11 unforgettable things to do in Kauai, Hawaii

When most people think about Hawaii, they imagine dreamy beaches, tropical vibes, and beautiful weather. But Kauai offers so much more than that. After spending a week exploring the Garden Isle, it’s easy to see why it’s often described as the prettiest of the Hawaiian islands. From incredible waterfalls and beautiful beaches to its amazing hiking trails, Kauai has something for everyone. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll always find something to enjoy on this stunning island. Here are 11 unforgettable things to do in Kauai, Hawaii.

Before you start, you should check out our guide on where to stay on Kauai. It’s the ultimate starting point for finding the perfect accommodation for your vacation.

Highlights Kauai

Hike the Hanakapiai Falls Trail or the Awa’awapuhi Trail.

Fly over the island with Wings over Kauai.

See Wailua Falls and the Spouting Horn.

Relax at Tunnels Beach.

Explore Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

Take a Napali Coast boat tour.

Spot turtles at Poipu Beach.

Enjoy delicious poke bowls at Hanalei Poke.

Stay at Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas. On a tighter budget? Consider renting an SUV with a rooftop tent.

How to get to Kauai

Getting to Kauai is pretty easy, whether you’re arriving from the mainland US or another Hawaiian island. The island’s main entry point is Lihue Airport (LIH) on the southeastern coast. Although it’s a small airport, it’s well-connected, offering direct flights from major US cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. If you’re coming from another island, you’ll have to take a short, easy inter-island flight. When we visited in September 2024, we flew from Tokyo to Honolulu with Zipair, then took a quick 45-minute flight to Lihue with Hawaiian Airlines. We recommend using Skyscanner to search for flights to Kauai.

How to get around Kauai

The best way to explore Kauai is by renting a car. Public transportation is limited, so having your own set of wheels allows you to discover the island at your own pace. Despite what you might hear, a regular sedan works perfectly well. You don’t need a huge SUV to get around. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, why not rent a jeep with a rooftop tent? More on that next! 😉 Explore rental car options in Kauai.

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Things to do in Kauai

1. Drive around the island and camp in a rooftop tent

First things first: the absolute best way to explore the island (according to us) is by renting an SUV with rooftop tent. It gives you complete freedom and lets you stay in places you never even dreamed of. On top of all that it’s pretty affordable, too (in Hawaiian terms). If this sounds like great fun to you, definitely check out our dedicated article about our amazing experience with Hawaiian Overlanders.

2. Admire the Wailua Falls

Visiting Wailua Falls is one of the top things to do in Kauai, and it definitely delivers. Just a quick 15-minute drive from the airport, this stunning waterfall will instantly capture your heart. Its dramatic cascades are easily visible from the roadside, allowing you to soak in the beauty without any hassle. If you visit in the morning, the sunlight peeking through the mist may create a vibrant rainbow. Such a beautiful sight!

What’s also important to note, is that it can be quite the adventure to reach Wailua Falls. That is, if you’re following Google Maps! Google Maps told us that the road to get there was closed when it wasn’t. What made it even worse is that it directed us to roads on private property! Yes, we even were trespassing at one point… So, to make it clear: there’s only one road to get to Wailua Falls. Even if Google Maps says the road is closed you should still follow it. 😉

Curious about how much it costs to explore the Garden Isle? Check out our budget breakdown for 1 week in Kauai to find out.

3. Relax at Tunnels Beach

Our favorite beach in all of Kauai is definitely Tunnels Beach on the north shore of Kauai. Not only does Tunnels Beach have that amazing tropical beach vibe, the scenery and views of the surrounding area are stunning as well. You have this amazing gold sand, turquoise waters, and an impressive mountain that gives the whole place that distinct Jurassic Park look. It really feels like you’re in a postcard!

Of course, most people don’t visit a beach just for its vibe. Luckily, Tunnels Beach offers tons of fun activities! First of all, Tunnels Beach is famous for its snorkeling (and diving). The inner reef is perfect for beginners and families. The outer reef offers more advanced exploration, frequent turtle sightings, and Tunnels Beach’ famous lava tubes (called “cathedrals”) that create a unique marine environment. We rented snorkeling gear from Hawaiian Overlanders, but you can also find places nearby that’ll rent gear to you.

A lesser known activity you can do in the area is cave-exploring. The Maniniholo Dry Cave is located down the road from Tunnels Beach (closer to Haena Beach Park) and offers a fun activity for families.

A bit further down the road you can also find Waiahuakua Cave and Waikapalae Cave. You can reach these more adventurous caves by following a small trail or by swimming.

