Top 10 Incredible Things to Do in Kauai

Hawaii has always held a special place in our hearts. Every time we visited, it felt like something magical was in the air as soon as we walked out of the airport. Our spirits lifted, our bodies relaxed, and we couldn’t help but have big smiles on our faces (just like a dog can’t help but wag its tail when it’s happy). And that magic didn’t fade a bit even after the 10th visit.

Among all four major Hawaiian Islands, Kauai was the last one we visited. By the time we finally made it to Kauai, we had already visited each of the other three islands multiple times. Candidly speaking, we didn’t fall in love with Kauai at first sight. It felt like a much rawer environment than what I had in mind, especially when we were under-prepared to deal with the mosquitoes (I got 8 bites during a 10-minute wait for coffee from a cute coffee truck the first time we visited Kauai).

However, after our second visit, Kauai has now become our favorite Hawaiian Island because of its raw, lush landscape, the dramatic and colorful Na Pali coastline, the huge, beautiful double rainbows, and the stunning, peaceful Hanalei Bay, which is so mesmerizing to stare at.

Our Top 10 Favorite Things to Do in Kauai

Below is a list of our favorite activities on Kauai that we wanted to share with you! We absolutely enjoyed all of them during our visits, except for #4 on the list, which we hadn’t got a chance to experience but it was on our wishlist for both visits. I hope these tips help make your Kauai vacation memorable too!

1. Hanalei Bay

If I could only pick one spot on Kauai to visit again and again, Hanalei Bay would be my pick without hesitation. It is the largest bay on the north shore of Kauaʻi island with breathtaking scenery. It has also become a symbol of old Hawaii and a cultural hub that balances tourism with local heritage. This place is pure magic. Just staring at the turquoise water set against lush, waterfall-draped mountains framing the bay has an unbelievably calming effect.

During our second visit to Kauai when we stayed in Princeville on the north shore, one of our morning rituals was walking along the beaches around the bay, then heading to Hanalei town for coffee or lunch. Nature made us feel immensely small, and suddenly the version of us who are more grounded, more loving, and more cheerful took over.

If you make it here, remember to check out the Hanalei Valley Lookout, located just off Highway 56 near the Princeville Shopping Center. The lookout sits on the mauka (mountain) side of the road and offers stunning panoramic views of the Hanalei River, taro fields, and surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you might catch a rainbow dancing across the valley. The taro fields you’ll see have been cultivated for centuries and hold deep cultural significance in Hawaiian traditions.

2. Boat Cruise on the Na Pali Coast

We had an absolute blast during this tour! The Na Pali Coast is so unique and magnificent that it almost felt like we were viewing another world. It’s honestly one of the prettiest landscapes I’ve ever seen.

Beyond the amazing views, we were also lucky enough to spot three adorable Hawaiian spinner dolphins during our trip. They swam along our boat for almost 5 minutes, allowing us to have a very close look. Boat tours are also the only way to spend a decent amount of time appreciating the Na Pali Coast relatively close up, so it’s a 10/10 recommend!

On the flip side, the ride was quite bumpy, probably the bumpiest boat ride I’ve ever had. The ride out was relatively calm, but on our way back the waves became so big that I felt like I was riding a pirate ship at a theme park. One big wave even poured water that soaked me from head to toe. Several people on our boat threw up. So if you decide to take the tour, definitely take motion sickness pills beforehand, and bring a rain jacket.

Tour Breakdown:

The tour started in Port Allen on the south side of the island and headed clockwise towards the Na Pali Coast. We took the afternoon tour with Blue Dolphin Charters so we could catch the sunset on the way back (I still enjoyed the sunset view even when I was about to throw up). The total time was about 4 hours. Dinner and drinks were included, but trust me, it’s better not to eat or drink until you get back to land.

3. Visit Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park

These two parks are connected and both are located on the western side of Kauai Island, so we recommend you explore both in one day.

Waimea Canyon is a large canyon, approximately ten miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep. Waimea is Hawaiian for “reddish water,” a reference to the erosion of the canyon’s red soil. It’s also called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We had the privilege of visiting the Grand Canyon in Arizona on another trip, and we found Waimea Canyon was much more colorful, while the Grand Canyon was much more immense.

We arrived at Waimea Canyon State Park mid-morning. We mainly drove around the park, checked out various lookouts, and spent the most time at Red Dirt Waterfall.

In the afternoon, we visited Koke’e State Park and hiked the Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls. This is a beautiful trail about 3.5 miles round trip, moderately difficult as it has exposed roots and uneven surfaces, and could be slippery and muddy in some places.

Things to do in Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park:

Kehaka Lookout
Waimea Canyon Lookout
Red Dirt Waterfall
Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout
Pu’u Hinahina Lookout
Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls
Kalalau Lookout and Puuokali Lookout. We didn’t get to go on our visit but heard that both lookouts have great views, especially Puuokali where you might see the Na Pali Coastline.

