There is no shortage of wonderful attractions on the Island of Kauai, but if you aren’t familiar with the island, it can still be difficult to know what’s available.

If you’re planning a vacation or are already on the island and looking for something to do, you’re in the right place! Whether you're sticking to a tight budget or have extra money to splurge, you'll find plenty to do on this beautiful Garden Isle. 

• $ - Budget-friendly (no cost to low cost)
• $$ - Splurge a little
• $$$ - Splurge a lot

1. Take a Na Pali Boat Tour

• $$$ - Multiple Locations

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

The Na Pali Coast is a breathtaking natural wonder, boasting dramatic ridges, jungle foliage, and surreal blue ocean waters.

Guided boat tours are one of the best ways to take in the beauty of this magnificent coastline.

Some tours even include meals, snorkeling, or sunset excursions, so you can customize your voyage to your liking.

You’ll find tours departing from Kekaha and ‘Ele’ele on the island’s southwest side, as well as from Hanalei on the North Shore.

2. Try a Kipu Ranch Adventure

• $$ - Lihue

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Aj FeduciaKipu Ranch, a 3,000-acre privately owned cattle ranch, offers guided 4x4 off-road tours.

Their unique ATV adventures take you off the beaten path and are a great way to explore Kauai’s hidden beauty.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the ranch’s rich history, hear Hawaiian legends, and discover more about the island’s unique ecology.

3. Paddle a Kayak to Secret Falls

• $-$$ - Wailua

 Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Ancient Hawaiians considered the Wailua River Valley sacred land, and you’ll understand why if you take a kayak tour through this pristine valley.

The surrounding green hills and ridges evoke a sense of wonder as you paddle up the river toward a secret waterfall hidden in the jungle.

When you reach the trail, you’ll beach your kayak and take a moderate two-mile round-trip hike to the scenic falls, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch or a dip in the natural pool.

Whether you join a guided tour or rent a kayak and venture off on your own, plan for at least four to six hours.

RELATED: 12 Family-Friendly Activities in Kauai

4. Explore Kauai on Horseback with CJM Country Stables

• $$-$$$ - Koloa

CJM Country Stables 

Saddle up for a scenic horseback riding adventure with CJM Country Stables.

Whether you’re looking for fun for the whole family or a romantic getaway for two, horseback riding along the coast of Kauai is an unforgettable experience.

You’ll cross beaches, valleys, and coastal ridges as you traverse Kauai’s shores on your four-legged companion.

5. Try Snorkeling

• $ - North Shore and Poipu

When visiting the island, don’t miss an opportunity to go snorkeling! Some of Kauai’s most beautiful scenery is underwater.

When planning your snorkeling excursion, it's all about timing.

The North Shore is often said to have the best snorkeling spots, but it is only safe to do so in the summer.

Anini Beach and Tunnels Beach are some of the most incredible snorkeling spots on the island, but they are closed in the winter due to dangerous surf conditions.

Kauai’s South Shore is an excellent choice any time of year, as most of the beaches there are safe to swim in year-round.

Poipu Beach is a particularly great destination since there are plenty of tropical fish to see. 

RELATED: Nine Kauai Snorkel Spots

6. Visit Ke’e Beach on Kauai’s North Shore

• $ - Ha’ena State Park

Beautiful and remote, Ke’e Beach on Kauai’s North Shore is a great place for snorkeling and swimming when conditions permit.

This beautiful white sand beach surrounded by palm trees and dramatic coastal ridges is located in Ha’ena State Park at the beginning of the Na Pali Coast. 

To enter Ha’ena State Park, you’ll need advanced reservations.

Parking is extremely limited, so we recommend parking at the Waipa Park and Ride and taking the shuttle.

Choose Option 1 for the Shuttle + Entry Pass. If you decide to drive, choose Option 2 for the Parking + Entry Pass.

7. Go on a Beach Hike

While many of Kauai’s beaches can be easily accessed by car, some of the most beautiful ones can only be reached by foot.

