Top 10 Things to Do in Kauai!
While spending time at postcard-perfect Tunnels Beach should definitely be on your radar for Kauai, this charming Hawaiian island has a lot more to offer!
From soaring over the island on a helicopter tour to hiking, ziplining, and sampling delicious island cuisine, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in Kauai.
Hawaii’s Garden Isle boasts jaw-dropping natural sights, numerous golden sand beaches, lush green gardens, historical sites and more. There’s something here for every type of traveler!
Discovering the legendary Na Pali Coast should be on every Kauai visitor’s itinerary, whether you view the many towering cliffs from above, admire their beauty from the ocean, or hike.
Is a doors-off helicopter tour on your bucket list for Kauai? This highly rated tour comes with no dreaded rear middle seats and offers breathtaking views over Kauai! 🚁 🚁
Another Kauai natural wonder you can’t miss is the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon, on the island’s west side.
Families with young kids will love safely observing honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) or monk seals resting on Poipu Beach. Adventure-loving families will love ziplining over the landscapes along Kauai’s south shore.
Read on to discover the many exciting things to do in Kauai!
Top Things to Do in Kauai
1. Admire Kauai from above on a helicopter tour!
If any island was made for an aerial tour, it’s gorgeous Kauai.
Most first-time visitors to the island (and sometimes repeat visitors as well) have a helicopter tour on their Kauai bucket list. And when you see photos of Kauai, it’s easy to understand why.
The serrated cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, the yawning gap of the Waimea Canyon, the picture-postcard north shore, and rugged Mount Waialeale in the interior all look breathtaking viewed from above.
A helicopter tour is undeniably a fantastic way to admire the breathtaking landscapes of Kauai, from the Waimea Canyon to the Napali Coast and Jurassic Falls. Check price and availability now! 🚁 🚁
Not only can you appreciate Kauai’s beauty best from the air, it’s also the only way to see some of the island’s inaccessible interior and get close to its most famous waterfalls.
Kauai helicopter tours generally take off from Lihue, on the island’s east side.
You can choose a doors-on helicopter tour with expansive windows, or choose to ditch the glass on a doors-off tour with no dreaded rear middle seats! You can also opt for an airplane tour.
Whichever option you choose, make your booking for early in your trip so you have the opportunity to go another day if your flight gets canceled.
>> Check price and availability on a Kauai doors-on helicopter tour now!
>> Check price and availability on a Kauai doors-off helicopter tour now!
Here are the best Kauai helicopter tours:
2. Snorkel off the stunning Na Pali Coast
While Tunnels Beach (and other snorkeling beaches on Kauai) are great for snorkeling from shore, you can opt for a boat tour to snorkel the Na Pali Coast as well.
On a morning boat tour, you will get to enjoy the serene beauty of the legendary Na Pali Coast plus anchor at a remote and pristine location along the coast to snorkel and discover the treasures underwater.
You can get two Kauai bucket list items done with this boat tour!
Catamaran tours are perfect for enjoying the gorgeous cliffs from water level. If weather and ocean conditions permit, your captain may maneuver the boat close to one of the waterfalls along the coast!
Want to REALLY experience the Na Pali Coast from the water? If you are physically able and up for the adventure, a raft tour takes you in and out of sea caves and under waterfalls for a thrilling adventure! 🌊 🌊 🌊
One of the advantages of a morning Na Pali Coast boat tour is that the waters usually tend to be calmer early in the day, especially if you opt for a catamaran tour.
Of course, if you do not mind a wild and wet ride, you can choose a half-day Na Pali Coast raft snorkel tour that will take you much closer to the caves, arches, and waterfalls.
En route to the Na Pali Coast and back, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the water, and in the winter, for humpback whales.
>> Check price and availability for a morning snorkel catamaran tour now!
>> Check price and availability for a half-day Na Pali Coast raft tour now!
Here are the best Na Pali snorkeling tours:
3. Take a sunset Na Pali Cruise
If you want to photograph the colorful cliffs of the Na Pali Coast when they’re looking their best, you will want to book a sunset Na Pali Coast cruise.
Afternoon is when the sunlight shines on the cliffs, making the reds and greens really vibrant.
🌅 Witness Kauai’s Breathtaking Sunsets! Experience the majestic Na Pali Coast as the sun dips below the horizon on the Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady. Stunning views, delicious appetizers, and refreshing beverages!
A small plane sightseeing flight over Kauai is an amazing experience. Fly over such Kauai highlights as the jaw-dropping Na Pali Coast and the majestic Waimea Canyon! ✈️ ✈️
Of course, you’ll want to go on a dry and clear day, but even on dry and clear days you may get a few misty clouds rolling in. If that happens, you’ll likely be treated to rainbows over the famous coast for the ultimate photo op!
