Commonly known as the“Garden Island” of Hawaii, Kauai is one of the most scenic islands in the state, known for its dramatic cliffs, lush rainforests, and breathtaking coastline.

As the oldest island in the chain, this unique place has been shaped over time to produce tall, jagged mountains, superbly sculpted beaches, and an array of waterfalls, rivers and even a tropical canyon.

Many of Kauai’s best experiences revolve around the outdoors, from coastal walks and scenic drives to boat tours and easy-to-moderate hikes.

Although it’s a little more off the beaten track compared to islands such as Oahu and Maui, there is no shortage of things to appreciate if you choose to visit Kauai. From snorkeling vibrant reefs and relaxing on quiet beaches to hiking scenic trails and exploring the iconic Na Pali Coast, Kauai offers some of the best things to do in Hawaii for travelers who love nature and adventure.

After exploring the island ourselves, we put together this guide with a mix of iconic must-see spots and experiences we genuinely loved. This list of 12 unforgettable things to do in Kauai will help you plan a trip that balances adventure, scenery, and time to relax, whether it’s your first visit or a return trip to see more of the island.

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Getting Around Kauai

Getting around Kauai is much easier with your own vehicle since many of the island’s best beaches, hikes, and viewpoints are spread out and not reachable by public transportation. We rented an SUV through Airbnb and camped at different spots around the island, which gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace and reach more remote areas.

If camping or moving around the island isn’t your style, we’d still highly recommend renting a car for your trip. Roads to places like Waimea Canyon, the North Shore beaches, and trailheads can be long and scenic, and having your own transportation makes the experience much smoother.

1) Snorkel at Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach (also known as Makua Beach) is one of Hawaii’s most photographed beaches due to its powdery soft sand, clear water, and gorgeous greenery which really captures the island’s essence.

This is one of the best snorkeling spots on Kauai during calm conditions. The reef here is large and diverse, with schools of colorful fish, coral formations, and, if you’re lucky, sightings of sea turtles or dolphins farther offshore. Because the beach tends to be quieter than some of Kauai’s more popular spots, it’s also a great place to relax on the sand after swimming.

Parking is limited and fills up early, so arriving in the morning is your best bet.

Good To Know: Ocean conditions can change quickly, especially on the North Shore. Tunnels Beach is best visited in the summer months when the water is calmer. In winter, the surf can be rough, making snorkeling unsafe.

2) Explore the Na Pali Coast by Boat

The Na Pali Coast on Kauai’s northwest side is a breathtaking wonder of the world and is still relatively untouched today. Access via roads is very limited on this part of the island so going by boat offers extraordinary up close views.

This is an absolute must see when visiting Kauai with gorgeous shades of green on display along the rugged coastline and mountains. During our boat tour we were able to get an amazing view of some cascading waterfalls and also explored a sea cave and went underneath a sea arch which were such unique sights to see.

There was a real sense of tranquility about the whole experience as we rode our boat along the pacific waters whilst taking in the glorious natural beauty in front of us.

We did this tour early in the morning, which the crew said gives the best chance of spotting dolphins and calmer ocean conditions.

We chose the more fast-paced Zodiac Rafting tour (listed above) for our trip, but if you’re looking for a calmer way to experience the Na Pali Coast, this catamaran tour is a great option and has over 1,000 five-star reviews.

3) Hike Waimea Canyon

Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon offers panoramic views with vibrant colors that make it a must-see!

The drive up to the canyon alone offers amazing views along the winding road with various lookout points to enjoy. There are also various hikes to check out with different degrees of difficulty.

Bear in one that once you pay for one car park you then have access to all of the car parks available so you will be free to stop and explore at will.

Packing Tip: Bring layers, it’s noticeably cooler and windier at the higher elevations.

4) Relax at Hanalei Bay

When visiting Hawaii you expect gorgeous views and beautiful beaches, and this is exactly what you will find at Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore.

Hanalei Bay is a picturesque, semi-circular beach and offers some stunning views such as the ‘Sleeping Dragon’ mountain range. At Hanalei Beach you will have access to facilities such as barbecue pits, picnic areas, and bathrooms however parking can be tight as it is a dirt car park with limited space.

There is some shade on the beach from the trees and while you’re here be sure to check out Hanalei Pier where you can jump off into the water or sit down and watch the surfers.

Good To Know: Summer mornings usually have the calmest water here. Parking fills early, so aim to arrive before 9am.

Due to it’s calmer waters, Hanalei Bay is the perfect spot for beginners to learn to surf. This highly rated company offers lessons to help you get started!

5) Swim in Queens Bath

Once a popular swimming spot for the Hawaiian Royal Family, Queens Bath is a hidden gem of a natural tide pool found on the north side of Kauai.

Here you will enjoy stunning geological sights as well as water temperature that is a little bit warmer than the ocean but it can be tricky to get to. You will park your car in the Princeville neighborhood before making your way through some jungle and across some slippery lava rock (wear good sneaker or hiking boots).

There will be signs to deter people from visiting but you are ok to do so as long as you are careful on both the journey there as well as when you’re in the water.

