Kauai, affectionately and very appropriately known as the Garden Isle, is a true slice of paradise. Its stunning coastlines and lush landscapes are unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been.
Every time I visit, I’m blown away by its beauty all over again. Whenever our family has a long weekend, we love hopping over to Kauai from Oahu to spend some time in its gorgeous tropical splendor. It feels like a whole different world!
Although one of the best things about Kauai is its remoteness- which helps preserve its lush beauty, there is no shortage of incredible adventures waiting for you here. Whether you’re an adventure junkie, a nature lover, or a foodie, Kauai has something special in store.
There’s so much to do here that a weekend isn’t nearly enough time to experience it all, which is why I’ve put together this guide of the top 5 must-do experiences on the island.
Pack your bags and let’s dive into these 5 can’t-miss things to do in Kauai:
1) Na Pali Coast Boat Tour: A Must-do Adventure!
Imagine cruising along the Gatorade blue waters of the far Pacific, surrounded by remote, towering mountains, that look like no other coastline in the world. This is part of the experience on a boat tour of the Na Pali Coast which is my favorite thing to do in Kauai for a good reason!
Why the Na Pali Coast Boat Tour is Amazing:
- Insane Scenery: The Na Pali Coast is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, and seeing it from the water is an unforgettable experience.
- Unique Access: This tour is one of the few ways to see the Na Pali Coast. The only other ways to get here are hiking the full 22-mile roundtrip hike (which requires a permit) or via helicopter tour.
- Zodiac Boat Fun: The ride on a zodiac boat is a bouncy yet exciting one that takes you in and out of sea caves, offering secret vistas throughout the trip.
- Remote Reef Snorkeling: To top off the whole experience, there’s a stop on the reef for some top-notch snorkeling towards the end of the trip for a chance to see a stretch of untouched reef and sea turtles aplenty through the crystal clear water.
Insider Tips:
- Pack Warm: Bring something warm, like this waterproof jacket made for water adventures, for the way back. The water and wind can get chilly, especially on cloudy days. My Patagonia Nano Puff is my go-to for adventures like this and was perfect for the tour!
- Check the Weather: Schedule your tour on a day when the swell and wind are calm. Rough weather can make the boat ride quite bouncy and even unpleasant for some.
- Booking: A few different companies offer Na Pali Coast Boat Tours, and from my experience, you cannot go wrong. Note: Some companies offer zodiac tours, while others offer tours on larger boats such as catamarans. I highly recommend the zodiac tours as these allow you to go in and out of caves, getting up close and personal with the Na Pali Coast.
2) Waimea Canyon: The Grand Canyon of the Pacific
If you’re a fan of epic landscapes, Waimea Canyon should be at the top of your list of things to do in Kauai. Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this natural wonder offers jaw-dropping views and fantastic hiking opportunities.
Can’t Miss Waimea Canyon Sites:
- Scenic Drive: The drive alone, as you ascend up Waimea Canyon Drive (the only road up the canyon) offers great views of the canyon and the Pacific Ocean.
- Pu’u O Kila Lookout Trail: At the very top of the road, and peak of the mountain, this trail provides stunning views down onto the Na Pali Coast. You can hike further for even more awesome views or even just stop for the lookout—it’s worth the trip!
- Waipo’o Falls Trail: This trail is my favorite hike to do in the canyon. It offers a wide variety of different vistas as you work your way around the canyon and then concludes with a gigantic waterfall that you can sit on top of as you look out over the canyon below.
- Waimea Canyon Lookout: Perfect for those who want great views without the hike. You can also see the waterfall of the Waipo’o Falls trail from here which offers a bewildering experience.
- Red Dirt Waterfall: While this stop is not much of an actual ‘waterfall’ in my opinion, it’s worth it for the surreal red clay landscape makes you feel like you’re on Mars.
Waimea Pro Tips:
- If you’re short on time or energy, consider combining a visit to Waimea Canyon with the Na Pali Boat Tour since they’re located close to each other but far from other island attractions, especially if you’re staying in the north.
- Stop at the Coconut Corner for a refreshing, delicious, local, and fresh lunch or snack after your hike. You won’t regret it.
3) Ha’ena State Park
Ha’ena State Park is a hiker’s (and remote beach lover’s) dream, offering some of the best trails on the island. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll to a remote beach or a challenging adventure, this park has something for everyone.
Choose-Your-Adventure Hikes:
- Hanakāpīʻai Falls Trail: One of my favorite hikes ever, and probably my second very favorite thing to do in Kauai! This moderate to strenuously challenging hike, with amazing scenery the entire trek, takes you from the bewildering Na Pali Coastline to rushing rivers, to the lush tropical forest. To top it off, the falls at the end are breathtaking, making the 8-mile round trip effort totally worth it. Check out more info on this hike in my article: Hanakāpīʻai Falls: tips for hiking in Kauai with kids.
- Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpīʻai Beach: This is the first half of the Falls Trail, about 4 miles roundtrip with great views the entire way, and a great remote beach stop at the halfway point perfect for snorkeling, a relaxing day, or just a beautiful spot to enjoy your lunch break.
- 11-Mile Hike to Kalalau Beach: This strenuous (22-mile roundtrip) hike requires a permit (open 90 days in advance) and includes camping. But, if you’re up for it, the reward is a stunningly beautiful and secluded beach that probably less than 0.000001% of the world has set foot on.
Important Note for Hawaii Non-Residents:
You must get a permit and entrance pass to take the shuttle and enter Haena State Park. No cars are allowed to drive in unless your entire group consists of Hawaii residents. To do so, head to Go Ha’ena for a reservation.
4) Explore the Town of Hanalei
Hanalei is the quintessential island town, offering a perfect blend of beautiful surroundings, outdoor activities, and no shortage of dining options and shopping stops for those who are keen. It’s the ideal place to slow down, grab an acai bowl, and soak in the island vibes.
Things to Do in Hanalei, Kauai:
- Take a Leisurely Stroll Through the Town: Enjoy the gorgeous views of mountains, rivers, and the beach as you walk around this picturesque town.
- Shopping at the Local Spots: Hanalei is full of local shopping stops for your chance to support and shop locally. Slow Yourself Down, a clothing and home goods shop, is my favorite spot and one not to miss and full of rad gear and great vibes.
- Kayak the Hanalei River: Enjoy a tranquil experience paddling through the rainforest with amazing mountain views. You can also opt for guided tours to learn about the history of Kauai.
- Eat at Local Cafes and Restaurants: You can’t go wrong at Hanalei Bread Company, my top pick for delicious local fare.
- Farmers Market: If you’re visiting on a Saturday, the Hanalei Farmers Market is your go-to for fresh produce and local goods.
5) Food Truck Tour: An Island Foodie’s Paradise
If you love fresh, locally sourced food, from small locally owned businesses, Kauai is the island for you! The local food truck scene is vibrant, offering a variety of delicious eats made with fresh, local ingredients. As a foodie, one of the best things to do in Kauai is to explore the island’s food trucks and sample the in-season options for local culinary delights.
See my post on the Best Restaurants in Kauai for more detailed restaurant descriptions of my favorites. But for now, here is a short list of a few favorite local food trucks to hit when on the island:
Must-Try Food Trucks in Kauai:
- Musubi Truck: Serving up the iconic musubi, a Hawaiian snack made with spam, rice, and seaweed, plus some original fresh takes on the fare.
- Taco Feliz: Delicious authentic tacos with a Hawaiian twist.
- Warehouse 3540: A collection of food trucks offering a variety of options. It’s a great place to try different dishes (and visit local artisans) all in one spot.
