The Ultimate Kauai Travel Guide (For First-Time Visitors)

Aloha and welcome to ‘the garden island,’ Kauai! I’ve had the privilege of visiting this special island twice, and I’m already planning my next trip because I truly can’t get enough of it.

If you’re also planning a trip to Kauai, you’ve come to the right place! This Kauai travel guide covers everything you need to know for your first trip to Kauai. I share all my Kauai travel tips, including a comparison of the best areas to stay, how to get around, all the best things to do, must-visit beaches, and what time of year to visit.

So, let’s dive in! Soon you’ll be jetting along the rugged Nā Pali Coast, covering your rental car’s tires in Waimea Canyon‘s iconic red dirt, snorkeling beside vibrant coral with sea turtles and tropical fish, immersing in the lush Hanalei Valley, soaking in the tropical sun at Kauai’s most beautiful beaches, and enjoying everything else this enchanting island has to offer.

A few of the many stunning places to see on your first visit to Kauai!

👋🏽 Note from the author: Did this article impact the way you planned your trip? Have any questions? Please comment at the end of the article! It helps this blog grow and helps me know what types of articles to write more. 💛

Kauai Travel Guide for First Time-Visitors

I’m an avid traveler, but I must say that Kauai is unlike anywhere else on earth. There’s something very special—almost magical—about it. Maybe it’s the rugged inspiring landscapes of the Nā Pali Coast, Hanalei Valley, and Waimea Canyon. Or perhaps it’s the quietness that you just don’t experience on the most crowded Hawaiian islands like Oahu and Maui. All I know is that nearly everyone who visits Kauai agrees that there’s something unique about this place, and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself!

Use the table of contents (above) to navigate to different sections of this Kauai travel blog. You can also browse all my Hawaii travel guides if you’re interested in a deep dive in a certain topic, like what to wear in Hawaii, a comparison of the best Nā Pali Coast boat tours, or my tips for landing free housesits in Hawaii!

Is Kauai the best Hawaiian island for you?

Kauai does have that magical feeling that makes me want to recommend it to anyone and everyone, but ultimately, you need to decide for yourself. Here are some pros and cons of traveling to Kauai.

Reasons to travel to Kauai (compared to other Hawaiian islands):

• ⛰️ Awe-inspiring landscapes. There’s something about Kauai’s striking, rugged natural beauty that forces a sense of wonder, and helps you disconnect from the outside world. You can’t help but to feel in awe as you’re faced with the 4000-foot green ridged sea cliffs along the Nā Pali Coast. Or as you gaze up at the 1000+ foot waterfalls cascading down the lush mountains that surround Hanalei Valley. Or as you trek through the vibrant red dirt ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’. If you’re wanting to ‘escape’ normal life, or be inspired by nature, Kauai is a good choice.
• 🏝️ Uncrowded beaches and trails. Kauai has the smallest population of the four main Hawaiian islands, and it shows on the trails and beaches. I absolutely love nearby Oahu, but there are very few places on the island where you can escape the crowds. Of course, it’s rare you get the place to yourself at a Kauai beach or trail, but you’ll enjoy the natural beauty and serenity with a much smaller group of people.
• ✈️ Good for a short (or long) visit. Kauai is a relatively small island (with lots to do!) and you can see most of the main sites in a few days. In fact, I recently created a 2 day Kauai itinerary that allows you to efficiently explore the island in a short weekend without missing any of the highlights (Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei and the North Shore). If you are visiting another Hawaiian island, you can easily pop over to Kauai for a few days. That said, Kauai is also wonderful for a longer trip. If you are able, I’d give yourself at least 5 days on Kauai, up to two weeks. A week gives you enough time to go on a full day Nā Pali Coast boat tour, spend a day at Waimea Canyon, explore the North Shore, go on a few hikes, and have plenty of time to relax at the beach or resort.

