Embark on a journey of discovery as we unveil the top five best things to do on Kauai, and trust us, the number one activity is an absolute must! From breathtaking landscapes to cultural gems, we’ve curated a list that captures the essence of this enchanting Hawaiian island.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or cultural enthusiast, Kauai has something extraordinary in store for everyone. Join us as we explore the must-see attractions and experiences that make Kauai a paradise waiting to be explored.
Why is Kauai the best Hawaiian Island?
It’s common knowledge that Hawaii boasts a range of stunning islands to choose from.
Most travelers land on Oahu, the main island (ironically, our eventual home a few years later!). However, limiting your Hawaiian adventure to this popular island might be a mistake.
While I adore Oahu and currently reside in Waikiki, it can get a bit too bustling for some. For our latest vacation, we craved total escape and tranquility.
And what about Maui? Undoubtedly breathtaking, but it tends to be a tad too touristy, being the proclaimed honeymoon capital of the world. Still, with tourism down after the Lahaina fires, they could use your support, so consider planning a visit soon.
Here’s the right way to do it: Yes, Go to Maui. But Here’s What NOT to Do on Your Visit
The Big Island? Absolutely gorgeous! But, as the name suggests, it’s big. You’ll spend a significant part of your holiday just driving from one lovely spot to the next.
And tiny Molokai? A low-key escape to the Hawaii of old, yet with limited tourist facilities, it’s better explored on a day trip than as a week-long holiday destination.
So, what sets the Garden Island of Kauai apart?
Why Kauai is the perfect island escape
Away from Oahu’s hustle or Maui’s crowds, peaceful Kauai is my top pick for pure relaxation.
In the eyes of many seasoned travelers, Kauai is considered the best island in Hawaii, and here’s why.
Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai offers it all – pristine beaches, lush rainforests, jagged emerald cliffs, and numerous stunning hiking trails for the active traveler.
Yet, Kauai is less developed than some of Hawaii’s other islands.
This means you can soak up natural beauty without dealing with traffic or worrying about tour bus groups. Kauai’s compact size makes it easy to explore, even if you only have a few days.
This is why the island is perfect for our quick pre-winter getaway!
I’ve been to Kauai twice before, most recently after running the Honolulu Marathon. This trip marks Dave’s first visit.
Now, let’s dive into the fun stuff – where to stay, how to get around, and what to see on Kauai!
Why Poipu (on the South Shore) is the Ultimate Home Base
Situated at the southern tip of Kauai, Poipu is the most sought-after beach on the South Shore, renowned for spectacular sunset views in the winter months.
Hawaiian Monk Seals Poipu Beach Kauai
Hawaiian Monk Seals sunbathing on Poipu Beach
Besides its perfect crescent of sand and magical sunsets, Poipu has it all – excellent hotels, restaurants, and shops, all within easy walking distance.
You could use Poipu as your home base, skip the rental car, and book day trips when the urge to explore further strikes.
Do I Need a Rental Car on Kauai?
Need? No.
But I say yes.
Here’s why…
To truly explore the island, having a rental car is key. This holds true no matter where you stay on the island. Kauai’s best sights are scattered all over, and with easy driving and short distances, you can discover many of the Garden Isle’s highlights in a single day.
We used Discount Hawaii Car Rental to find our car and loved having the flexibility to drive ourselves around the island. We spent a full day touring on our own schedule, hitting the brakes for every yummy-looking food truck along the way!
Best Places to Stay on Kauai
Even though our visit to the island is just for 3 days, most people coming here plan for at least a week. Considering that, having a bit of extra space and maybe even your own kitchen is a nice touch.
That’s why we opted for one of the many condo/villa properties on the south shore of the island.
Vacation rentals are abundant on all the main Hawaiian Islands. When not in use by their owners, you can often find them available for rent on sites like Booking.com or Airbnb.
We settled on Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club, right on Poipu Beach.
The expansive resort features three pools, two hot tubs, and lush tropical grounds that feel like a botanical garden – just what the doctor ordered.
