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- Kauai Sights
Kauai Sights
There are currently 45 Sights on
for Kauai.
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....
Tagged: vendors, waterfalls
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...
Tagged: waimea canyon, lookout, overlook
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...
Tagged: kalalau trail, hanakapiai, difficult hike, waterfalls
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...
Tagged: bathrooms, picnic table, lookout, overlook, waterfalls
When visiting Waimea Canyon in northwest Kauai it's almost hard not to notice two-tier Waipo'o Falls dropping some 800ft into the Canyon below. You're first glimpse of the falls is at the Waimea Canyon Overlook, past mile marker 10 on Highway 550. Both the canyon and the falls are spectacular from...
Tagged: waimea canyon, lookout, overlook, waterfalls
Kipu falls is a fairly small waterfall just outside of Lihue, Kauai and are fed by the Hule'ia Stream on its way to the Nawiliwili Bay. As noted on our Hawaii Safety page, we advise against swimming in ANY freshwater pool in Hawaii due to the danger of leptospirosis bacteria. But if that's not...
Tagged: kapu, waterfalls
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...
Tagged: kalalau valley, lookout, kokee state park, overlook, kalalau
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...
Tagged: kauai garden, ntbg, garden, admission, scenery
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...
Tagged: pihea trail, kalalau valley, lookout, overlook, kalalau, scenery
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....
Tagged: waimea canyon, lookout, overlook
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...
Tagged: bird sanctuary, nene, lighthouse, birdwatching, lookout, overlook
Heading north on Highway 56 the road begins to move more toward the west than north. Our next stop is called Queen's Bath and is located inside the high class neighborhood of Princeville. Queen's Bath is a large natural pool which has been carved out of a lava shelf. The ocean acts as its filter...
Kalihiwai Falls is a beautiful two-tiered fall that is visible from the bridge that spans the Kalihiwai River. There used to be a pullout near the bridge but it was closed. Walking across the bridge for a better look is ill advised given the traffic. The falls are accessible by hiking or horseback...
Tagged: waterfalls
Along the North Shore of Kauai, past mile marker 9 on Highway 560, mauka (towards the mountain) is one of the most fascinating gardens on the island, Limahuli Garden & Preserve. The 1,000 acre garden is now part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens after being donated to the society in 1976....
Tagged: kauai garden, ntbg, preserve, history, garden, admission
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...
Located next to Shipwreck Beach in South Kauai, these ancient limestone sea cliffs have been virtually sandblasted by a combination of wind, salt and water over millions of years. Lithified cliffs form as weathered fragments are removed by erosion and transported by gravity, running water,...
Tagged: lithified cliffs, lookout, overlook, scenery
Heading west on Highway 50 from Hanapepe take a right onto Menehune Road, just before mile marker 23. After driving for less than a mile through a neighborhood, you will spot the Waimea Swinging Bridge on your right. The bridge, a re-creation of the original one that was destroyed in 1992 by...
Tagged: swinging bridge, waimea town
The three caves in this area were formed when sea levels were much higher and sand and surf carved them out. Waikapala'e is one of two wet caves here and is accessible via a short, uphill trail that leads from a parking lot near the first wet cave, Waikanaloa. If you are in the mood for an icy...
Spouting Horn Beach Park is located on Lawa'i Road in Po'ipu in south Kauai. The ocean attraction can be viewed from the top of a small hill with a guard-rail. This is a popular spot for tour buses, so expect to share some space at the rail. Like other blowholes, Spouting Horn is caused by a hole...
Nawiliwili Harbor has been the official harbor for Kauai since 1930 when George Willcox donated the funds to build it. Located at the mouth of the Hule'ia Stream, the harbor got its name from the Wiliwili trees which once ruled the area. You may recognize this place and nearby Niumalu Beach from...
Polihale State Park encompasses nearly 140 acres of coastal lands at the western end of the Na Pali coast. The park consists of a large sand beach (Polihale Beach), Polihale cliff and a traditional heiau. This is a typically hot and arid, almost desert-like setting. The road to Polihale may seem a...
Tagged: rough road, polihale, beaches, beach
Pu'u Ka Pele lookout, which is a very small pullout near mile marker 13 on Highway 550, provides an interesting angle into Waimea Canyon through a narrow gorge. The lookout also provides the closest (though partially obstructed) view of Waipo`o Falls from Highway 550. You're still a remarkable...
Tagged: waimea canyon, lookout, overlook, scenery
Koke'e State Park is located at 4,000 foot atop Waimea Canyon ridge. The park encompasses 4,345 acres of land and has over 45 miles of trails. A 20-square mile highland bog is known as the Alaka'i Swamp and is a unique experience. Check out our hiking guide at Kauai Hiking Trails. Koke'e Museum...
Tagged: museum, history, kokee state park
Hanalei Valley on the north shore of Kauai is one of the most attractive places on the entire island. The backdrop of beautiful mountains with waterfalls tumbling down the walls is a beautiful stage for the sleepy town of Hanalei. The most scenic view is here at Hanalei Valley Overlook, which peers...
Tagged: hanalei valley, hanalei, taro, lookout, overlook
This recreated Hawaiian village is located on the spot where Kauai's last king, Kaumualii, often visited. A variety of ancient structures from a canoe house to a dancing house and more have been reconstructed, some of them made using traditional methods. On the grounds are many native and...
