Top 10 best things to do in Kauai

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  05.08.2021
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Kauai is among one of the most lovely position on the world, as well as the very best points to do on the “Garden Island” entail experiencing the island’s charm. Kauai is a location for individuals that like the outdoors, quite locations, as well as peaceful as well as enjoyable settings, as well as this leading 10 listing mirrors this. It would certainly be difficult to suit every little thing Kauai needs to provide in one getaway, so you’ll wish to return once again, as well as once more. Select an unique experience, such as a helicopter scenic tour or whale enjoying trip, each time you see. Below are our choices of the leading 10 points to do in Kauai.

The Kauai Hawaii Adventure Guide Waterproof Map by Franko Maps is a detailed overview to the island of Kauai:

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The map is not a comprehensive plan, instead it has visual pictures, together with details, of the areas of various sights throughout the island. Princeville, Kapaa, Lihue, and also Poipu are amongst the preferred areas covered on the map. The map likewise includes details on coastlines, diving, cycling, horseback riding, treking, state parks, galleries as well as also where to locate the most effective sundown. Side one reveals the whole island of Kauai on an in-depth usgs map, while side 2 programs close-ups of Kauai’s North Shore, East Shore, South Shore, as well as the Na Pali Coast as well as Koke’e treking locations.

Best Things to Do in Kauai

Below are topographic maps of the island of Kauai from the United States Geological Survey. Click pictures to see complete dimension.

Over: Kauai map with significant communities as well as roadways.

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Helicopter Tour

Lots of people that’ve been to Kauai will certainly inform you the leading point to do in Kauai is to take a helicopter scenic tour of the island. With much of the indoor island hard to reach by various other methods, a helicopter trip is possibly the very best method to see the extraordinary elegance of Kauai. See it all with a helicopter trip, consisting of Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, as well as climate allowing, the lavish volcanic crater of Mt. Waialeale where you’ll be bordered by 3,000 foot wall surfaces crying with falls.

Na Pali Hike

It’s one of one of the most stunning walks worldwide, and also one most any kind of sensibly in shape individual can complete. The whole walking along the Kalalua Trail is 11 miles each means, yet lots of people trek the initial 2 miles to lovely Hanakapiai Beach. The path starts at Ke’e Beach, an additional stunning area to check out. The initial 15 mins or two of the route is an exercise, once you succeed, you’ll be dealt with to several of the finest surroundings on the planet. Bring some water and also strolling or treking footwear for the trip.

Waimea Canyon

It’s called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and also forever factor. It actually does appear like the Grand Canyon, with a touch of eco-friendly. Heading to the canyon, see to it to drop in Waimea community for lunch. Likewise make certain to see the neighboring Kalalau Lookout for a great sight of the Na Pali Coast.

Hanalei Town

If you’re not currently remaining in Hanalei or Princeville, make certain to make it as much as this lovely community. The enchanting internet user community remains on stunning Hanalei Bay. Kick back at the coastline and also absorb sights of renowned Bali Hai from the Hanalei Pier. Stand paddle board in the bay or kayak down the Hanalei River.

Poipu

If you’re not currently remaining in the Poipu location, make sure to see this stunning community. While the Hanalei location is extra exotic and also damp, the Poipu location is rather sunnier and also drier, however every little thing is equally as environment-friendly. Hang out at Poipu Beach, as well as later on, take pleasure in a sundown supper at the Beach House Restaurant. To reach Poipu, take the Tree Tunnel for one more extraordinary Kauai experience.

Port Allen Harbor

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Port Allen is a little harbor situated on Kauai’s southerly coastline in Hanapepe Bay. It is the major introducing factor for a lot of the island’s deep sea angling and also scenic tour charters.

The harbor has 2 600-foot lengthy berths on contrary sides of a pier and also a little watercraft harbor with berthing for 34 watercrafts. The 25-35-foot deep harbor is safeguarded by a 1,200-foot breakwater. The port has a two-lane, 30-foot large launch ramp along with public toilets. Port Allen is Kauai’s second-largest harbor after Nawiliwili Harbor.

The Port Allen location has numerous dining establishments, a brewery as well as traveler stores consisting of Kauai Chocolate as well as the Red Dirt Shirt manufacturing facility electrical outlet. There is a McDonald’s dining establishment at the entryway.

