We traveled to Kauai in the spring and loved every moment of our trip. I’m excited to share a list of our top 10 things to do in Kauai, based on our experience. If you’re interested in our complete itinerary, you can read about our One Week in Kauai here. You might also be interested in our Beach Vacation Packing List!
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Kauai is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise. The island is home to amazing, beautiful beaches (with awesome snorkeling opportunities!), but it is also filled with gorgeous waterfalls, valleys, and canyons. There are so many opportunities to explore by river and foot (for kayakers and hikers), and it honestly left us breathless!
10 Things To Do In Kauai
1. Kayak the Wailua River & Hike to Uluwehi Falls (aka Secret Falls)
Uluwehi Falls (also known as Secret Falls) is a beautiful, 100 foot high waterfall. To get there, you must kayak the Wailua River, park your kayak on the shore, and hike to the falls (about 1.5 miles roundtrip). The distance you’ll need to kayak will vary, depending on who you rent your kayak from. There are numerous options for guided tours, but my husband and I opted to do the trip alone. Either way, you will not regret this breathtaking experience!
You might also be interested in: 10 Things To Do In Kauai
2. Explore Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon is often called “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. We arrived early (before rain and clouds rolled in), and enjoyed beautiful views of the Pacific and the beautiful red and green canyon. You could easily spend all day here, exploring the trails and taking in the scenery, but I highly recommend that you carve out at least a couple hours into your schedule.
3. Hike to Hanakapi’ai Beach & Falls
The hike to Hanakapi’ai Falls was our favorite! We were stunned by the beautiful views along the 8 mile (roundtrip) hike. Start at the Kalalau Trail (from the Nā Pali Coast Coast State Wilderness Park). After two miles, you will reach Hanakapiai Beach (which is beautiful but not safe for swimming). Continue another two miles (go left at the fork to hike inland through the jungle) to reach Hanakapi’ai Falls. The hike is considered strenuous, but it is very do-able for experienced hikers who are up for an amazing adventure.
You might also be interested in: Beach Vacation Photo Shoot in Hawaii
4. Enjoy a Luau
Luaus are at the top of many people’s lists when they travel to Hawaii! Our entire family loved the show (including the kids!). Smith’s also has beautiful gardens and offers a variety of boat tours. Kauai has a few wonderful options to choose from.
5. Canoe the Wailua River to Fern Grotto
I already mentioned kayaking the Wailua River to the Uluwehi Falls, but you won’t want to miss Fern Grotto either! Fern Grotto is a fern-covered, lava rock grotto that is only accessible by boat. You can head there on your own or book a tour from a variety of companies (our family went with Kamokilo Hawaiian Village). This was our family’s favorite activity (ranging in ages 2-60!).
You might also be interested in: Beach Vacation Packing List
6. Take a Catamaran Tour to the Napali Coast
The only way to see this portion of the Napali Coast is to travel by boat or helicopter (or by foot!), and it is truly breathtaking! We went on a catamaran tour and loved the amazing views. We loved riding on the trampoline in the front of the boat, while the dolphins rode the waves with us. The water was perfectly blue and gorgeous!
Pro Tip: Seasickness happens! I suggest wearing Seaband bracelets!
7. Explore Hawaiian Culture at Kamokila Hawaiian Village
Kamokilo Hawaiian Village is an adorable little Hawaiian village located along the Wailua River. You can explore their authentic huts and learn about their culture and history. We loved exploring as a family (with a lovely tour!). They also offer canoe rentals and will take you to Fern Grotto.
You might also be interested in: Things to do on the North Shore, Oahu
8. Snorkel with the Turtles at Anini Beach
We snorkeled several times throughout our week in Kauai, but our favorite experience was at Anini Beach. There are several guided snorkel tours, if you prefer to stick with others. This beach is known for its turtles, and we thrilled to spot one during our snorkeling adventure. The water here was especially clear, and our whole family enjoyed the experience (including the young kids!). Consider bringing your own compact and lightweight beach tent! It’s easy to pack and will provide some cool shade during your beach days.
9. Tour the Kauai Coffee Plantation
If you’re a coffee-lover, you won’t want to miss the Kauai Coffee Company in Kalaheo. My husband is a fan, so we loved visiting the plantation and learning about their company. You can take a self-guided tour or a complimentary guided tour, enjoy samples, and (of course!) purchase your own coffee to take home (an amazing souvenir!). It makes a great gift for a loved one too! If you’re looking for other gift ideas, check out this post for several fun Hawaii-themed gift ideas!
