11 FUN Things to do in Lihue, Kauai (And Nearby!)

Best Things to do in Lihue, Hawaii

Mountain tubing is one of the most unique things to do in Kauai! Photo via Kauai Backcountry

1. Mountain Tubing

One of the most unique things to do in Kauai is inner tube through the old irrigation canals of the historic Lihue Plantation. Once used to irrigate sugar crops, this water system has been repurposed as an adventurous jungle waterslide!

This one-of-a-kind Lihue adventure is completely legal and is managed by Kauai Backcountry. The 3-hour experience happens several times daily and includes 2.5 miles of floating down the canals and tunnels through the lush jungle.

2. Enjoy Kalapaki Beach

With lush green mountains wrapped around a turquoise blue bay, Kalapaki Beach is undoubtedly the most beautiful beach in Lihue! It is a small beach in front of the Marriott, but it is publicly accessible—just park to the west side of the beach at Nāwiliwili Park, then walk across the stream.

Even though its right in front of a resort, this is one of my favorite beaches on the island because of the views and its often a lovely spot for wading with calm waves.

3. Visit the Kauai Museum

Situated in downtown Lihue, the Kauai Museum is an excellent small museum where you can learn about the island’s rich heritage—hundreds of years of ancient Hawaiian history and folklore, the sugarcane industry, and surfing history.

It wasn’t until my fourth visit to the island that we made time for the museum—and I’m really glad we did! It’s a great way to get out of the heat (or a rainy day) and enrich your understanding of the Garden Isle.

4. Free Kauai Rum Tasting at Kōloa Rum Company

Another one of the best things to do in Lihue is to taste local Kauai rum at Kōloa Rum Company’s store and tasting room, located at the Kilohana Plantation. You get to taste a variety of unique local rums, my favorites are the dark rum and coconut rum, and the cacao rum is interesting, too!

Tasting happen every hour 10am-4pm every day except Sundays. The tasting menu changes daily (check it on Koala Rum’s website), and are FREE, but you do have to pay a $5 booking fee per group of up to 6 people.

5. Join the Lihue Sunset Cruise

Cruise along Lihue’s Hulei’a River and breathtaking Kalapaki Bay on this Lihue sunset catamaran cruise. You’ll sail pas the historic Menehune Fish Pond and the Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge, both of which can be difficult to access without a boat. You’ll spot tropical birds and native plants along the way, and enjoy fruity cocktails, wine, champagne, and local beer, plus snacks!

6. See Wailua Falls

Just a 12 minute drive from Lihue will take you to Wailua Falls, one of the most beautiful and easily accessible waterfalls on the island. The waterfall is 84 feet tall and cascades down cliffside into a small pool below. You get a front-row view of the waterfall right from the parking lot.

7. Get Coffee & Bagels at Rainbeau Jo’s

I usually wouldn’t include a coffeeshop on a list of things to do, but Rainbeau Jo’s just has to be mentioned! This colorful and friendly coffeeshop is situated in the heart of downtown Lihue and is a must-visit spot!

The owners (Beau and Jo) and staff are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and the coffee, smoothies, and bagels they serve are spectacular!

8. Try Outrigger Canoe Surfing

Where else in the world are you going to try surfing in a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe?!?

This one-of-a-kind Hawaiian adventure has to be reserved in advance and costs about $70 per person at Kalapaki Beach in Lihue!

9. Ride Along the Plantation Railway

Ride a little train around a historic 105-acre plantation in Lihue! Along the way, you get to see Hawaiian crops like taro and sugarcane, as well as groves of other tropical crops like mango, pineapple, banana, papaya, noni, and more.

Read more about the Plantation Railway and reserve your spot on the Kilohana Plantation website.