Afternoon boat tours usually do not offer snorkeling, but you will enjoy a blazing Kauai sunset over the ocean.
Catamaran sunset cruises of the Na Pali Coast depart year round from Port Allen on the south shore.
A Na Pali Coast sunset cruise is one of the best things to do in Kauai for couples!
>> Check price and availability on a Na Pali Coast sunset cruise now!
Here are some of the best Na Pali Coast sunset cruises:
4. Visit the gorgeous Waimea Canyon
The Waimea Canyon is a breathtaking natural attraction on Kauai. The canyon, more than 10 miles long and a mile wide, is an awe-inspiring sight and a must-visit on the west side of Kauai.
Dubbed “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Kauai’s magnificent canyon is protected by Waimea Canyon State Park. Most visitors tack on a visit to neighboring Koke’e State Park as well.
🌄 Explore the Grand Canyon of the Pacific! Discover the natural wonders on the Kauai Waimea Canyon and Koke’e Tour. This 10-hour excursion offers panoramic views, visits to charming towns, and insights into Kauai’s history.
A helicopter tour is undeniably a fantastic way to admire the breathtaking landscapes of Kauai, from the Waimea Canyon to the Napali Coast and Jurassic Falls. Check price and availability now! 🚁 🚁
Driving is the best way to visit Waimea Canyon. A series of roadside lookouts with ample parking allow you to take in views of the colorful canyon as well as the two-tiered Waipo’o Falls, one of the island’s top waterfalls.
With more time, there are hiking trails in both Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park that allow you to explore the area in greater depth, and observe local flora and birds.
If you do not plan to rent a car on your Kauai trip, you can visit Waimea Canyon on a guided tour. Active visitors can also opt for a downhill bicycling experience at Waimea Canyon!
>> Book a guided tour to Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks now!
>> Check price and availability for a downhill biking tour at Waimea Canyon now!
The best Waimea Canyon tours:
5. Enjoy a Hawaiian luau
Attending a luau is a fun experience on your Kauai vacation!
There are many luaus on Kauai from which to choose, but among the best are Luau Kalamaku at the historic Kilohana Plantation and Luau Ka Hikina at Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach.
A luau, if you are just starting to research a Hawaiian vacation, is an evening of traditional Hawaiian food and entertainment and can be a great way to get a peek into local culture and history.
🌺 Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Luau! Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture at the Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner and Show. Enjoy a captivating performance and feast on local delicacies during this 4-6 hour event.
Your luau experience may start with a welcome lei and a mai tai, followed by cultural activities and possibly an imu ceremony, where a whole roast pig that has been roasting in an underground oven is brought up for carving.
Luaus generally feature local food favorites and an open bar, and if it’s an ocean front setting, you’ll get to see the tiki torches being lit as the sun goes down over the ocean.
Luau shows combine local music, dance, and storytelling and can be enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Especially the fire knife dancing act that is the finale for most Polynesian shows!
>> Reserve your spots for Luau Kalamaku now!
>> Check price and availability for Luau Ka Hikina now!
The best Kauai luaus again:
6. Go ziplining in Koloa!
Visiting Kauai with teens or love adventures?
Kauai offers a plethora of adventurous activities from which to choose, with ziplining in Koloa right at the top of those choices.
Looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure on Kauai? Check out the Koloa zipline, where you will soar over lush green forests and the Waita Reservoir. These are Kauai’s longest ziplines! 🌳 🌴
With the longest zipline on the island, Koloa Zipline allows you to glide over the thick forests on Kauai’s south shore, the Hoary Head Mountains, the Koloa Sugar Mill, and the Waita Reservoir.
If you book the last ride of the day, you can also enjoy a colorful Kauai sunset!
The grounds are a snap to access from popular Poipu and a short drive from the east side, if that’s where you plan to base on your Kauai trip.
Koloa Zipline accepts visitors 7 and over, and is an exciting way to spend half a day on Kauai! Kids can ride tandem, and a harness allows you to zip hands free.
>> Check price and availability for the Koloa ziplining adventure now!
The best Kauai zipline adventures:
7. Kayak + Hike to Secret Falls
Secret Falls, located in the jungle on the east side of Kauai, is among the most popular waterfalls on Kauai. Not only can you visit, you may also be able to take a dip in the plunge pool!
Officially Uluwehi Falls, this Kauai waterfall can be accessed with a serene paddle on the Wailua River followed by a fun, if somewhat muddy, hike through the rainforest.
🛶 Paddle and Hike to Secret Falls! Embark on the Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Hike with Lunch. This 5-hour guided tour combines kayaking and a hike to a secluded waterfall, complete with a picnic lunch.
🌈 Discover Kauai’s Natural Beauty! Join the Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide for a 5-hour journey. Paddle the Wailua River and hike to a hidden waterfall, all while learning about the island’s rich history.