Port Allen lies near the community of Hanapepe and also within a reasonably brief drive from Poipu.

Area at Google Maps

Over: If you’re taking a whale enjoying or Na Pali Coast trip it’s most likely you will certainly be leaving from Port Allen.

Over: The prominent Red Dirt Shirt Company has a manufacturing facility electrical outlet in Port Allen.

Over: The Kauai Island Brewery & & Grill lies in Port Allen.

Over: Delicious gelato and also delicious chocolates can be discovered at Kauai Chocolate in Port Allen.

Over: Fishing watercrafts and also personal watercrafts in Port Allen’s little watercraft harbor.

Over: A charter watercraft returns at sundown after a cruise ship.

Hanapepe town stroll

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A walk via historical Hanapepe Town on Kauai’s west side is constantly an enjoyable experience. There is a lot to absorb at “Kauai’s most significant little community.” The beauty of the past lives in Hanapepe, which was when a busy community loaded with active employees from the close-by sugar ranches and also salt fish ponds and also G.I.s posted on the island throughout battle times. Today the historical structures are residence to art galleries, publication shops, neighborhood restaurants and also various other innovative sellers. On Thursdays, the community organizes a farmer’s market start at 3PM and also Friday evenings are Hanapepe Art Night which includes neighborhood musicians.

You can visualize the Aloha Theater was when the focal point of Hanapepe Town, revealing timeless flicks to the regional neighborhood and also servicemen as well as ladies from the close-by base.

Hanapepe Town functioned as the motivation for the community in Disney’s Lilo & & Stitch motion picture.

Along with the Lilo & & Stitch mural on the Old Aloha Theater, a person has actually repainted “movie posters” of The Thorn Birds and also Flight of the Intruder, both shot in the Hanapepe location and also somewhere else on Kauai

A variety of stores, coffee shops, art galleries and also bookshops can be discovered in Hanapepe, consisting of the Talk Story Bookstore, the western book shop in the United States!

This mural can be discovered near the crossway of Ko Road and also Hanapepe Road.

The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge is a prominent destination in Hanapepe.

You can take a walk along the Hanapepe River as well as obtain an additional sight of the bridge.

Ko Road complies with the Hanapepe River awhile.

This straightforward home has area, area, place. We definitely would not mind residing on this item of heaven alongside Hanapepe Road.

Whale Watching

Whale viewing period is from November with May, as well as the most effective means to see the whales is up close on a whale viewing excursion out of Port Allen. Along with seeing the whales, the watercraft flight trip is an experience unto itself, with sights of the gorgeous Kauai shoreline.

Kokee Museum

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The Kokee Museum has a wide range of info concerning Kauai’s stunning Kokee State Park, Waimea Canyon as well as the bordering location. A variety of intriguing displays at the gallery give understanding right into the area’s background, location, plants, indigenous birds, treking tracks, searching possibilities and also why there are old utility pole in the center of the Alakai Swamp. The gallery is for everybody that has a yearning to get more information concerning this gorgeous location.

The team is incredibly educated concerning the location and also will certainly enjoy to address your concerns. Those with concerns regarding the location’s treking routes as well as existing problems will certainly discover clear-cut solutions right here.

Do not allow the tiny dimension of the gallery fool you. There’s sufficient thorough details below for a minimum of a hr or more of examination. And also, the Kokee Museum Shop has a great variety of neighborhood art, prints, publications, covering fashion jewelry, strolling sticks, tees and also even more for your interest.

The gallery lies in a lovely field that will certainly have you thinking you remain in a hill setup. Following door is the Kokee Lodge Restaurant. Additionally on the residential or commercial property are cabins that are readily available for lease and also a camping site. Close-by are several of the island’s most beautiful tourist attractions, consisting of Waimea Canyon as well as the Kalalau Lookout.

Admission is totally free, though recommended contributions of $5 at the door will certainly aid sustain the gallery as it obtains no federal government financing. The gallery is open each day of the year from 9AM to 4PM.

Place at Google Maps On the internet: www.kokee.org

One of the most conclusive details concerning trekking routes in the location can be discovered at the gallery.

Look very closely as well as might see a few of these birds on location tracks

You might see seekers on location tracks, specifically the Alakai Swamp Trail.