You might also be interested in: Things to do on the East Shore, Oahu
10. Enjoy a Delicious Meal at Plantation Gardens Restaurant
We enjoyed a lot of incredible meals in Kauai, but our favorite was dinner at Plantation Gardens Restaurant in Poipu. I highly recommend it, if you’re looking for a nice place. The poke was delicious! Enjoy the beautiful gardens before or after your meal!
I hope you’re feeling inspired to plan your own trip to Kauai! (Or feeling like you were able to add several “must-dos” to the trip you’re already planning!). If you’ve been to Kauai, I would love to hear about your favorite activities!
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64 Comments
Ordinary Wanderer
Great list! I lived on Oahu for 3 years but never made it to Kauai. I plan to get there one day so pinned this for then. Thanks!
Leah
I hope you make it there soon! It is truly amazing!
Jane Dempster-Smith
Totally feel inspired after reading your article. It has been a long time since I visited Kauai. I think it is time to go back. The Secret Falls interest me as well as visiting the Coffee Plantation. Thanks for sharing.
Leah
Thank you for stopping by! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Anda
I love Kauai! It’s my favorite among all the Hawaiian Islands. My favorite thing to do in Kauai is kayak on the rivers. We hiked to Hanakapi’ai Beach & Falls twice so far, but the last we went it started raining and the descent wasn’t very pleasant. Beautiful pictures!
Leah
Thank you! It really is beautiful, isn’t it? I would agree- kayaking the rivers there is one of my favorite things!
Steph
What a beautiful place to explore. I would love to go one day – especially to snorkel with the turtles!
Leah
It was so neat to snorkel with a turtle! It’s a beautiful island!
Stuti
Hey Leah.. your article sounds so much fun and with waterfalls, valleys, and canyons on a trip, what more one can ask for. This place has so much to offer. Loved the pictures.
Leah
Thank you! Kauai does have a lot to offer!
Shreya Saha
There are so many things to do in Kauai. It is a beautiful Hawaiian archipelago where I would love to spend a week and explore all these places and do all these activities that you have enlisted down in your blog. Thanks for the share.
Leah
It really is beautiful! I hope you get to visit soon!
Ivana
Such a beautiful place! The view from Waimea Canyon is breathtaking
Leah
Isn’t it?! 🙂
Adele Gee
Ah Hawaiiii— an island in the middle of the deep ocean , definitely on my bucket list. The 10 things you highlighted are definitely also things I would be interested to do. Beautiful sights too that you have posted up.
Leah
I am so glad you enjoyed it! It is an incredible destination.
Suzy
Oh reading this took me right back out our honeymoon on Kauai. We did many of the things you describe but unfortunately didnt get to hike along the Na Pali Coast. We love hiking and it was so high on our bucket list but I was three months pregnant and suffering with morning sickness. We WILL go back someday with our family. Kauai was our favourite island of the four we visited.
Leah
Isn’t it incredible? I hope that you make it back soon as a family!
Carla Natali
I love when I get to a travel blog like yours, with amazing pictures and great descriptions because even though I´ve never been to Kauai, it felt like I was there!
Leah
Thank you! That is so great to hear!
Soraya
Kauai looks and sounds absolutely beautiful. And being an outdoor lover, I think we would love it. We would love to hike to see the waterfalls and even kayak on the river. The 6-hour catamaran tour of Napali Coast sounds amazing, I would love to do this! Even exploring it by helicopter would be amazing too.
Leah
Yes, if you’re an outdoor lover, Kauai is the perfect destination for you! 🙂
Farrah
Ahhh, so many gorgeous places to explore! I need to go to Kauai someday! <3
Leah
It is truly beautiful! 🙂
MEENAKSHI J
Honestly, have never read or heard about Kauai *embarrassed* This post is like an eye-opener and a perfect go-to guide for me to know more about Kauai. Such a variety of things to see and experience. The canyons, the water cascade and the show, such a perfect family destination is this place for sure!
Leah
No need to be embarrassed! It is stunningly beautiful and one of the lesser-known Hawaiian islands (although I would argue that it is one of the most beautiful!). It really is the perfect family destination!
Christa
It’s been years since I’ve been to Kauai, but your list makes me want to go back again soon! Definitely need to check out the coffee plantation next time 🙂
Leah
The coffee plantation was a lot of fun. Really interesting and a fun, local experience!