A few things to be aware of when visiting Kauai:

• 🏝️ It’s not the best Hawaiian island solo travelers. My most recent trip to Kauai was a solo trip (after previously visiting with family). And I don’t think I’d visit solo again. There are a few reasons. First, Kauai is so dang beautiful that it really makes you wish you had someone to experience it with. Second, there aren’t many solo travelers at all, a bummer if you’re the type who likes to socialize. And most importantly, it just doesn’t feel safe to do Kauai’s gorgeous (but often dangerous) hikes alone. If you only have one chance to visit Kauai and you have to visit alone, go for it. But if you’re looking for the best Hawaiian island for a solo trip, I’d recommend Oahu, which has hostels, lots of group tours, and tons to do if you’re alone.
• 🚙 You almost certainly need a car. Kauai isn’t very easy to get around without a car and Uber is crazy expensive (I had to take an $120+ Uber when my rental car broke down). Plus, given that many of the best things to do on Kauai include visiting secluded beaches and hiking trails, you’ll want your own transportation. Of course the cost of a rental car can add up, so I see this as a potential con for budget travelers. That said, it’s definitely possible to travel Kauai without a car if you’re flexible. I’d consider staying in Lihue and then taking guided day trips to the North Shore, Nā Pali Coast, and other spots.
• 🌺 There aren’t a lot of locals, you’ll just be hanging around other tourists. One thing I love about visiting nearby Oahu is hanging out amongst locals at the beaches, on the trails, and in local eateries. And on the North Shore of Oahu you feel like you can immerse right in surfer culture. But with Kauai’s small population and high rate of tourism, you sort of feel like you’re in Disneyland rather than a place real people live.
• 🌦️ Kauai is Hawaii’s rainiest island. The only way Kauai can be the ‘garden island’ is with a bit of rain. The island gets anywhere from 14 to 23 days of rain each month! I don’t mind the rain because it’s what makes Kauai’s landscapes so lush, but it can disrupt a beach day! If you’re hoping to avoid the rain, stay on the southern part of Kauai, which tends to stay drier.

You might be interested in: Kauai Airport Lei Greeting

The best time to visit Kauai

Kauai is beautiful year round and the average temperatures only vary by a few degrees in any given month. It’s hot enough to swim anytime of year, but seasonal factors like bigger waves and whale migrations should guide you as you plan your trip.

Kauai in Winter 🌊

The best time of year for whale watching is December through May. However, Kauai (especially the North Shore) also gets much bigger waves in the wintertime, which can affect Nā Pali Coast boat tours and snorkeling. If you don’t mind trading your Nā Pali Coast boat tour for a helicopter tour or a hike along the trail, winter can still be a lovely time to experience Kauai. And if you’re a surfer seeking Kauai’s biggest and best waves, winter is the time to visit! By the way, Oahu is a great island to visit in the winter if you want to see pro surfers!

Kauai in Spring 🌺 

Spring is a shoulder season, meaning you can expect fewer tourists and often lower prices on hotels and rental cars. If you visit at the beginning of spring, you can still have a chance to witness the annual humpback whale migration. Meanwhile, if you visit at the end of spring, you’ll likely experience calmer beaches with smaller waves (better for snorkeling and boat tours!)

Kauai in Summer ☀️ 

Summer is arguably the best time to visit Kauai with the smallest waves and warmest temperatures. The calmer ocean conditions make it easier to snorkel on the North Shore and explore the Nā Pali Coast on a boat tour, which are two of the best things to do in Kauai. Kauai is rainy year round, but summer is usually a littler bit drier. That said, summer is high tourist season, so you can expect the most expensive rates.

KAUAI in Fall 🍁 

You can enjoy (somewhat) calmer waves on the North Shore and along the Nā Pali Coast throughout most of the fall, but expect bigger surf as you get into November. Fall is a low season for tourists since families are going back to school, so you can find cheaper rates and enjoy the sights without the crowds.

Lihue 🌺

Home to Kauai’s international airport and cruise port, Lihue is the gateway to everything the beautiful garden isle has to offer! Lihue is often overlooked as a place to stay in Kauai, but I actually had a lovely time staying here on my first trip to Kauai.

While small, Lihue town is more developed than other parts of Kauai, with the island’s only Costco, Target, and Walmart. Lihue also has some gorgeous waterfront hotels that tend to be a bit more affordable compared to Kauai’s resort areas.