Beside the gallery is the Kokee Lodge Restaurant. Notification the Kauai hens in the foreground.

Fehring Family Farm

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Refreshing deals with can be located at the natural Fehring Family Farm in Kilauea. Out front is a little stand that offers farm-fresh fruits (consisting of pineapples, mangoes as well as coconuts), natural lemonade, natural popsicles, healthy smoothies, frosties as well as frostie bowls. (Fehring Family Farm can additionally usually be located at neighborhood markets, consisting of the Kilauea Farmers Market on Saturdays.).

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A range of healthy and balanced selections are offered for Fehring’s natural, dairy-free healthy smoothies, consisting of bananas, papaya, almond milk, honey and also days among others choices. Offered “boosters” consist of vanilla healthy protein, hemp healthy protein, spirulina as well as antioxidant-rich plant moringa.

On a current check out we bought a banana frostie covered with delicious chocolate nibs. (Hemp seeds, coco flakes, goji berries, toasted coconut and also mac nuts are additionally readily available as garnishes.)

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The frostie was in fact an icy banana (absolutely nothing else yet the covering) that had actually been pressed via a gadget to produce something looking like gelato (see picture listed below). This cool mixture truly satisfied after a mid-day at neighboring Rock Quarry Beach.

Likewise, the Fehring Family Farm internet site details the Twin Hearts Cottage, a 500 square foot home made from lasting redwood, that is offered for temporary leasings at the ranch.

Fehring Family Farm is found on Wailapa Road in Kilauea, nearby from the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens and also Sculpture Park.

Place at Google Maps Online: www.fehringfamilyfarm

Kilauea Town

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Kilauea is a little, lovely community on the north coast of Kauai that is the portal to the Kilauea Lighthouse, among the island’s leading tourist attractions. Though the lighthouse obtains the majority of the interest, Kilauea is a wonderful community that should not be forgotten. A few of the island’s finest food, art as well as buying can be discovered right here.

The Kilauea Stone Building has a number of good stores, plus the well-known Kilauea Fish Market as well as the ever-popular Kauai Juice Company. Nearby is the historical Kong Lung Market Center with a field-stone structure that made use of to be the Kilauea Sugar Plantation’s firm shop. The Kong Lung Market Center includes a bakeshop, a diner and also an import trading firm providing Japanese tableware, presents and also various other items. As well as the brand-new Kilauea Lighthouse Village will certainly include the North Shore’s initial grocery-anchored shopping mall in 40 years (Kilauea Market + Cafe), Verde Restaurant, as well as Wailua Shave Ice, in addition to various other vendors.

Likewise not to be missed out on in Kilauea is the Anaina Hou Community Park with mini-golf, treking and also cycling routes as well as much more! And also though Kilauea does not rest on a coastline like numerous preferred Kauai places, the concealed treasure Rock Quarry Beach is simply in the future! The lovely Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens are likewise close by.

Whether you’re going through to the Kilauea Lighthouse or Hanalei, or making Kilauea your location, Kilauea Town is absolutely an area that should have a more detailed look.

Please keep in mind the Kilauea Lighthouse is shut on Sundays as well as Mondays. Strategy your browse through to Kilauea on Tuesday via Saturday to obtain one of the most from your see.

Area at Google Maps

Kilauea Town Sights

Kilauea Stone Building stores.

The historical Kong Lung Market Center

Kilauea Bakery!

Kilauea Point Lighthouse

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The lighthouse rests on a stunning headland in a wild animals sanctuary, so along with the lighthouse you will certainly have chances for bird and also whale viewing (in period). The lighthouse is a brief drive from the community of Kilauea.

The Kilauea Point Lighthouse was integrated in 1913, offering for 62 years prior to being shut off by the Coast Guard in 1976 and also changed with an automated sign. Today, the lighthouse is a preferred visitor destination renowned as a lot for the lighthouse as it is for the bird and also whale viewing. The lighthouse is situated on the northern most factor of Kauai on a peninsula 200 feet over water level. It is currently component of the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge, a shelter for seabirds consisting of frigates, boobies, shearwaters as well as Laysan albatrosses. In cold weather, humpback whales can typically be seen off the coastline.