Our 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa (way bigger than we needed) came at the price of a standard hotel room at some of the island’s fancier resorts. The villa is fantastic, equipped with a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a deep soaking tub with my name on it.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the resort’s nightly sunset champagne sabering. If you’re not schooled in the art of uncorking a bottle of champagne with nothing more than your average kitchen sword, they’ll teach you. (It’s quite fun; I once nailed it at the St. Regis Aspen).
Bonus: Once the champagne is open, everyone gets a free taste.
Other Great Resorts in Poipu
Some other top-notch resorts in the Poipu area are:
1. Sheraton Kauai Resort
2. Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
Both offer all the resort amenities for a relaxing vacation in the best area of Kauai (in my opinion!).
Read Also: Kauapea Beach Kauai: Complete
Top 5 Best Things to Do on Kauai
Top 5 Best Things to Do on Kauai
One of the fabulous aspects of Kauai is the flexibility to fill your days with sightseeing and adventure, or simply unwind and do nothing at all.
While we do indulge in quality time on the beach sipping those aforementioned umbrella drinks, we also make time for a few of Kauai’s must-see sights.
#1. Whale Watching & the Na Pali Coast
If there’s one thing you absolutely cannot miss while visiting Kauai, it’s a visit to the Na Pali Coast. Whether by air or sea (or both!), make this your top priority on the island.
Perhaps most famous as the backdrop for the movie Jurassic Park, this rugged and inhospitable 25-mile stretch encompasses about a quarter of Kauai’s coastline along the north shore.
Na Pali Coast – Kauai, Hawaii
With the exception of the arduous 11-mile Kalalau Trail hike, this part of Kauai’s north shore is only accessible to visitors by two means – air or water.
The Na Pali Coast by Air or Sea?
Often referred to as Hawaii’s state bird, a myriad of helicopter companies stand at the ready to swoop you over the north shore coastline to ooh and aah over verdant emerald valleys and waterfalls cascading down 3,000ft cliffs.
Flight times range from 25-90 minutes and most depart from the Lihue Airport. In addition to helicopter tours, there are also fixed-wing sightseeing planes for island tours.
If you’re interested in seeing the Na Pali Coast by air, these are the two best flight tours on the island:
Seeing Kauai from the air is the best way to appreciate all of the island’s interior beauty.
But for my money, to see the Na Pali coast, nothing beats getting out on the water on a catamaran. In fact, we love catamarans so much we’re hoping to sail off on our own someday!
Like helicopter flights, there are a number of companies offering catamaran trips. Most offer either a morning trip that includes snorkeling and lunch or a sunset trip that includes dinner.
We chose the morning trip with Kauai Sea Tours aboard the “Lucky Lady” and it was terrific (I also heard glowing reviews about Captain Andy’s – but they were fully booked on the day we wanted to go).
Our excursion is not billed as a whale-watching trip. However, any time you hit the water around the Hawaiian Islands during whale season (November to April) you’re likely to catch sight of “vacationing” Humpback whales.
Wowed by the Whales
And boy did we!
In fact, this non-whale-watching trip turned out to be the best whale-watching trip I’ve ever taken. (And that includes Alaska, Maui, New Zealand, Cabo & even Antarctica – all during prime whale season.)
Humpbacks are considered the most acrobatic of the whale population and during our cruise, dozens of whales showed us why!
Some propelled themselves from the water in a dramatic full breach, while others entertained with playful pectoral slaps and tail slaps. It was an amazing afternoon I’ll never forget.
Whale Watching Na Pali Coast Kauai Hawaii
A whale breaching off the Na Pali Coast during our catamaran trip
When not watching whales, we made friends with spinner dolphin pods who swam playfully along with our boat as we cruised along the stunning coastline.
Let’s just say it was a pretty epic day and an experience not to be missed if you visit the island, especially during whale season.
Important Note: Keep in mind that the weather in the Hawaiian islands can be especially unpredictable during whale season. Boat trips and scenic flights are often canceled due to weather conditions, so book them early in your stay so you have the chance to try again if your trip is canceled.
