Nicknamed the Backyard Isle, Kaua‘i is a nature lover’s paradise and one of the crucial visually beautiful islands in Hawai‘i. With emerald valleys, dramatic sea cliffs, hidden seashores, and cascading waterfalls, it’s a vacation spot that feels untouched and magical. Whether or not it’s your first go to or a return journey to your favourite island, the highest issues to do in Kaua‘i supply the proper mix of journey, tradition, and breathtaking pure magnificence.
Waterfall close to Queen’s Bathtub at sundown, Kauai, Hawaii (Shutterstock)
1. Discover Waimea Canyon State Park
Typically known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is a must-see for anybody visiting Kaua‘i. With its layered pink cliffs, deep gorges, and panoramic vistas, this 10-mile-long canyon is likely one of the high issues to do in Kaua‘i. Hikers can discover a spread of trails, however the Canyon Path to Waipo‘o Falls is a standout — a reasonable 3.5-mile spherical journey that rewards guests with sweeping views of the falls and canyon. Deliver water and a digital camera, and begin early to catch the golden morning mild. For these brief on time, scenic lookouts like Pu‘u Hinahina present unbelievable views with out the hike or book a helicopter tour for a chicken’s eye view.
Location: Waimea Canyon State Park Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI 96796
@HikeHawaiiNow: “Waimea Canyon left us speechless—photographs don’t do it justice. Completely beautiful. #KauaiViews”
2. Cruise the Nāpali Coast by Boat or Kayak
The Nāpali Coast is likely one of the most iconic and distant areas of Kaua‘i, solely accessible by sea, air, or foot. Towering cliffs rise hundreds of ft above turquoise waters, creating one of the crucial jaw-dropping coastal views on this planet. The easiest way to see it? Hop on one of many many Kauai boat or paddle excursions. Catamarans from corporations like Holo Holo Charters supply snorkeling journeys, dolphin sightings, and sundown sails. For the adventurous, summer season kayaking from Hā‘ena to Polihale is the final word bucket listing merchandise.
Location: Excursions depart from Port Allen, 4353 Waialo Rd #5A, Eleele, HI 96705
@SaltwaterSoul: “Kayaking the Nāpali Coast was life-changing. Rugged, uncooked, and utterly value it. #ThingsToDoInKauaiHawaii”
3. Hike the Legendary Kalalau Path
When you’re trying to find the very best issues to do in Kaua‘i Hawai‘i, this path must be on the high of your listing. The Kalalau Path, beginning at Hā‘ena State Park, winds 11 miles alongside the coast to Kalalau Beach. Most guests go for shorter treks — both the 4-mile spherical journey to Hanakāpī‘ai Seashore or the more difficult 8-mile spherical journey to Hanakāpī‘ai Falls. Anticipate steep terrain, slippery slopes, and views that make each step value it. Permits are required past Hanakāpī‘ai, so plan forward and reserve yours right here.
Location: Hā‘ena State Park, Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
@IslandTrekkers: “Difficult hike with large payoff. Don’t skip Hanakāpī‘ai Falls—past magical! #TopThingsToDoInKauai”
Waimea Canyon on the island of Kauai, Hawaii (Shutterstock)
4. Stroll By way of Hanalei City and Bay
Hanalei is the soul of North Shore Kaua‘i. With its small-town attraction, surf vibes, and backdrop of misty mountains, this city looks like a postcard. Browse artwork galleries, sip on recent fruit smoothies, or seize fish tacos from an area meals truck. At Hanalei Bay, the vast crescent seaside is good for newbie surfers, swimmers, or just watching the waves roll in. Sunset here is pure magic — deliver a blanket for the seaside and keep awhile.
Location: Hanalei City, Hanalei, HI 96714
@PacificWaves: “Hanalei is the form of place you dream about. Chilled coconut in a single hand, toes within the sand. #BestThingsToDoInKauaiIsland”
5. Loosen up at Po‘ipū Seashore Park
On the sunny south shore, Po‘ipū Seashore is likely one of the high issues to do and see in Kaua‘i. With calm waters, a pure wading pool, and glorious snorkeling close to the rocky outcroppings, it’s a picturesque backdrop in your seaside day. You may even spot a Hawaiian monk seal napping onshore. There are showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and lifeguards, making it family-friendly and super accessible.
Location: Po‘ipū Seashore Park, Hoone Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
6. Uncover Wailua River and Fern Grotto
Wailua River is likely one of the solely navigable rivers within the Backyard Island of Hawai‘i, and a fantastic spot for kayaking or taking a riverboat tour. It winds by lush jungle landscapes and results in the Fern Grotto — a pure amphitheater coated in tropical ferns. This mellow, scenic outing is good for households or these in search of a cultural contact. Try Smith’s Fern Grotto Tours for a enjoyable journey.
