The Hawaiian Islands are a dream destination for many. While the hustle and bustle and beaches of Oahu and Maui draw many visitors, those looking for a more laid-back Hawaiian vacation should consider Kauai.
Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is a tropical paradise filled with lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. Quaint towns and beautiful beaches dot the coastline of the island, while the rugged cliffs of the Na Pali Coast have served as a backdrop for numerous films and shows.
However, don’t let this quiet and quaint island fool you. There are plenty of things to do in Kauai, allowing you to relax and explore (at the same time).
If the Garden Isle is on your bucket list, here are 50 can’t-miss things to do in Kauai.
Saving Money on Kauai
Before we jump into activities, a quick word on saving money on Kauai is a must.
It’s no secret that the Hawaiian Islands are an expensive destination, and Kauai is no different. While there’s no way around the fact that a Hawaiian destination will be more expensive than other U.S. states, there are some ways to cut down on costs.
Time of Year
Despite being a year-round destination, there are times when it is cheaper to visit Hawaii. The least-crowded (and cheapest) times of year to visit are the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Shoulder season vacations will yield more affordable flights and accommodations and smaller crowds.
Flights
Flights to Hawaii can be pricey, but there are some tricks to saving money. Book your flight one to four months out for the best deals if possible. If you don’t want to be stuck watching for the best deals, consider signing up for a service like Scott’s Cheap Flights, which will send you alerts when deals arise.
Check out this article for other tips on getting cheap flights.
Accommodations
Hawaii is known for its luxurious resorts, and Kauai is no different. Resorts will also likely be your most expensive accommodation option. If resort life is what you’re after, see if you can score a deal with Redweek, which allows you to book resort room suites at a fraction of their usual cost. Another option is to get a deal with a resort that offers timeshares. Many chains will give you a discounted stay in exchange for attending their timeshare presentation.
You could also consider an Airbnb, camping, or if you’re okay roughing it, consider renting a larger vehicle and sleeping in the car.
Food
The last significant expense of a Hawaiian vacation is food. Eating out is expensive, but eating out on Kauai takes it to a new level.
Save tons of money on food in Kauai by bringing non-perishable items with you (such as CLIF or protein bars) and taking a grocery trip upon arrival. Lihue has a Walmart and a Costco, and you’ll save money by buying groceries and making many meals. You can also shop at the local Big Save store.
When you do go out, skip the alcoholic beverages and consider sharing meals to cut down on costs further.
49 Can’t-miss Things To Do in Kauai
20 Free Things To Do in Kauai. First, let’s explore free things to do in Kauai to save even more money.
1. Explore the Beaches
Kauai is hailed as the most beautiful of the main islands, and its beaches don’t disappoint. Numerous beaches dotted around the island allow you to sunbathe, snorkel, swim, participate in watersports, and see wildlife.
Probably the most popular is Poipu Beach on the southeast corner of the island, but Tunnels Beach, Ke’e Beach, Hanalei Bay, and Polihale Beach are other great options.
2. Snorkel at Tunnels
There are plenty of options for snorkeling on Kauai, but the best location is Tunnels Beach on the north shore, thanks to the crescent-shaped coral reef that sits offshore.
Snorkelers will be treated to a variety of beautiful corals and sea life, including tropical fish. You might even see a sea turtle!
3. Hike to Queen’s Bath
Queen’s Bath is a tide pool on the north shore of Kauai near Princeville. Named after Queen Emma, the mother of Prince Albert (where Princeville gets its name), Queen’s Bath is a beautiful place to relax during the summer when the pools are calmer.
To get there, drive down Ka Haku Road and turn on Punahele to Kapiolani. There’s a small parking area at the trailhead, so be sure to get there early. The trail down may be muddy and slippery, so wear good shoes. It takes about a half hour to reach the pools. Be cautious and safe around the pools and ocean to avoid accidents.
4. Spouting Horn
Near Poipu on the south shore, the Spouting Horn blowhole is a lava tube that releases huge water spouts as the waves roll in. The spouts can reach 50 feet, and you’ll also hear a hiss and roar sound when the Horn is about to blow.
