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10 Things To Do In Kauai

10 Things to do in Kauai An Adventure is Calling Travel

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)

An Adventure is Calling One Week in Kauai Itinerary

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

An Adventure is Calling One Week in Kauai Itinerary

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

An Adventure is Calling One Week in Kauai Itinerary

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 + Flytographer Discount Code

4. Enjoy a Luau

An Adventure is Calling One Week in Kauai Itinerary

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

An Adventure is Calling One Week in Kauai Itinerary

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

An Adventure is Calling One Week in Kauai Itinerary

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

An Adventure is Calling One Week in Kauai Itinerary

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

An Adventure is Calling One Week in Kauai Itinerary

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

An Adventure is Calling One Week in Kauai Itinerary

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

An Adventure is Calling One Week in Kauai Itinerary

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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