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Complete Guide to Kaua'i: The Best Things to Do on Hawaii's Garden Isle

The northernmost Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, or the “Garden Isle,” is 552 square miles of rainforests, gorgeous beaches, and dramatic cliffs, earning its reputation as the most beautiful of the Hawaiian islands. Kaua’i has maintained its natural beauty thanks to strict zoning laws, including the fact that no building can be taller than the “tallest coconut tree” (55 feet tall). The Napali Coast of the north shore features one of the world's most beautiful and dramatic coastlines, while the south shore features Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

Whether you are heading to Kaua’i for your honeymoon or taking the whole family on a trip, we have the best things to do during your visit.

  • 1. Napali Coast

  • Kauai.com | Hanakāpīʻai Beach

    Hiking the Kalalau Trail


    When to Go: Early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid heat and crowds
    Summer months (May-October) for calmer trail conditions

    How to Get There: Shuttle service from Princeville or rental car with early parking arrival

    For gorgeous views, dramatic cliffs, and secluded beaches accessible only to those hiking the trail, Kalalau is one of the most spectacular hikes in the world. This 11-mile hike (22 round-trip), was home to ancient settlements, and many stone terraces, irrigation ditches, and house platforms can be seen along the way. If you aren’t up for the entire hike, the first two miles are all you may need- it leads you to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, and while swimming is not recommended at the beach, the views are stunning. Another highlight is Hanakāpīʻai Falls, a 300 foot waterfall, which you can swim underneath as a refreshing reward. If you choose to do the entire trail, you’ll be rewarded with the gorgeous mile-long Kalalau Beach.

    Pro Tip: If you plan on going beyond Hanakāpīʻai Beach, you will need a hiking permit.

    Where to Stay: Hanalei Colony Resort

    Boat Tours and Snorkeling Expeditions


    When to go: Morning tours (7-11 AM) for best conditions
    Summer months for calmer waters

    The Napali coast offers some of the world's best boating and snorkeling opportunities. Tours provide opportunities to see spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, monk seals, tropical fish, and Humpback whales from December to April. You won’t want to miss Nualolo Kai Reef, which has 10-20 feet of visibility, and you’ll see fish, turtles, and maybe even a dolphin.

    Where to Stay: The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

  • 2. Waimea Canyon: The Grand Canyon of the Pacific

  • Hawaii.gov | Waimea Canyon

    You are not going to want to miss Waimea Canyon when in Kaua’i. For views of the canyons, you can visit Waimea Canyon State Park and Kokee State Park, two state parks that are adjacent to each other.

    There are several lookouts for spectacular canyon views; many are accessible by car with parking. The Waimea Canyon Lookout is the most popular and most accessible, with parking, wheelchair accessibility, and panoramic views. The Puʻu Hinahina Lookout also offers clear canyon views and is often less crowded than the more popular Waimea Canyon Lookout. Kalalau Lookout is the highest elevation viewpoint (at 4,000 feet), and gives panoramic views of the Napali coast. These viewpoints are all best in the morning before clouds settle in.

    There are several trails at Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks, most offering stunning views. Waipo'o Falls via Pu'u Hinahina and Canyon Trail is a shorter trail at 2.6 miles roundtrip, but it is difficult and can be slippery. It does lead to a gorgeous waterfall though, so the rougher terrain is worth it. The Waimea Canyon Lookout trail is a mile loop, is easy, and of course, offers a fantastic lookout of the canyon. The Kukui Trail drops 2,000 feet into the canyon floor, offering amazing views.

    Where to Stay: Waimea Plantation Cottages

  • 3. Hanalei Bay

  • Kauai.com | Hanalei Bay Pier

    Hanalei Bay is surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, giving it an impressive backdrop. It is ideal for paddleboarding, surfing, and simply relaxing on the beach. The Hanalei Bay Pier was built in the late 19th century for the booming rice and sugar trade, and now has become a favorite spot for pickening and taking in the scenery. The bay is also a favorite spot for paddleboarding and surfing. Beginner paddleboarders should start by the pier where there are calmer conditions, more experienced paddlers can head to the eastern part of the bay. There are rental companies for renting paddleboards (and kayaks) like Kayak Hanalei or Hanalei Surf School, which also offers lessons. And of course, when in Hawaii you may get the itch to surf, and Hanalei Bay is the perfect place for surfing. Plenty of companies offer surfing lessons and rentals, like Hawaiian School of Surfing, Hanalei Surf School, or Hawaiian Surfing Adventures.

    Where To Stay: Hanalei Bay Resort

  • 4. Wailua River

  • Hawaii.gov | Wailua Marina State Park

    Kayaking to Secret Falls


    Imagine gently kayaking on a serene river, and at the end of the 2-mile paddle, you are greeted by a picturesque, almost magical waterfall. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, you can experience it on Wailua River, kayaking to Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls), a 120-foot waterfall with a swimming pool at its base. An ancient sacred spot to Hawaiians, this adventure is like no other. Launch your kayak from Wailua Marina State Park or Kamokila Hawaiian Village, or book a guided tour with Kayak Wailua, or Alii Kayaks.

    Fern Grotto Tours


    Take a boat tour to the Fern Grotto, once only accessible to Hawaiian royalty. This natural lava-rock grotto is surrounded by hanging ferns, and tropical foliage, which creates a natural amphitheater, perfect for listening to traditional Hawaiian music being performed during your visit. Several boat tours operate to the fern grotto, including Smith’s, Fern Grotto Kaua’i and Hawaii Tours.

    Where to Stay: Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy

  • 5. Beaches

  • Kauai.com | Tunnels Beach

    Tunnels Beach


    A popular beach for snorkeling and SCUBA diving, Tunnels Beach is a wide, sandy beach stretching for over two miles. Known for its reef tunnels and caves, it’s also a glorious beach for simply sitting and enjoying the view, or taking a quick dip in shallow waters.

    Anini Beach


    Theshallow, calm lagoon of Anini Beach is home to Hawaii’s longest fringing reef (a reef that grows seaward directly from the shore and form borders along the shoreline and surrounding islands). This calmer water makes it perfect for families and beginner snorkelers. You may get a glimpse of a green turtle, or a reef shark in deeper waters. The calm waters and lush sand make it a popular spot for kiteboarding, paddleboarding, beach walking, shell seeking, and enjoying a picnic.

  • 6. Cultural Experiences

  • NTBG.com | Limahuli Garden and Preserve

    Smith Family Garden Luau


    Considered one of the best Luau’s on Kaua’i, the Smith Family Garden Luau has been operating for over fifty years and offers delicious traditional food, music, and of course, hula dancing. Not hungry? They also offer show only tickets if you just want to watch the dancing.

    Limahuli Garden and Preserve


    The Limahuli Garden and Preserve is one of Hawaii’s most remarkable botanical gardens. Stretching over 1,000 acres, it is a living museum that tells the story of Hawaii’s cultural and natural heritage. It features ancient agricultural terraces built by early Hawaiian settlers, and innovative irrigation systems you can still see today. The garden itself features many native endangered plants, several of which are found nowhere else on earth. This amazing example of Hawaiian cultural preservation and environmental conservation is not to be missed.