Good to know
There isn’t a lot of parking available at Tunnels Beach. Either arrive early or wait your turn until space frees up. We were lucky that some people just left the moment we arrived, but a lot of people come and go so you won’t have to wait long. If you do find you’re in urgent need of parking space, you can also try your luck at Haena Beach Park just a 10 minute walk away.

4. Fly over the island with Wings over Kauai

Our favorite memory of our time in Hawaii (and maybe even of our whole world trip) is definitely our flight over this beautiful island. Most people opt for a helicopter tour, but after hearing helicopters aren’t the safest type of transportation we opted for a flight in a Cessna. We did a lot of research on what company to go for, and eventually we stumbled upon Wings over Kauai.

Wings over Kauai offers two different tours: a (shared) flight in the Airvan, or a private flight in the Cessna. We opted for the latter and couldn’t recommend it more. It was so spectacular and intimate being able to share this experience with each other and no-one else. It all felt so personal! Having the entire plane to ourselves also meant we could chat freely and point out the spots we’d explored on the ground, which made it even more special. You can check availability for a flight with Wings Over Kauai here.

5. Spouting Horn

One of the coolest natural attractions we visited on Kauai’s southern shore is the Spouting Horn near Poipu. This blowhole shoots seawater high into the air, sometimes up to 15 m, and it’s all thanks to the waves crashing into a lava tube beneath the surface. The best part? You get a loud hissing or roaring sound when the water explodes out, that’s where it got its name frome. Difficult to explain, it’s one of those sights that’s way more impressive in person.

There’s also a fun bit of local legend tied to the Spouting Horn. The story goes that a young boy once escaped a giant lizard by diving into the ocean and swimming through a lava tube. The lizard chased him but got stuck inside, and now the sound you hear when the water spouts is supposedly the trapped lizard’s roar. It’s a great story to keep in mind as you watch the blowhole in action!

Spouting Horn is super easy to get to. There’s a convenient viewing area that gives you a perfect angle to see the action. If you want to add some extra magic in your photos we definitely recommend visiting for sunset. While you can’t swim near the blowhole for safety reasons, Poipu Beach is just a short drive away if you want to relax or snorkel after your visit.

6. Hike the Hanakapiai Falls Trail

One of the most rewarding hikes we did on Kauai was the Hanakapiai Falls Trail. This trail is located in the stunning Hāʻena State Park. To visit the park, you’ll need to plan ahead by booking a reservation in advance. Both entry and parking passes open up 30 days prior. Tickets cost USD 5 for entry, USD 10 for entry + parking, and USD 40 for entry + shuttle bus.

We didn’t know the difference between these tickets and just went with the cheapest one. When arriving at the shuttle bus location, we found out that we couldn’t use the shuttle bus, nor could we park inside the park. Luckily they recommended we park (for free) at Haena Beach Park, from where it only takes a short 15-minute walk to the park entrance. Parking at Haena Beach Park fills up by 10 AM every day. If you can’t get there early, consider reserving a shuttle or a parking spot to make things easier.

The hike itself is an absolute must if you’re looking to experience the Napali Coast on foot. We did the 6,5 km round trip to Hanakapiai Beach, which was a beautiful trail with incredible ocean views along the way. Every few turns you’ll come across an amazing viewpoint of Kauai’s north coast that’s just a tad bit different than the previous one.

It took us around 1.5 hours to reach Hanakapi’ai Beach. The beach is a great spot to take a break or have lunch, but be mindful that the currents are strong and swimming isn’t safe here. To get to the beach you have to do some boulder hopping, so bring shoes that can get wet (or take them off). But here’s a true pro-tip if you don’t want to get wet: just walk to the right side of the stream until you come across giant rocks. Just climb over them and you’ll reach the beach without getting wet!

If you’re up for more of a challenge, you can continue the trek to Hanakapiai Falls, making it an 13 km round trip. It’s a tougher, more rugged path, but at the end you’ll reach the 100 meter tall waterfall. Absolutely breathtaking! What’s even better is that you can cool off in the natural pool below. Hiking to the beach and back takes between 3 and 4 hours, completing the whole Hanakapi’ai Falls trail takes 6 to 8 hours.

7. Spot turtles at Poipu Beach

Poipu Beach is one of Kauai’s most popular spots, and it’s easy to see why. With its golden sand, calm waters, and vibrant marine life, it’s a great place for both relaxing and snorkeling. It even has free WiFi! The beach is divided by a small bar of sand (called tombolo) that creates two sides. One’s perfect for kids and casual swimmers, the other has more active waves so it’s a better fit for adventurous types. Poipu Beach is also an excellent spot for catching a beautiful sunset or just lounging by the water.

