14 Must-Do Activities on Kauai Island for Unforgettable Experiences

Kauai is Hawaii’s Garden Isle, known for its lush foliage, beautiful flowers, and long white sand beaches. As the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, it’s the perfect island for a honeymoon or romantic getaway, but also a great place for a family vacation. We’ve chosen our top 14 things to do on the island of Kauai, Hawaii.

1. See Kauai from the Air

If you ever take a helicopter ride in Hawaii, do so on Kauai. Why? Much of the island can only be seen from the air, making it an ideal way to appreciate this incredible landscape.

Most helicopter tours on Kauai include stunning views of Nawlliwili Harbor, the Menehune Fish Pond, Jurassic Park Falls, the Hanapepe Valley, Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, the Hanalei Valley, Mt. Waialeale, and Wailua Falls.

Most tours last between 50 minutes and an hour. Some companies offer extended tours, often coupled with a stop or designed for serious photographers. Notably, at least one company provides tours with doors off, which allow for remarkable photos without glare from the windows.

2. See the Breathtaking Waimea Canyon

Address: Waimea Canyon, Hawaii 96796, USA

Get directions

4.5

A must-see for all visitors is the magnificent Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Spanning 10 miles in length, 2 miles in width, and 3,600 feet in depth, its vibrant reds, greens, and browns are a result of various volcanic flows over centuries, leading many to conclude that it’s even more colorful than its mainland counterpart.

Located in the western part of Kauai, two roads lead up to the canyon from the southern part of the island: Waimea Canyon Road (State Highway 550) from the town of Waimea and Koke’e Road (State Highway 55) from the town of Kekaha. Each route offers numerous viewpoints for spectacular views of the coast and Ni’ihau Island. Consider taking one road up and the other down for a complete experience.

3. Explore Limahuli Garden and Preserve

Address: 5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA

Get directions

Phone: +1 808-826-1053

Visit website

Designated as the best natural botanical garden in the U.S by the American Horticultural Society in 1997, Limahuli Garden and Preserve encompasses over 1,000 acres in a lush tropical valley covering three ecological zones on Kauai’s wet north shore in Ha’ena.

The garden, bordered by the impressive Makana Mountain, offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. In Hawaiian, Limahuli translates to “turning hands,” honoring ancient Hawaiians who built agricultural terraces from lava rock and cultivated the essential kalo (taro) crop.

The plant collections feature native Hawaiian species, culturally significant plants, and a variety introduced during the plantation era, underscoring conservation, cultural perpetuation, and education initiatives.

Both guided and self-guided tours cover a 3/4-mile loop trail.

4. Take an ATV Tour of Kipu Ranch

Address: 235 Kipu Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA

Get directions

Phone: +1 808-246-9288

Visit website

The only way to explore Kauai’s scenic area between Lihue and Po’ipu, marked by the majestic Ha’upu Mountain Range, is through an ATV Tour with Kipu Ranch Adventures.

Kipu Ranch is a historic 3,000-acre working cattle ranch, originally owned by the Hawaiian monarchy and later sold to William Hyde Rice in 1872. Over the years, the ranch has transitioned from livestock to sugarcane production and back again, retaining its ranching roots.

To enhance its offerings, the ranch has collaborated with Kipu Ranch Adventures to provide exclusive daily tours, as the ranch has no public access roads.

Many popular motion pictures have been filmed on the ranch, including “Diamond Head,” “The Descendants,” “Jurassic Park,” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

5. Take a Drive Along Kauai’s North Shore

No visit to Kauai would be complete without driving along unscathed through the stunning North Shore.

This drive takes you to several beautiful locations including Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Garden, the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Secret Beach, ‘Anini Beach, Princeville, the St. Regis Princeville Resort, and the Hanalei Valley Overlook.

As you venture into the Hanalei Valley, you can see the Hanalei Pier, Hanalei Bay, and the charming Hanalei Town. From there, visit gorgeous beaches such as Lumaha’i Beach, Wainiha Beach, Kepuhi Beach, and Tunnels Beach.

Don’t forget to stop at Limahuli Garden, nestled at the foot of Mt. Makana. Ideally, finish your journey at Ha’ena State Park, concluding at the picturesque Ke’e Beach and the trailhead for Kalalau Trail.

This scenic drive can be accomplished in a few hours, but to fully enjoy all its offerings, you’ll want to allocate at least a couple of days exploring the North Shore.

6. Kilohana Plantation and Luau Kalamaku

Address: Depot, 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766, USA

Get directions

Phone: +1 808-245-7245

Visit website

Kilohana Plantation is a unique destination that allows you to ride a historic train, hike through a beautiful rainforest and orchard, savor Kauai’s only island-made rum, shop, and dine at one of Kauai’s finest restaurants.

Rooted in Kauai’s agricultural history, the centerpiece of Kilohana Plantation is the historic Gaylord Wilcox mansion, built in 1935.

The Kauai Plantation Railway offers a nostalgic 2.5-mile train ride through a 70-acre plantation where visitors can admire exotic crops and learn more about tropical agriculture’s rich history in Hawaii.

Luau Kalamaku showcases the state’s only luau show performed “in-the-round,” ensuring remarkable views. The performance features state-of-the-art technology and a cast of around 50 dancers and musicians, including award-winning fire knife performers.

7. Explore the Wailua River Valley

A trip along the Wailua River Valley, whether by boat or kayak, is an essential activity for any first-time traveler to Kauai. The valley has been featured in films like Outbreak and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” A scenic boat ride leads to the recently restored Fern Grotto, whereas a kayak adventure ventures further down Hawaii’s only navigable river.

