Did you know that Kauai is a well-liked Hawaiian island and it holds the title of being the fourth largest? Its nickname, the Garden Island, comes from the fact that it is covered in beautiful, vibrant vegetation.
Prepare to be amazed by its towering mountains, dramatic cliffs along the coast, and lush valleys that have a tropical jungle atmosphere. If you’re an adventurous soul, you’ll love the wild and untamed North Shore, which beckons you to conquer its rugged mountains.
The payoff for your efforts includes breathtaking views and countless hidden treasures to discover.
17. Napali Coast
The stunning Napali coast is a captivating place on the island. It features tall mountains covered in tropical plants, rugged shorelines, and a sparkling, vibrant blue sea.
While you’re here, consider going on a snorkeling or sailing tour. These tours will take you into the ocean, offering distant views of the shoreline and a chance to encounter local marine life. If you’re in the mood for romance, there’s also the option of a sunset dinner cruise!
Due to frequent rain, this coastal area is adorned with breathtaking waterfalls. Another must-see attraction along the Napali coast is the Kalalau Trail, widely recognized as one of the best hiking routes in Hawaii.
16. National Tropical Botanical Garden
Kauai has lots of unique and gorgeous plants that you won’t find anywhere else. Sadly, many of them are in danger of disappearing forever. The NTBG is working hard to save them through conservation and education.
There are two NTBG botanical gardens on Kauai. One is in the north, called the Limahuli Garden and Preserve, and the other is in the south, known as the McBryde and Allerton Gardens.
You can have a chill day walking around these gardens, enjoying tall palms, rare flowers, and the lush Hawaiian jungle. The tours usually take a few hours!
15. Tunnels Beach
Locally known as Makua, Tunnels Beach is a beautiful tropical beach located in Kauai. It offers long and serene stretches of white sand where you can spend your day basking in the sun. Moreover, there are various exciting water sports you can enjoy here.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are particularly popular activities thanks to the close proximity of the reef to the shore. Keep an eye out for sea turtles and admire the wide variety of tropical fish. Nestled in the North Shore of Kauai, Tunnels Beach is the perfect destination for a camping trip.
Additionally, you can explore the nearby hiking trails that take you through the rugged cliffs surrounding the beach. Surfing and investigating remote coastal caves are also thrilling options for visitors.
14. Poipu Beach Park
If you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach, this tropical crescent-shaped beach near Poipu is the perfect spot. You can simply lie down in the sun and enjoy reading that book you’ve been trying to finish. For those feeling adventurous, you can go snorkeling in the ocean or try fishing with your rod to catch dinner.
Sometimes, the beach gets good waves for surfing or bodyboarding if you’re interested. Additionally, at Poipu Beach, there is a chance to see a Hawaiian monk seal, a species that is currently facing a decline in population. These seals are becoming rarer in Hawaii, with only about 1,400 of them left across the island, so keep your eyes open!.
13. Wailua Falls
The Wailua Falls on the east coast of Kauai are absolutely stunning. There are two beautiful waterfalls that cascade next to each other and flow into a wide pool below. Getting to the waterfalls is quite easy, as you can simply drive up to them and find parking. However, the setting makes you feel like you’re in a secluded and distant place.
The lush greenery and rocky cliffs add to the beauty of the waterfalls, making Wailua Falls a perfect spot for taking holiday photos. And as a bonus, you’ll almost always spot playful rainbows emerging from the water! If you want to catch a rainbow, the best time of day is in the morning when the sun shines on the 80-foot waterfalls.
12. Princeville Botanical Gardens
Located in the valleys of Princeville on Kauai’s North Shore, you will find a unique botanical garden. Unlike the traditional flower beds seen in most gardens, this place is filled with lush jungle-like foliage, giving it a wild atmosphere.
In this mystical garden, you can discover the island’s native flora, including medicinal and rare plant species. Don’t forget to be on the lookout for various animals and insects along the way. And if the beauty of nature and plants is not enticing enough, they also offer chocolate and honey tasting tours to tempt you!.
11. Anini Beach
Anini’s Beach is a beautiful, tropical destination that is highly recommended for people who want to relax and unwind. The beach has stunning white sand and a clean ocean, making it a perfect place to spend some leisure time. It is easily accessible, and you can even drive right onto the beach, making it a convenient and hassle-free day trip.
Additionally, there are picnic tables, showers, and restrooms available, taking care of your practical needs. The beach boasts the widest fringing reef out of all the Hawaiian islands, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Furthermore, the beach is located near several campsites, giving you the option to extend your visit into a multi-day trip.
10. Shipwreck Beach
Shipwreck Beach is a beautiful coastal area located near Poipu. It has a unique and untamed atmosphere which adds to its charm. The beach got its name from an old shipwreck that used to be found on its shores.
It is not the typical beach for lounging under the sun, but rather a place that attracts adventurous individuals who enjoy activities like hiking. Visitors can engage in thrilling experiences such as kayaking, bodyboarding, and exploring the rugged coastline on foot. For those seeking an extra rush, there is even a 40-foot jump into the ocean.
Another exciting activity offered at Shipwreck Beach is whale watching, especially during the whale season, so it is recommended to keep an eye on the ocean for such magnificent sightings.
9. Take a Helicopter Tour
Have you ever wondered how Kauai looks like when you see it from above? It’s a really fun and easy way to explore the island and it’s perfect for a family outing. You can just hop on board and feel the excitement as you soar up into the sky.
