no further. We have taken the guesswork out of selecting an adventure and have handpicked only the best experiences and tour providers on the Garden Isle for you. It's easy to plan, book, and go with Hawaii Guide. Mahalo! 

Having Fun at Poipu Beach 

Family activities at poipu beach.

If you want a safe, shallow swimming pool for babies or children, choose  Poipu Beach. Poipu Beach remains a Kauai family favorite, for this beach exudes safety. Watch as the kids splash in the water, jump on the jungle gym, or run around in the grassy area. The rock wall protects waders and swimmers from ocean conditions so your family stays safe.  Ultimately, Poipu Beach holds a wide variety of activities and attractions where you can all have fun together. Families enjoy the small, shady, grassy park near the edge of the beach for picnics or playing games.    Moreover, for the adventurous family, you can take a surfing lesson, go snorkeling, pursue a horseback adventure, or pick a kayak excursion. You can also board a boat and head out to sea for a day of fishing. The kids will love seeing fish and other marine life up close and personal as you sail across the beautiful waters of Kauai. Once you return from your water adventure, duck into one of the many local restaurants for delicious food. Or grab some ice cream at one of the shops near the beach. Ultimately, the beach offers so many options for everyone.

Poipu Beach Activities 

Come to Poipu Beach for the many activities here. 

Spot the Marine Wildlife: Poipu Beach offers a beautiful view of wild marine animals. We rate this beach as the best place to see different wildlife in action—Marvel at the sight of Humpback whales during the winter months and Hawaii sea turtles year-round. As you swim, keep an eye out for seals, who lounge and nap on the tombola—a narrow sand spit extending from the shore towards an island. The tombola creates two separate beaches, serving as Hawaiian monk seals' favorite hangouts. This is one of the  Also keep your eye out for dolphins.

Surfing: Poipu Beach offers excellent surfing conditions for all levels — beginner, intermediate and advanced. The waves are mellow but still provide a good challenge and plenty of fun. When learning how to surf, you can visit local surf schools or sign up for private lessons with one of the beach's friendly instructors.

Go Scuba Diving in Kauai: If you're looking for driving lessons in Kauai, look no further than Poipu Beach! Explore underwater caves, wrecks, and reefs teeming with marine life like colorful tropical fish, green sea turtles, and even dolphins. You can take scuba diving classes from an expert instructor before heading out on a guided boat dive.

Kayaking: A tour with a guide offers a great way to see all the natural beauty of Kauai. The focus will be to share their knowledge about Hawaiian history and culture and point out wildlife along the way.

Snorkeling:  Check out the many snorkeling spots in Poipu Beach. Explore the beautiful fish and coral reefs up close. Take glass-bottom boat excursions that provide an equally enjoyable experience. Plus, you can find many tours willing to show you different locations around the island.

Hike the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail: The trail offers fantastic views and unspoiled ancient Hawaiian land. Please pack a lunch and make a day out of it! The path is just over three miles long, so it shouldn't take you more than two hours to complete at a leisurely pace.

Nearby Attractions and Sights of Poipu Beach

There are so many things to do near Poipu Beach!

Golf at One of Four Courses Nearby: Poipu Beach is surrounded by four beautiful golf courses within 15 minutes drive. The Kiahuna Golf Club is the closest course and offers a fantastic 18-hole course for those looking for a challenge!

Na Pali Coast: The rugged cliffs and lava rock formations of the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park deserve a visit. The vast park expands into the northwest corner of Kauai, with a breathtaking coastline. The best way to experience the Na Pali Coast is to take a guided boat tour, and another option is to take a helicopter tour over the coast, which provides an incredible view of this natural wonder.

Poipu Shopping Village: Located just several minutes from Poipu Beach at the corner of Koloa Road and Weliweli Road, this shopping center features some of the best restaurants and shops on the island. You can spend hours here catching up on fashion, eating delicious food, and enjoying good music in the outdoor seating area. Some of the most popular shops at this center include The Fish Market, Poipu Surf Company, The Chocolate Boutique & Gallery, and many more.