Other Tips:

There’s basically no food options in the two state parks, so if you intend to spend a full day in this area like we did, we highly recommend you bring your own lunch and snacks, as well as plenty of water. We got sandwiches and fried rice on the go from Anuenue Cafe at Po’ipu Village. If you need a quick coffee or snack stop on the way, we loved the coffee truck at Warehouse 3540 about 10 minutes pass Poi’pu (this is where I got eight mosquito bites lol) as well as açaí bowl from Kukuiula Market, a small local neighborhood market near Po’ipu, which is probably one of the last mom and pop markets on Kauai.

Lastly, Waimea Canyon is located at 3,500 feet or more, so it might feel a bit cooler than the towns on the cost. Bring a couple of thin layers if you tend to get cold easily. Sunscreen and firm hiking shoes are also essential.

4. Hike to Hanakapiai Beach on the Kalalau Trail

Of all the things to do in Kauai, I feel like this is one that needs the most advanced planning. The trail is the first two miles of the world-famous Kalalau Trail, and probably the only way to enjoy a picturesque view of the Na Pali Coast relatively close up from land.

*Photo credit: Ha’ena State Park website*

The trail starts at Ke’e Beach, located in Ha’ena State Park, which requires permits to enter. From there, you’ll reach Hanakapiai Beach, which is not swimmable and extremely dangerous. Even if you don’t want to finish the entire two miles, walking the first half mile should reward you with excellent views of the Na Pali Coast already.

The permits to Ha’ena State Park sell out very quickly, so make sure to reserve yours as early as you can. The trail can close at any point due to rain, so also make sure to check daily for updated conditions. It could also be muddy and slick after rain, so waterproof shoes and hiking poles are a must.

Caveat: Unfortunately, we haven’t personally hiked this trail yet. We didn’t get a reservation for our first visit and had to cancel our reservation for our second visit due to rain. More reasons to come back to Kauai!

5. Mountain Tubing

A unique and fun adventure that gives you a chance to travel back in time to the sugar plantation era. It’s family-friendly and super fun for both adults and kids (kids need to be at least 5 years old and 43 inches tall to participate). It’s a popular tour on the island, so advance reservation is highly recommended during peak season.

*Photo credit: Kauai Backcountry Adventures*

Tour Breakdown:

The meeting point is at Kauai Backcountry Adventures near Lihue on the east side of the island. After checking in, a safety briefing, and getting our equipment (the tour company provided helmets, headlamps and gloves), we hopped in a four-wheel-drive open truck. The ride took us through the former Lihue Plantation lands while our tour guide shared the history of this land.

*Quick stop on the 4WD ride to admire Mt. Wai’ale’ale, the heart of Kauai*

Upon reaching the launch spot, we got another safety briefing, then started our tubing adventure. We floated down the open canals and through five amazing tunnels! It was such a thrilling experience! After the tubing, we had a picnic lunch (included in the tour) by a beautiful pond, and then headed back to the initial meeting point on the four-wheel-drive truck.

6. Beach Hopping

Whether you’re an avid surfer or snorkeler, or just like to chill and admire nature like us, beaches are one of the must-dos in Kauai. Below is a list of our favorite beaches on the island from our visits:

North shore beaches:

Black Pot Beach Park: Located at the eastern end of Hanalei Bay, this beach boasts some of the bay’s best views, especially at sunset when the sky turns shades of pink and orange behind the dramatic mountain backdrop. The beach gets its quirky name from the large black pot that locals once used for community gatherings. It’s a great spot for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply soaking in the scenery.
Makua Beach (aka Tunnels Beach): A large crescent-shaped beach stretching roughly 2 miles with powdery white sand and close-up views of towering mountains and jagged cliffs. The beach earned its “Tunnels” nickname from the underwater lava tubes and reef formations that create exceptional snorkeling conditions during calm summer months. The dramatic mountain backdrop makes this one of Kauai’s most photogenic beaches.
Anini Beach: A smaller, calm beach that’s a favorite among locals for its protected reef and gentle waters. The long, narrow beach stretches along a shallow lagoon, making it ideal for families with young children, stand-up paddleboarding, and beginner snorkelers.

South shore beaches:

Shipwrecks Beach: Named after an old wooden shipwreck that once rested nearby, this golden-sand beach is known for its powerful waves and dramatic Makawehi Point sandstone cliff. While swimming isn’t recommended due to strong currents, the beach is popular with experienced surfers and bodyboarders. It’s also the starting point for the scenic Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, which winds along stunning coastal cliffs.
Po’ipu Beach: One of Kauai’s best beaches with a natural wading pool perfect for families with small children, excellent snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and calm conditions ideal for swimming. The beach is separated into two bays by a sandbar. If you’re lucky, you might see Hawaiian monk seals basking or sea turtles sunbathing on the shore sometimes (remember to keep your distance). Lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas make this a convenient family destination.
Lawa’i Beach: A compact but popular beach known for excellent snorkeling and marine life, especially during calm summer months. The beach features a gently sloping sandy entry and a fringing reef that shelters colorful tropical fish and sea turtles.