This lush 30-acre botanical and cultural garden provides an idyllic escape to enjoy Mother Nature's creations. The garden is centrally located on the east side of Kauai, known as "The Coconut Coast," within the Wailua Marina State Park. Only minutes from the main highway this beautiful location is...
Tagged: wailua, kauai garden, garden, admission
Right after mile marker 9 you will notice a large dry cave (Manini-holo) on the left side of the road. You can park on the side of the road or in the parking area at Ha'ena Beach Park across the street. The cave goes back about 100-150 feet with plenty of standing room. After exploring the cave,...
Keahua Forestry Arboretum offers a variety of plant life from monkeypod and eucalyptus trees to exotic mango. The park has several picnic pavilions to relax on and fresh swimming pools and streams to cool off on a hot day. Several of the island's popular hikes like the Kuilau and Powerline trails...
Heading west on Highway 50 from Hanapepe turn right onto Menehune Road near mile marker 23. Pull over to the side of the road, walk across the street from the Waimea Hanging Bridge and check out the Menehune Ditch. At first glance it just looks like a ditch with a stone wall, but this structure has...
The 86-foot tall wood and concrete lighthouse overlooks Nawiliwili Bay. Built in 1906, the lighthouse was automated in 1953 and does not require a full time light keeper. Take Highway 50 toward Lihu'e. Turn right on Rice Street (where Highway 50 becomes Highway 56). Approximately 1 1/2 miles down...
Tagged: lighthouse, lookout, overlook
Poli'ahu Heiau is one of Kaua'i's most legendary structures located just across the road from beautiful Opaeka'a Falls. Here you'll find an ancient heiau or place of worship. It is actually one of seven stretching along the Wailua River from the ocean to the top of Wai'ale'ale a few miles inland...
Tagged: historic site, heiau, history
Moku'ae'ae Island is a speck of land just offshore near the Kilauea Lighthouse in North Kauai. Many birds like the Laysan albatross, the red and white-tailed tropic bird, and the great frigate visit the island as well as the Hawaiian Monk Seal. The island is easily visible from the Lighthouse...
Tagged: preserve, birdwatching
Waikanaloa Wet Cave is one of two wet caves in the area. Located just off the highway it is the most easily accessible. The three caves in this area were formed when sea levels were much higher and sand and surf carved them out. Both wet caves are fed from underground springs which dump into the...
This charming little chapel in Kilauea is constructed of lava stone donated by the Kilauea Sugar Company, which also provided the land. The intricate stained glass windows were shipped from England in 1935 and have since been restored. Regular Sunday worship services are held here and the...
Tagged: historic site, church
Sugar used to reign supreme in the islands until world trade opened up the market to cheaper sources. The Koloa Sugar Mill which was built in 1898 by Walter McBryde, the second son of Duncan and Elizabeth. Now it sits vacant and rusting, a reminder that not all good things last and economies...
Tagged: sugar mill, sugar
Wedged between two mountains, the Knudsen Gap was a scary place indeed in the 1800s. This trip through the narrow passage was a dangerous one as robbers could easily ambush a traveler. The construction of the main island road decreased crime in the gap. Today you are only likely to be ambushed by...
Tagged: scenery
Just past mile marker 22 on Highway 520 is the old Russian Fort Elisabeth which dates back to 1816. It was built by George Scheffer, an unscrupulous man who was employed by a Russian company. He built the fort as part of a misguided plan to help King Kaumauli'i reclaim full power of the island from...
Tagged: fort, historic site, history
Thousands of coconut trees were planted years ago along the coast of East Kauai giving it's nickname The Coconut Coast. This grove of coconut trees is across the street from the Coconut Market. It could be a dangerous stroll...beware of falling coconuts. Take Highway 56 north from Lihu'e toward...
The Nounou Mountain ridge between Wailua and Kapa'a has a unique feature - it looks just like a slumbering giant. Legends and tall tales abound about this strange rock formation. Most of them dealing with a giant drinking and eating in great quantities and then laying down for a nap. He hasn't...
From ancient times up until the mid-20th century the people of Hawaii lived off fish from this man made pond. The legend states that a race of tiny, but hard working people, called the Menehune, built the pond stone by stone in one night. Some scientists have estimated that the pond is close to...
The small, western town of Waimea is where the English explorer Capt. James Cook first landed in the Hawaiian Islands in 1778. The town has built a statue in his honor. This monument is actually a replica of the one that stands in his home town of Whitby, England. Cook continued on to sail to all...
Tagged: captain cook, waimea town, historic site
The Wailua River is the only navigable river in the islands. It begins at Kauai's heart and the wettest place on earth, Mt. Waialeale, and flows all the way to the ocean. Along the way other smaller streams feed in. The river's many forks create several waterfalls, such as Wailua, a 900-ft double...
The Prince Kuhio Park is a monument to Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole who was raised in Koloa. Had Hawai'i not been annexed to the United States, he likely would have reigned as king. Instead he was elected as a congressional delegate for Hawai'i for 10 consecutive terms. He was known as a...
Tagged: kauai park, history, park
The Kauai Museum is home to some of the most fascinating art and artifacts of the Hawaiian civilization. In addition to its permanent exhibits, there are also rotating exhibitions dedicated to the spirit of the islands and nurturing learning. Located on Rice Street in downtown Lih'ue, the Kauai...
Take a trip back in time to a traditional Kauai sugar plantation at the Grove Farm Homestead Museum. This museum is in the plantations main home which belonged to George N. Wilcox and his nieces who came to the island in 1864. The building is well-preserved with Koa walls and staircases. The...





