Kauai is full of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable adventures! From its lush green valleys, majestic waterfalls, and pristine beaches—it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. Whether you’re hiking through the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast or spending a relaxing morning at the beach, every moment on this enchanting island promises adventure and fun. Here are just a few of my favorite things to do on Kauai!
Kauai, often called the “Garden Isle,” is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful beaches. It’s the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, offering breathtaking landscapes like the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
When Traveling to Kauai
Rent a Car – Kauai is a small island with beauty in every direction. I highly recommend renting a car to be able to see everything the island has to offer
Where to Stay – When deciding where to stay, think about what sort of vacation you’re looking for.
We stay on the eastern shore in a town just above the Wailua bay called Kapa’a. Kapa’a is a great place to stay because it is central enough that you can make it to the north shore or south shore in around 40 minutes.
While the eastern side is a bit more quiet, the southern shoreline is going to have a more lively vibe. Not as touristy as Waikiki on Oahu, but there are more shops, restaurants, and popular beaches. Poipu is a town on the south shore where a lot of vacationers prefer to stay, and for good reason.
If you are looking for beautiful nature, quiet, or a romantic getaway, stay on the North Shore. The North Shore is home to Hanalei Bay, Tunnels Beach, NaPali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and much more.
Weather
When traveling to Kauai, it’s important to keep the weather in mind. Kauai receives the most rain of all the Hawaiian Islands.
Its temperatures typically stay in the 70’s and 80’s, but remember to pack for the rainfalls you may meet when traveling here.
A good thing to note when deciding where to stay is that the South Shore is much dryer than the North Shore.
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Sleeping Giant Hike
The Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) East Trail is a 3.2-mile moderate hike up a mountain ridge located on the eastern edge of Kauai. You will get sites of both the ocean and towns below.
Address: Haleilio Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Kauai’s North Shore, Tunnels Beach, and Maniniholo Dry Cave
The North Shore of Kauai has so many amazing sites and beaches. We spent a day driving up the coast and stopped at a bunch of these scenic spots, and I recommend on your next trip doing the same. There’s nothing like exploring new places, especially when they’re as beautiful as this.
Haena Beach Park and Tunnels Beach are about five minutes from one another. Tunnels Beach has amazing snorkeling since it is home to huge sprawling reefs and sea life. You’ll also spot surfers out there.
On the other side of the highway is Maniniholo Dry Cave. Under the high mountains lays a deep, dark cave you can go into. I’d never seen anything like it – definitely something to check out.
Boat Tour Around Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast
If there is one excursion to splurge on, it’s a boat tour of the Nā Pali Coast. These sprawling, rugged cliffs and valleys create the most beautiful shoreline in the world.
If you’re really adventurous, you can do the 24-mile hike through the cliffs, but I recommend sticking with the boat tour.
We toured on Captain Andy’s and this truly was the highlight of our trip.
Poipu Beach
We spent a couple of our days exploring Kauai’s southern shore. I had heard there was a beach where sea turtles are often spotted. Eventually, we made our way to Poipu Beach. As we walked along the water, I thought I was looking at a bunch of rocks in the distance, but the closer we got, I couldn’t believe my eyes – there were nine sea turtles lounging on the beach!
Make your way down to Poipu Beach for a chance to see these beautiful creatures. Remember to stay back to not disrupt or touch them. They are an endangered species and are protected by the government.
Shipwreck Beach and Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
Lastly, check out shipwreck beach for a relaxing beach day or hiking adventure. It is known to be a beach for surfing and bodyboarding, but just at the end of the beach is the entrance to the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail. A great hike to adventure along the rocky coastline.
Other Notable Mentions
Kauai Coffee – Visit the largest US coffee plantation at the Kauai Coffee Farm. You can book a tour or go on a free self-guided tour.
Finish off the experience with coffee sample and grab a beverage at their cafe.
This was another highlight of the trip for me because I drink Kauai Coffee at home! It was awesome to see how it was made.
Waimea Canyon State Park – Waimea Canyon is one place everyone will tell you to check out when visiting Kauai. This vast, colorful canyon can be explored through hiking, driving, and even a helicopter ride.
Thanks so much for reading! I hope this helps you plan for your next Kauai vacation. Happy traveling!