Coconut coast beaches:

Lydgate Beach: More like a protected lagoon than an open ocean beach, Lydgate features two rock-walled pools that create calm, safe swimming areas perfect for small kids and beginner swimmers. The sand is super fine and comfortable to walk on, and the gentle waves make it an ideal spot to build confidence in the water (I actually learned how to float for the first time in my life here!). The beach park also offers lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, and a large playground, making it one of the best family-friendly beach destinations on the island.

7. Go for an Enjoyable Hike

Kauai is heaven for hikers, given its lush forests, jagged cliffs, and countless hiking trails. We love hiking, but we’re not very experienced hikers and prefer trails where we can have a great conversation and enjoy a good view while stretching our legs. When we were researching hiking trails for our own visits, we found that most trails on Kauai are rated as hard or strenuous, and even the ones rated as moderate felt more like hard for us after reading their reviews on All Trails.

Below is a list of truly beginner-friendly trails that we enjoyed:

Wai Koa Loop Trail (aka the Stone Dam Trail): This trail starts at a dog park, winds through a lush forest and an open field, then eventually into a scenic garden with a small man-made waterfall (the Stone Dam) at the end. It’s nearly flat and about 4 miles round trip. Roughly ⅔ of the trail is shaded.

Kuilau Ridge Trail: A beautiful 3.6-mile round trip trail offering sweeping views of the Makaleha Mountains and Mount Waialeale. The trail gently climbs about 680 feet through diverse vegetation, passing native plants, guava trees, and ferns. About halfway through, you’ll reach a grassy picnic area with benches where you can pause and soak in the valley views- you can also turn back from the picnic area and make the trail shorter. The trail can be muddy after rain, so waterproof shoes are recommended. Moderate difficulty.

Ke Ala Hele Makalae Path: A paved, 8.5-mile coastal bike and pedestrian path perfect for walking, jogging, or biking along Kauai’s scenic Royal Coconut Coast. The nearly flat trail winds along coastal cliffs with stunning Pacific Ocean views. The path connects several beaches and parks, with restrooms and picnic areas available. Along the way, interpretive signs share information about local history and wildlife. When we visited, we saw one monk seal close up!

*Monk seal spotted from Ke Ala Hele Makalae Path*

Maha’ulepu Heritage Coastal Trail: This trail starts at Shipwreck Beach and takes you along the cliffs. Along the way, you’ll have stunning views of the ocean and coastline. It’s about 3.7 miles round trip and fairly easy, though be warned for very little shade the whole way.

8. Visit the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse

Located on the northern most point of Kaua’i, This refuge offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Kilauea Lighthouse. It has one of the largest populations of nesting seabirds in Hawai‘i, and thus a great spot for bird viewing- red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, Hawaiian geese, red-tailed tropicbirds, and more. During the winter months (November to April), you can often spot humpback whales from the clifftop viewpoints. Reservation is required.

9. Check Out Waterfalls

Kauai’s waterfalls are absolutely stunning, and the best part is that some of the most beautiful ones require zero hiking to reach.

Wailua Falls: This stunning 80-foot waterfall cascades in twin streams (or sometimes as one powerful torrent after heavy rains) and can be viewed from a convenient roadside lookout about 5 miles north of Lihue off Highway 56. No hiking required! The falls were famously featured in the opening credits of the 1970s TV show “Fantasy Island.” Note that the parking lot is small, so arrive early to avoid crowds. Visiting in the mornings also tends to give you the best chance to see rainbows forming in the mist.

Opaeka’a Falls: A magnificent 151-foot waterfall easily accessible from a scenic roadside lookout about two miles up Kuamoʻo Road (Route 580) from Hwy. 56. The name “Opaeka’a” means “rolling shrimp,” referring to the freshwater shrimp once abundant in the stream. The lookout provides a safe viewing platform where you can admire the falls cascading into the lush Wailua Valley. For bonus views, cross the road to see the upper Wailua River from another vantage point. The falls flow year-round and are best photographed in late morning light.

10. See the Spouting Horn

Located on the southern coast of Kauai near Po’ipu, the Spouting Horn is a natural blowhole where waves force water through a lava tube, creating a dramatic spout of water that can reach up to several stories high (sort of like a geyser). It’s fun to see and the best time to see a large spout is during high tide. The view from the lookout is stunning at sunset. The Po’ipu coastline is also a great vantage point to look for humpback whales during whale watching season from December to May.