National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG): NTBG, located on Kauai's South Shore, offers guided tours of its gardens and facilities, including the Allerton Garden, McBryde Garden, Limahuli Garden & Preserve , and the Kahanu Garden. The gardens feature: * Ponds, fountains, sculptures, and large trees have been sculpted into their present state over time. * Some of the rarest plants in the world include palms, orchids, and native Hawaiian flora. * Walking trails that lead through a tropical rainforest with some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Kauai Coffee Company Estate Tour and Tasting: This estate is famous for coffee. You can learn about coffee, how it is cultivated and tastes in different varieties.

Old Koloa Town: Once a sugar colony capital, it is a historic site . You can see some old buildings here which have been renovated now.

Koloa Sugar Mill: It is a former sugar mill in Koloa town. The building has been renovated and now houses the Koloa Heritage Trail Museum. The Spouting Horn Park & Viewing Area: The  Spouting Horn  is a natural geyser that shoots water up through an opening at the ocean floor. The dramatic water spout can reach up to 50 feet into the air and make a loud blowing sound. You can see this natural phenomenon from the viewing platform above or take a short hike to see it up close.  

Poipu Beach Reviews

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KAUAI TRAVEL GUIDE: A Compass to explore the Hawaii's garden island, detailed navigation maps and genuine local insights to make your dream vacation a reality Kindle Edition

The most economical method to see and enjoy the beautiful island of kauai. a thorough guide by "elizabeth m. greg" that caters to all travel styles, someone who has been there and done it. hold on are you looking for a guide with full maps you don't need to worry about how to get around like the people who live there do. do you want a friendly partner while reading a guidebook instead of just a list of hotels and attractions this is the kind of guidebook where the writing style will make you feel like someone is holding your hand and leading you through the hardest parts. if you're an experienced traveler or a newlywed, this complete guidebook by kauai expert elizabeth m. greg will help you find the island's magic. find secluded coves for romantic escapes, or create unforgettable family memories at secret tide pools. craving luxury indulge in delicious food and five-star spas. if you like to eat, try some fresh island flavors and secret gems. for history buffs, kauai has a lot of ancient ruins and a rich cultural tapestry. discover the best photogenic hotspots, go on a day trip, or enjoy all day at the beach with no problem. this all-encompassing guide caters to every trip style: budget-friendly adventures: find secret waterfalls, free snorkeling spots, and cheap food in the area. honeymoon havens: locate private beaches, high-end lodgings, and romantic activities for two. solo trips: you can go at your own pace with detailed plans, safety tips, and suggestions for solo travelers. family fun: find kid-friendly hikes, tide pools full of life, and cultural experiences that will spark young minds. luxury seekers: indulge in pampering spas, breathtaking helicopter tours, and exquisite beachfront dining. foodie paradise: savor fresh kauai flavors from street stands to award-winning farm-to-table restaurants. history buffs: explore ancient temples, hidden ruins, and captivating tales that whisper of kauai's vibrant past., this guidebook equips you to:, plan your dream itinerary: discover hidden gems and must-see sites tailored to your interests and budget., navigate with ease: detailed maps ensure you won't miss a beat., experience the authentic kauai: immerse yourself in the island's culture, food, and local way of life., get your copy now, order for friends and groups, and let the island fun begin..

• Print length 174 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publication date April 20, 2024
• File size 5629 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D2B8TB5N
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 20, 2024
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 5629 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 174 pages
• Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B0D2B3C7DF

About the author

Elizabeth m. greg.

"Elizabeth M. Greg" is a seasoned traveler with a passion for sharing hidden gems and cultural experiences. Her travel guidebooks are known for their in-depth research, engaging narrative, and off-the-beaten-path recommendations. Whether you're seeking historical insights or adventurous detours, Elizabeth's guides will equip you to explore like a local.

