Best Kauai Vacation Activities

The Scenic Na Pali Coastline

Na Pali Coast

The Na Pali Coast is the crown jewel of Kauai and one of the most amazing ways to see it is from the water.  3000' cliffs drop straight into the ocean, magical white sand beaches with no land access glisten in the sun, dolphins, sea turtles and monk seals abound.  In the winter months humpback whales are a common sight.  

We think that everyone who visits Kauai should experience the Na Pali Coast.  Several tour operators offer boat trips along the coast, including sunset cruises, snorkel adventures, and tours out to Niihau.

If you are up for a much more strenuous adventure, you can try the 17 mile long Na Pali Coast kayak tour with Kayak Kauai.  It is a truly memorable experience but is not for the faint of heart.

Kalalau Valley Lookouts

West Kauai

The two lookouts at the end of Highway 550 in Kokee State Park offer some of the most stunning views on the entire island. Kalalau lookout and Pu`u o Kila lookout both offer incredible views into the expansive Kalalau Valley below. These two lookouts are absolute must see's while on the island. Learn more about the Kalalau lookout and Puu o Kila lookout.

Waimea Canyon Lookouts

West Kauai

Located adjacent to Kokee State Park, Waimea Canyon State Park, has a variety of lookouts available for you to enjoy the Waimea Canyon. The canyon measures ten miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,500-feet deep. Mark Twain dubbed, it "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific." The Canyon has some of the most striking color combinations anywhere on the island and is definitely worth a visit (be sure to stop at the various lookouts that are available, on the right, as you head up Highway 550). Learn more about Waimea Canyon.

Ha`ena Beach Park

North Shore

Ha`ena Beach park is one of our favorite beaches in Hawaii. While the initial beach itself isn't especially scenic, if you'll walk down the shoreline a bit to the right, and then turn around, the view will make your jaw drop. Bali Hai or Makana Ridge rises above the beach before you, offering an amazing view. Tunnels beach is also located here and is a great snorkel location if you're so inclined. Learn more about Haena Beach Park.

Wailua Falls

Lihue Area

The 85' double tiered Wailua Falls is a gorgeous waterfall located at the end of Highway 583 in east Kauai. It's one of the most scenic falls that's easily accessible on the island, and is definitely worth a quick visit. Learn more about Wailua Falls.

Kauai's Amazing Hiking Trails

Island-wide but particularly West Kauai

We're so in love with Kauai's hiking trails, we can't even narrow it to just one. So we thought we'd lump a few of our favorites together and just tell you, "Go hiking! It's worth it." Some of our favorite trails are the Kalalau trail to Hanakapiai Beach, Nualolo Trail, Kuilau Trail, Awaawapuhi Trail, Pihea Trail, Nounou Trail, and the Canyon Trail. View a full list of Kauai hiking trails.

Kilauea Lighthouse

North Shore

Kilauea Lighthouse is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. The lighthouse along the the National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to spend an hour or two as you explore the north coast of Kauai. Learn more about Kilauea Lighthouse.

Kee Beach at Sunset

North Shore / Na Pali Coastline

Kee Beach is another great beach to visit on Kauai, and it's extremely popular for sunsets - but for good reason. It's a beautiful and scenic beach that offers one of the best locations on the island to watch the sun disappear over the horizon. Additionally, if you walk to the right once you reach the beach, and then turn around, you'll see Na Pali stretching before your eyes - a gorgeous site to behold. Learn more about Kee Beach.

Limahuli Garden

North Shore

Limahuli Garden, located on the north coast, is one of our favorite gardens on the island. It's not as big as it's cousins (Allerton and McBryde) on the south coast, but it's a wonderful place to spend a few hours, learn about Hawaii, and the plants that call the island home. The picturesque setting is a great place to spend an afternoon before heading up to Kee Beach to watch the sunset. Learn more about Limahuli Garden.