If you’re only visiting Kauai for a few days, staying in Lihue can save you some time as it’s so centrally located. The North Shore is about an hour drive in one direction, and Waimea Canyon is under an hour in the other direction. Plus, if you’re planning to go on a bucket list helicopter tour of the Nā Pali Coast, you’ll be right next to the airport!

• $$$ The Royal Sonseta Kauai Resort: This gorgeous resort is situated at Kalapaki Beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The views are unmatched and there are several shops and restaurants nearby. 
• $$ The Kauai Inn: This budget-friendly Lihue hotel is across the street from the water, and a 20-minute walk from Kalapaki Beach. There is a pool and beautiful mountain views. 
• $$ Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort & Spa: This Hawaiian resort is secluded on a long sandy beach less than 10 minutes from downtown Lihue. The beautiful property features several pools and picturesque, man-made waterfalls. 
• $ 2 Bedroom Lihue Condo: This budget-friendly Lihue vacation rental is perfect for a family of four or two couples. It’s within walking distance of Kalapaki Bay, restaurants, and shops.

🤙🏽 Lihue travel tip: The Lihue shuttle only costs 50 cents to ride and will take you around the city, between downtown and the resorts on Kalapaki Beach.

Also Read: 15 BEST Things to do in Lihue, Kauai (And Nearby!)

The Coconut Coast 🥥

Along Kauai’s eastern shore you’ll find the charming towns of Wailua and Kapa‘a which make up the Royal Coconut Coast, or Coconut Coast for short.

As the nickname suggests, this part of the island is home to an abundance of coconut palm groves, as well as golden sand beaches, several waterfalls, and the scenic Wailua River. Kapa’a and Wailua also feature plenty of local restaurants, shops, and grocery stores.

Depending on where you stay, the North Shore is as little as 30 minutes away, and Waimea Canyon is just over an hour in the other direction.

I’ll be honest, this area of the island isn’t as beautiful as the North Shore. But it is close to the airport, centrally located, and features some of the island’s more affordable beachfront hotels. So, if you’re on a budget but want to stay in a clean, modern hotel on the beach, this is the first area to look! Just keep in mind that the beaches here aren’t as nice as on other parts of the island.

Tip: If you do stay in Wailua or Kapa’a, look into kayaking along the Wailua River to Secret Falls. It’s one of the best things to do on Kauai and it’s right here in Wailua!

• $$ Kauai Shores Hotel: This is my top choice for a budget-friendly hotel on Kauai! The colorful rooms were recently renovated and the oceanfront property features two pools, a restaurant, and private beach access.
• $$ Kauai Coast Resort at the Beach Boy: The Coconut Coast’s highest rated hotel with waterfall pools, tropical gardens, and a beautiful golden sand beach. The hotel is within walking distance of downtown Wailua’s shops and restaurants.
• $$$ Castle Kaha Lani Resort: One and two-bedroom oceanview apartments with kitchens and a shared pool. I love that you get beach chairs, boogie boards, cooler bags, and other beach essentials.
• $$ Beachfront Penthouse VRBO: This recently renovated apartment features a luxurious California king bed and a large balcony overlooking the ocean.

Getting around Kauai

Kauai has two main highways that both begin in Lihue near the airport. The 37-mile Kuhio Highway traces the coastline north, hitting a dead end at the eastern edge of the Napali Coast. Meanwhile, the 34-mile Kaumualii Highway connects Lihue to the south and western side of the island and ends before reaching the other side of the Napali Coast.

There is no road through the middle of the island, and no way to drive through the northwestern side of the island (the Nā Pali Coast) from one side to the other. For instance, if you want to travel to the southwestern part of the island (Waimea) from the North Shore (Hanalei), you’ll have to drive an hour and a half, wrapping around the eastern shore before driving west.

On my most recent trip to Kauai, I stayed on the North Shore and drove all the way to the south shore on two different days. The nearly 2-hour drive each way wasn’t an issue for me, though — the drive is so scenic with plenty of places to stop along the way!

Do you need a rental car to get around Kauai?

If you want maximum flexibility and freedom to explore all Kauai has to offer, you’ll definitely need to rent a car. Having your own car will allow you to road trip through Waimea Canyon, explore the tranquil beaches of the North Shore at your own pace, and it’ll also make it easier to get to the port for your Nā Pali Coast boat tour.