The lookout is also a great place to spot whales.
5. Visit Puff the Magic Dragon at Hanalei Bay
“Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee”
Do you know this famous song by the folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary? The Honah Lee referenced in the article is Hanalei, Kauai, and you can see the inspiration for the song when visiting Hanalei Bay.
If you look at the west side of the bay, you’ll see the green hillsides resemble a sleeping dragon, and in one particular location, a large round rocky area that forms Puff’s eye.
6. See Sea Turtles and Hawaiian Monk Seals at Poipu Beach
As you stroll the beach in the mornings and evenings, look out for resting monk seals and sea turtles on Poipu beach. We saw as many as 11 turtles resting on the shore on a recent trip to Kauai.
7. Whale Watching
Humpback whales annually migrate nearly 6,000 miles from their summer homes off the Alaskan shore to the warmer winter waters of Hawaii. Around 10,000 of these majestic animals migrate to the Hawaiian Islands between November and March, and Kauai is one of the best places to see them.
8. Explore the Maniniholo Dry Cave
The Maninihola Dry Cave is located across the street from Haena Beach Park on the north shore. The large opening makes this cave easy and safe to explore with children, although you’ll want to bring a flashlight to explore the deep recesses of the cave.
There are also two sea caves in the same area, but these are not currently available to explore due to damage from storms.
9. Crawl Into the Makauwahi Cave
If caving is your thing, you won’t want to miss the Makauwahi Cave near Poipu. This 17-acre archeological site is home to the largest limestone cave in Hawaii and numerous fossils. Although you’ll have to crawl to enter the cave, it soon opens into an amphitheater and two caves, one containing a lake.
Free guided tours are available daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
10. View the Sunrise and Sunsets
Watching the sunrise and sunset is like seeing a new work of art every day, and the sunrise and sunsets of Kauai don’t disappoint. The best places to view the sunrise/sunsets are Poipu on the south end and Princeville on the north shore.
11. Drive Through the Tree Tunnel
You won’t miss the famous Kauai Tree Tunnel if you’re driving to Poipu. This mile-long stretch on Maluhia Road is lined with over 500 Eucalyptus trees planted over a century ago.
12. Bird Watch
Anyone who has been to Hawaii knows about the abundance of wildlife on the islands, especially birds. One of the more unique aspects of Hawaii is the wild chickens that can be seen almost anywhere on Kauai. Don’t forget to spot nenes (Hawaiian goose), egrets, albatross, and cardinals.
13. Photograph the Wai’Oli Hui’Ia Church
Another green icon of Hanalei is the emerald Wai’oli Hui’ia Church. Holding continuous services since 1834, the church site began as a mission and is now part of the National Register of Historic Places.
14. Hike the Maha’Ulepu Heritage Trail
This four-mile roundtrip trail runs along the coast from Shipwreck Beach to Mahaulepu Beach and is a great place to enjoy the landscape and wildlife while also getting some exercise.
15. Stroll Across the Hanapepe Swing Bridge
Historic Hanapepe is a quaint little town on the southern shore of Kauai. In between visiting the shops, take a stroll across the Hanapepe Swing Bridge, built in the early 1900s so residents could easily cross the river.
16. Hike the Sleeping Giant
The Nounou East Trail, known as the Sleeping Giant Trail, is a moderate 3.5-mile hike up Nounou Mountain above the town of Kapa’a. It’s said that the mountain looks like a giant sleeping on its back, hence the name.
17. Marvel at Wailua Falls
The twin Wailua Falls gush down more than 80 feet. The beauty of Kauai can easily be seen from the end of Maalo Road at the vista point.
18. Visit Opaeka’a Falls
Another of Kauai’s beautiful waterfalls, Opaeka’a Falls, is 150 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Easily accessible, visitors can marvel at the falls from the lookout about two miles up Kuamoo Road and even enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables.
19. View the Wettest Spot on Earth
Mt. Waialeale rises 5,000 at the center of Kauai and is known as the wettest spot on Earth, receiving an average of 450 inches of rain a year.
