The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do on Kauai

Welcome to Kauai, Hawaii’s “Garden Isle.” This island is a paradise for both adventurers and people who want to relax. It has dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests. As soon as you get off the plane, you’ll feel the magic of its old landscapes and the warmth of its Aloha spirit. There are so many amazing things to do on this island, from seeing stunning natural wonders to going on exciting adventures and meeting people from different cultures.

Planning your trip can be hard, especially when it comes to what to do. This is why we’ve made this ultimate Kauai travel guide to help you find the best things to do on the island. We’ll talk about everything from exciting things to do and see to local foods and useful travel tips. This guide will give you a detailed look at the top 10 things to do in Kauai and much more, whether you’re going on a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo trip. It will make sure your trip is truly unforgettable.

Natural Wonders You Have to See

People say that Kauai is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and its natural landmarks are what make it so special. These are the places that will take your breath away and fill your camera roll with beautiful pictures.

The Grand Canyon of the Pacific is Waimea Canyon.

The Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The canyon is a geological masterpiece.The cliffs, which are bright red and green, are more than 14 miles long and drop more than 3,600 feet. They make for a stunning view. The Waimea River and the falling volcano that made Kauai carved the canyon over millions of years.

You can drive through the canyon and stop at a few scenic lookouts along Waimea Canyon Drive. The Waimea Canyon Lookout and the Puʻu Hinahina Lookout both have great views that are great for taking pictures. If you want to get a better sense of the canyon’s dramatic beauty, you could take one of the many hiking trails that go through it. This is one of the best free things to do in Kauai because the views are worth a lot.

Hiking, boat tours, and helicopter views on the Nā Pali Coast

The Nā Pali Coast is probably the most famous thing about Kauai. You can’t get to its emerald-green cliffs, sharp ridges, and hidden beaches by car, which makes them even more mysterious. There are three main ways to enjoy this beautiful coastline:

• By Plane: You can see hidden waterfalls and valleys that you can’t see any other way from a helicopter tour of the whole coast. It really is an awe-inspiring experience that helps you understand how big the landscape is.
• By Sea: Boat tours, from catamarans to zodiac rafts, give you a beautiful view from the water. You’ll sail past cliffs that reach the sky, sea caves, and beaches that are still clean. Many tours also include opportunities for snorkeling with sea turtles and dolphins.
  By Foot: The Kalalau Trail is one of the most famous and difficult hikes in the world for people who like to take risks. You need a permit and a lot of planning to do this 11-mile hike (one way), but it’s worth it because it gives you access to this remote wilderness like no other. You don’t need a permit to hike the first two miles to Hanakāpīʻai Beach if you only want to do it for a short day.

Beaches, water sports, and relaxation in Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is a beautiful crescent of golden sand on the green North Shore, surrounded by tall mountains. The calm, warm waters in the summer make it great for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. This is one of the best things to do in Kauai with kids. People like to walk and fish at the historic Hanalei Pier.

Hanalei is a charming town with art galleries, surf shops, and great places to eat. It’s only a few steps from the beach. After spending the day in the sun, the North Shore is the best place to get a shave ice and relax.

Best Adventure Activities

Kauai is the place to go if you want to get your heart racing. The island’s varied landscape makes it the perfect place for a lot of exciting outdoor activities.

Ziplining: Flying over Kauai’s beautiful scenery

Imagine soaring through the trees and seeing Kauai’s valleys and forests from above. Ziplining is a fun thing to do that lets you see new places while getting your adrenaline pumping. Several companies across the island offer tours that take you across a series of lines, each offering a unique perspective of the lush landscape. It’s a thrilling way to see the island’s natural beauty from a new angle, and it’s a great thing for families and groups to do.

Kayaking: Discovering Kauai’s Rivers and Coastlines

Hawaii’s only navigable rivers are in Kauai, and they make for peaceful kayaking. The Wailua River is a popular choice because you can paddle past old Hawaiian sites and beautiful jungle scenery. A popular trip is to paddle up the river and then take a short hike to the beautiful Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls).

For more experienced kayakers, exploring the coastline offers another level of adventure. A guided sea kayaking trip along the Nā Pali Coast is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience during the calm summer months.

Hiking: There are paths for everyone.

Kauai is a hiker’s paradise because it has amazing state parks and a wide range of landscapes. There are trails for people of all fitness levels, from easy walks along the coast to hard climbs up mountains.

• Simple: The Kuilau Ridge Trail near Kapaʻa has gentle slopes and great views of the mountains and valleys around it. The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail on the South Shore is another great option. It follows the coastline along steep cliffs and hidden coves.
• Moderate: The Canyon Trail to Waipoʻo Falls in Waimea Canyon has amazing views of the canyon and takes you to the top of an 800-foot waterfall.
• Challenging: The Awaʻawapuhi Trail in Kōkeʻe State Park is a tough workout that leads to an amazing view from a narrow ridge that looks out over the Nā Pali Coast.