That said, plenty of people visit Kauai without renting a car for their entire trip. You can just rent a car for a few days of adventure and then spend the rest of your Kauai vacation exploring the beaches and towns near your hotel. However, if you’re really motivated to experience Kauai without a car, I’ll share some other ways you can get around Kauai below.

Tips for finding an affordable car rental on Kauai

DiscoverCars is my favorite tool for comparing car rental costs. The platform is easy to use (with stellar customer service) and shows you both international and local brands with accurate pricing for the dates you set.

You can also look into renting a car through a travel credit card or a membership like Costco Travel. However, I would be sure to compare the rates to what you can find on DiscoverCars anyhow, sometimes its cheaper! I’ve also rented a car through Booking.com, which is my favorite platform for booking hotels because of the discounts they offer through their rewards program, but most people don’t realize they also do car rentals.

Finally, be sure to check with local car rental companies that might not be listed anywhere else. On my first trip to Kauai we rented a cheap, beat up sedan from a small local rental company. I don’t remember which company we rented from, maybe it was Rent a Wreck?

😅 Kauai car rental story: That 15-year old beater car my family rented on our first Kauai trip got us around the island without fail. We even took it “off roading” down the 5-mile dirt road to one of Kauai’s most secluded beaches, Polihale. Funny enough, on my most recent Kauai trip, the brand-new SUV from Hertz broke down right in a parking lot in Princeville on my very first day (and almost rolled away LOL). Thankfully, Hertz paid to tow the car and Uber me back to the airport to get a new car. So whether you go with a local company or an international one, just be sure you’re renting from a company you trust will take care of you if something goes wrong!

Exploring Kauai without a car

✈️ Airport to hotel shuttle: Reserve this airport shared transfer in advance. In my experience, it’s more affordable than taking an Uber, with 24 hours service and standard pricing for rides to Princeville, Poipu, Kahala, Kapaa, and Lihue hotels.

🌿 Hā‘ena State Park (Napali Coast) shuttle bus: This convenient shuttle along Kauai’s North Shore includes an entry into Hā‘ena State Park. You get dropped off right where you begin Kauai’s most famous hike along the Kalalau trail. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from Princeville and Hanalei but you need to make a reservation in advance.

🗺️ Local-led day trips: There are hundreds of guided tours around the island, and many include round-trip transportation from your hotel. My top two choices include this North Shore tour and this Waimea Canyon road trip.

🚌 Public bus: You can travel around most of the island via public transit. Most lines start or end in Lihue, so Lihue is a good place to stay if you plan to take the bus. Plus, there’s a 50 cent shuttle that connects Lihue downtown to the beach and resorts! View Kauai’s public bus lines on the county of Kauai website.

15 Best Things to do in Kauai for First-Timers

Now onto the most exciting part of planning a Kauai vacation, choosing all the fun activities!

1. Go on a Nā Pali Coast boat tour

Ask anyone who has experienced it and they’ll tell you the #1 place you have to visit on Kauai is the Nā Pali Coast. With 4000-foot verdant cliffs rising above the waves, hidden sea caves, and lush valleys, this undeveloped 17-mile long coastline looks almost just as it did before colonization (though native Hawaiians no longer live amongst the dramatic landscapes as they once did).

There are three ways you can experience this special part of Kauai — by boat, hiking, or helicopter tour. All three are incredible, but my top recommendation is going on Nā Pali Coast boat tour. You get to cruise along the entirety of the coast, take in the sights, and on some tours, explore sea caves, spot dolphins and whales, and often snorkel!