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Two Kauai Driving Guide Apps You Might Want To Try!

I have been hearing a lot about these two Kauai driving guide apps lately. I must admit I have not downloaded them to my phone to check them out, but people are raving about them on social media. I did look them up and they both get good reviews. They might come in handy as you drive around the Garden Island.

Both apps use your device’s location abilities to play the commentary AUTOMATICALLY. Once you download the app to your device over Wi-Fi, no data, cellular or even wireless network connection is needed while traveling. Anyone can use them with no need for roaming data – even when visiting from another country.

It is like traveling with a local tour guide in your car!

Much of the following information was taken right from the app’s description in the iPhone App Store.

Kauai GyPSy Guide App- $6.99

GyPSy Guide GPS driving tour of Kauai is an excellent way to enjoy a sightseeing trip to explore the entire island. There are 280+ audio points that play automatically, featuring what to see, stories, tips and advice. All the benefits of a guided tour, the freedom to drive yourself.

All you have to do is drive, listen and decide which places you want to stop at. Our tour guides have created an insightful and entertaining tour of Kauai. We’ll recommend the best places to experience and some great locations that most visitors will drive by.

The Kauai GyPSy Guide has commentary everywhere on the island that warrants exploring. They recommend dividing the island into at least two driving days.

• North and Eastern Kauai – Explores areas from Lihue to Ke’e Beach at the north end of the highway.
• South and Western Kauai – From Poipu to Hanapepe to historic Waimea town. Also includes Waimea Canyon and Koke’e Park sitting high above the Na Pali Coast.

Ratings and Reviews:

There have been 453 ratings and the average score is 4.9. Here is what one person had to say, “I don’t usually take the time to write reviews, but I have to say that buying this app was one of the best decisions I made in Kauai. When you drive around, the app detects where you are and gives expert advice and evtertainment. It tells about the sites, and about the history of the islands in general and Kauai in particular. We saw many things and learned a great deal more than we would have otherwise. It added to our enjoyment of a wonderful vacation. The narrator is pleasant and engaging. Everyone who drives in Kauai should buy this app.”

Arkansas Marty, one year ago

Family Sharing

Up to six family members can use this app with Family Sharing enabled. In-app purchases can’t be shared with family members.

About GyPSy Guides –

GyPSy Guides produces award winning audio tours along scenic drives around the world. Enjoyed by travelers who prefer to set their own pace and itinerary on vacation, but enjoy a fun, informative and educational guided experience. Our goal is to provide a great introduction to the region and perhaps inspire you to learn more and return. None of our apps include paid advertising or placements for benefit.

Visit GyPSy Guide’s website for more information.

Shaka Guide – $9.99 for each of four Kauai tours.

This Kauai driving guide app is set up differently than GyPSy. It is more expensive but also seems more extensive. The Shaka guide offers three separate driving tours and one historic tour for $9.99 each. You may download the app for free but once you open it you must individually pay for the each tour you want to have. It claims to be the #1 rated app for Kauai.

What the app does:

• Hours of audio with hundreds of narration points that play automatically as you drive
• Made by local Hawaii tour guides
• Hear fun stories, enchanting Hawaiian legends and things to do
• Turn-by-turn directions with Offline maps (No data network required)
• Music by local Hawaii musicians (both modern and traditional)
• Enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace, while having the benefit of a local tour guide with you
• Better than guidebook with restaurant recommendations, things to do and see

Three Kauai driving tours:

• Kauai North Shore – The tour will guide you to the epic Kalalau Trail and Ke’e Beach stopping at little-known beaches and hikes along the way. Also includes stories about the area like how did Princeville get its name.
• Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Coast – Travel up into the mountains to check out breathtaking views of Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. Along the way, kick back and listen to stories and little-known legends about the area.
• Wailua Valley & Waterfall – Connect with the Hawaiian culture while also exploring jungle forests and waterfalls! This tour will take you on a trip back in time in visiting three ancient Hawaiian temples as well as visit three waterfalls and check out three hikes. The perfect mix of fun and education.

