Top 10 Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai! The Hawaiian island is a paradise for nature lovers and for vacationers looking for a laid-back tropical ambience.
Gawking at the magnificence of Kauai’s Waimea Canyon is definitely among the best things to do in Kauai, but the island also boasts other stunning landscapes like the Na Pali Coast and crescent-shaped Poipu Beach.
Kauai visitors can choose from a number of activities, ranging from aerial tours and mountain tubing to beach time, hiking, marine life viewing, and birdwatching.
If you are planning your first trip and wondering what to put on your itinerary for the island, here is a round-up of the top things to do in Kauai (other than visiting Waimea Canyon)!
Looking for the best splurge-worthy experiences on Kauai? Here are our TOP 5 picks:
— a doors-off helicopter tour (no rear middle seat!) 🚁
— a Koloa zipline adventure 🌳
— a Na Pali Coast snorkel boat tour 🤿 ⛴️ or sunset cruise 🌅 ⛴️
— Kayak + hike to Secret Falls 🛶 🥾
— a luau with a Polynesian show including fire dancing! 🌺
Best Things to Do in Kauai
1. Snorkel the waters of the Na Pali Coast!
On a morning boat tour of the Na Pali Coast, you can not only admire the jaw-dropping beauty of the coastline, you can also snorkel in the pristine waters off this remote part of Kauai.
Located on the northwest side of the island, the Na Pali Coast can only be accessed by sea, by air, or by hiking the arduous Kalalau Trail.
A catamaran cruise of the Na Pali Coast allows you to look up at the towering cliffs from the ocean below. The red and green colors of the scalloped cliffs are the stuff of picture postcards.
Conditions permitting, you may cruise close to waterfalls that cascade down the cliff faces, or veer near sea arches and caves that dot the shoreline.
Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the water, and humpback whales in the winter.
>> Check price and availability for the Na Pali Coast snorkeling boat tour now! 🤿 ⛴️
For an added dose of excitement, opt for a raft snorkeling tour! You will get wet, for sure, but the ride is thrilling, and allows you to get under waterfalls and zip in and out of sea caves and arches for an unparalleled immersion into the coast.
>> Check price and availability for a Na Pali raft snorkeling tour now!
And if you are looking for the best light for photography, choose the Na Pali sunset cruise instead. You will also be treated to a sensational Kauai sunset over the water!
>> Check price and availability for the Na Pali Coast sunset dinner cruise now! 🌅 ⛴️
The best Na Pali Coast tours again:
2. See Kauai from the air on a helicopter tour
Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Kauai is to soar over the picturesque island on a helicopter flight or sightseeing airplane flight.
In the span of just under an hour, you will be treated to unforgettable views of the jewel-green island, sitting in the midst of the deep blue Pacific Ocean.
Conditions permitting, most helicopter flights over Kauai take in the major natural sights on the island, from the mesmerizing contours of the Na Pali Coast to the vibrant hues of Waimea Canyon.
An aerial tour is the only way you can see into the most rugged interior portions of Kauai, because there is no road access to these areas.
Gawk at Kauai’s legendary waterfalls, from 400-foot-tall Manawaiopuna Falls (also called Jurassic Park Falls because it featured in the movie!) and 800-foot Waipo’o Falls to the Weeping Wall of Waialeale, where numerous falls cascade down the mountain face.
Helicopter flights generally depart from the heliport near Lihue, on the east side of the island.
Be sure to book your aerial tour for early in your stay on Kauai, so you have a chance to reschedule if your flight happens to get canceled.
Pick from a doors-off helicopter flight for unobstructed views, or a doors-on flight with expansive windows.
>> Check price and availability for a Kauai doors-off helicopter tour now!
>> Check price and availability for a Kauai doors-on helicopter tour now!
>> Check price and availability for a Kauai airplane tour now!
Here are some of the best Kauai helicopter tours:
3. Hike a Kauai trail (or three!)
Hikers of all skill levels will love their time on the island, because there are so many trails with stunning views (and great payoffs!) from which to choose.
Other than the Waimea Canyon hikes we’ve described on this website, there are hikes that allow you to explore the various landscapes on the island, from rainforest to ridges.
Experienced backpackers visiting Kauai often have the legendary Kalalau Trail on their wish-list. This strenuous 22-mile round trip route ends at remote Kalalau Beach on the Na Pali Coast.