Although they require a bit more effort and maybe a pair of shoes, the beach hikes along Kauai’s North Shore are not to be missed.

Check out Hanakapi’ai Beach via the Kalalau Trail, Kauapea Trail (Secret Beach), Pali Ke Kua Trail (Hideaway Beach), and Ke’e Beach Trail.

RELATED: Must-See Scenic Spots in Kauai

8. Enjoy the Sunset from Polihale State Park

• $ - West Side

Polihale State Park features a long white sand beach on Kauai’s western shore.

Although the waters are often too rough for swimming, the scenic waves, backdrop of coastal cliffs, and west-facing position make this an ideal place to experience a Hawaiian sunset.

Due to rough road conditions, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.

RELATED: Best Places to Catch a Sunset in Kauai

9. Explore Waimea Canyon

• $ - Waimea

Waimea Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and you’ll see why if you visit.

At 3,600 feet deep, the canyon is absolutely massive! There are tons of things to do in Waimea Canyon, from lookouts and scenic drives to waterfall hikes and backwoods treks.

Keep an eye out for the frequent rainbows that form in this area, as well.

Check out Shaka Guide’s Waimea & Na Pali Tour for a self-guided excursion of the Canyon! 

RELATED: Waimea Canyon Travel Guide

10. Visit Koke’e State Park

• $ - Waimea

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

Similarly, Koke’e State Park, just north of Waimea Canyon, is home to beautiful hikes, campgrounds, and stunning lookouts.

The Kalalau Lookout and Pu’u O Kila Lookout offer spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast.

For a family-friendly hike, we recommend checking out the Pihea Trail.

This 4.4-mile round-trip includes amazing views of the Kalalau Valley and Na Pali Coast.

11. Tour the Largest Coffee Farm in the United States

• $ - Kalaheo

Stop by the Kauai Coffee Company for a cup of local coffee grown on the largest coffee farm in the United States!

While you’re there, you can also take one of their free walking tours through the estate to learn about how this local coffee is made.

12. Walk Through a Sacred Forest at Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

• $ - Wailua

Visit Kauai’s Hindu Monastery. Nestled on 363 acres in the lush Wailua Valley, it is one of the holiest sites in the Hindu religion.

Just down the road a bit from the monastery, you can also walk through the site’s sacred garden where you’ll see rudraksha trees, a shrine to Ganesha, and a Hindu demigod in the form of an elephant.

13. Take a Helicopter Tour

• $$$ - Multiple Locations

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Jakob Owens

For an unsurpassed view of the island, nothing beats a helicopter ride!

From up above, you’ll get a spectacular look at the island’s dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and awe-inspiring scenery.

Some tours offer exclusive views of remote locations only accessible by air. This tour even includes a stop at a secluded waterfall.

Sometimes, things are just better with a little perspective!

14. Go to a Luau

• $$ - Multiple Locations

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Mark Kushimi

Kauai is home to several outstanding luaus that offer authentic Hawaiian food, Polynesian entertainment, and local hospitality.

These cultural experiences are some of the most fun and memorable you can have on the island.

You certainly won’t regret it once you taste that first bite of mouth-watering kalua pork, cooked the traditional way in an underground oven called an imu!

RELATED: The Best Kauai Luaus

15. Play a Round of Golf

• $$ - Multiple Locations

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Blake Bronstad

There is no shortage of golf courses on Kauai, so if you’re looking to get a few holes in while you’re on vacation the island has you covered.

Princeville, Poipu, Koloa, and Lihue are all home to several outstanding coastal courses. 

16. Go Ziplining

• $$ - Multiple Locations

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) /  Tor Johnson

There are also several great places to zipline on Kauai.

If you want to experience some of Kauai’s landscape from above, while also getting your adrenaline pumping, ziplines are an awesome option.

There are tours available in the areas surrounding Princeville, Koloa, and Lihue.  

