Kauai Things to Do

Kauai things to do and things to know. Aloha kakou (Welcome) to the Garden Isle of Kauai. Kauai is home to the lushest scenery and beholds the most unique natural beauty of all the major Hawaiian Islands. There's a magic to the island that draws in people from all over the world; and even if you've never stepped foot on the island, chances are you've visited the island vicariously through a movie theater; the island is world renowned for its popularity with filmmakers. The sheer amount of outdoor activities on the island is remarkable, everything from backwoods hiking through Waimea Canyon to kayaking up the Wailua River. Kauai is a mecca for all things outdoors and all persons looking for adventure. Kauai is amazing by land, water, or air - and ideally, all three.

Things to Know

Like all of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai's scenery is ever changing as you head around the island's coastal roads. Your surroundings are certainly never boring ranging from sugarcane fields to rainforests, pristine beaches to ranch lands. Though the island is small by mainland standards, you can find desert plateaus, tropical rain-forest, verdant valleys, fertile farmland, and sea cliffs along Na Pali that will make your jaw drop. Elevation ranges from sea level to just over 5,000 feet atop Kawaikini. Kauai is home to the world's wettest location, Waialeale, which receives over 450 inches of rain annually - that's almost 40 feet! All of that water leads to the most navigable rivers of any island in the chain, the most popular being Wailua on the east coast. Temperatures range from the lower 50's in Kokee State Park to the upper 80's along the South shore. Kauai is considered to be semi-tropical and is home to a variety of micro-climates depending on your location around the island. In some places you'll need a light jacket, while in others a bathing suit is more than enough. It is also very common to be in rain one minute on Kauai, and in full sun the next.

Kauai is the oldest of the major Hawaiian islands and the fourth largest. With over 110 miles of shoreline, you're sure to find your perfect beach. All said and done, Kauai boasts nearly 70 beaches for you to select from on your trip. Nowhere else in Hawaii will you get that kind of selection. Tunnels Beach, on the north shore, and Poipu Beach, to the south, are two of the most popular and scenic beaches on the island. And if you want selection inland, Kauai has eight state parks awaiting your adventurous side, not to mention a plethora of trails that crisscross the island. In fact, the vast majority of Kauai can only be seen by foot or air - the roads only cover about 10% of the island. Kalalau trail winding its way along Na Pali and the many trails of Kokee State Park are very popular with hikers. If golf is on your mind, then Kauai will please even the most avid golfer. Home to several top rated courses, all with magnificent scenery, you won't find a much nicer place to swing your clubs. Kauai is also home to three of the worlds National Tropical Botanical Gardens - Allerton (Lawai-kai), McBryde, and Limahuli, each unique and remarkable in its own way.

Top Things to Do

Waimea Canyon, also known as the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific,' is a must see for visitors to the island. At an amazing 3,600 feet deep, the canyon is 10 miles long and two miles wide. While you're visiting the Canyon, be sure to head up further on Highway 550 into Kokee State Park to view some of the panoramic vistas that overlook the valley's of Na Pali coast.

To the north, Kee beach, Haena beach, and Tunnels beach can certainly draw a crowd and they warrant a visit from you too. Each of these three beaches is gorgeous - especially when you walk along each of them to the right and then look behind you - Wow! You'll have to try it to see what we mean.

A visit to Kauai isn't complete without a helicopter tour. The island is rated the number one island to fly in a chopper around, and for good reason - it has the largest selection of waterfalls and valleys to duck into. You won't regret a helicopter ride over the island, we can guarantee that.

To the south is Poipu and Lawai, two incredible areas that have some of the best weather year around on the island. Here you'll also find Spouting Horn, a blowhole in the lava rock that sends water skyward up to some 65 feet during high tide.

Kilauea lighthouse on the northeast shore is also a popular attraction, especially for bird lovers. The preserve is home to a wide selection of sea birds, and to date, we've seen more Nene (the Hawaiian State goose) here than anywhere else in Hawaii.

Kokee Hiking Trails are some of the best in the world, and certainly are worth the effort. Offering both amazing views into Waimea Canyon or Na Pali - you're choice!