20. Check Out Film Locations
If the landscapes of Kauai look familiar to you, it’s likely because you’ve seen them before in film. Kauai has served as the setting for numerous movies and TV shows, the most famous of which include Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and South Pacific. While many locations are remote and only accessible by air, many are easy and free to get to.
Check out this list of film locations and conduct your film tour while in Kauai.
Inexpensive Things To Do in Kauai.
Here are the best things to do in Kauai that won’t break the bank.
21. Trek the Kalalau Trail
More adventurous visitors to Kauai can challenge their endurance on the Kalalau Trail. This 11-mile trail runs along the north shore of the Na Pali Coast from Ke’e Beach to the Kalalau Valley and is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S.
While the most experienced of hikers may be able to make the 22-mile round trip in a day, most require at least two days to complete the trek and camp along the trail in designated locations. The first two miles of the trail can be hiked for the price of admission to Ha’ena State Park ($10), but those wanting to hike further will need a permit at the cost of $35 per-person per-day.
22. Explore Waimea Canyon
Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is a 14-mile-long canyon around 3,600 feet deep on the western side of Kauai. Much of the canyon can be accessed for free, but admission to Kokee State Park will run $10 per vehicle. Waimea Canyon Drive will lead you past many lookouts, and many of the best vistas can be accessed with a short walk. Adventurers can take longer hikes within the park, including one to a waterfall.
23. Visit Kilauea Lighthouse
Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge is located on Kilauea Point on the north side of the island. Built in 1913, visitors can now enjoy the beautiful views and spot wildlife, including whales and red-footed booby’s, for just $10 per person.
24. Grab a Burger at Bubba’s
Bubba Burger is a Kauai classic offering good ol’ fashioned burgers since 1936. With locations in Kapa’a and Poipu, Bubba’s is one of the more reasonably priced places to eat on the island. A basic Bubba burger will only set you back $5, and the priciest thing on the menu is only $12.
25. Eat Shave Ice
Shave ice is a Hawaiian specialty. Made by shaving a block of ice and flavoring it with syrup and other ingredients, shave ice is a wonderful cool treat for hot Kauai days. Shave ice shops can be found in every town, and sampling this delicacy is a must on the list of things to do in Kauai.
If you have an extra sweet tooth, Kona Coffee ice cream is also a must.
26. Take a Surfing Lesson
Surfing is another staple of Hawaiian culture, and there are many opportunities to learn to surf while visiting Kauai. Most resorts offer surfing lessons, but you can also take lessons with private companies. Most lessons will cost between $75 and $150.
27. Pick a Pearl
When you think of Hawaiian jewelry, the first thing most think of are pearls. Pearls can be found in shops throughout the islands, and many shops allow you to pick your own.
For around $15, visitors can select an oyster, engage in the ritual Aloha blessing of the chosen oyster, and then see what color pearl they’ve selected from once it is opened. If you want, you can choose a setting and have your pearl placed in a necklace or ring for your custom souvenir. If you’re lucky, you might even get a two-for-one!
28. Visit the Allerton-McBryde Gardens
The Allerton and McBryde Gardens are side-by-side tropical gardens on the south shore of Kauai. Take a guided tour through over 350 acres of bamboo forests, pools, fountains, and beautiful plants. The Allerton Garden tour is $60 per adult, and admission to the McBryde Garden is $30 per adult.
29. Take a Shelter Dog on a Field Trip
Are you a dog lover? If so, you’ll love the dog field trip program at the Kauai Humane Society. For a donation of $40, you can take one of the shelter dogs (matched to you) out on an adventure for the day. Hike the trails, play on the beach, and swim with your furry companion!
30. Explore the Limahuli Garden
Can’t get enough of the flora and fauna of Kauai? Head over to the Limahuli Garden built into the terraced mountainside of the north shore. This garden is home to native Hawaiian plant species not found anywhere else and archeological sites. Self-tours are $25, and guided tours are $40.
31. Take the Kids to the NA Aina Kai Botanical Gardens
It’s no surprise that the Garden Isle would be full of gardens, but the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens are the most family-friendly. Amid the lush gardens stand over 120 bronze sculptures, and you’ll find a large Jack and the Beanstalk fountain in the children’s garden. Self-guided tours are $20 a person, and various guided tours are available for $40 a person and up.