Poipu & Koloa Historic Tour:

This tour takes you from the time when ancient Hawaiian villages dotted the area to the sugarcane plantation era; all while taking you to cool places and telling you stories about each along the way. Check out cultural sites, go on some mini-hikes, and check out an ancient cave, and fishpond. So much to see and do!

There have been 1,237 ratings and the average score is 4.8. Here is what one person had to say: “There is way too much to do, and far too much to see to be able to fully capture the grandeur and awe that is Kauai. That being said, the key to fully appreciating every precious minute of your vacation is to be efficient with the time you do spend in your travels. This app ensures that you get the best views overlooking the canyons and beaches, takes you off the beaten paths to the special, hidden places reserved just for locals and those ‘in the know,’ and avoids wasting the costly minutes or even hours spent looking in vain for parking, dining, gas/fuel and restrooms. The stories along the way are very informative, entertaining and funny (albeit somewhat corny at times). These tours are a perfect beginning/starting place for those visiting for the first time, and there’s plenty of info to keep you engaged and entertained even if you’re a regular. Perfect for those looking for a ‘locals’ opinion on where to go and what to do; but still wanting a personalized tour that you can go and do at your own pace, and take as little or as much time as you’d like. There’s even background music to set the Hawaiian mood. Just be sure to download the entire tour over wifi before you leave the hotel. And bring a car charger, and an audio cable to plug into the stereo. But most of all, remember to have fun!”

mydogsnameismax, two years ago

Visit Shaka Guide’s website for more information

Wifi-only iPads with no GPS capability do not support offline tours. Both of these Kauai driving guide apps use your GPS when necessary. Please remember that continual use of your GPS running in the background can dramatically drain your battery. It would be nice to have a cigarette style DC outlet car charger with you. This is much better than simply plugging into the USB port in a vehicle.

Both of these companies offer driving guides for the other Hawaiian islands as well. I am glad to know about these two apps for Kauai, and will be anxious to hear from some of my Honu Point guests as to how useful they are. If you have already used one, please feel free to leave a comment for others at the end of this blog post.

For more of my blogs or to subscribe, go to our Guides page. For more information about our luxury vacation rental, Honu Point, on the north shore of Kauai, go to any other page of this website. We would LOVE you to follow us on Instagram . Mahalo!

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The 15 Best Things To Do In Waikoloa

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Located along the beautiful Kohala Coast, Waikoloa is a great place to stay (or visit) on the Big Island. This region is home to the best beach on the Big Island , has fantastic snorkeling, and some great resorts.

Waikoloa Beach Resort is one of few resort areas on the Kohala Coast, and is about 25 minutes from Kona international airport and 35 minutes from Kailua-Kona. The best things to do on the Big Island are spread out and typically require a hefty drive. We know that sometimes, you just want to have fun things to do that are close to where you’re staying.

From ancient petroglyphs to black sand beaches, these are the best 15 things to do in Waikoloa for those staying in town or simply exploring.

Need to plan your trip quickly? We have you covered with some easy resources including where to stay , our favorite activities , and a download and go itinerary : – This is one of our favorite  Manta Ray night snorkeling tours – Head to Kealakekua Bay for  amazing snorkeling on this tour – This  five day itinerary  includes amazing beaches and so much more! – Our full  Big Island Guide  gives you the most comprehensive trip planning advice

The 15 Best Things to do in Waikoloa

We’ve taken numerous trips to this gorgeous resort area and these are by far the best things to do in Waikoloa (and nearby Mauna Lani). Check out our video to see some of these great activities in action!

Map of Things to do in Waikoloa

1. See a Black Sand Beach

Forget white sand beach walks — Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the best for seeing black sand beaches. If you’re interested in this geologic phenomenon (and who wouldn’t be?), head on over to Waikoloa’s Beach 49. Also known as the Honoka’ope Beach, Beach 49 is located on the coast of the Honoka’ope Bay. This is the sole black sand beach found along the Kohala Coast and the only one in Waikoloa. 