The lighthouse is near the community of Kilauea as well as a brief drive from the major Hwy 56. There’s a breathtaking ignore that is complimentary, and also $5 will certainly acquire you admission to the lighthouse as well as haven location. There’s additionally a present shop/information facility that has added details regarding the lighthouse.

Likewise see: Photos Inside the Kilauea Lighhouse

Kilauea Lighthouse Address 3500 Kilauea Rd . Kilauea, Hey There 96754. ( 808) 828-0384.

Area at Google Maps. On the internet: www.kilaueapoint.org.

Hrs of Operation Tuesday– Saturday: 10AM– 4PM. Closed Sunday and also Monday

Na Pali Coast Cruise

A Na Pali Coast excursion by watercraft on the island of Kauai is the journey of a life time. You will certainly always remember the exceptional elegance of this splendid shoreline, where hills climb wonderfully from the sea, falls flow right into the sea and also outstanding sea caverns mesmerize the detects.

Scenic Drive from Hanalei to Ke’e Beach

With lavish exotic hills on one side and also fabulous coastlines on the various other, you’ll admire the elegance of Kauai’s north coast. A variety of one-lane bridges wait for on this drive, pleasant pointers to reduce, relax and also take it all in. Quit at stunning coastlines in the process and also maybe have a lunch or supper at the Mediterranean Gourmet at Hanalei Colony Resort. It’s one of one of the most beautiful drives in the globe in our viewpoint.

Kapaa Town

Centrally situated, Kapaa community has everything. The community flaunts a great midtown satisfying visitors as well as a biking course along the coastline. Places to consume are plentiful, consisting of greater than a couple of food vehicles providing scrumptious fish tacos and so forth. Close-by are a host of tourist attractions, consisting of Kealia Beach, falls consisting of Wailua Falls and also Opaeka’a Falls, and also Smith’s Tropical Paradise as well as Smith’s Family Garden Luau.

Kapaa Bypass

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The Kapaa Bypass is an alternative north/south course on the island of Kauai that permits chauffeurs to stay clear of the traffic jam in midtown Kapaa. (Traffic is a concern at mostly all hrs of the day on the major Kuhio Highway 56 via Kapaa.) The three-mile-long bypass (5600) runs behind Kapaa as well as takes around 5-10 mins to finish. Making Use Of the Kapaa Bypass might possibly conserve approximately thirty minutes or even more driving time relying on web traffic problems in Kapaa.

The very first mile of the bypass from the north is one-way. Those taking a trip north on the bypass southern can just take a trip the initial 2 miles as for the website traffic circle at 581.

The entry to the bypass southern is near the Coconut Marketplace. On the north side, the entry is throughout from a Kapaa Bike Path accessibility factor.

The bypass was produced from previous walking stick haul roadways and also goes through land had by Bette Midler.

Place at Google Maps

The north entryway to the Kapaa Bypass.

Coming close to the website traffic circle at 581 from the north.

The south entryway to the bypass.

Queen’s bath

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September 2018 Update: The gateway to Queen’s Bath might be padlocked. Go here to find out more. December 2018 Update: Woman Drowns at Queen’s Bath

Queen’s Bath, in Princeville, Kauai, is an attractive yet possibly unsafe tidepool that is a prominent traveler destination. In the summer season, the swimming pool appears like a large, all-natural jacuzzi with lots of visitors. In the cold weather, battering browse makes the swimming pool a harmful location, though the swimming pool can be harmful any time. A makeshift indicator (image listed below) near the bathroom advises there have actually been 29 drownings (number not confirmed) which “unanticipated huge waves will certainly knock you off rocks & & move you bent on sea!”

Parking for Queen’s Bath remains in a house in the distance of the St. Regis Princeville Resort, Hanalei Bay Resort as well as the Wyndham Bali Hai Villas. The car parking is near completion of Punahele Road, which is simply off Ka Haku Road, the highway that goes through Princeville. There is generally insufficient car park for the lots of site visitors. (Some individuals that remain close by decide to stroll or bike to the location.).

A path situated at the right of the parking area leads to the sea. The unsafe course is attractive as well as primarily shaded, and also there is a falls near all-time low. When mixed-up degree you will certainly get on lava rock that have to be browsed for numerous hundred meters to reach the bathroom. If the trend is reduced, you will certainly initially see a rectangle-shaped tidepool, yet that is not the Queen’s Bath. Maintain going till you see the round swimming pool. If problems are tranquil, there may be loads of individuals (and also a couple of family pets) around the bathroom location.

