Things to do in  Kauai

With steep emerald cliffs, lush valleys, and remote cascading waterfalls, the Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful regions, and no trip to the island of Kauai is complete without a visit to this magical coastline. There are only three ways to explore the Na Pali Coast—by air, by sea, and on foot—and each offers its own unique perspective.

It’s no wonder Kauai is nicknamed the Garden Isle. In the center of the island sits Mt. Waialeale, one of the wettest places on Earth. Beautiful jungle expanses characterize this emerald mountain and a massive cliffside dubbed the Weeping Wall, where countless waterfalls rush to their depths. Movie buffs, take note: Areas near the mountain were used as a backdrop for some of the scenes in Jurassic Park.

Kauai’s impressive Waimea Canyon—at 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) long, 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) wide, and 3,600 feet (1,097 meters) deep—is Hawaii’s version of the Grand Canyon. Stop along the scenic drive on its winding rim road for panoramic views of a far-below river, awe-inspiring drop-offs, and waterfall-lined crevasses, all a short distance from the Garden Isle’s legendary Na Pali Coast.

Located on the north shore of Kauai, Hanalei Bay is one of the island’s most picturesque stretches of coast. Its crescent is lined by nearly 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) of white sand backed by volcanic peaks, towering waterfalls, and laid-back towns. The beaches offer an array of watersports, while the nearby poke and shave ice stands serve island street food staples, and colorful shops stock everything from surf gear to local crafts.

Kauai’s capital city and gateway to all island adventures, Lihue is located on the eastern coastline and is home to both the main cruise port and the only commercial airport. The city is also Kauai’s primary shopping destination and boasts several historic spots, such as the Kilohana Plantation and the Kauai Museum. Kalapaki Beach, located just north of Lihue, is one of the island’s top sunbathing spots.

Protected by the Wailua River State Park, the Wailua is the largest navigable river in the Hawaiian archipelago (a feature found only on the island of Kauai). As the 20-mile (32-kilometer) river meanders through a lush valley, it passes through jungle landscapes and past two notable waterfalls—Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls—as well as the vegetation-covered Fern Grotto. The river offers boat tours and outdoor recreation for a broad range of travelers, including kayakers, paddleboarders, and hikers.

One of the most photographed locations in Kauai, the Spouting Horn—a natural blowhole on the South Shore—puts on one heck of a show. When waves course through this sunken lava tube, a violent geyser erupts some 50 feet (15 meters) into the air. But it’s not just the constant misty spray (and gorgeous views) that attract visitors: It also moans.

Kauai gets more than 400 inches (10 meters) of rainfall every year—it’s no wonder it's nicknamed the Garden Isle. This Hawaiian island comes blanketed in Mother Nature’s most fabulous works, from lush canyons to explosive waterfalls, and none is more accessible than Opaekaa Falls. Visible from the roadside, this 151-foot (46-meter) waterfall is a guaranteed 5-star show, no admission fee required.

Warm temperatures and mineral-rich soil make Kauai an ideal spot for growing coffee, so it's no surprise that the Garden Isle is home to the largest coffee estate in the country. While the Kauai Coffee Company's focus is on producing and roasting beans, the farm also welcomes visitors who want to see—and taste—their offerings. Take a walking tour or ride an open-sided trolley to admire the millions of trees and learn about coffee cultivation and roasting.

Known as the Forbidden Island, Niʻihau is a privately owned island mostly untouched by outsiders, creating a microcosm of Hawaiian history and culture. Just 17 miles (27 kilometers) off the coast of Kauai, the island’s fewer than 200 residents speak Hawaiian and live without cars, electricity, and modern amenities. Though non-residents are generally not allowed to visit, Niʻihau is a popular spot for off-shore snorkeling and diving, and flightseeing tours often view the island from above.

The Menehune Fish Pond (Alekoko) is one of Kauai’s most intriguing landmarks. According to legend, the pond was built in a single night by the Menehune—a mythological race of tiny people believed to have inhabited Hawaii long before the arrival of Polynesian settlers. Whether or not you believe the story, there’s no denying the site’s beauty, where calm waters meet green hills just a short ride from Lihue.

A prize of the Garden Isle, the dual curtains of Wailua Falls cascade into a glistening pool that’s surrounded by lush tropical forests and—if you catch it at the right moment—dancing with rainbows. The postcard-perfect falls got their fame when they were featured on the TV show Fantasy Island, and they’re now on the must-visit list of many Kaui vacationers, especially those who want to admire one of the island’s natural waterfalls without hiking.

A historic sugar plantation set in the Garden Isle's lush tropics, Kilohana Plantation is a hub for Hawaiian culture and history. Visit the estate—centered around a historic Tudor-style mansion—to see tropical orchards, take narrated train rides, visit a rum distillery, eat at the on-site restaurant, and participate in a theatrical luau. In addition, the rooms of the historic manor house have been converted into shops selling artisan arts and crafts for unique Kauai souvenirs.

With its gorgeous cliffs, deep valleys, and pearlescent beaches, the Na Pali Coast is considered among the most scenic spots on Kauai, if not all of the Hawaiian islands, but getting there requires some serious effort—no roads directly access the coast. Fortunately, this beautiful stretch of Hawaiian nature is easily visible from Kokeʻe State Park's Kalalau Lookout, which overlooks the Kalalau Valley to the ocean beyond.

With a natural wading pool for young swimmers, soft sand, and lifeguards, Poipu Beach Park is one of Kauai’s most popular family-friendly beaches. Beyond the sun and sand, you'll want to visit Poipu Beach to try to spot one of Hawaii’s endangered monk seals, which often sunbathe on the shore. In winter, you might spot humpback whales off the coast, too.