One of the highlights of visiting Poipu Beach is the chance to see sea turtles up close. Your best bet to spot them is around sunset through sunrise, when these gentle creatures often come ashore to rest. When we visited just before sunset, we were lucky enough to see a handful of turtles slowly making their way onto the sand. There were cones set up about 3 meters around them to keep a safe distance, but we still got a great view. Lastly, Poipu Beach is also known for being a resting spot for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. While we didn’t see any seals during our visit, they’re known to haul out on the beach to nap, especially in quieter areas like the tombolo.

8. Hike the Awa’awapuhi Trail

Hiking the Awa’awapuhi Trail is one of the more exhausting experiences you can have on Kauai. This 10,3 km round-trip trail takes you through lush rainforest before leading to a jaw-dropping viewpoint at the end. The lookout offers panoramic views of the dramatic Awa’awapuhi and Nualolo valleys with their towering cliffs plunging into the Pacific Ocean below.

The hike itself can be moderately challenging, especially on the return climb, but the reward is absolutely worth the effort. The cliffs and valleys look surreal from the viewpoint, making you feel like you’re on the edge of the world. Hiking the Awa’awapuhi Trail is also a great way to spot the very impressive Napali coastline!

We highly recommend starting early to avoid the heat. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, as the return trek is uphill and can be tough. There’s not a lot of shade along the way either, so wearing a hat or cap is also recommended. If you’re looking for a trail with incredible views and fewer crowds, this one is a must!

9. Explore Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific

Waimea Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is one of the most impressive places on Kauai. This incredible geological wonder stretches about 16 kilometers long and 900 meters deep, with layers of red, green, and brown rock creating a stunning landscape. Whether you’re into hiking, scenic drives, or just taking in the views, Waimea Canyon has something for everyone. We only visited the main viewpoint at Waimea Canyon Lookout, and we have to say: the panoramic views of the canyon left us speechless.

For those planning to visit, the entrance fee is around USD 10 per vehicle, with an additional USD 5 per person, which we found totally worth it for the experience. You can either stick to the lookout for an easy stop, or venture deeper into the park for some incredible hiking trails that offer even more intimate views of the canyon’s unique landscape.

10. Visit the Kauai Coffee Company

The Kauai Coffee Company is the largest coffee plantation in the United States and offers a unique opportunity to learn about the entire coffee-making process. If you go on a free walking tour through the coffee fields, you will learn all about the history of the plantation and how their beans are cultivated. Of course, the best part about this is… the free tastings. 😉 Coffee lovers will be happy to know that they have a variety of roasts and flavors to sample, all grown right there on the island. And if you really can’t resist, why not pick up a few bags of your favorites to bring home? The Kauai Coffee Company is a perfect stop if you’re exploring Kauai’s south side. Even if you’re not a coffee enthusiast, the beautiful grounds and local history make it well worth the visit.

11. Take a Napali Coast boat tour

A boat tour along the Napali Coast offers an adventure that simply can’t be matched by a flight. While a helicopter or Cessna ride gives you a bird’s-eye view of Kauai’s stunning cliffs and valleys, being on the water lets you experience the coastline’s rugged beauty up close. Cruising beneath the towering cliffs, it feels like you’re right in the heart of the action. The boat’s slow pace allows you to truly take in the vivid colors, dramatic peaks, and cascading waterfalls that make the Napali Coast so iconic.

Opting for a tour brings this experience to another level. With a knowledgeable crew sharing the island’s history and pointing out wildlife, you’re not just a spectator, but part of the journey. Dolphins often swim alongside the boats, and you might also spot sea turtles or even humpback whales in season. Plus, a lot of tour operators offer a Hawaiian-style dinner, refreshing drinks, champagne at sunset… you name it! See availability for a Napali Coast sailboat tour on your travel dates.

Where to eat in Kauai

• 22° Baked for delicious tacos on Taco Tuesday
• Hanalei Poke for the freshest poke bowls
• Big Monster Sushi for amazing sushi
• Puka Dog for Hawaiian style hot dogs
• Java Kai for breakfast

Best time to visit Kauai

The best time to visit Kauai is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. Prices usually increase in July and August as families visit for summer vacations, so it’s best to avoid these peak months if possible. If you plan to visit in summer, it’s a good idea to book your accommodations several months in advance. For an ideal blend of pleasant weather, lower rates, and fewer tourists, consider traveling in April, May, September, or October.

How long to stay in Kauai

To fully enjoy Kauai, we recommend staying for at least 1 week. This gives you plenty of time to unwind on the beaches, explore hiking trails, take a boat tour, or even experience a helicopter flight over the island’s breathtaking cliffs and valleys. With a week, you can experience all of Kauai’s highlights and still have time to unwind and soak up the island’s laid-back vibe.