9 of the Best Views on Kauai and Where To Find Them

Kauai boasts a whole lot of natural beauty, but the Na Pali Coast is in a league of its own. These verdant cliffs include deep crevices filled with waterfalls, all framed by golden beaches and the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean.

There are two main ways to tour the Na Pali Coast: by boat and by helicopter. The former usually provides a peek at the coastline’s marine life, while the latter offers an unbeatable bird's-eye view. Whichever you choose, you'll be privy to some of Kauai's best and most secluded views.

There is technically a third way to see stunning Na Pali Coast views—via the Kalalau Trail—but this one you may have to do on your own, without a Kauai hiking tour. This 22-mile (35.4-kilometer) definitely isn’t for the faint of heart, as it requires a night of camping, but the views all along the way are absolutely stunning. You'll catch glimpses of the cliffs, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and never-ending Pacific Ocean. If you plan to take on the trail, plan in advance: To hike the Kalalau Trail, you’ll need a series of permits for entering the park, camping, and shuttling or parking.

Waimea Canyon is filled with iron-rich, stratified layers, just like its continental US nickname-sake. The Waimea Canyon Lookout is the most accessible spot to view the canyon; from here, the canyon’s bright colors and dozens of layers become even more apparent. From this Kauai viewpoint you’ll also get the smallest glimpse of Waipo’o Falls. If you're looking for an even closer look at the 800-foot-tall (244-meter-tall) cascade, consider taking on the 2.6-mile (4.2-kilometer) Waipo’o Falls Trail.

The 3.8-mile (6.1-kilometer) Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail in Poipu follows the island’s rugged southeastern coastline. Along the way, you’ll come across all sorts of native flora and fauna, including rare golden ‘ilima (sida fallax) blossoms, spotted kolea (Pacific golden plover), and distant winter whale spouts, as well as cultural sites, such as ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs. As if that weren’t enough, enjoy some of the best ocean views on Kauai throughout this relatively easy hike.

The Kalalau Lookout and Pu’u O Kila are two side-by-side lookout points in Koke'e State Park at the very end of Koke'e Road. Both options offer unbelievable views of the western edge of the Na Pali Coast, just from slightly different angles. With their views of the cliffs and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, it's no surprise that these twin lookouts are two of the top places for photos on Kauai.

Looking for a Kauai landmark with a great view? Look no further than the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse. Located within the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, this adorable lighthouse offers gorgeous cliff and ocean views; if you keep an eye on the water in the winter, you’ll likely be able to see some whale spouts in the distance. Beyond being a stunning spot, this Kauai attraction is an important wildlife sanctuary which helps protect some of the island's wildlife. In particular, keep your eyes open for the nēnē (native Hawaii goose), a once-endangered species and now the Hawaii state bird.

Technically located in Princeville (not the town of Hanalei, as its name would imply), the Hanalei Valley Lookout is one of the only officially-designated Kauai viewpoints. It overlooks Hanalei Valley with its patchwork of farms and the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, all backed by Hihimanu Mountain. To really make the most of your visit, bring a pair of binoculars and see if you can spot any nēnē, 'alae ke'oke'o (Hawaii coot), or ae'o (Hawaii stilt), from afar.

Ride into the sunset on a golf cart at the Princeville Makai Golf Club. As evening approaches, your guide will take you on a tour of part of the golf club’s course, where you'll be able to spot plumerias, albatross, whales, and more along the way. At the end, you’ll arrive at one of the most hidden viewpoints on Kauai, the golf course’s Hole 7, to snap photos with both the sunset and the Na Pali Coast in the background.

While many of Kauai’s waterfalls require a bit of a hike, Wailua Falls is an easily accessible one, where you can drive up and take a look. Just outside of the island’s capital city of Lihue, this 173-foot-tall (53-meter-tall) cascade is one of the most scenic spots on Kauai. If possible, try to visit in the morning, when the sun glows just right and creates a picture-perfect rainbow atop the falls. Rent a three-wheeled Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV) to get to the falls and other landmark views on your itinerary.