Kauai Must See and Do

So you want to know about the most elite, beautiful, and stunning (natural) places that are really worth your time to stop and see? Well, you're in the right place. Welcome to our Kauai Must See & Do area. Here you will find our personal recommendations for the top places to visit, and the best things to do. While only our suggestions, we think you'll agree these places are the cream of the crop. If you're looking for our top eight picks, then be sure to read our Best Kauai Vacation Activities article. Kauai definitely has its fair share of gems to behold... after all, Kauai no ka oi (Kauai is the best)!

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Wailua Falls

If you've ever dreamed of seeing a double-tiered waterfall, then you're about to bring that dream to life at gorgeous Wailua Falls. Right after mile marker 1 on Highway 56 there will be a road on your left, Ma'alo Road (Highway 583), accompanied by a sign pointing you in the direction of the falls. Take the short drive up this road which will end...

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Waimea Canyon

Dubbed 'The Grand Canyon of the Pacific' by Mark Twain, Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific and truly a dramatic sight to behold. The canyon measures ten miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,500-feet deep. It was carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods that flowed from Mount Wai'ale'ale's summit. Today it is the...

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Hanakapiai Falls

Hanakapi'ai Falls isn't a waterfall most visitors will ever see. Nestled deep inside Hanakapi'ai Valley on the Na Pali coast, it'll take some effort to reach. After hiking two miles of rugged terrain of the Kalalau Trail you'll have to another two miles inland via the Hanakapiai Falls Trail, along one of the most rugged trails we've ever taken, to...

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Opaekaa Falls

Mauka on Highway 56, right around mile marker 6, you'll cross over Wailua River. If you're heading north, make sure you're in the left lane as the right splits off onto its own unique little bridge. You'll be looking for Kuamo'o Road (Highway 580) on the mauka side of the highway. Head up Kuamo'o Road until you see a pullout for Opaeka'a Falls on...

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Kalalau Lookout

This isn't just another Waimea Canyon lookout, as many suspect. It's a view into the heart of the Kalalau Valley, one of the most photographed and well recognized valleys in all of Hawai'i. This is primarily because the valley and surrounding coast have served as the backdrop for countless films including King Kong (the original), Mighty Joe...

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National Tropical Botanical Garden

At the end of Lawa'i Road is one of the most magnificent gardens on Kaua'i, the National Tropical Botanical Garden. It is actually two gardens in one: the 252-acre McBryde Gardens and the 100-acre Allerton Gardens. The Allerton Gardens were once a private estate and are full of fountains, lush greenery, and interesting flowers. It is also home to...

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Puu o Kila Lookout and Overlook

At the very end of Highway 550 in Kokee State Park awaits one of the most jaw dropping lookouts on the island; a panoramic view into Kalalau Valley and scenic views overlooking the Alakai Swamp (the highest swamp in the world). The views here are even better than those found at the official Kalalau lookout a mile back on the road. Clouds...

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Puu Hinahina Lookout

Pu`u Hinahina Lookout provides one of the most dramatic ways to view Waimea Canyon. The canyon is ten miles long, a mile wide, and more than 3,500 feet deep. While smaller than the Grand Canyon in Arizona, it is truly a spectacular sight and one of the major natural attractions of the Garden Isle. From this lookout you can see all the way down to...

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Kilauea Lighthouse

As you continue to drive north past Kapa'a you'll pass through the town of Anahola around mile marker 13. Continue north along the Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56) until you come to Kolo Road shortly after mile marker 23. The road will be on your right. After you have turned onto Kolo Road you are going to want to take Kilauea Road makai (towards the...

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Niihau Lookout

The island of Ni'ihau lies 17 mile off the west coast of Kauai. This "forbidden" island is inhabited by approximately 200 full-blooded Hawaiians that keep completely to themselves. Less than a mile up the Waimea Canyon Drive between mile markers 13 and 14 is the large Pu'u Hinahina Lookout. The viewing area perched above the jagged crumbling...

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Tunnels Beach

If you are looking to try your hand at snorkeling, this is a great place. It is such a supreme snorkeling location because it has a massive reef that is so large it can be seen from space. As can be seen on the following page, even the view from a helicopter is impressive and shows the magnitude of the reef. The waters are generally calm which...

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Kee Beach

The journey of the north shore ends at one of the most popular beaches on Kaua'i, Kee Beach. The beach marks the end of Highway 560 and the portion of Kaua'i that can be seen by car. The rest of north Kaua'i is occupied by the Na Pali Coast, a series of rugged seaside cliffs stretching along the northwest shore that is not navigable by vehicle....

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Hanakapiai Beach

This golden sand beach is your reward for completing the challenging first two miles on the Kalalau Trail. However, don't give in to the temptation to take a dip following that hike. As the sign on the way down to the beach says...many people have drowned at this beach because of its treacherous and unpredictable nature. Last time there were a lot...

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Kokee and Waimea State Park Hiking Trails

Koke'e and Waimea State Parks are two of the premier parks on the island of Kauai. Inside these adjacent state parks exist some of the most stunning trails that exist in all of Hawai'i, and the diversity of the trails is unmatched. Using the list below, you should be able to select the trails that interest you most. We have included the trail...

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Kalalau Trail

Labeled 'the' hike on Kauai, the Kalalau Trail is a 11 mile trek into paradise. A vast array of verdant valleys, waterfalls, sea caves, and gorgeous vistas lay ahead of you. If spending 3-5 days to hike the entire trail isn't exactly on the agenda, then consider the popular day hike from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach, approximately 2 miles along...

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Pihea Trail

Pihea Trail is located in Koke'e State Park starting at the Pu'u o Kila overlook (the end of Highway 550). At the beginning of this incredible trail it skirts along the Kalalau Valley starting passing through forest of Ohi'a trees, ferns, koa, and other native vegetation. This is an excellent place to bird watch if time allows, you might even...

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Honopu Ridge Trail

Honopu Ridge Trail is a 4.2 to 5 mile (round trip, depending on how far you go) hike that takes you to incredible views of Honopu Valley and a portion of the Na Pali Coastline. The total distance depends on how far you hike out on the ridge at the end but we estimate that to the logical and safe stopping point, it's about 2.4 miles one way. The...

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Kalepa Ridge Trail

If the view of Kalalau Valley from the official lookout or from Puu o Kila lookout just isn't enough for you, then this may be the hike for you. First and foremost we need to point out this is NOT an official "trail," and that by hiking here, you do so at your own risk. For that reason, we highly recommend you consult a knowledgeable guide to take...