Top 5 Best Things to Do on Kauai
One of the fabulous aspects of Kauai is the flexibility to fill your days with sightseeing and adventure, or simply unwind and do nothing at all.
While we do indulge in quality time on the beach sipping those aforementioned umbrella drinks, we also make time for a few of Kauai’s must-see sights.
#1. Whale Watching & the Na Pali Coast
If there’s one thing you absolutely cannot miss while visiting Kauai, it’s a visit to the Na Pali Coast. Whether by air or sea (or both!), make this your top priority on the island.
Perhaps most famous as the backdrop for the movie Jurassic Park, this rugged and inhospitable 25-mile stretch encompasses about a quarter of Kauai’s coastline along the north shore.
Na Pali Coast – Kauai, Hawaii
With the exception of the arduous 11-mile Kalalau Trail hike, this part of Kauai’s north shore is only accessible to visitors by two means – air or water.
The Na Pali Coast by Air or Sea?
Often referred to as Hawaii’s state bird, a myriad of helicopter companies stand at the ready to swoop you over the north shore coastline to ooh and aah over verdant emerald valleys and waterfalls cascading down 3,000ft cliffs.
Flight times range from 25-90 minutes and most depart from the Lihue Airport. In addition to helicopter tours, there are also fixed-wing sightseeing planes for island tours.
If you’re interested in seeing the Na Pali Coast by air, these are the two best flight tours on the island:
1. Kauai ECO Adventure Helicopter Tour
This 50-minute flight with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is the #1 tour on the island. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime island experience.
Check dates & rates
2. Kauai Deluxe Sightseeing Flight (fixed-wing plane)
View all of Kauai’s amazing beauty from the air on this 65-minute scenic flight with Wings over Kauai. Bonus: Every seat has a window.
Check dates & rates
Seeing Kauai from the air is the best way to appreciate all of the island’s interior beauty.
But for my money, to see the Na Pali coast, nothing beats getting out on the water on a catamaran. In fact, we love catamarans so much we’re hoping to sail off on our own someday!
Read More: A Learn to Sail Caribbean Vacation: From Rookie to ASA Sailor in 7 Days
Like helicopter flights, there are a number of companies offering catamaran trips. Most offer either a morning trip that includes snorkeling and lunch or a sunset trip that includes dinner.
We chose the morning trip with Kauai Sea Tours aboard the “Lucky Lady” and it was terrific (I also heard glowing reviews about Captain Andy’s – but they were fully booked on the day we wanted to go).
Our excursion is not billed as a whale-watching trip. However, any time you hit the water around the Hawaiian Islands during whale season (November to April) you’re likely to catch sight of “vacationing” Humpback whales.
Wowed by the Whales
And boy did we!
In fact, this non-whale-watching trip turned out to be the best whale-watching trip I’ve ever taken. (And that includes Alaska, Maui, New Zealand, Cabo & even Antarctica – all during prime whale season.)
Humpbacks are considered the most acrobatic of the whale population and during our cruise, dozens of whales showed us why!
Some propelled themselves from the water in a dramatic full breach, while others entertained with playful pectoral slaps and tail slaps. It was an amazing afternoon I’ll never forget.
Whale Watching Na Pali Coast Kauai Hawaii
A whale breaching off the Na Pali Coast during our catamaran trip
When not watching whales, we made friends with spinner dolphin pods who swam playfully along with our boat as we cruised along the stunning coastline.
Let’s just say it was a pretty epic day and an experience not to be missed if you visit the island, especially during whale season.
Important Note: Keep in mind that the weather in the Hawaiian islands can be especially unpredictable during whale season. Boat trips and scenic flights are often canceled due to weather conditions, so book them early in your stay so you have the chance to try again if your trip is canceled.
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Whale Watching Tours on Kauai
Embarking on a whale-watching adventure in Kauai? Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know, including the age-old debate of catamaran vs. Zodiac raft.