Beach 49 also happens to be a wonderful snorkeling spot for strong swimmers and great for spotting colorful reef fish, eels, and sometimes turtles. The beach drops off quickly once you’re in the water which makes for great swimming conditions, but beware of the sharp lava rock as you enter the ocean. Wet shoes are a great idea to throw in your bag.

A few quick tips to make your trip to Waikoloa’s black sand beach extra enjoyable:

• Make sure to get there early as the beach parking lot fills up quickly! 
• Because the sand is so dark, it can get scorching hot by midday. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes out to the beach. 
• There are both bathrooms and showers located onsite. 

You technically enter the beach from the Mauna Lani Resort, which is just 10 minutes up the road from the Waikoloa Beach Resort.

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2. Walk through the Anchialine Ponds

Anchialine ponds exist throughout Hawaii and are a truly special feature of the islands. A fascinating geologic structure where underground lava tubes expose saltwater to freshwater, anchialine ponds are habitats for interesting creatures who thrive in these distinctive environments. The ponds fluctuate with the ocean’s tides, bringing fresh saltwater in regularly.

Visitors to Waikoloa Beach Resort can see these unique ecosystems at the Waikoloa Anchialine Pond Preservation Area. A trail weaves its way around the ponds, making it easy to get a closer look without disturbing their fragile habitat.

Anchialine ponds are known for the creatures that call them home – especially the crustaceans. The ‘opae ‘ula are crimson shrimp that can be found in most of these ponds, thriving in the brackish water. They are an important part of the pond’s ecosystem and it’s a thrill to see them dancing around in the shallow waters. Visitors will also have a chance to see crabs, fish, and various mollusks. 

All of the anchialine ponds in Hawaii are protected, so be sure to avoid touching or entering the ponds. Whether you’re a lover of the great outdoors or not, everyone can appreciate how special these brackish water lagoons are. The surrounding area is also pristine with swaying palms and a pretty beach area. 

Find a great place to stay in Waikoloa: Waikoloa Beach Villas: central and walkable Westin Hapuna Beach: wake up on the best beach on the Big Island The Shores at Waikoloa Colony Villas at Waikoloa

3. Visit Kalahuipua’a Historic Park

Hidden within the beautiful Mauna Lani Resort , the Kalahuipua’a Historic Park transports visitors to ancient Hawaii. The 1-mile, paved hiking trail leads you through lava fields, an ancient lava tube, and fishponds, all while revealing signs of the past through petroglyphs. 

The area was frequented by Hawaii’s royalty due to its abundance of food, mainly fish, in the nearby ponds. The collapsed lava tube also provided shelter to ancient Hawaiians and was selected because of its cool climate and protection from the elements. Expect to spend around 30 minutes to an hour here, seeing remnants of Big Island history. 

4. Check Out a Petroglyph Preserve

Can’t get enough of the petroglyphs? You’re in luck! Waikoloa is a hotbed for Hawaiian petroglyphs, known as ki’i pohaku , and has two dedicated parks for their preservation. Also known as petroglyph fields, these carvings were made in lava rock hundreds of years ago. 

Like the Kalahuipua’a Historic Park, the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve is also located on the grounds of a hotel. A half-mile trail leads visitors through the Waikoloa Hotel’s golf course before reaching the petroglyph field. This is one of the best-preserved petroglyph fields in Hawaii and displays important markings including the famous warrior on horseback that was completed after western contact with the island.  

The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is one of the most dense petroglyph fields in Hawaii, showcasing thousands of designs, some dating back to 1200 CE. A 1.2-mile trail runs through the park and allows visitors to see 1,200 of these stone markings, including turtles, canoes, birds, and humans. 