17. Visit a Botanical Garden

• $-$$ - Multiple Locations

Allerton Gardens, Koloa; Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Jakob Owens  

Kauai is full of amazing botanical gardens. On the South Shore near Poipu and Koloa, you can check out McBryde & Allerton Gardens.

Further west in the Wailua Valley, the Smith Family Garden is beautiful.

On the North Shore, the Princeville Botanical Gardens offers samples of their own organic chocolate as well as delicious honey from their on-site hives.

Limahuli Garden & Preserve and Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park are both excellent options, as well.

18. Visit a Historical Site

• $ - Multiple Locations

Koloa Sugar Mill, Koloa; Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) /  Tor Johnson 

If you want to know more about the island’s rich history, make sure to stop at one of Kauai’s fascinating historic sites.

In the Wailua Valley region, you can visit the remains of several ancient Hawaiian temples, called heiau, as well as the Royal Birthstones where Kauai’s kings were born.

In Poipu, the Kaneiolouma Cultural Complex features remnants of an ancient fishing village dating back to the 1400s.

Old Town Koloa is both a historic landmark of the plantation era and a great place to do some shopping.

Nearby, the 10-mile Koloa Heritage Trail offers 14 important historical, cultural, and geological sites, including the location of the first Kauai sugar plantation.

RELATED: 10 Must-Visit Historic Sites in Kauai

19. Go Whale Watching

• $-$$$ - Multiple Locations

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) /Joe West

Whale watching is possible via land or sea on all of the Hawaiian islands from November to May.

However, you’re most likely to see these gentle giants from January to early April.

There are numerous boat tours to choose from if you want a close-up view.

Otherwise, just grab your binoculars and head to one of these popular whale watching spots along the shore:

• Poipu Beach,
• Kilauea Lighthouse,
• Kapa’a Overlook,
• Hanalei Bay
• The Kalalau Trail

RELATED: Where to Go Whale Watching in Hawaii

20. Go Surfing and Paddle Boarding

• $-$$ - Multiple Locations

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Mark Kushimi 

Surfing was and still is an integral part of the local culture. If you want to catch some waves on your vacation, you’ll find great places to surf on Kauai.

Some beaches, like Hanalei Bay on the North Shore in the summer and Poipu Beach on the South Shore, are great for beginners.

Other beaches are only suitable for extremely advanced surfers, especially during the winter, so be sure to do a little research before heading out.

If you’re looking for something a bit easier to learn, paddle boarding on flat water is a fun alternative.

RELATED: The History of Surfing in Hawaii

21. Visit a Farmers Market

• $ - Multiple Locations

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono 

In the mood for some fresh tropical fruit or local specialty foods? Check out one of Kauai’s popular farmers markets!

These markets feature locally grown produce and food vendors, as well as arts, crafts, and live music.

RELATED: Best Farmers Markets in Kauai

22. Stroll or Cycle on the Kapa’a Bike Path

• $ - Kapa’a

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly activity for the family, the Kapa’a Bike Path is a great option.

Built on an old railroad path once used for transporting sugar cane, the scenic bike trail stretches for nearly 8 miles along Kauai’s east coast.

It offers numerous opportunities for photo ops, beach stops, and wildlife watching.

Along the way, you’ll find historical sites, as well as local eateries, shops, and bike rentals in Kapa’a Town.

23. Take a Train Tour of the Historic Kilohana Plantation

• $-$$ - Lihue

All Aboard! Embark on the Kauai Plantation Railway’s train ride through the historic 105-acre Kilohana Plantation.

As you drive by stands of original island crops like sugarcane and taro, you’ll learn about the plantation’s rich history and also get a glimpse at what a working farm in Hawaii looks like today.

The trip includes a stop to feed the pigs, goats, sheep, and donkeys. It’s fun and educational for the whole family!

24. Sip Some Local Rum 

• $ - Lihue

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman / @hbgoodie 

The Koloa Rum Company is the island’s only rum distillery and features signature Hawaiian rums and mai tai mixes.

Complimentary tasting sessions are offered in their Premier Tasting Room every hour and can only be reserved online.

