Kauai stands apart from its Hawaiian siblings. The “Garden Isle” nickname barely hints at what visitors encounter. Your hiking boots can be just as essential as flip-flops. Frequent rainfall (particularly on the north shore) creates those impossibly dramatic green mountains that can dominate almost every photo of yours. Roughly 90% of the island is inaccessible by road. This geographical reality forces most of the 1.5 million annual visitors to explore just a fraction of what exists, while vast wilderness areas remain untouched.
Kauai has everything you need to do, from heart-pounding indoor activities to outdoor activities. From relaxing to exploring lush rainforests and waterfalls and visiting famous film locations like Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones, you’ll have all the fun things to do in Kauai you’ve chosen to visit. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve covered everything you need to do in Kauai, encouraging you to have a great trip and lots of fun. So, let’s start with some top things to do in Kauai. From budget-friendly adventures to splurge-worthy experiences, consider this the ultimate cheat sheet for experiencing authentic Kauai – the version locals hope visitors will discover and respect.
The Na Pali Coast is why most people come to Kauai. Those massive green cliffs plunging straight into the ocean are Hawaii’s version of the Grand Canyon, except wetter and greener. Hollywood loves this place too, those cliffs you saw in Jurassic Park, that’s Na Pali.
There are three ways to see this natural wonder, including the following:
Whoever nicknamed Waimea Canyon the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” wasn’t exaggerating. This 14-mile-long gash in the earth reveals layers of red, brown, and green that’ll have you burning through your phone’s memory with photos. What they don’t tell you in the brochures is that the canyon was formed not just by the Waimea River carving through rock, but by a massive volcanic collapse. The whole western chunk of the original volcano fell into the ocean.
Here are some of the best ways to see it:
Kauai’s beaches should come with a warning label: “May cause permanent dissatisfaction with beaches elsewhere.” Each coast has its personality:
Beach access is free, making this one of the best free things to do in Kauai. However, north shore beaches can be dangerous in winter (roughly November-April).
All of Hawaii is lush, but Kauai takes it to another level. Mount Waialeale gets slammed with about 450 inches of rain yearly, making it one of the wettest spots on earth. Kauai hosts over 5,000 plant species, and roughly 90% are found nowhere else.
If you are a garden lover, you should hit:
Kauai keeps Hawaiian traditions alive in ways you won’t find in Waikiki. Skip the tourist traps and try:
Kauai’s landscape is a natural playground:
Kauai has waterfalls like Vegas has slot machines – they’re everywhere, and each one promises a payoff:
These spots will keep both kids and parents happy:
These spots will keep both kids and parents happy:
Want bragging rights for finding the non-obvious spots?
Hawaii isn’t cheap – tourism stats show the average Kauai visitor spends about $213 daily. But these experiences won’t dent your wallet:
Where you stay shapes your whole Kauai experience:
According to accommodation statistics, Kauai has around 9,000 visitor units, which are split evenly between hotels and vacation rentals.
Surfing is one thing you can never forget in Hawaii. Especially in winter, you can experience heavy swells on Kauai’s North Shore that attract experienced surfers, as these waves can be dangerous for beginners. But it does not mean beginners can’t go to this place, as it gives them a pleasant experience of enjoying the mesmerising scenery on earth.
You can also catch a fleeting sight of whales at Kauai’s shorelines playing, tail slapping, breaching, spyhopping, bubble blowing, and so on. Moreover, while enjoying this boat tour, you can also find amazing spots like beaches (Poʻipū Beach) and scenic spots (Kīlauea Lighthouse), etc.
The best time to explore vibrant gardens, parks, and serene waterfalls is from March to May. As we’ve already discussed, Kauai’s tropical rainforests, valleys, and abundant vegetation have earned it the nickname “The Garden Isle.” You can experience some amazing gardens and landscapes in Kauai, such as:
If you are an adventurous person, then hiking to Hanakapiʻai Falls along the Kalalau Trail and enjoying the dramatic waterfalls is one of the best things to do in Kauai.
The ideal months for these activities are from June through August. If you want to explore the whole island, hiking is the best way. Some of the best hiking trails are:
While going for this activity, make sure to pack water, sturdy shoes, and other necessary things.
Since this is the summertime, the seas are calm, which makes it perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. This is a great activity to explore the beauty of the sea. Some of the snorkeling beaches are:
Whether you are a beginner or experienced, there are a lot of sites for scuba diving where you can discover tropical fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and many more.
Come between September and November to enjoy river kayaking and local festivals. This is one of the unique things to do in Kauai. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of a thick jungle as you paddle down the Wailua River. There are other rivers, like the Hulēʻia River, Hanalei River, etc. But do hire a good guide for this experience to enjoy it to the fullest.
The Kauai Mokihana Festival uses chant, hula, and music to recognize Hawaiian culture while filling autumn with local events.
Since Kauai is an island that cannot be fully explored by car or on foot, helicopter tours are one of the best ways to see this dreamy destination. These tours operate year-round, but during the dry months, you can enjoy them to the maximum due to better visibility.
In all seasons, you can taste the most delicious food offered by farmers’ markets, providing a sneak peek into local culture. Try apple bananas, lilikoi (passion fruit), fresh poke, or taro chips. Markets you can explore include:
If you are looking for budget-friendly options to do in Kauai with kids, here are some great ideas you can explore.
Waimea Canyon State Park: This is one of the great scenic parks, and it looks phenomenal. It is famous for panoramic lookouts and hikes of varying difficulty. If you love this kind of place, then do not forget to visit this location. Summer mornings are the best time to visit this park, as you can spot fewer crowds, enjoy great visibility, and even see a rainbow. You can also book a bike tour or a helicopter ride.
Poipu Beach and Park: Enjoy surfing, bodyboarding, swimming, and snorkeling at the beach. Here, you can also occasionally see monk and Hawaiian seals. This is among the top things to do on Kauai.
Kalalau Trail: Experience the world of nature and wildlife at the best camping location. This 11-mile-long trail is quite challenging, but it offers mesmerizing views.
Wailua Falls: Do you love waterfalls? This waterfall is located near Lihue, and the best part is that it is easily accessible.
Queen’s Bath: This is the most popular pool that attracts thousands of visitors due to its beauty and exquisite location. To reach the location, you must hike for 15 minutes across slippery lava rocks, so be careful.
Tunnels Beach: Delve into marine life and find large schools of reef fish, turtles, and even wild dolphins, making it an excellent place for snorkeling and scuba diving. In the summer, you can say it’s a surfer’s paradise.
Savor the breathtaking views of the expansive Kalalau Valley and Na Pali Coast at Kokee State Park, which is 4,000 feet above sea level.
Now, you should not think twice about what to do in Kauai and pack your bags right away to experience a wonderful vacation. From parks and gardens to amazing waterfalls, snorkeling to helicopter rides, there are tons of the best things to do in Kauai.
Whether you come for heart-pounding adventure or beach-flopping relaxation, Kauai delivers everything you need. The Garden Isle stands apart from its Hawaiian siblings – wilder, more authentic, and somehow more Hawaiian. From the drama of Na Pali to hidden waterfalls, this island packs more natural wonders into its small footprint than seems fair. Just don’t blame me when you’re ruined for all other tropical destinations.