THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kauai
Things to Do in Kauai
Known for its beaches and trails, this is the best of Hawaii. For sun and snorkelling, head to Poipu or Hanalei Bay; for hikes and views, don’t miss Kalalau Trail and Wailua Falls. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Extreme Sportsfromper adultC$541
Dinner and Show TicketsfromC$263per adultC$237
On the Waterfromper adultC$169
Zipliningfromper adultC$244- fromper adultC$348
Day Tripsfromper adultC$267
Whale Watchingfromper adultC$200
Cooking Classesfromper adultC$198
On the Waterfromper adultC$323
Day TripsfromC$259per adultC$220
State Parks
Scenic canyon drives lead to multiple lookout points with accessible views of lush valleys and waterfalls, complete with a variety of hiking trails.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Educational chocolate farm tour through lush scenery, offering tastings of 14 unique chocolates, raw cacao seeds, and fresh exotic fruits amid the history of cacao cultivation.
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Beaches
Tranquil beach ideal for family-friendly swimming and snorkeling, complete with lifeguard supervision. Spot resting sea turtles and seals, enjoy nearby eateries, and relax under shade trees.
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Waterfalls
Nature & Wildlife Areas
State Parks
Beaches
Sandy beach flanked by lush scenery, ideal for snorkeling in calm waters with a protective reef, home to diverse marine life and natural shade.
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Beaches
North shore beach with diverse wave conditions ideal for novice surfers and families, featuring expansive sands, mountain views, and a serene pier. Popular for picnics and gentle water activities.
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Hiking Trails
Coastal hiking trail with panoramic ocean views and varied terrain, ideal for a morning trek and picnic. Noteworthy for its proximity to a beach and cave.
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Geologic Formations
Natural spectacle on the South Shore with a dramatic blowhole, wave action, and rocky coastline views. Visit at high tide for enhanced experiences and a chance to capture rainbows on camera.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- tpark44Elmhurst, IL79 contributionsGrand Canyon of Hawaii indeed!!!
The scenic drive through Waimea canyon has multiple breathtaking overlooks to stop at & soak in the wonder of nature! The road zig zags a lot as you drive up the incline, I wished I had taken some Dramamine as the passenger. We only had time to stop at the overlooks as we were on our way to hike the Awa’awa puhi trail in the adjacent Koke’e State Park. The scenic drive through Waimea continues on as the main route through Koke’e park with a nice, small visitor center (bathrooms, gift & convenience store) where the road connects the two parks. If you make your way to Kauai these parks are a MUST SEE!!!Written March 20, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - gregorybastian1 contributionMy wife and I both loved the tour of Lydgate Farms. The tour lasted a full 3 hours and was very informative about how chocolate is made. We also tasted a variety of different chocolates. An added bonus was the tasting of many exotic fruits that are grown on the farm. The tour of the farm grounds was amazing. Henry was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and it was obvious that he is very passionate about his job at the farm. I would definitely do this tour again. So much information to absorb.Written March 23, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dlsio4Allentown, PA53 contributionsThis is the famed sea turtle beach. Every day, around sunset, green sea turtles come out onto the beach for some rest. The turtle zone is cordoned off, but you can still get quite close. We did not go in the water, but there were several snorkelers when we were there and apparently you can see other turtles while you are snorkeling.Written March 17, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- lss1227Hilton Head, SC59 contributionsBeautiful falls. Have to go if you are old enough to watch Fantasy Island back in the day! Easy to get to and no hiking required!Written February 23, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Leslie K1 contributionWhat a wonderful place! The guides were great, and the garden is amazing. I recommend wearing closed toe shoes with good traction. The chocolate tasting was the highlight of the tour. Would definitely do it again.Written March 16, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TuttidirezioniPittsburgh99 contributionsSee my review of Haena State Park.
Spectacular views but takes some effort.
Saw several groups returning from overnight trip and they looked pretty beat. One said the trail became a little dicey after the day-trip area.
Please use boot brushes to prevent spread of invasive species.
If you've been to Big Island, please wipe down gear ahead of time with alcohol solution to prevent rapid O'hia death which is wiping out this important Hawaiian tree.Written February 15, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - OurarkaEast Sussex, UK186 contributionsWe set out to walk the 2 mile trek to the first beach but when it wasn’t as difficult as we had envisaged, we continued to the waterfall ……. which was absolutely fantastic. So long as you take your time, wear appropriate footwear and concentrate on the path, it really isn’t too difficult for a competent hiker. Make sure you follow all instructions from rangers and lifeguards - DO NOT ENTER the sea if you are told not to!!
Tips:
1) Book your park pass and shuttle ASAP. They get booked up quick and you can’t just rock up and buy one.
2) Start early - you won’t like the alarm but it’ll be worth it as you’ll have the track (and waterfall) pretty much to yourself plus you miss the heat of the day.Written January 16, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - kingmamaGlen Mills, PA479 contributionsWe were staying at Hanalei Bay Resort so only 5 min drive. There were no spots in the small parking lot (which is in nice little residential neighborhood) and they will ticket you if park anywhere else. We took the car back and walked over (23 min) - by that time there were some spots open. it had rained the night before so it was muddy in places. definitely an old shoe or sandals you can walk in water" kind of trail.
It's a short trip down (5-15 min depending on mud). when you get to the "cliff" at the btm there's a trail down on the right. most people go left after that towards the baths, and miss that there is a big waterfall right in front of them (you are at the top and can't see it - have to walk across the rocks to the right and look back! see pic). then go to the original left and come across several baths. not sure which one is "queen's bath". they were all very low water levels and ocean calm on our June day - didn't go in any. Nice to walk along the coast to the end (last bath), saw turtles swimming, people cliff jumping, beautiful homes on cliffs (check zillow for the crazy prices!), and aquamarine water along the way. Spent ~1.5 hrs total. this is all flat walking once down off path but tons of rocks/boulders so fun if you like that, but need to really pay attention or can twist an ankle.Written September 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Radhika A4 contributionsThe parking to the beach is a mile away but the beach can also be accessed from the parking lot. Amazing cave by the parking lot and the views of the lush green mountains cannot be beatenWritten December 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Annette B4 contributionsBeautiful beach, great place to surf on certain days you gotta watch the current. Amazing views one of the prettiest beaches I’ve ever seenWritten March 6, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Annette B4 contributionsEasy to moderate trail with great views, worth doing for sure..get there early for parking near trail entryway. Hiking poles not necessary unless wetWritten March 6, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Christine H22 contributionsGreat spot to see many spouts but go early to avoid crowds, sunrise in the background makes for a great photo. Visit the botanical gardens on your way out on the same road.Written July 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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