Local Flavors and Cultural Experiences

If you want to really connect with Kauai, spend some time learning about its culture and trying its great food. It’s a must-do on the island.

Luau: What to Expect Hawaiian culture as it has always been

If you’re going to Hawaii for the first time, you have to go to a luau. It’s a night of traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian food, music, and dance. You’ll see the imu (underground oven) being dug up, where the kālua pig has been cooking slowly for hours. After the feast, there are amazing hula and fire dancing shows under the stars. Everyone can have fun and learn at the same time.

Local Food: What to Eat and Where to Find It

The food on Kauai is a tasty mix of traditional Hawaiian flavors and flavors from around the world. Make sure to look for these local favorites:

• Lunch on a Plate: A plate lunch is a common meal in Hawaii. It usually has two scoops of rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and an entrée like teriyaki chicken, kālua pork, or fresh fish.
• You have to try poke, a traditional Hawaiian dish made of diced raw fish that has been marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and other spices. You can find it everywhere from dedicated poke shops to the deli counter at the local grocery store. 
• Hawaiian shave ice is the perfect treat on a hot day. It’s finely shaved ice packed into a cup and covered in flavored syrups. Add a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream to the bottom for a truly luxurious experience.
• Markets for Farmers: If you want the freshest local fruits and vegetables, go to one of Kauai’s many farmers markets. You’ll find exotic fruits, locally made honey, and other delicious treats. 

Shopping: Markets in the area and one-of-a-kind gifts

Bring a piece of Kauai home with you by shopping at local markets and boutiques. There are one-of-a-kind, handmade things here that you won’t find anywhere else. Find jewelry, art, clothes, and wood carvings made in your area. You can find some really cool things in the towns of Hanalei and Kapaʻa, which are both old. As a tasty souvenir, don’t forget to get some Kauai-grown coffee or macadamia nuts.

Getting ready for your trip to Kauai

A little planning can make your trip go more smoothly and be more fun. Here are some useful tips to help you get ready for your trip to Kauai.

When is the best time to go? Weather and Things to Do in the Seasons

Kauai enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round, but there are some seasonal variations to consider. 

• April to October is summer, which is the drier and warmer season. The ocean is usually calmer, especially on the North Shore, which is the best time to swim, snorkel, and kayak along the Nā Pali Coast.
• The North Shore gets the most rain during the winter (November to March). You can expect more rain, but this is also when the island is at its greenest and the waterfalls are at their best. In the winter, the North Shore gets big waves, which is great for surfing but not so great for swimming. This is also the time of year when humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters to breed.

Places to stay: hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals

Kauai has a lot of different places to stay that will fit any budget and style of travel.

• North Shore (Hanalei, Princeville): Known for its lush landscapes and stunning beauty. Here, you’ll find high-end vacation rentals and luxury resorts.
• East Side (Kapaʻa, Lihue): The “Coconut Coast” is centrally located, making it a convenient base for exploring the whole island. There are hotels, condos, and vacation rentals all in one place.
• Poʻipū is a popular resort area on the South Shore (Poʻipū, Kōloa). It has beautiful beaches, golf courses, and a wide range of hotels and condos. It is usually sunnier and drier than the North Shore.
• The West Side (Waimea, Hanapēpē) is the quietest and most rural part of the island. It has a more local feel and is easy to get to Waimea Canyon.

Getting Around: Cars for rent, shuttles, and buses

Renting a car is a great way to see everything that Kauai has to offer. You can find hidden gems at your own pace with this. Make sure to book your rental car well in advance, especially if you’re going during a busy time of year. If you’re staying in a resort area, there may be shuttles that can take you around the area. Kauai also has a public bus system, but it may not go to all the tourist spots or have regular schedules.

Embrace the Aloha Way

Kauai is more than just a beautiful place to visit; it’s a place to get back in touch with nature, try new things, and feel the warm, welcoming spirit of Aloha. The island has endless chances to explore and be amazed, from the beautiful cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast to the colorful depths of Waimea Canyon. This is just a taste of what’s to come. When you’re here, feeling the warm sand between your toes and the gentle trade winds on your skin, that’s when the real magic happens.

Are you ready to make your own memories that will last a lifetime in Kauai? The people at Hawaii Guide Hub can help you plan the perfect trip. We can help you book the best tours and activities that fit your interests by giving you personalized advice. Get in touch with us today to start making plans for your perfect Kauai trip.