Keep in mind that no rubbings are allowed except on replicas. Always stay on the path to help preserve the petroglyphs. You’ll most likely want to bring along sunscreen as some areas of these trails don’t have much shade. Also, bring closed-toe shoes as you will be walking over lava and through kiawe trees that have nasty thorns.

Related reads: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Guide: What to Expect (a thrill) Is There a Best Time to Visit the Big Island of Hawaii? Yes…and here’s when 9 Best Big Island Resorts for Families (your kids will love these hotels!)

5. Enjoy a Snorkeling Tour

The Big Island is one of the best places in Hawaii for snorkeling. Hopping on a snorkeling tour means you’ll likely get to visit snorkel spots that you can’t reach by car or foot, plus they do the hard work of providing snorkeling gear and often drinks and snacks! 

Hawaii Nautical offers a wonderful snorkeling tour that leaves right from Waikoloa every day at 9:00 am. You’ll sail aboard their comfortable 54’ catamaran, the Spirit of Aloha, on a 3-hour excursion. Enjoy the ride to your snorkeling destination with the chance to see spinner dolphins and even whales in winter. 

A deli-style lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, 2 drink tickets for the bar, and your snorkeling gear are all included. Restrooms, tons of shady areas, seating, and a freshwater shower make this tour extra enjoyable. 

6. Take in the Sunset at Lava Lava Beach Club

One of the best sunset spots in Waikoloa just happens to be at one of our favorite restaurants in the area. The Lava Lava Beach Club provides a stunning, beachfront backdrop to enjoy dinner and a few cocktails, like a Bamboocha Mai Tai, while nightly live music further compliments the atmosphere. We spent a long evening here enjoying the food and walking with our kids in the tide pools at sunset.

The menu focuses on fresh seafood and local, Hawaiian ingredients like coconut and ahi tuna. Their extensive, and themed, cocktail menu also includes a coconut or bamboo souvenir cup. Lava Lava is open all day and serves breakfast and lunch as well. Keep in mind that they don’t have a reservation system and seating is first come, first served. There’s often a wait in the high season.

Other great dining options in Waikoloa include Napua Restaurant at Mauna Lani Beach Club, Roy’s, Foster’s Kitchen, A-Bay’s Island Grills, and the Tropics Ale House.

7. Spend the Day on A Bay

Formally known as Anaeho’omalu Beach, A Bay is a calm place to swim and is an especially great beach to head to when the waves on the Kohala coast are more intense. Towering palm trees provide plenty of shade while the expansive, crescent-shaped beach is a wonderful spot to bring the kids to swim in the shallows. Its large size also means that it rarely feels overcrowded.

Because the water at A Bay is typically calm, it’s a great spot for ocean sports. You can rent snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), hydrobikes, and beach chairs from the stand on the beach. Even more fun, you can also sign up to take part in paddling an outrigger canoe with the Waikoloa Canoe Club. If you’re up for a walk, the nearby fish ponds are a beautiful spot to watch the sunset or simply check out the unique scenery. 

A free parking lot is located close to the beach with plenty of space and there are both restrooms and showers. Note that there are no lifeguards on duty.

8. Get a Pool Pass to the Hilton Waikoloa Village

Relax in the lap of luxury – without the hefty price tag of an extended stay. Visitors can purchase a pool pass from the Hilton Waikoloa Village and experience the largest pool on the Big Island, a hot tub, waterslides, rope bridges to help navigate these behemoth pools, and a children’s beach – all with oceanfront views.

A manmade saltwater lagoon allows visitors to practice stand-up paddle boarding without the difficulty of navigating ocean waves. But the lagoon isn’t just a staging ground for water sports, guests can also swim with dolphins! The Hilton Waikoloa Village is the original location for the acclaimed Dolphin Quest experience. Swim with dolphins in the resort’s saltwater lagoon, renowned for its unique ability to incorporate natural seawater via a tidal well.

You can also rent spacious cabanas and order drinks and snacks straight to your lounge chair. Keep in mind that it’s a $50 minimum for food and drink.