Location: Wailua Marina State Park, 3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
@AlohaVibesOnly: “The boat journey up Wailua River was peaceable and delightful. The Fern Grotto was like a jungle cathedral. #ThingsToDoAndSeeInKauai”
7. Go to the Spouting Horn Blowhole
Positioned close to Po‘ipū, the Spouting Horn is certainly one of Kaua‘i’s most photographed pure wonders. As waves crash right into a lava tube, water shoots up by a gap within the rock, making a dramatic spout that may attain 50 ft excessive. In response to Hawaiian legend, the roar is the voice of a trapped lizard guardian. There’s a viewpoint, straightforward parking, and close by craft distributors promoting handmade souvenirs.
Location: Spouting Horn Park, Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
8. Take within the View at Kīlauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge
Positioned on Kaua‘i’s North Shore, the Kīlauea Level Nationwide Wildlife Refuge gives among the island’s finest scenic overlooks with the possibility to see seabirds, monk seals, and even humpback whales in season. Guests may additionally spot sea turtles swimming close to the shore, including to the wealthy wildlife expertise. The historic lighthouse dates again to 1913 and is nice for birdwatchers, photographers, and anybody in search of a quiet escape.
Location: 3580 Kilauea Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754
9. Expertise the Thrill of a Helicopter Tour
For an unforgettable journey, take to the skies with a helicopter tour over Kaua‘i. This exhilarating expertise gives unparalleled views of the island’s most beautiful landscapes, together with the dramatic Nā Pali Coast, the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon, and distant areas in any other case inaccessible. As you soar above the island, you’ll witness lush valleys, towering mountains, and hidden sea caves from a chicken’s-eye view.
Tour operators like Island Helicopter Tours, Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours, and Ali’i Kauai Air Tours and Charters every supply their very own distinctive routes and island highlights. Whether or not you select a doors-off journey for an unobstructed view or a extra relaxed, narrated tour, the expertise is bound to be a spotlight of your trip. This can be a must-do for adventure seekers and anybody seeking to see the Backyard Isle from a brand new perspective.
Location: Numerous departure factors across the island
@SkyHighAdventures: “Seeing Kaua‘i from a helicopter was past breathtaking. The Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon are much more beautiful from above. #KauaiTours”
10. Uncover the Hidden Fantastic thing about Secret Falls
Tucked away on Kaua‘i’s North Shore, Secret Falls is a hidden gem that rewards these prepared to enterprise off the crushed path. Accessible through a reasonable one-mile hike by a lush tropical forest, the journey is as enchanting because the vacation spot itself. As you make your manner by the verdant panorama, you’ll be handled to beautiful views of the encompassing natural world.
The hike culminates on the breathtaking Secret Falls, the place you may take a refreshing dip within the cool waters or calm down. This journey is ideal for nature lovers and people seeking to expertise the untouched fantastic thing about the Backyard Isle.
Location: North Shore, Kaua‘i
@NatureLover: “The hike to Secret Falls was magical. The luxurious forest and the falls themselves have been completely well worth the trek. #NorthShoreKauai”
Bonus: Gasoline Up with Native Taste at Kalalea Juice Hale
For a style of Kaua‘i’s freshest flavors, head to Kalalea Juice Hale on the North Shore. This fashionable spot is thought for its wholesome and scrumptious choices, together with açaí bowls, smoothies, and different native specialties. Every dish is made with recent, domestically sourced elements, making certain a burst of taste in each chew.
Whether or not you’re stopping by for breakfast or a fast snack, you’ll discover a wide range of distinctive taste mixtures which can be each satisfying and nutritious. Kalalea Juice Hale is a must-visit for foodies and anybody seeking to take pleasure in a wholesome meal whereas exploring the island.
Location: North Shore, Kaua‘i
@FoodieFinds: “Kalalea Juice Hale is a gem! The açaí bowls and smoothies are so recent and scrumptious. Good spot for a wholesome deal with. #NorthShoreEats”
Na Pali coast, Kauai, Hawaii view from sea sundown cruise (Shutterstock)
Ideas for Your Kaua‘i Journey
- Greatest Time to Go to: April to October for drier climate. Winter is greener and nice for whale-watching.
- What to Pack: Reef-safe sunscreen, mountaineering sneakers, and a lightweight rain jacket.
- Respect the Land: Keep on marked trails, don’t disturb wildlife, and be taught a couple of Hawaiian words like aloha (howdy/love) and mahalo (thanks).
- Interact with Hawaiian tradition by taking part in native occasions and studying concerning the island’s traditions.