Swimming here in the winter is a no go due to the rough water but in the summer it is calmer but still be vigilant and never turn your back on the ocean.

Safety Tip: Only visit during calm ocean conditions as winter waves can make this area extremely dangerous. Be sure to check the swell forecast for Queen’s bath before you go.

6) Marvel at the Kalalau lookout

Without a doubt the most rewarding view you will find on the island is the Kalalau lookout in Waimea Canyon State Park.

Accessible by car, the viewpoint stands at 4000 feet high and offers up one of the most picturesque views imaginable of Hawaii’s lush green landscape as well as the famous Na Pali cliffs.

The 2-mile wide Kalalau valley sits below the lookout with the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean visible in the distance. This scenic location has been used in many movies including King Kong and Jurassic Park.

We advise checking the weather ahead of time as the clouds and mist can obstruct the view but do not hesitate visiting here at some point during your trip!

7) Helicopter Tour

Viewing Kauai’s sensational scenery from a helicopter is a truly surreal experience that will stay with you forever.

From the steep cliffs on the Na Pali coast to the vibrant Waimea Canyon, there are so many incredible sights to enjoy an aerial view of in Kauai.

Also, considering that a lot of the island’s landscape is inaccessible by car, a helicopter tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see some of Kauai’s most breathtaking views.

For an even more thrilling adventure, consider booking an open-door helicopter ride which is consistently rated as a top activity on the island!

Good To Know: Morning flights usually have smoother conditions and clearer views before clouds build over the mountains.

8) Camp at Salt Pond Beach

On Kauai’s southwestern tip you will find Salt Pond Beach which is a perfect camping spot with an abundance of things to see and do.

The campground is situated on a flat and spacious patch of grass and is a stones throw away from the crescent shaped white sand which features a number of palm trees offering some shade when you want to relax during the day.

The water is fairly calm making it ideal to swim and snorkel here and there are also some tide pools nearby to take a dip in.

The campground features bathrooms, picnic tables and even some charging outlets by the shelters and overall was a very enjoyable and peaceful way to spend one of our nights in Kauai.

9) Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is a spectacular 175 foot waterfall found not too far from the airport in Lihue and is a lovely quick attraction to stop by at.

We found parking ok despite the parking lot being quite small and were able to enjoy a great elevated view of the waterfall. There were once trails to the bottom but due to the dangers around getting down these are now closed off with a lot of fencing and signs to warn visitors.

There were a couple of vendors present when we visited and we got a snack at a fruit stand but, otherwise there is not too much to do here but it is arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Kauai so you will not be disappointed regardless!

10) Attend a Luau

A staple in Hawaiian culture is their traditional party called a Luau which features live music, a show, and a feast of delicious food.

To make a truly unique and unforgettable memory while in Kauai, we highly recommend attending a Luau where you will learn about Hawaiian culture whilst indulging in authentic local cuisine as you mingle with other people and watch an awesome dance/fire show.

11) Swim with Turtles at Poipu Beach

Green sea turtles are notorious when it comes to Hawaii’s marine life, and you can get a close-up view of them just off the shore of Poipu Beach.

This is a lovely, crescent-shaped white sand beach found on the island’s south shore that features calm and clear waters making it ideal for swimming and/or snorkeling.

The water is clear and quite shallow so for young/inexperienced snorkelers this is an ideal spot to enjoy swimming with the fish and sea turtles but bear in mind that some of the rocks can be jagged, so we recommend bringing water shoes.

 

12) Hike the Awa’awapuhi Trail

An awesome hike you should check out in Kauai is the Awa’awapuhi Trail which gives insane views of the Na Pali Coast and ocean at the end. As you make your way up you will move through a rainforest which is really cool because you get a look at some interesting vegetation and listen to the native birds singing in the trees.

You will hike 3.5 miles up the trail before coming down the same way and with some areas being a bit muddy, we recommend using a sturdy branch as a walking stick. Keep in mind that the summit can be foggy which restricts visibility so it’s a good idea to check the weather on the day you plan to go.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Kauai

How many days should you spend in Kauai?

Most people need 4 to 6 days in Kauai to see the highlights without feeling rushed. This gives you enough time to explore the North Shore, visit Waimea Canyon, relax on a few beaches, and fit in a boat tour or hike.

What is the best time of year to visit Kauai?

April through June and September through October are great times to visit Kauai if you want fewer crowds and slightly lower prices. Summer tends to have calmer ocean conditions, while winter brings bigger waves, more rain, and better whale-watching opportunities

Do you need to rent a car in Kauai?

Yes, renting a car in Kauai is highly recommended. Many of the island’s top attractions, beaches, and hiking trails are spread out and not easily accessible by public transportation.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Some of the best things to do in Kauai include exploring the Na Pali Coast, hiking Waimea Canyon, relaxing at Hanalei Bay, snorkeling at Tunnels Beach, and visiting waterfalls like Wailua Falls.

Is Kauai expensive to visit?

Kauai (and all the Hawaiian Islands) can be expensive, quite expensive, but you can manage costs by focusing on outdoor activities, beaches, hikes, and scenic viewpoints, which are mostly free. Booking tours in advance and staying outside major resort areas can also help.