Once more, Queen’s Bath can be an unsafe location. Unforeseen huge waves can instantly show up. If required, there are security tubes situated on indicators along the shore.

Place at Google Maps

Kapaa Bike Path

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Part 2 of our current trip on the Kapaa Bike Path. After Kealia Beach, the course comes to be less-traveled however much more gorgeous. In the process you will certainly discover the Pineapple Dump Pier, Donkey Beach, a rough coast to discover, and also at the end of the path, an unrevealed cove.

Kauai Red Dirt Shirt Company

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Kauai’s lovely yet annoying red dust has actually messed up greater than a couple of white athletic shoe as well as various other short articles of apparel throughout the years. However the proprietor of the Original Red Dirt Shirts of Kauai has actually transformed lemons right into lemonade. In 1992, Hurricane Iniki struck a tv printing shop in Kauai, drenching the store’s white tee shirts with water as well as tarnishing the t-shirts with the island’s red dust blown in from the typhoon. As opposed to tossing the t-shirts out, the proprietor made a decision to offer them, et cetera is background.

Today there are several replica red dust tee shirts to be located on the island, however there’s just one initial, which is the Original Red Dirt Shirts firm based in Port Allen. When you’re in Port Allen for a boating or fishing expedition, or when you’re taking a trip back from Waimea Canyon or various other factors on the western side of Kauai, come by the manufacturing facility electrical outlet shop for an one-of-a-kind memento from the island. (The t shirts can additionally be discovered in stores throughout the island.).

Initial Red Dirt Shirts 4350 Waialo Rd . Eleele, HELLO 96705. ( 800) 736-1245.

Area at Google Maps. Online: www.dirtshirt.com.

Spouting Horn

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A preferred visitor destination in the Poipu location, Spouting Horn is a blowhole in a lava rack that sends out plumes of salt water right into the air after being compelled with an opening in the rack. Depending upon the pressure of the waves going into beneath the rack, the plumes can rise to 50 feet high. A hissing audio is made with each plume.

The windy shoreline where Spouting Horn lies is recognized for its collapsing waves. As a matter of fact, the name of Poipu converts to “collapsing.” Spouting Horn becomes part of the Koloa Heritage Trail, a ten-mile route in the Koloa area on Kauai’s southerly coastline.

According to Hawaiian mythology, a gigantic reptile (” mo’o”) shielded this component of Kauai. Someday, a boy called Liko tested the reptile. Throughout the fight, Liko propelled a sharp penetrate the reptile’s mouth. Liko delved into the water and also drew the reptile via a tiny lava tube in the rock. The reptile obtained embeded the lava tube (blowhole) and also today you can listen to the reptile’s hiss whenever the Spouting Horn blowhole blasts right into the air.

Site Visitors to Spouting Horn travel through an industry from the parking lot to the blowhole. The industry includes different suppliers that use ornaments, fashion jewelry, apparel, presents, and also arts and also crafts. The industry is rather one-of-a-kind on Kauai and also is evocative markets near vacationer destinations in Asia.

Spouting Horn can be seen from a seeing location off of Lawai Road, near the McBryde as well as Allerton Gardens site visitors facility. Though partitioned, a couple of individuals endeavor onto the rack, though that is not suggested. Some site visitors to Spouting Horn are dissatisfied by the enclosed accessibility as well as the pressure of the plumes, which are in some cases weak throughout calmer seas. For the most incredible sights, see Spouting Horn near sundown and/or throughout harsh seas.

Accessibility to Spouting Horn is totally free.

Area at Google Maps

Warehouse 3540

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Storage facility 3540 is open Tuesday with Saturday 10AM to 3PM (shut Sunday as well as Monday). Inspect their occasion routine for unique occasions, consisting of Keiki Story Time, online songs, as well as a Friday market with even more regional suppliers.

Storage facility 3540 3540 Koloa Rd . Kalaheo, HELLO 96741.

( 808) 635-6576.

On the internet: www.warehouse3540.com. Area at Google Maps.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Kauai Surf Report is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new sports with everything surfing at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2019 to help loyal readers with surfing and water sporting tips.