9. Enjoy a Luau

A luau is a cultural experience that you can’t miss on a visit to Hawaii. There’s no shortage of luau’s to enjoy on Hawaii’s Big Island and Waikoloa is no exception. 

The Legends of Hawaii Luau is one of our favorites in Waikoloa because of its convenient location at the Hilton Waikoloa, daily schedule, and highly-rated food. Some of the highlights are the traditional fire knife dancing and hula, a coconut husking lesson, and the all-you-can-eat buffet of local Hawaiian specialties. Because this is such a large luau you may want to opt for booking the Ali’i option with seats that are closer to the front. 

If you’re not into the idea of large crowds, there are two nearby alternatives to consider that are smaller options. Both the Mauna Kea Luau and the Hawai’iloa Lū‘au at Fairmont Orchid have small crowds yet don’t skimp on the delicious food or exciting entertainment. In fact, the Mauna Kea Luau was voted the best luau on Hawaii’s Big Island but wasn’t our favorite because of the high price tag and lack of an open bar.

10. Do Some Shopping

Waikoloa’s status as a resort town with all the amenities makes for excellent shopping in town. Two of the best areas are the Queen’s Marketplace and Kings’ Market Shopping. 

The Queen’s Marketplace has a mixture of shops that are common throughout the U.S. as well as plenty that are totally unique to Hawaii, like Maui Divers Jewelry and Lava Light Galleries. There are also over a dozen restaurants including Waikoloa Shrimp Co. and L&L Hawaii which dishes up traditional Hawaiian BBQ. 

The Kings’ shops are a bit more of an upscale scene with stores like Michael Kors and Tiffany, alongside other less pricey options such as Macy’s. Like the Queen’s Marketplace, there are also Hawaii-specific clothing and souvenir shops like Noa Noa and CocoNene. There are a number of different restaurants including Obisic Shave Ice Co. and Island Fish and Chips. Several rental shops for bicycles, motorcycles, and even surf lessons are also located here. 

11. Head out Whale Watching

Whale Watching is one of our absolute favorite activities in Hawaii! How many places in the world can you come face to face with humpback whales? 

Whale Watching on Hawaii’s Big Island typically starts in December and goes through March as thousands of whales arrive in Hawaii to breed, give birth, and raise their young. Hawaii Nautical offers a guaranteed whale watching tour that takes off straight from Anaeho’omalu Bay in Waikoloa twice daily.

You’ll board the 40’ powerboat, Holona, which features restrooms, shade, and plenty of bench seating for a comfortable ride. Non-alcoholic beverages are included in the 1.5-hour trip. The vessel is fast and agile, perfect for searching the sea for whales. 

If for some reason the whales don’t make an appearance on your tour, you’ll have the chance to be rebooked for free on an alternative tour. This is the reason we recommend booking your whale watching trip early in your vacation – just in case!

12. Hop on a Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

Want a glimpse beneath the waves without the hard work of snorkeling? A glass bottom boat tour is perfect for you!

You’ll sail out into Anaeho’omalu Bay on this glass-bottom boat with clear views of sea turtles, tropical fish, and plenty of vibrant coral. Onboard experts will help you spot different sea creatures, including Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a. Guests are completely covered in shade throughout the trip.

This tour leaves from the heart of Waikoloa and is 30 minutes long. Guests will need to be able to wade through the water to reach the boat. 

13. Spend the Day at Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach is one of the best Big Island beaches in our opinion and just a short drive from Waikoloa. When we say that this stretch of coast is stunning, we’re not kidding! Picture powdered sugar sand and crystal clear water that stretches over a half-mile long.  

Get there as early as you can because while there’s tons of parking, there are also tons of other visitors by midday. Another reason we love this beach is for its amenities. You’ll have access to restrooms and a picnic area while also being close to restaurants at the nearby Westin resort. 