Day hikers can hike a portion of the Kalalau Trail to experience the Na Pali Coast up close. You can hike as little as one-half of a mile each way to a viewpoint over Ke’e Beach, or trek 4 miles round trip to Hanakapiai Beach and back.
Waterfall chasers can hike 8 miles round trip to the 300-foot Hanakapiai Falls, which is accessed via a detour into the Hanakapiai Valley from the Kalalau Trail.
On the south shore of Kauai, the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail offers stunning coastal views and is a hike that can be done year round, when other trails can be muddy and slick.
The east side of Kauai offers the short hike to Ho’opi’i Falls. The trail, with its Jurassic Park ambience is just as scenic as the falls!
The Kuilau Ridge is a moderate hike on the east side that offers a gradual ascent and beautiful views. More experienced hikers will want to consider one of the hiking routes on the Sleeping Giant Mountain!
Here are some guided hiking tours:
4. Enjoy the excitement of a zipline adventure
One of the most popular adventures on Kauai is a zipline adventure over the lush landscapes. If you are traveling with teenage kids that enjoy adventures, this zipline tour should be on your Kauai itinerary!
The Koloa Zipline features three of the longest lines on the island and allows you to cruise over the native forests on the south side, and the Waita Reservoir.
Daring visitors can try aerobatics such as hands free and upside down, and kids can ride tandem.
The course consists of eight lines, and will take you about 3.5 hours.
>> Check price and availability for the Koloa zipline adventure now!
The best Kauai zipline adventures:
5. Peek into local culture at a luau
First time in Hawaii? A luau is a great way to be introduced to local culture in the form of music, dance, and storytelling.
Polynesian entertainment includes captivating music and graceful dancing, and generally ends with an exciting fire knife dancing routine that will wow you.
Most shows are woven around Hawaiian / Polynesian legend and history, making for an enthralling evening.
Luaus generally feature open bars and offer a feast that includes local favorites including roast pig. You may even get to see the pig, which is roasted in an imu, a traditional underground oven, brought up to be carved and served.
Luau Kalamaku is one of the top luaus in Kauai. Located at the Kilohana Plantation on the island’s south shore, Luau Kalamaku features live music and hula, and you can take photos with the cast after the show!
>> Check price and availability for Luau Kalamaku now!
Luau Ka Hikina is located on the island’s east side and has spectacular ocean views. You’ll be greeted with a lei and enjoy a Hawaiian feast with a modern twist as well as Hawaiian and Polynesian dance and live music.
>> Check price and availability for Luau Ka Hikina now!
The best Kauai luaus:
6. Admire a Kauai waterfall
Kauai is known for its many natural wonders, and you will find several stunning waterfalls to admire on the island.
Waterfalls like Jurassic Park Falls (Manawaiopuna) and the Five Sisters Falls (Kahili) can only be seen from the air, on a helicopter tour.
But there are many Kauai waterfalls you can view at ground level.
You can see Waipo’o Falls from roadside lookouts in Waimea Canyon State Park. The two-tiered 800-foot falls is one of the most famous of Kauai’s waterfalls, but it may dry up in the summer.
Wailua Falls, on the island’s east side, is very easy to access. You can view the side-by-side twin cascades from a roadside lookout just steps from the parking area. Nearby, 150-foot Opaekaa Falls can also be viewed from a roadside lookout.
Ho’opi’i Falls, on Kauai’s east side, can be accessed via a short and very scenic rainforest hike with must-see vegetation.
Hanakapiai Falls, on the island’s west side, requires a challenging 8-mile round trip hike, but you may be able to take a dip in the plunge pool.
Secret Falls, officially Uluwehi Falls, is also located on the east side of Kauai. You can visit on a combination Wailua River kayaking and rainforest hike excursion.
>> Check price and availability for the Secret Falls hike + kayak tour now!
The best Secret Falls tours:
7. Relax on a Kauai beach
Kauai does not have any black, green, or red sand beaches, but its golden sand beaches are some of the most beautiful you’ll find anywhere on the planet.
On the south shore, Poipu Beach has featured many times on lists of the best beaches in the US. A shallow lagoon is great for families with young kids, and snorkeling is very good. Plus, you will likely see sea turtles and maybe even a monk seal!