During the boat trip, the captain narrates the journey, highlighting points of interest, flora, and fauna along the river’s banks, while sharing tales of the river’s significance to early Hawaiians.

Guests arrive at the grotto area in less than 30 minutes and make a short walk through the rainforest to the Fern Grotto, where entertainers perform the Hawaiian Wedding Song, a cherished tradition at this stunning location. Over 19,000 weddings have been celebrated at the Grotto, with weekly ceremonies still taking place.

On return, enjoy live Hawaiian music and hula dancers, continuing the tradition of Smith’s Tours.

8. Play a Round of Golf

There’s no denying that Kauai is a golfer’s paradise. The Garden Island boasts numerous premier golf courses offering scenic and challenging settings.

Notably, six of Hawaii’s top golf courses can be found on Kauai: Kiahuna Golf Club, Makai Golf Club, the Ocean Course at Hokuala Resort, Poipu Bay Golf Course, Princeville Golf Club, and Puakea Golf Course.

Kauai features an extensive range of course options, with greens fees varying from budget-friendly to more luxurious choices. Even the upscale courses often offer deals for multiple rounds, ensuring a great experience regardless of your budget.

9. Visit Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Address: Kilauea, HI 96754, USA

Get directions

Phone: +1 808-828-1413

Visit website

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is an essential stop for visitors to Kauai’s north shore, delivering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, an exceptional opportunity to observe seabirds in their habitat, and a visit to the historic Kilauea Lighthouse.

The lighthouse, built in 1913, was operational until 1976 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and serves as a nesting ground for native Hawaiian seabirds and the endangered nene goose.

Visitors can expect to witness red-footed boobies, Laysan albatrosses, and other seabirds in their natural environment. The surrounding sanctuary waters host Hawaiian monk seals and green turtles, with seasonal sightings of humpback whales.

10. Enjoy Kauai’s Sunny South Shore

The southern shore of Kauai stretches between Maha’ulepu Beach in the east and Lawa’i Bay in the west.

This vibrant area encompasses the Poipu Resort area, known for its exceptional hotels and some of the world’s most picturesque beaches, perfect for enjoying stunning sunsets and sunny days. You may even spot a monk seal lounging in the sun.

The newly developed Kukui`ula Village shopping center offers an array of shops, galleries, and restaurants. A quick drive along the coast takes you past Koloa Landing and Prince Kuhio Park, leading to Spouting Horn, where you can witness one of Hawaii’s most renowned blowholes. Nearby, the National Tropical Botanical Garden offers guided tours, including the exclusive Allerton Garden Tour that grants access to the beautiful Lawa’i Bay.

Venture inland to historical Koloa Town, once a significant hub during Kauai’s sugar industry. Here you’ll find a fascinating History Center along with numerous shops and eateries.

If time permits, continue west along Rt. 50 (Kaumuali’i Highway) to explore charming towns like Hanapepe and Waimea. Be sure to stop by Salt Pond Beach Park near Hanapepe, one of Hawaii’s most beautiful spots.

11. Go to the Beach

Kauai boasts 43 stunning white sand beaches stretching over 50 miles, offering more beach per mile than any other island in Hawaii.

Po’ipu Beach is a top choice for beach lovers, providing a family-friendly atmosphere for swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, and observing tide pools. Turtle watching is also a common delight at this reef-protected beach.

On the west side, partially sheltered by a reef, the Salt Pond Beach Park is ideal for families, perfect for swimming and picnicking, and exploring tide pools adjacent to the beach’s namesake salt ponds.

In Nawiliwili, near Lihu’e, Kalapaki Beach’s half-mile crescent is a hub of beach activity, offering everything from canoe rides and catamaran sailing to surfing, swimming, and wave riding. Kayakers can also navigate the tranquil Hule’ia River nearby, which is highlighted in *Raiders of the Lost Ark*, while observing the Koloa duck and other endangered species from a nearby wildlife refuge.

12. See Where Jurassic Park Was Filmed

Address: 4425 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA

Get directions

Phone: +1 808-742-2623

Visit website

Fans of the film “Jurassic Park” will recognize the iconic Moreton Bay fig trees which you can see in person at Allerton Garden on Kauai. This garden is a part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens featuring three individual gardens on the island.

13. Take a Movie Tour

Kauai has long been a haven for filmmakers, with over 100 films and TV shows shot on the island. Notable films include “Blue Hawaii,” “The Descendants,” “Jurassic Park,” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

Naturally, the tourism industry offers tours focused on the filming locations featured in these iconic movies. Polynesian Adventure Tours offers an Ali’i Movie Excursion and Scenic Hanalei tour.

After hotel pick-up, the tour starts at Ahukini Pier at Hanama’ulu Bay, proceeding north along Kauai’s Coconut Coast. Various stops line the route to Kauai’s North Shore and Hanalei Town for lunch. The tour loops back down the coast by early afternoon.

Moreover, each tour bus is outfitted with a large flat-screen TV showing clips from the movies right before reaching the corresponding location, creating an engaging experience. In between stops, the tour guide shares insights about the island’s culture, history, and geography, keeping visitors entertained with a touch of humor.

14. Revisit Kauai’s Plantation Days at Grove Farm

Grove Farm is a beautifully preserved 100-acre homestead located in the heart of Lihue, featuring the original plantation main house, owner’s cottage, guest cottage, old office, and housing for plantation workers.

The active household and farm maintain the cleaning and agricultural practices established in the 1870s, offering a glimpse of historical plantation life.