That said, there are a lot of boat tours to choose from, each with different perks. I wrote an entire article comparing the seven best Napali Coast boat tours, but here’s a quick overview of your best options:

• 🐬 Napali Coast snorkel and sail: Spend a whole day sailing along the Napali Coast on a luxury catamaran, and stop along the way to snorkel. You’ll also get to peek into some sea caves and hopefully spot whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Tour details.
• 🌅 Sunset dinner cruise along the Napali Coast: I did this and LOVED it! On a luxury catamaran with an incredible crew you get to see the Napali Coast at the best time of day for photos, eat a delicious dinner with unlimited drinks, and watch the sunset from the water. Tour details.
• 🛟 Thrilling zodiac raft adventure along the Napali Coast: Get out of your comfort zone of the most adventure Napali Coast boat rides as you bump along the waves and zip through sea caves. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience, but definitely not for everyone — especially if you’re prone to seasickness or want to take photos (your camera will get soaked). Tour details.
• 🏝️ Napali Coast and Ni’ihau combo tour: Experience the best of the Napali Coast AND journey to Ni’ihau (the Forbidden Island), a nearby island with a small population of native Hawaiians. The island is illegal to visit but on this tour you can get a glimpse of it as you snorkel near the shore and hear stories of this mysterious place. Tour details.

2. Hike Waimea Canyon (or visit the viewpoints!)

Did you know that Kauai is home to the second largest canyon in the US? Once called the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific,’ Waimea Canyon is painted in shades of red, orange, and brown, and adorned with vibrant green foliage.

After the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon is another place you just have to experience on Kauai. I recommend carving out some time to go on a hike here, but there are also plenty of gorgeous viewpoints right off the road if you don’t have time for a full hike. I have my favorite Waimea Canyon viewpoints pinned on my free Kauai map!

There are a handful of hikes to choose from — browse Waimea Canyon hikes on Alltrails. My top choices include the difficult but breathtaking hikes to Waipo’o Falls and the Waimea Canyon River Trail.

Whichever hike you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water and appropriate hiking gear. I recommend checking out the Kauai hiking safety guide on the official Hawaii tourism website.

PS: This GPS audio guide of Waimea Canyon is a great option if you want an audio tour while exploring the canyon.

3. Kayak the Wailua River to Secret Falls

Uluwehi Falls (called Secret Falls) is a gorgeous 100-foot waterfall that can only be accessed via a kayak up the Wailua River, followed by a short hike through the jungle.

As you can imagine, the journey is almost as memorable as the destination. You get to kayak along the serene Wailua River beside sacred ancestral land, and then trek through lush jungle before bathing beneath a gorgeous waterfall.

You can either rent a kayak and explore Secret Falls on your own (follow directions on AllTrails), or go with a local guide. My recommendation is this Secret Falls kayak tour that includes all kayaking equipment and is led by a local guide who knows the ins and outs of the river journey and hike.

Either way, keep in mind that you have to kayak 4 miles and hike 1.5 miles, so you’ll want to eat a good breakfast beforehand and pack plenty of water.

4. Explore historic Hanalei town

Hanalei is the quintessential Hawaiian surf town that feels like it’s straight out of a book. The small community is nestled between the crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay and lush taro fields of Hanalei Valley, with towering green mountains and cascading waterfalls in view. The downtown area itself is also picturesque, with one main street lined by brightly-colored cafes, shops and restaurants.

A few of the best things to do in Hanalei include:

• 🌺 Attending the weekly luau at Tahiti Nui
• 🌊 Swimming, surfing, beach walking, or sunbathing at Hanalei Beach
• 📷 Taking in the view at the Hanalei Valley Overlook (pinned on my free Kauai map)
• 🖌️ Seeing a stunning collection of Pacific Islands tribal art at Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art
• 🥤 Ordering a coffee or smoothie at Wishing Well Coffee & Tea (always served in a reusable jar that you can take home as a souvenir!)
• 🛍️ Wandering through the alleyways of the Ching Young Village Shopping Center
• 🥡 Grabbing something to eat at a food truck like Fresh Bite Farm To Beach or Tiki Tzatziki
• 🧑‍🌾 Strolling through the Saturday farmer’s market
• 🍲 Eating at one of Hanalei’s best dine-in restaurants like Kalypso Island Bar & Grill, Hanalei Bread Company, or Postcards

5. Snorkel and sunbathe at Kauai’s most beautiful beaches

It goes without saying that spending time at the beach is a must on any Hawaii vacation. Out of all of Kauai’s beaches, these are my favorites for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and beach walks.