Parking is $5 a day for non-residents. Be aware of changing ocean conditions as currents can pick up at Hapuna Beach. Lifeguard presence does give a bit of added peace of mind.

14. Snorkel at Waialea Beach

Another short drive from Waikoloa reveals a great Big Island snorkel spot, Waialea Beach . 

Also known as Beach 69, Waialea Beach makes for a beautiful alternative to the crowds that often plague the pretty Hapuna Beach. Just a 20-minute drive from Waikoloa, you’ll feel like you’re well off the beaten path as Waialea has avoided being surrounded by resorts and hotels and maintains a pristine environment. 

While this isn’t the best snorkeling spot on the island (that’s Kealakekua Bay down in Captain Cook), it’s still a great place to spot marine life. The water is fairly shallow at just 15’ which provides good conditions to snorkel in and you’re likely to see colorful fish and sea turtles.  

Keep in mind that what makes Waialea Beach so striking can also be a pain point for other beachgoers. Its remote location means that there aren’t many services, including lifeguards or nearby restaurants, although there are both showers and restrooms. Make sure to wear shoes from the parking lot to the beach as thorns from the kiawe trees aren’t a fun way to start your beach day.

15. Stay out for Stargazing

You don’t have to make the trek up to Mauna Kea’s 14,000’ summit to see the stars in Hawaii! Instead, join a tour to get the best views of the heavens . Star Gaze Hawaii has been taking astrology lovers to some of the Big Island’s secret stargazing spots since the 60s. 

It can be better to view the stars from sea level on the Kohala Coast due to its unique topology which creates excellent sub-arc-second-viewing. In layman’s terms, that means great views of the planets and stars twinkling above you. 

While you might be scratching your head as to why stargazing isn’t at its best the higher up you go, the lack of oxygen at high elevations can make it more difficult to see the stars. Plus you won’t end up with a headache or freezing fingers and toes at sea level!

Join your expert astronomer for an hour of incredible stargazing, seeing celestial objects and galaxies through their powerful telescope. The experience is even more magical as your guide details star lore and points out space objects you won’t see on a typical tour. This stargazing excursion takes place at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort . Children under 5 are free.

Find even more wonderful things to do on the Big Island: 21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island The 10 Best Big Island Farm Tours You Won’t Want to Miss The 10 Best Big Island Waterfalls (+ ones you can swim in!)

Waikoloa FAQs

Where is waikoloa.

The village of Waikoloa is located on the leeward side of Hawaii’s Big Island, tucked along the northwestern coast. Kona Airport is just 30 minutes away by car.

What’s the Best Place to Stay in Waikoloa?

With so many hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to stay in Waikoloa. 

Although the Hilton is the most popular accommodation, it’s not our favorite. Instead, we would rather opt for vacation rentals like the Waikoloa Beach Villas . At just a 15-minute walk to the beach, 5 minutes to restaurants, and around 30 minutes from the Big Island’s major airport, these villas are perfectly located.

If you’re more interested in a resort stay, we recommend the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa , although our absolute favorite accommodation on the island is the Auberge Mauna Lani . Located a few minutes outside the heart of Waikoloa, this 5-star resort is a true slice of paradise, tucked away from the hustle and bustle. While it’s certainly a bit of a splurge, you can’t beat their excellent service, huge pool area, family-friendly vibes, and private feeling beach.

If you’re just visiting Waikoloa for the day, find a great place to stay on the Big Island: Kona Reef Resort: walkable in Kailua-Kona Marriott Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: wait until you see the lagoon! Holualoa Inn: Tranquility in Coffee Country

The Best Big Island Itinerary

We make planning a trip to the Big Island simple  with our itinerary . This itinerary includes excursion days designed to take you on a planned out route around the island to explore the best things to see and the best places to eat.

We are going to Oahu, Maui, and Big Island over the course of 21 days, so I have loved your itineraries–seriously they are a must-have lifeline for planning a trip to Hawaii! Kim S.

Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the big island itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Hawai’i (Big Island).

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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