Choosing the Right Whale-Watching Tour: Catamaran vs. Zodiac Raft
When it comes to experiencing the majestic Humpback whales off the coast of Kauai, the choice between a catamaran and a Zodiac raft can shape your adventure.
Catamaran Tours
Comfortable Cruising: Catamarans offer a stable and spacious platform, providing a comfortable cruising experience. Perfect for those prone to seasickness or seeking a relaxed voyage.
Amenities: Enjoy amenities like onboard restrooms, shaded areas, and often, refreshments. Ideal for a leisurely and well-appointed whale-watching outing.
360-Degree Views: With ample deck space, catamarans ensure everyone gets a panoramic view of the Humpback whales’ acrobatic displays.
Zodiac Raft Tours:
Thrill-Seeker’s Choice: Zodiac rafts provide a more adventurous and thrilling ride, making them a top choice for those seeking an adrenaline boost.
Close Encounters: The smaller size allows Zodiacs to get closer to the action. Encounter whales at a more intimate distance, offering a unique and immersive experience.
Speed and Maneuverability: Zodiacs are nimble, allowing for quick maneuvering to follow whales’ movements closely. Perfect for capturing those spontaneous whale behaviors.
Top Whale-Watching Tours in Kauai:
1. Blue Dolphin Charters (Catamaran):
Experience the comfort of a catamaran with Blue Dolphin Charters. Enjoy spacious decks and expert guides for an educational journey.
2. Kauai Sea Tours (Zodiac Raft):
If you crave excitement, Kauai Sea Tours offers Zodiac raft adventures. Feel the thrill while observing whales in their natural habitat.
3. Holo Holo Charters (Catamaran):
Holo Holo Charters provides catamaran tours with a focus on marine conservation. Contribute to preserving these incredible creatures while enjoying your excursion.
4. Na Pali Experience (Zodiac Raft):
For an intimate whale-watching adventure, Na Pali Experience offers Zodiac raft tours. Get up close and personal with Humpback whales.
Essential Tips for a Whale-Watching Excursion:
Season Matters: The best time for whale-watching in Kauai is from November to April when Humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters.
Book in Advance: Popular tours fill up quickly, so ensure to book in advance to secure your spot.
Weather Awareness: Be mindful of the weather conditions, especially during whale season. Tours might be affected, so stay flexible.
Now armed with this guide, choose the whale-watching tour that suits your preferences and get ready for an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures off the coast of Kauai!
#2. Waimea Canyon
#2. Waimea Canyon: Hawaii’s Grand Spectacle
Moving on to the next breathtaking sight on the island, let’s venture to west Kauai and discover the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon.
Referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the comparison becomes evident as you pause to witness this geological marvel along Highway 550 on the island’s east side.
Waimea Canyon – Kauai, Hawaii
Stretching an impressive 10 miles in length and over a mile in width, the canyon plunges to a depth of 3,600 feet, offering visitors an array of hiking trails and lookout points to immerse themselves in its magnificence.
Similar to the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon’s walls exhibit shifting hues, influenced by the sun’s position throughout the day.
Tip: The sunrise paints an especially stunning canvas, making it an ideal time to experience the canyon’s beauty.
#3. Kauai’s Best Waterfalls
If you’re short on time and want to see one of Kauai’s most gorgeous waterfalls, here’s another tip. Follow Highway 56 a few minutes north of Lihue on Kauai’s east side and stop at the lookout point for Wailua Falls (two waters).
Shout out to my fellow children of the 80’s, this is the waterfall featured in the opening scenes of the TV show “Fantasy Island.”
Wailua Falls Waterfall – Kauai, Hawaii
Amazingly, the best views of this beauty are right off the highway. If you have more time, there’s also a boat trip up the Wailua River that leads to the lush Fern Grotto (a lava tube filled with ferns).
Also easily accessible from the highway, Opaeka’a Falls on the east side of the island is best viewed in the mid-morning when the sun is in the best position for photos.