Liona
Kauai is such a beautiful place. I can’t wait to visit.
Leah
It really is! It’s stunning and so relaxing!
Margie DQ
I want to do all 10 things! Kauai seems amazing! So much natural beauty to explore and a great way to spend time in the outdoors… one day I hope!
Leah
I hope you make it there soon! It’s such a beautiful part of the world!
Jas
I was planning to visit Kauai last year but never got to. Although I guess that worked out perfectly because I can now take these awesome recommendations with me. Waimea Canyon and the Hanakapi’ai hike would definitely be the top two things I want to do/see the most!
Leah
I hope you make it there soon! It’s such a gorgeous place!
Amanda
We have been to Kauai a few times and still have a couple of these to do. Thanks for the advice! Last time we were there we did the Hanakapi’ai Beach & Falls Hike. I was so surprised how many people were doing it as we love to hike and thought it was pretty challenging at times. Also quite a few people did not bring enough water and were running out on the way down! I felt bad for them. We ran out in like the last 1/2 mile but had another gallon in the car so that was nice! Thanks again for the tips!
Leah
Isn’t it stunning there?! I cannot imagine running out of water early on (I agree that the last 1/2 mile wouldn’t be too bad). It was definitely challenging but well worth it for the incredible views!
Carolina
I want to go to Hawaii so bad. I will definitely need to pin this for when that day comes!
Leah
I hope you get to go soon! It’s a beautiful spot on earth. 🙂
Cara Kilton
Snorkeling with turtles? Yes, please! Pinning this post for my future dream vaca!
Leah
Doesn’t it sound amazing?! Hope you make it there soon!
Marco Baatjes
Your trip to Kauai looks amazing! Thanks for sharing your list of things to do here, definitely adding this place on my bucket list of places to travel
Leah
It’s the perfect bucket list destination! 🙂
Melissa
This is a great list that will come in handy as we plan our anniversary trip this year <3 Thanks so much!
Leah
Enjoy your anniversary! Kauai is a beautiful place to celebrate!
Jana
I read stories like this, and ask myself: why have I not made it to Hawaii yet?! Looks absolutely stunning, and I love your list, it’s right up my alley.
Leah
Thank you! I highly recommend visiting Kauai! It is truly amazing.
Averee
Wow sounds so amazing! Have never traveled to Hawaii yet but when I go I will for sure look at this as a reference(:
Leah
I hope you make it there soon! It’s beautiful!
Shaline
After reading your post, I need to go back to Kauai. I haven’t been there in years. Thanks for sharing!
Leah
It’s such a beautiful island! Hope you make it back soon!
Bing Wu
My wife and I (though we weren’t married at that time) along with some of her relatives went there almost 10 years ago (wow…I can’t believe it was that long ago). We did a lot of the things on your list. Kauai is beautiful.
Leah
I agree- it is beautiful!
Catherine @ To & Fro Fam
My husband and I took our honeymoon in Kauai, and I will never ever forget snorkeling with sea turtles. That was one of the most beautiful moments in my life! I can’t wait to go back – I want to go canoeing like you suggest in this great post!
Leah
Isn’t it a lovely place?! We are returning to Hawaii and hope to have another turtle experience!
Francesca
Kauai looks so gorgeous! It has been a LONG time since I’ve been. I would love to see the Fern Grotto and Snorkel with the Turtles at Anini Beach.
Leah
I highly recommend both! I hope you make it back there soon!
Natasha L
I love Kauai! It’s so lush and green and I had a great visit. There are so many activities I didn’t do that you suggest in your guide. I would love to go back and kayak and visit Kamokilo Hawaiian Village. Never enough time unfortunately!
Leah
It can be difficult to pack everything in, but I do recommend those activities! They were some of our favorites!
Nikki
Love Kauai! Looks like you had an amazing time! Waimea Canyon was my favorite, but I’d love to try the secret falls next time I visit.
Leah
Isn’t it incredible? I definitely recommend Secret Falls!
Falke
I’ll say it in one sentence. I WANT TO GO!
Leah
Right?! I want to go back! 🙂
Josephine Audigier
Oooh fab post! My sister took her kids to Kauai for their summer holiday, so I have been seeing photos of these places over the last week. I’ll let her know it sounds like she made it to the best spots! Woot!! 😀
Leah
I bet they had a great trip! It’s a wonderful destination! 🙂