• 🌺 Tunnels / Hāʻena Beach (North Shore): The most beautiful Kauai beach with mountain views and golden sand. This is a great spot for snorkeling and swimming because of the reef’s protection.
• 🤿 ‘Anini Beach (North Shore): An unassuming beach near Princeville with calm, shallow water and excellent snorkeling. It’s also one of the few places on Kauai protected enough for wintertime snorkeling.
• ⚓️ Shipwreck Beach (Poipu): Picturesque golden sand beach with powerful waves. A pretty beach, but not good for swimming.
• 🌴 Kēʻē Beach (North Shore): Secluded beach at the very end of the road on the North Shore, where the famous Kalalau trail along the Napali Coast begins. Ke’e Beach is protected by a reef so it’s a lovely spot to swim and snorkel.
• 🌊 Hanalei Bay Beach (North Shore): Beautiful, expansive beach just a few blocks from Hanalei Town. This is a popular spot for beach walks, snorkeling, surfing, and watching the sunset.
• 🏖️ Lydgate Beach Park (Lihue): A long beautiful beach on Kauai’s Coconut Coast with man-made protected pools for swimming.
• 🏄🏽‍♀️ Kalapaki Beach (Lihue): Small but enjoyable beach close to Lihue town and the airport. It’s a great spot to learn to surf and you can rent a board right on the beach.

Kauai Wintertime Reminder: Snorkeling at many of these beaches is more difficult (if not impossible) in the winter months due to high surf and strong currents. The best Kauai snorkel spots in the winter are Anini Beach, Poipu Beach Park, and Lydgate Beach.

6. Soar over the island on a bucket list helicopter tour

Kauai is one of the best places in the world to go on a helicopter ride because of the rugged beauty of places like the Napali Coast. And since 90% of Kauai is undeveloped and inaccessible by road, a helicopter is the best way to see the island.

There are a lot of helicopter tour operators to choose from, my recommendation is Ali’i Air Tours as they’re Kauai’s only Hawaiian-owned helicopter tour company. Their 1 hour Kauai flight over Kauai has over a thousand 5-star reviews and is the highest-rated helicopter tour on the island. Their helicopter tours also stand out because of the focus on Hawaiian history.

Ali’i’s helicopter tour takes you along the most stunning parts of the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Park Falls), the Wai’ale’ale crater, Olokele Canyon and other breathtaking parts of the island.

Be sure to request a doors-off tour — it takes the experience to a whole new level, and the fresh air actually helps counteract motion sickness. You won’t regret it!

7. Hike the Nā Pali Coast

As I’ve mentioned before, you simply must see the Nā Pali Coast, and hiking the Kalalau trail is one of the three ways to do so.

The 10-mile trail climbs along the rugged Nā Pali mountains overlooking the turquoise ocean below, with secluded beaches and waterfalls along the way. Most people only hike 2 miles along the mountainous coastline to Hanakapi’ai Beach, which makes it a doable day hike. After reaching Hanakapi’ai Beach, you can also hike inland on the unmaintained Hanakapi’ai Falls trail.

Regardless of how long you hike along the trail, you’ll need a reservation which can be made in advance on Hāʻena State Park’s website. Visitors are encouraged to use the North Shore Shuttle Service which runs every 20 minutes between Waipā Park & Ride and Haena State Park (where the Kalalau trailhead is located).

Also, it’s worth mentioning that the Kalalau trail is considered one of the most difficult hikes in the world. As a teenager on my first trip to Kauai with my family, I hiked along Kalalau to Hanakapi’ai Beach. The trail was very well maintained, but I remember being particularly worn out (partly because I’d only eaten a PB&J for lunch… lol family vacations). All that to say, make sure you eat the right food before your hike and bring plenty of water! Had I eaten a more robust meal, I might have had the strength to hike to the waterfalls.

8. Spot waterfalls and rainbows while kayaking along the Hanalei River

Hanalei Valley is perhaps my favorite place on Kauai. It’s lined with traditional kalo (taro) patches and surrounded by lush mountains marked with 1000+ foot waterfalls. And since it’s on the more rainy part of the island, you can frequently spot rainbows here!