If you are an experienced kayaker, you can rent a kayak at the Wailua River Marina and kayak to the trailhead on your own.
But most first-time visitors to Kauai opt for a guided tour where all the logistics are handled by the outfitter and you just have to show up and enjoy the activity.
On a guided Wailua River paddle, your leader will provide insights on the area, which holds historical significance for Hawaiians. You can also observe local flora and birds!
>> Check price and availability for the Secret Falls kayak + hike tour now!
The best Secret Falls tours:
8. Tour a Kauai botanical garden!
Kauai is known as the Garden Isle for its very lush landscapes.
Not surprisingly, there are several visit-worthy botanical gardens on Kauai, and many visitors to the island add in a tranquil walk or a guided stroll through a Kauai garden.
🌊 Raft and Snorkel Adventure! Experience the Half-Day Raft and Snorkel Adventure to Na Pali. This 6-hour tour combines thrilling rafting, snorkeling, and exploration of sea caves along the Na Pali Coast.
Just west of Tunnels Beach is Limahuli Garden and Preserve, which boasts a large collection of plants that are native to Hawaii or of cultural significance to Hawaiians.
You can visit Limahuli Garden on a self-guided or a guided tour, but reserve your spot in advance, especially if you need parking.
East of Tunnels Beach is lovely Princeville Botanical Gardens, another lovely Kauai garden.
While you can only visit on a guided tour, the three-hour walk through the gardens is chock full of interesting information and lots of plants, trees, fruit, and flowers to admire.
Your Princeville Botanical Gardens includes tastings of chocolate, honey, and local fruit!
>> Check price and availability for the Princeville Botanical Gardens tour now!
9. Sample Kauai cuisine
From lots of fresh seafood to local favorites like kalua pig, poi, and a variety of tropical fruit, Kauai’s cuisine will captivate your taste buds!
On the north shore of Kauai, be sure to make reservations for Bar Acuda, where you can enjoy a variety of tasty tapas and handcrafted cocktails.
Or try nearby AMA Restaurant, which serves an Asian-inspired menu in a stunning setting at the base of the mountains.
Tahiti Nui offers a lively vibe and their pizza is very popular. For topnotch poke, head to Hanalei Poke.
Wishing Well Shave Ice is a must-stop for an icy refreshing treat on a warm afternoon, and the unique taro doughnuts from Holey Grail are well worth the wait in line!
🚁 Soar Above the Garden Isle! Take to the skies on the Entire Kauai Airplane Tour with All Window Seats. In just over an hour, witness Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, and more from a unique aerial perspective.
On Kauai’s south shore, fine dining enthusiasts will definitely want to dine at Eating House 1849, a Chef Roy Yamaguchi restaurant. The Asian-inspired menu features fresh seasonal local ingredients for a meal you won’t soon forget!
Beach House Restaurant, located right on the water, is the place to dine for a great sunset view. Couples will want to do a date night reservation at Tidepools in the Grand Hyatt.
And of course, Poke Dog is a must visit in Poipu for their fun Hawaiian take on hot dogs!
The best Kauai food tours:
10. Hike Kauai!
Want to get up close to Kauai’s sensational natural beauty? A hike is your answer!
There are hikes in Kauai for all ability levels, and if you are on a short visit to Kauai, there are some short hikes that you can squeeze into a busy day of sightseeing or beach activities.
Of course, avid backpackers will want to try the super challenging Kalalau Trail, which is currently the only way to access the famed Na Pali Coast by land.
🐠 Snorkel in Pristine Waters! Dive into the clear blue waters of the Na Pali Coast with the Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady. This 5.5-hour adventure includes snorkeling among vibrant marine life and exploring sea caves.
This epic trail allows you to visit remote but gorgeous beaches like Hanakapiai and Kalalau, as well as waterfalls like the Hanakapiai Falls (a detour from the main trail).
On Kauai’s south shore, the Mahaulepu Coastal Heritage Trail is a very popular and family friendly hike that offers fantastic views of the coastal cliffs and the ocean. You can walk as much of it as you like!
🌊 Adventure Awaits on the Na Pali Coast! Join the Na Pali Coast Super Raft Adventure with Snorkel for a 4.5-hour thrill ride. Explore sea caves, snorkel with marine life, and experience the rugged beauty of the coastline.
Kauai’s east side offers several fun hikes. Waterfall chasers can hike the jungle trail to Ho’opi’i Falls. This trail feels like you are in a Jurassic Park movie! The Kuilau Ridge Trail is another relatively easy hike for great views.
Here are some Kauai hiking tours:
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And that’s a wrap on our round-up of the very best things to do in Kauai, Hawaii! Which ones will you pick on your next visit to the island?