Where to Eat

Food is always a big part of our travel experience. For our trips to Kauai, we found poke, acai bowls, shave ice, and malasadas are the must-trys! Below is a list of our favorite food spots on the island.

East Side Best Places to Eat:

Pono Market: Awesome local food spot in Kapa’a town offering various delicious, homey hot plate bentos, poke bowls, and poke a la carte. Superior food quality at a decent price. Take-out only. We discovered this place during our first visit to Kauai and it’s the only place that we felt like we had to go back to during our second visit.
Tony’s Catch and Al Pastor Tacos: Both are located in a food truck park near Kapa’a town. Tony’s Catch was named Yelp’s No. 1 food truck in the US in 2025.
Wailua Shave Ice: Known for their ube flavored Hawaiian style shave ice. It’s super delicious, not too sweet, and the shaved ice is one of the finest I’ve ever had. Located in Kapa’a.
The Fish Express: A hidden gem near Lihue airport, offering delicious poke bowls. Take-out only.
Kaua’i Bakery: Known for their malasadas, which are Portuguese deep-fried doughnuts introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the late 19th century by Portuguese laborers who immigrated to work on the sugar plantations. This pastry has now become a beloved staple of Hawaiian cuisine. Most flavors tend to sell out by 9am or 10am, so make sure to get there early! Located in Lihue.
Mark’s Place: Amazing Hawaiian style plate lunches. We got chicken katsu and mahi, both tasted delicious. Their potato macaroni salads that came with all regular sized lunch were also one of the best. A small shop off the main road with limited picnic benches outside to eat at.
Aloha Aina Juice Cafe: Delicious acai bowls. We especially loved the ones with coconut chia puddings. 8 minutes’ drive from Lihue airport.

North Shore Best Places to Eat:

Kilauea Fish Market: A cozy deli in Kilauea offering nice poke and tacos.
Kilauea Market + Cafe: In the same plaza as Kilauea Fish Market. A small but modern grocery market. An easy spot to get quick poke takeout and salad to-go if you’re limited on time.
Wake Up Delicious: Located in the heart of Hanalei town. The garlic shrimp plate is amazing and a must-try! If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss out on their churro French toast. Try to get a seat on the patio, which has an amazing view of the mountains.
North Shore Bowls: Delicious acai bowls, just a few blocks from the main shopping area in Hanalei town.
Wishing Well Coffee & Tea: The OG Wishing Well. Sits within a beautiful complex of vendors on the north shore.
Hanalei Market: A small but trendy health/grocery store on the north shore. It has a lot of things for bulk buy (nuts, rice, coffee beans, etc.) and many vegan and healthy snack options that are rare to find elsewhere on the island.
Outpost Coffee: Located in the Hanalei Market above. Cold brew and lattes are delicious.

South Shore Best Places to Eat:

Koloa Fish Market: A little corner of seafood heaven located in Koloa on the south shore. Fresh fish, delicious poke bowls, and plate lunches.
The Fresh Shave: Great shave ice place in Koloa with natural flavor and unique combinations.
Keoki’s Paradise: Charming, family-friendly, proper sit-down restaurant offering island-inspired dishes and cocktails. Has a laid back luau vibe and feels like a little oasis. Located in Po’ipu.
Anuenue Cafe: Cozy local eatery for hearty American breakfast. One of the best brunch spots on the island. Located in Po’ipu.
Eden Coffee: Cozy coffee trailer in Po’ipu. Coffee is delicious and the staff are super friendly.
Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company: Casual local cafe, great breakfast plates and coffee.

Where to Stay

The most popular hubs on Kauai are Poipu on the south shore (the drier coast) and Princeville on the north (which is the wetter side). Lihue by the airport is another option, depending on your preference.

We stayed in an apartment via Airbnb in Poipu during our first visit and a cottage-style hotel in Princeville for our second visit. While we enjoyed both places very much, we found the south shore (Poipu) a better location for the first visit, as it gives you more flexibility from a planning perspective, since it’s within an hour’s drive from most of the activities you’ll most likely want to check off.

Having said that, we personally loved the vibe and the views of the north shore much better, so if we’re ever so lucky to visit Kauai for a third time, we’d probably opt to stay in Princeville again.

*Golf course view and rainbows! from our Princeville hotel*

Final Thoughts

Kauai surprised us. It wasn’t love at first sight, but it became our favorite Hawaiian Island for a reason. There’s something about its raw, unpretentious beauty that feels more authentic than anywhere else we’ve visited. We’re already dreaming about visit number three (and already making our list of what we missed). We hope you create your own unforgettable memories on this Garden Island, and maybe even discover your own favorite spot that keeps you coming back.

The End. Happy Traveling!

The Mid-Paced Passport with Liz

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