32. Try Poke
If you love fish, another Hawaiian specialty worth a try is poke. Poke is diced raw fish served on rice. Many poke dishes contain other ingredients like sesame seeds, seaweed, sea salt, onions, and wasabi. Ahi tuna is the most common fish found in poke, but others can also be used.
33. Munch Some Loco Moco
A contemporary Hawaiian dish, Loco Moco consists of white rice with a hamburger, fried egg, and gravy on top. You’ll find many variations on this dish throughout the islands, and it’ll be one of the most filling meals you’ll have!
34. Cruise to the Fern Grotto
The Fern Grotto is a natural lava rock grotto with ferns hanging from the ceiling. Formerly reserved only for Hawaiian royalty, the Fern Grotto is a few miles up the Wailua River and can be accessed by kayak or a boat cruise. The Smith family has been operating river cruises for 4 generations, and the beautiful hour-and-a-half trip can be had for $30 per adult and $15 per child.
35. Ride the Train at Kilohana Plantation
Kilohana is a 105-acre plantation built in the 1930s, and the best way to see the plantation is by train. Ride through strands of sugarcane, taro, and various fruits while learning about the history and workings of the plantation. Take the train for $20 per adult or add a lunch for $88 per adult.
36. Be Awed at the Pu’U O Kila Lookout
Visitors to Waimea Canyon should keep going to the end of Highway 550 in Kokee State Park for another breathtaking view. The Pu’u O Kila Lookout offers panoramic views of the Kalalau Valley and the Alakai Swamp, the widest valley on the Na Pali Coast. For the best views, visitors should arrive between 8 am and noon because clouds are more likely to pack in throughout the afternoon. You’ll also need to pay the $10 entrance fee to the state park.
37. Shop Kauai
One of the best things about Kauai is the small-town feel, complete with local shops and a noticeable lack of big chain stores. No matter what else you do, make sure you take a day to pop into the local shops wherever you’re staying and find some local Hawaiian treasures. One great location is the shops at Kukui’ula Shopping Village, but you’ll also find great stops in Kapa’a, Hanalei, and Koloa.
Epic Things To Do in Kauai
Those looking for truly epic things to do in Kauai should consider one or more of the tours and activities listed below.
38. NA Pali Coast Boat Tours
The Na Pali Coast is famous for its towering pali (sea cliffs), narrow valleys, and cascading waterfalls. It is largely inaccessible except for the Kalalau Trail, so the best way to see this awe-inspiring landscape is by sea or air.
There are various boat tour options available, including snorkel tours and sunset dinner cruises. Most tours will cost around $200 per person. Capt Andy’s is one of the more famous boat tour companies, but others may work better depending on where you’re staying.
39. Go Ziplining in Koloa
Adrenaline junkies will love zipping through the jungle at 50mph on the Kauai Ziplines near Poipu. Skyline Hawaii has 8 and 5 zipline tours that allow you to glide over three valleys with views of the mountains and ocean. 5 zipline tours are $119.95 a person, and eight zipline tours are $149.95.
40. Take a Helicopter Tour
The other way to see the Na Pali Coast is from the air, and there are many great helicopter tours available to do just that. Soar over the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and view all the famous filming locations around the island in these 90-minute tours for between $350 and $400 a person. Alternatively, you could also take a Cessna plane tour with Wings of Kauai, which some prefer to helicopter.
41. Kayak Wailua River
Kauai has the only navigable rivers of Hawaii, making kayaking one of the best things to do in Kauai. The Wailua River is the main kayaking river, and many tours are available. Tours are around $100 per person and typically take 4-5 hours.
42. Snorkel the Forbidden Isle of Ni’Ihau
Snorkel lovers who want to see the Na Pali Coast should take a snorkel tour of the Forbidden Isle of Ni’ihau. Ni’ihau is the westernmost main and seventh largest inhabited island in Hawaii, located about 17 miles off the southwest coast of Kauai. It is off-limits to outsiders except for certain government officials, Navy personnel, and guests. These all-day cruises will typically cost $275 to $350 per person and include food.