For a more intensive waterfall outing, Secret Falls is located up the Wailua River and is the highlight of most river kayak tours. I did this kayaking trip to Secret Falls with my parents on my last visit to Kauai and it was excellent!
Tip: Bring good water/hiking shoes, it’s about a 20-minute hike to get to the pond at the base of the falls.
#4. Kīlauea Point Lighthouse
Located at the northernmost point of Kauai’s north shore, the Kilauea Lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge is a fascinating stop on a driving tour of the island.
The vintage lighthouse (circa 1913) boasts panoramic views of the Northshore.
Humpback whales and dolphins can often be spotted from this lofty cliff-top perch, but the main attraction is the bird life.
Kilauea Lighthouse, Kauai
This bird nesting sanctuary is home to large colonies of native Hawaiian seabirds like the Red-Footed Booby, Laysan Albatross, and the Great Frigate Bird. I’ve spotted Blue-Footed Boobies while in the Galapagos, but who knew there were Red-Footed Boobies, too?
Learning. This is why we travel, no?
The entry fee for adults is $10 and, like many places in Hawaii in the post-Covid era, advance reservations are now required. There is also a well-stocked gift shop on-site.
Tip: If you can’t score a reservation on the day you want to go, the overlook at the end of Kīlauea Road is always open to view the lighthouse, seabirds, and Kīlauea Point from a distance.
And if you pop over to Oahu after you visit Kauai, here’s another terrific lighthouse hike: This Family-Friendly Lighthouse Hike is Oahu’s Best Trail for Spotting Whales
#5. Sample Kauai’s Top Tasty Treats
Finally, my favorite subject…FOOD!
Kauai has a plethora of delightful options. Here are a few picks you shouldn’t miss:
Two words: Food Trucks!
Hawaii is well-known for these culinary upstarts.
Delectable food trucks serving everything from smoothies to fish tacos are a great way to enjoy some of Kauai’s freshest local cuisine on a budget (or even if you’re not!).
Al Pastor Taco Truck
My go-to food truck in Kauai is the Al Pastor Taco Truck in Kapaa. You can easily spot it on the right as you drive north toward Hanalei along the less-visited Coconut Coast.
Tip: Take your time exploring the Coconut Coast area on the east side of the island. Discover affordable hotels, beachside restaurants, and soak in the authentic local aloha vibe.
Al Pastor Food Truck Kauai
We always make a pitstop for tacos on the way up the east coast to Hanalei, and it becomes the highlight of our trip. I usually opt for the shrimp tacos, while Dave goes for the fish tacos. Both are exceptional!
For more local insights into the island’s best food trucks and where to find them, refer to Kauai’s Best Food Trucks – your ultimate guide!
Island Flavors at the Juice Stand
A local juice stand is another gem for savoring the flavors of Kauai.
Try Little Fish Coffee, just across the street from the Marriott Waiohai resort. This vibrant coffee and smoothie hut is always buzzing (for good reason!), and we kickstart our day there each morning.
Little Fish Coffee – Poipu, Kauai
Don’t miss the Angry Dragon smoothie or a delicious acai bowl for breakfast.
Go Local at the Farmer’s Market
Another delightful option?
Support the local farming community by visiting one of the many farmer’s markets. Happening daily around the island, the markets are featured in all the local tourist publications.
The Wednesday afternoon farmer’s market at Poipu’s Kauai Culinary Market offers a variety of the area’s fresh fruits and vegetables. Plus, there are locally-made products and tasty food stands to sample. Open from 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm every Wednesday, this one is a must.
Uniquely Hawaiian – Shave Ice
One uniquely Hawaiian treat is shave ice.
Note: Don’t make the tourist mistake of calling it “shaved ice.” It’s shave ice, drop the D.
This ice-based dessert resembles a snow cone but is made with shaved (I’ll allow it) ice instead of crushed ice, producing a fine “snow-like” texture that allows it to fully absorb flavored syrups.
Shave Ice on Kauai
The flavor varieties are seemingly endless. Don’t miss the local treats like mango, lychee, guava, and passionfruit.