The best way to experience Hanalei Valley is by kayaking along the Hanalei River, which leads you deeper into the valley than you can travel on foot. It’s also just a tranquil experience if you’re looking to get away from people and immerse in serene nature.

You can rent a kayak from a local company in Hanalei and explore the river independently, or reserve a spot on this Hanalei kayaking tour (which also includes snorkeling in Hanalei Bay!)

9. Go mountain tubing through jungle tunnels and canals

One of the most unique things to do in Kauai is inner tubing down the old ditch and tunnel system of the historic Lihue Plantation. This historic water system once irrigated sugar crops and now works as a jungle waterslide of sorts.

This unique Kauai activity 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.

Make a reservation in advance as this is one of the most popular things to do in Hawaii and spot fill up fast! That said, you can join the waitlist if there isn’t any availability.

10. Chase waterfalls

Kauai is home to endless gorgeous waterfalls. Many of them are inaccessible, but there are several falls you can see up close and some you can swim beneath!

• 📷 Wailua Falls: The most accessible Kauai waterfall with a viewing platform overlooking the falls, just 15 minutes from Lihue.
• 🌈 Hanakapiʻai Falls: Secluded waterfall on the Napali Coast that’s perfect for swimming. It’s an 8-mile roundtrip hike along the Kalalau trail and Hanakapiʻai trail.
• 🥾 Waipo’o Falls: Beautiful 800-foot waterfall in Waimea Canyon, accessible via the Canyon Trail. There are also other waterfalls on this trail!
• 👙 Ho’opi’i Falls: One of the best Kauai waterfalls for swimming (with natural pools!), accessible via a 1.8-mile hike near Kapaʻa.
• 🌿 ‘Opaeka’a Falls: Located near Wailua River, there is an easy viewpoint for this 150-foot tall waterfall.

11. Immerse in Hawaiian culture and history

Part of responsible tourism in Hawaii is learning about the rich cultural heritage and the history of this place. There are a few ways you can do this:

• 🎟️ Learning Kauai’s history at the Kauai Museum in Lihue: This is one of Hawaii’s most comprehensive history museums where you can see a variety of Hawaiian artifacts and immerse in the history of Kauai from ancient times to modern.
• 🌿 Learn about traditional Hawaiian permaculture at Limahuli Garden & Preserve: This sacred valley on Kauai’s North Shore is 1,500 years old and is still all cared for by the descendants of the valley’s original inhabitants. You need a reservation to visit this special place, and you can either book at self guided tour or a guided tour.
• 🌺 Attend a Hawaiian lu’au: There are several luaus on Kauai, my recommendation is Smith’s Lu’au or ‘Auli’i Lu’au, which are native Hawaiian-owned.

12. Go on a luxurious sunset boat tour

Sailing the ocean at sunset is one of my all-time favorite things to do on vacation, wherever I am in the world.

And in Kauai, the sailing at sunset is even more magical — especially if you can sail along the Napali Coast! I’ve already recommended this Napali Coast sunset sail, which includes a delicious dinner and open bar. It was my #1 favorite thing I did on my last trip to Kauai and I truly cannot recommend it enough!

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly sunset cruise and aren’t tied to the Napali Coast, check out this Kalapaki Bay and Hulei’a River sunset cruise in Lihue.

It’s a Kauai hidden gem that very few people know about, and allows you to see the ancient Menehune Fish Pond and the Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge, both of which can be difficult to access without a boat. Plus, you’ll spot tropical birds and native plants along the way, and enjoy fruity cocktails, wine, champagne, and local beer, plus snacks!

13. Hike along the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

Walking along the seaside Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is arguably the best thing to do in Poipu on Kauai’s south shore. This 3.8 mile flat trail curves along the sea cliffs and past secluded coves, tide pools, petroglyphs, and caves, connecting Shipwreck Beach to Maha’ulepu Beach.

You can hike as little or as long as you like, but if you make it all the way to Maha’ulepu Beach (which is very difficult to get to via car), you’ll have the chance to see the Makauwahi limestone cave. The cave is an incredible archaeological site, where several movies have been filmed, including Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides.