In addition, their Company Store offers specialty treats like rum cake, rum fudge, and rum jams.

The award-winning distillery is located at the Kilohana Plantation in Lihue. 

25. Grab a Shave Ice

• $ - Multiple Locations

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

Shave ice is one of the most popular treats in Hawaii for locals and tourists alike.

If you’re looking for a great place to try this iconic island dessert, Hee Fat General Store in Kapa’a is one of the most renowned on Kauai.

JoJo’s Shave Ice, The Fresh Shave, and Wailua Shave Ice are also fantastic choices. 

RELATED: Best Farmers Markets in Kauai

26. Take a Road Trip with Shaka Guide

• $ - Multiple Locations

Everyone loves a road trip, and nobody puts one together better than Shaka Guide! Let us show you around Kauai on one of our popular audio driving tours.

Triggered by GPS, our narrated tours are the perfect way to explore the island at your own pace.

We’ll take you to all the best spots on Kauai, both popular and lesser-known, and, along the way, we’ll entertain you with local history, authentic stories, cultural insights, and island music.

With our Shaka Guide narrator leading the way, you’ll feel like you have a personal tour guide in the car!

Check out Shaka Guide’s four Kauai Driving Tours. You’ll be glad you did!

27. Go Mountain Tubing

• $$ - Lihue

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson 

Looking for a unique water adventure? Kaua’i Back Country Adventures has you covered!

Their one-of-a-kind Mountain Tubing Adventure includes floating in a tube down open canals and through historic tunnels and flumes that were built back in 1870. 

You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and waterfalls as you drift along gently flowing waters through former plantation lands.

End your adventure with a delicious picnic lunch and a cool dip in a natural swimming hole.

28. Hike the Kalalau Trail

• $ - Ha’ena State Park, North Shore

Winding Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi’ai Falls /  Photo by California Cow - CC BY 2.0

For a real backcountry adventure, add the Kalalau Trail to your vacation bucket list.

This epic trek is a 22-mile round-trip journey through the rugged and remote Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.

The challenging trail crosses three beaches, several waterfalls, and one particularly nerve-racking ledge.

Because it’s so popular, you’ll want to start planning weeks or months ahead as the required camping permits run out quickly. 

Not up for a long hike? No worries. You don’t have to hike the entire trail to see the beauty of the Na Pali Coast.

Just a mile from the parking area, you can get a stunning view of the coast from the first viewpoint along the trail.

If you'd like a slightly longer hike, you can continue on to Hanakapi'ai Beach for a total of 4 miles round trip.   

RELATED: Kalalau Trail Travel Guide

29. Hike to a Waterfall

• $ - Multiple Locations

Charming Ho’opi’i Falls | Kyle Pearce, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

Kauai is home to Mount Wai’ale’ale–one of the wettest spots on earth. So it’s no surprise that the island is also home to a number of spectacular waterfalls.

While some are easily accessible by car, like Wailua Falls and Opaeka’a Falls, others are only accessible by trail.

If you are up for a waterfall adventure, check out the Ho’opi’i Waterfall Hike in the Wailua Valley or the Waipo’o Waterfall Hike in Waimea Canyon.

RELATED: Kauai Waterfalls Guide

30. Enjoy Breathtaking Views from a Kauai Lookout 

• $ - Multiple Locations

The Garden Isle is full of breathtaking views. And lucky us, some of the most picturesque spots are just a car ride away.

Whether you’re admiring the island’s majestic mountains, green valleys dotted with taro fields, or the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific, Kauai’s beauty will take your breath away.

Make sure to add these spectacular lookouts to your vacation bucket list: 

• Waimea Canyon Lookout in Waimea Canyon State Park
• Waipo’o Falls Lookout in Waimea Canyon State Park
• Kalalau Lookout in Koke’e State Park
• Pu’u O Kila Lookout in Koke’e State Park 
• Kilauea Lighthouse on the North Shore, and 
• Hanalei Valley Lookout in Princeville  

31. Stroll Through One of Kauai’s Charming Small Towns

• $ - Multiple Locations

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Unlike the hustle and bustle you’ll find on O’ahu, Kauai’s small towns offer visitors a more relaxed, laid-back feel with lots of local charm.