>> Check pricing and availability for this snorkel from shore excursion now!
Shipwreck Beach is gorgeous, but the surf is more suited to surfing or body surfing. It is also the start point of the must-do Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, a moderate hike with excellent coastline views.
Kauai’s north shore has a string of postcard beaches, from Ke’e Beach, which requires reservations, to Tunnels Beach, a snorkeling paradise, Hanalei Bay, with 2 miles of golden sand, and Anini Beach, with a reef that makes it great for snorkeling.
Note that Kauai’s north shore is subject to dangerously high surf in the winters.
Based on the east side of Kauai? Lydgate Beach Park is the place to go, with man-made breakwater walls offering lagoons for swimming and snorkeling and a beachfront walking and biking path.
8. Tour a Kauai botanical garden
Kauai is nicknamed “the Garden Isle,” and true to its name, the island boasts a number of visit-worthy botanical gardens.
If you are a garden lover, visiting the Limahuli Garden and Preserve on the north shore of Kauai is one of the top things to do in Kauai. This botanical garden features an incredible collection of native Hawaiian plants, some rare and endangered.
The Princeville Botanical Gardens, also on the north shore, can only be visited on a guided tour, but what a fun tour! Along with viewing plants and trees, you get to sample seasonal tropical fruit, estate honey, and chocolate from around the world.
>> Check price and availability for the Princeville Botanical Gardens tour now!
On Kauai’s south shore a pair of National Tropical Botanical Gardens are located next to each other. You can tour them each individually, or embark on a tour of both gardens.
While McBryde Botanical Garden offers both self-guided and guided tours, Allerton Botanical Garden can only be visited on guided tours.
Look for palms, heliconia, gingers, anthurium, and many other species. At Allerton, don’t forget to stop by to gawk at the giant exposed roots of the Moreton Bay fig trees!
9. Sample local eats
From food trucks and cheap eats to fine dining restaurants, Kauai offers a wide variety of gastronomic experiences!
For a special meal on the south shore, dine at the waterfront Beach House Restaurant or enjoy fabulous Asian-inspired dishes at Roy Yamaguchi’s Eating House 1849.
On the north shore, book a table at Bar Acuda to sample tasty tapas, or enjoy delicious and comforting ramen at AMA Restaurant.
You will find food trucks at Old Koloa Town on the south shore, in Hanalei on the north shore, and in Kapaa on the east side. From tacos to Thai and Indian, Kauai’s food trucks serve up a variety of taste-tickling dishes.
For the best poke, head to Pono Market in Kapaa, Hanalei Poke on the north shore, or Koloa Fish Market on the south shore.
And don’t forget to try a “puka dog” — a Hawaiian-style hot dog — at Puka Dog in Poipu!
Indulge your sweet tooth with a taro donut at the Holey Grail, or opt for cold Hawaiian shave ice at Wishing Well in Hanalei, or Waikomo Shave Ice in Poipu.
Sample the best of Kauai eats with a knowledgable local guide on a food tour: check price and availability now!
The best Kauai food tours:
10. Go Kayaking!
Looking for a kayaking adventure on Kauai?
While kayaking the long Wailua River on the east side of Kauai is a very popular activity, you can also kayak the Hanalei River into Hanalei Bay.
And if you are up for an even more exciting adventure, sea kayaking along the Na Pali Coast is available in the summer months.
Kayaking the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto or combining it with a rainforest hike to Secret Falls is one of the top things to do on Kauai. The kayaking is relatively easy, so even beginners can join.
Check out this popular tour where you can kayak and hike with an expert guide!
Want the best of both river and open sea kayaking? Consider this morning kayak tour of the Hanalei River and Hanalei Bay that includes snorkeling as well! Kids and adults can enjoy this activity.
Finally, physically fit and experienced kayakers can consider this 10-mile kayaking excursion from Polihale State Park to Miloli’i Beach on the Na Pali Coast and back. Sightings of dolphins, sea turtles, and monk seals are common and the scenery is stunning!
Kayaking along the Na Pali Coast is only offered in the summer months, when the waters are relatively calm.
Considering a visit to Waimea Canyon? Be sure to check out our Waimea Canyon guide for all the details you need to plan!