43. Attend a Lu’Au
A lu’au is a traditional Hawaiian feast that features traditional Hawaiian food, music, and hula. They are often held on special occasions, such as graduation, wedding, or birthday. Attending a lu’au is a must for any first-time visitor to Kauai, where you’ll enjoy great food and learn about the history of the islands and its people. Attending a lu’au will run between $150 and $200 per person.
44. Play a Round of Golf
If you’re a golfer, then you must play a round at the Princeville Makai Golf Course, named to the list of America’s “Top 5 Great Golf Settings” in the world by National Geographic Traveler. With six oceanfront holes, you won’t find a more stunning backdrop for improving your golf game. A round of 1-4 players will run you between $288 and $615, but you can also take lessons and play tennis and disc golf.
45. Take a Sunset Golf Cart Tour
Another must-do activity that also takes place at the Princeville Makai Golf Course is the Sunset Golf Cart Tour. This guided tour takes you across the greens while you learn about the flora and fauna, wildlife, and cultural and geographical elements of the land and sea. The final stop is at the seventh hole, located on a point jutting into the ocean. This is the perfect spot to view the stunning Kauai sunsets. This two-hour tour is only $105 per two-person golf cart.
46. Go on a Kauai Tubing Adventure
Kauai Backcountry Adventures has exclusive access to the irrigation system and canals of an old sugar plantation and you can take tubing tours through those systems. On the tour, you’ll also learn about the island’s history, culture, and nature. Tubing adventures start at $136.
47. Go Horseback Riding
If you thought the beaches of Kauai couldn’t get any better, try riding the beaches on horseback. CJM Country Stables offers a variety of outstanding horseback riding tours on Kauai’s beaches, starting at $195 a person.
48. Sample Chocolate on a Farm Tour
Kauai has incredibly fertile soil, which makes it a prime location for growing cacao. At Lydgate Farms, the family has been growing cacao since the days of the Hawaiian kingdom, and you can tour this award-winning farm for $125 per adult.
49. Take a Dip in an Epic Pool
There’s nothing better than soaking in the pool after a long day of adventuring around Kauai. But if you didn’t opt for resort accommodations, you might find yourself without much of a pool to relax in.
Luckily, you can now stay wherever you want and still have access to epic pools with the Resort Pass. For between $30 and $75, you can grab a day pass to a fantastic resort and access the pool and poolside amenities of many local resorts.
Things To Do in Kauai FAQ
Why Is Kauai Called the Garden Island?
Kauai is known as the Garden Island because around 97% of its land is comprised of undeveloped mountain ranges and rainforests. It’s known for its lush greenery, towering mountains, cliffs, and waterfalls.
What Is Kauai Best Known For?
Kauai is known for its amazing and dramatic landscape. Kauai is a tropical paradise from Waimea Canyon to the Na Pali Coast, with lush mountains and waterfalls in between.
Is It Worth Going to Kauai?
If you can afford the trip, it is absolutely worth going to Kauai. The lush rainforests, along with beautiful sand beaches, make Kauai a tropical paradise with far fewer crowds that its island neighbors.
How Many Days Do You Need?
You’ll need at least a week to do most of the things listed above, especially if you want to spend a few beach/pool days for relaxing in between. Luckily, many of the best things to do in Kauai can be bunched into the same day, such as the Waimea Canyon, Pu’u O Kila Lookout, and waterfall lookouts.
I’d recommend using this list to determine your top must-do activities and plan your days according to the things you want to do most. If you have more time, you can add other activities you’d like to do for a full and fun Kauai vacation.
What Should You Not Miss on Kauai?
This will depend on your preferences, but my recommendations would be snorkeling at Tunnels Beach, Waimea Canyon, the Sunset Golf Tour, and Poipu Beach. If you have a strong stomach, I’d also highly recommend splurging on a Na Pali Coast boat tour.
What Is the Best Time To Go to Kauai?
The least crowded and cheapest times to visit Kauai will be during the shoulder seasons of fall and spring. These months will also give you an opportunity to see migrating whales and turtles.
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