From cozy cafes and quaint shops to art galleries and farmers markets, these friendly towns each have their own unique character and are definitely worth exploring:  

• Hanalei
• Hanapepe
• Koloa
• Waimea, and 
• Kapa’a

32. Visit Famous Hollywood Filming Sites

• $-$$$ - Multiple Locations

Allerton Garden

Kauai’s unparalleled natural beauty has made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. A few of these filming locations are easy to access by car. 

• Moloa’a Beach, a picture-perfect white sand beach located on Kauai’s North Shore, is where the pilot and first episode of Gilligan’s Island were filmed. 
• Kahalahala Beach, also on the North Shore, was used in the 1958 musical South Pacific in the famous scene where Nellie Forbush sang, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair.” 
• Allerton Garden in Koloa provided the perfect primeval backdrop for the dinosaur thriller Jurassic Park. The giant tree roots where Dr. Alan Grant and the kids discover dinosaur eggs can be seen on their guided garden tour. 

33. Explore Hawaii’s Largest Limestone Cave

• $ - South Shore near Poipu

Not all of Kauai’s natural wonders are above ground. Located near Poipu, Makauwahi Cave, the largest limestone cave in the state, boasts one of the richest fossil sites in Hawaii!

Inside, you’ll find animal and plant fossils, shells, bones, and artifacts, along with stalactites and a natural archway leading to the brilliant green interior of a huge sinkhole.

To visit the cave, take a short hike down to the entrance, crawl through the opening, and step into another world.

When available, volunteer guides offer free tours, but donations are appreciated.

34. Take a Hike

• $ - Multiple Locations

Rich in natural beauty, Kauai offers a number of scenic hikes for every ability level.

Whether you prefer hiking to a waterfall, along the coast, or to an overlook with sweeping views of mountain ridges and valleys, Kauai has you covered!

Check out these popular trails on the Garden Isle:

• Iliau Nature Loop offers an awesome view of Waimea Canyon 
• Canyon Trail offers another stunning view of the canyon with an option to continue to the top of Waipo’o Falls
• Pihea Trail includes amazing views of Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali Coast
• Kuilau Ridge Hike meanders through an old-growth forest
• Sleeping Giant Hike offers sweeping views of the coast and Kapa’a 
• Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail follows Kauai’s beautiful southern shoreline  
• Okolehau Hike features a beautiful view of the Hanalei Valley

35. Try Poke

• $ - Multiple Locations

If you love trying new foods, you’ll definitely want to sample one of Hawaii’s most popular dishes–poke!

In the Hawaiian language, poke (POH-kay) means ‘to slice.’

This local favorite features diced raw fish (usually fresh ahi tuna) marinated with onions, green onions, sea salt, and soy sauce, but it can also have specialty items added to it, such as wasabi, avocado, or seaweed.

There are tons of great places to try poke on Kauai. You can Google it–or better yet, ask a local!

Map of Things To Do in Kauai

Conclusion

Whether you choose to explore the island by foot or by car, on a bicycle or boat, or even from a helicopter, you won’t be disappointed! Rich in natural beauty and warm in hospitality, Kauai offers plenty of opportunities for relaxing and recreating. What’s on your vacation bucket list?

Now Get Packing!

If you’re planning your trip to Kauai, you'll have more than enough activities to fill your vacation. But, if you’re still worried Shaka Guide has four audio driving tours that visit almost every corner of the island. These tours range from half-day to full-day excursions and will take you to all the major stops! 

And please remember...when you’re in Hawaii, it's important to respect the locals, land, and wildlife. Please pick up your trash; never touch any marine life, plants, or other animals; and avoid spots that are unsafe. Hawaii’s natural resources are precious; it’s up to all of us to help preserve these resources.

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