The 5 Best Beaches in Kauai
The 5 Best Beaches in Kauai
Whales, canyons, waterfalls, and, yes, the island’s beaches are pretty terrific, too. (If you can find the time!)
Kauai has 113 miles of coastline and nearly half of that is taken up by golden, perfect beaches.
Here are some of the best beaches in Kauai:
1. Poipu State Beach Park
One of my favorites, and our “home beach” for this stay. It’s a perfect arc of silky sand with a shallow, protected bay for snorkeling and swimming.
There’s no doubt this is one of Kauai’s most beautiful beaches. But a lifeguard on duty also makes Poipu Beach one of the best beaches for families.
And the perfect sunset views in the winter months make it a great choice for couples.
2. Lydgate Park
Located on the east side of the island, this is a great stretch of beach for strolling or sunning. It has an excellent swimming area for kids, a playground, and even picnic tables. This one is a top spot for beach bums looking to unwind.
3. Hanalei Beach Park
Hugging lovely Hanalei Bay on the north shore, Hanalei Beach Park is a gorgeous beach to visit. Unfortunately, Hanalei Bay is only suitable for swimming in the summer months due to the high north shore surf in the winter.
4. Tunnels Beach
Just west of Hanalei Bay along the north shore, Tunnels Beach is home to some of the Garden Isle’s best snorkeling (during the summer months when the ocean is calm). Also called Makua Beach, this 2-mile stretch of golden sand is located at Haena Point.
Fringed with swaying coconut palms, the “tunnels” here are actually lava tubes that form underwater caverns in the reef. Note: Parking here is extremely limited, so arrive early to get a spot.
5. Polihale State Park
The longest sand beach in Hawaii at 15 miles in length. Located on the west side of Kauai, just past the Pacific Missile Range Facility, access is via a 10-mile bumpy dirt road off the main highway.
As far as Kauai beaches go, if you’re looking for a wide, remote beach with mesmerizing sunsets, this is the place for you. If you’re looking for a swimmable beach with facilities, skip this one. Riptides and currents here can be extremely dangerous.
Wrapping Up A Perfect Stay on Kauai
Our time on the Garden Isle was fleeting but unforgettable. This lush, mountainous island is a rare gem that always leaves you yearning for more.
Fortunately, residing on neighboring Oahu allows us the luxury of hopping over to Kauai whenever the mood strikes, even if it’s just for a quick day trip.
From the mesmerizing Kauai beaches and rugged cliffs to picturesque waterfalls and lively whales, this tranquil island is a nature lover’s ultimate retreat.
Beware, though—this unhurried island paradise has a way of capturing your heart.
And it’s not just because of the delightful umbrella drinks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kauai stands out as a captivating and unparalleled destination, offering a perfect blend of natural wonders and serene landscapes. Whether it’s the breathtaking beauty of the Na Pali Coast, the grandeur of Waimea Canyon, or the enchanting allure of Kauai’s waterfalls, the island provides a diverse array of experiences for every type of traveler. Its unique charm lies in the balance between pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and the vibrant marine life that surrounds it. The availability of delightful local treats, from food truck delicacies to shave ice, adds a flavorful touch to the island experience.
Our stay on the Garden Isle was a brief yet unforgettable escape, leaving us yearning for more of Kauai’s tranquility and beauty. The ease of exploration, whether by catamaran along the Na Pali Coast or by immersing oneself in the local flavors at farmer’s markets, makes Kauai an ideal retreat. As the island’s allure extends beyond the picturesque landscapes to its warm local hospitality, Kauai has the power to capture the hearts of visitors, making it a must-visit paradise for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a rejuvenating escape.
I’m Nicholas Clark, the creative soul behind “Go Hawaii US.” I’ve been bringing the islands to life with stories and insights, and I want you to be a part of it. At Go Hawaii US, we’re all about making your Hawaiian exploration a masterpiece. Join me on the journey at Go Hawaii US, where every visit tells a unique story!