Kalalau lookout and Waimea Canyon lookout

14. Visit Kauai’s best scenic overlooks and viewpoints

There are a few places you just have to stop while driving around Kauai, and most of these scenic viewpoints are located right off the main roads! You’ll see all the best overlooks pinned on my free interactive Kauai map, but here’s a quick overview:

• 🌈 Hanalei Valley Lookout: Just a few hundred feet down from Princeville Foodland grocery store there is a small turnout has a beautiful view of the mountains and taro fields in the valley below!
  🌿 Waimea Canyon Lookout ($10 per vehicle + $5 per person): If you only make one stop in Waimea Canyon, make sure it’s this lookout! Yes, you have to pay but the view is worth it!
  💦 Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout: Small viewing area at Waimea Canyon with the best view of Waipo’o waterfall!
  ⛰️ Kalalau Lookout: This is the easiest Napali Coast lookout from inside Kokeʻe State Park.
  🥾 Pu’u O Kila Lookout: The best Napali Coast lookout, but the road was closed on my most recent visit to Kauai. You can walk ~2 miles along this road to get to the lookout if you wish.
• 📷 Wailua Falls Lookout: Great view of an 84-foot waterfall, just a short drive outside of Lihue.

Acai from Kalalea Juice Hale, restaurant at 1 Hotel, and bagel at Nourish Hanalei

15. Indulge in the flavors of Kauai

Kauai has so much to offer in terms of food, drinks, and culinary experiences! Here’s a roundup of all my favorite Kauai restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and other food experiences. As with nearly everything else in this guide, you’ll find these spots conveniently pinned on my free Kauai map.

• 🍓 BEST Acai bowls with a view: Do not miss Kalalea Juice Hale, an unassuming juice stand off the highway between the Coconut Coast/Lihue and the North Shore. They have the best acai bowls on the island, with some of the best mountain views, too!
• 🥃 Taste local Kauai rum at Kōloa Rum: Taste a variety of unique local rums at Kōloa Rum’s tasting room at a historic plantation in Lihue. My favorites are the dark rum and coconut rum, and the cacao rum is interesting, too! 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.
• 🥑 Breakfast with a view at Nourish Hanalei: This charming food stand overlooks turquoise Hanalei Bay, the lush towering Nāmolokama, Hīhīmanu, and Māmalahoa mountains, and the picturesque Hanalei River and farmland. The menu includes bagels with lots of tasty toppings like macadamia nut pesto and garlic herb spread, plus acai bowls and lunch bowls/wraps. Plus cold brew coffee, matcha, and a few other drinks.
• 🌈 Kauai’s best coffee and bagels at Rainbeau Jo’s: It sounds silly, but the daily bagels and smoothies from Rainbeau Jo’s are amongst my most distinct memories of my first visit to Kauai as a teenager. I was so thrilled to revisit this special place nearly 10 years later on my most recent Kauai trip. Rainbeau Jo’s has some of the most friendly service I’ve experienced anywhere in the world (part of why its so memorable) and undeniably delicious bagels, coffee, and smoothies. It’s only a few minutes from the airport in Lihue so you can stop here after landing!
• ☕️ Get coffee or a smoothie in a reusable jar at Wishing Well: This vibrant coffeeshop in downtown Hanalei only serves drinks in reusable branded mason jars, which make the perfect souvenir! I love the ‘slow yourself down’ message on each jar and the business’ radical dedication to sustainability.
• 🍹 Experience the flavors (and vibes) of Polynesia at Tahiti Nui: This tiki bar is one of the best places to eat in Hanalei! It’s a family-run business that’s been serving Hanalei since 1963. They also have a weekly luau that’s worth checking out.
• 🍫 Taste local Kauai chocolate: Learn all about the chocolate making process—from cacao pod to nibs to delicious creamy bars. And most importantly, taste Lydgate Farms’ award-winning Kauai chocolate. I’ve done chocolate tastings all around Belize, Mexico, and Hawaii, and become a bit of a cacao connoisseur. If you’ve never done something like this, I highly recommend it—it’ll transform how you enjoy chocolate. Tour details.
• 🍛 Hanalei walking food tour: Foodies, experience the best of historic Hanalei with a local guide! I’ll admit, I haven’t been on this tour, but it has some excellent review and is worth checking out! Tour details.