During a short ride, you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful places in Kauai, such as the Napali coast, the stunning Waipuna waterfalls, Manawaiopuna Falls, and the breathtaking Waimea and Olokele Canyons. If the weather is nice, you might even have the chance to fly over Mount Waialeale, which is one of the wettest places in the whole world.
If you’re looking for a good tour company, I recommend checking out Blue Hawaiian. They have terrific reviews and are certified by the FAA, so you can be sure that they prioritize safety.
The company you choose will determine the specific route you take, so make sure you select one that allows you to see all of your favorite spots from a bird’s eye view.
8. Waimea Canyon
When visiting Kaiau, make sure to see the Waimea Canyon, which is often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” because of its vastness and beauty. The canyon offers stunning views of green cliffs that stretch all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
For the best photo opportunities, head to the Waimea Canyon Lookout, where you can see the rugged canyon in all directions from a high vantage point. While it’s easily accessible from Poipu, it’s quite a few hours’ drive from the North Shore of Kauai. Nevertheless, try your best to include it in your trip, as it’s a must-see.
7. Queen’s Bath
Queen’s Bath is a special place where you can walk on hardened lava to ancient lava pools. The beautiful scenery of the black volcanic rock meeting the clear blue sea will amaze you. The cliffs surrounding Queen’s Bath are a great spot to watch the sunset, and the pool itself is stunning, nestled among rocks created by ancient lava.
However, Queen’s Bath is not very safe because the waves crash onto the shore and have swept many tourists into the ocean. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to escape the strong tides and get back onto the rocks, resulting in many deaths. The pool is now fenced off for safety, but you can still admire the amazing views from above.
6. Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail on the north shore of Kauai is a beautiful 11-mile hike. You can choose how much of the trail you want to walk, but it’s highly recommended to make it a priority when visiting Kauai. The trail is located along the Napali Coast and offers incredible views of cliffs covered in lush greenery and a stunning turquoise ocean.
As you hike, you’ll follow a red dirt path that winds up and down steep hills, passing by vibrant red hibiscus flowers and breathtaking scenery. It’s important to note that the trail can be quite steep, so using hiking poles is strongly advised.
While only experienced hikers are cautioned to hike the entire trail and back, it’s recommended for everyone to at least walk the first mile or two. Many day hikers choose to do the first 2 miles, starting from Ke’e Beach and heading towards Hanakapiai Beach.
5. Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is an amazing tropical destination that offers a picturesque setting with its long, white-sand beach surrounded by majestic mountains. It is located in the popular town of Hanalei on the island, making it a prime spot for both relaxation and excitement.
Visitors can engage in activities like surfing, enjoying sunsets with a refreshing cocktail, and admiring the breathtaking views. Additionally, if you want a break from beach lounging, you can explore the charming town, with its adorable shops and delicious food trucks.
Hanalei Bay is not only a perfect location to capture stunning Instagram-worthy pictures, but also a place to find unique souvenirs to bring back home. So, immerse yourself in the warm sun, waves, and lively atmosphere of this incredible destination!.
4. Kauai Coffee Company
You’ve probably heard about Colombian coffee, but did you know that Kauai also boasts its own exceptional coffee beans? The Kauai Coffee Company, the largest coffee grower in Hawaii and the entire United States, has a fascinating history. Originating in the early 1800s as a sugar producer, the company has now become a thriving coffee business with over 4 million coffee trees.
For an immersive experience, pay a visit to their Visitor Center and Kauai Coffee Estate. There, you can take a guided tour of their expansive coffee plantation, enjoy a steaming cup of freshly roasted coffee, and witness the entire process of coffee cultivation, harvesting, and roasting. It’s a delightful way to learn about the journey of coffee from the field to your bag, ready to be enjoyed at home!
3. Koloa Heritage Trail
The Koloa Heritage Trail is a scenic trail that follows the South Shore of the island and goes through Koloa and Poipu. This trail is famous because it takes you to many significant historical, cultural, and geological sites in the area. Along the Koloa Heritage Trail, you will find 14 monuments where you can take a break and explore.
These monuments, such as the Sugar Monument, showcase the area’s rich history of sugar plantations. Whether you are a historian or a hiker, you will enjoy the Koloa Heritage Trail. If walking the entire 10 miles seems daunting, you can choose a shorter section that includes your favorite monuments.
2. Ninini Point Lighthouse
The beautiful lighthouse by Nawiliwili Bay is a great place to snap photos by the sea and witness a stunning sunset. It’s been standing for over a hundred years since it was constructed in 1906. In 1953, the lighthouse became automated, leading to the removal of its typical lantern room and Fresnel lenses found in other lighthouses.
While not the most adorable lighthouse, it sits on a rocky coastline, offering lovely views. If you park at Ninini Beach and take a short walk, you’ll reach the lighthouse located on Ninini Point.
1. Kauai Plantation Railway
A great way to explore the Kilohana Plantation is by taking a train tour. They offer three different tours, and each one is led by a conductor who shares interesting information about the history and current state of the plantation.
You can hop on one of the old trains and see the sugarcane fields, taro plants, and rows of tropical fruit trees like papaya, mango, banana, and pineapple. After the ride, you can even stop to feed the animals on the plantation, making it a fun day out for everyone in the family.
It’s worth mentioning that there is also a rum safari available on the grounds.
