Things to do in Kauai

Top Things to Do in Kauai

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Things to Do in Kauai

Known for its beaches and trails, this is the best of Hawaii. For sun and snorkelling, head to Poipu or Hanalei Bay; for hikes and views, don’t miss Kalalau Trail and Wailua Falls.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Kauai.

Top Attractions in Kauai

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Jim K
    Shawnee, KS268 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The stop was simply amazing. I’ve been to the Grand Canyon several times. The view from the summit overlooking this Canyon in Kauai was one of the more breathtaking views I have ever seen.
    From the rich vegetation, various shades of vegetation and rock, as well as the cliff formations and the waterfall, made this a surprisingly outstanding visit.
    After you leave the park, go down to the village of Waimea and stop at Coconut Corner for a fantastic smoothie
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gina D
    Napa, CA18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is, by far, the BEST tasting tour I've ever been on...and I live in wine country and have been on a LOT of "tasting" type tours (and even used to work at a winery and conduct high-end tastings myself)! On this tour, your guide (ours was Mason, who is one of the farmers, is from the islands, has a master's degree, and if you're lucky will SING for you on your tour) will educate you about Lydgate Farms and all the fruits, nuts, flowers and spices growing around you (that you will get to taste as well) - and that's even before you get to the chocolate part. I feel like I learned from a true expert - someone who actually works the land and understands how cacao grows and the entire process of creating high-end chocolate as opposed to someone just trained to memorize the process and explain it to you. This was extremely educational, relaxed, done right on the property (where everyone working there is so nice and so friendly - you truly feel the aloha spirit) and worth every penny. If you are interested in spending a half day learning about an agricultural process and a product enjoyed the world over, this is not to be missed. We will be seeking and enjoying Lydgate Farms chocolate and other products for years to come. Thank you, Mason, and the entire Lydgate team - you have much to be proud of!
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mackenzie M
    23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Poipu was great! It was somewhat windy, but if you sit past the main beach over by the hotel it is protected from the wind. While we were there a seal and many beach turtles were sleeping on the beach. Volunteers did create a perimeter to protect the animals but you could around close to them to get pictures.

    The snorkeling was great here even very close to the shore. I was actually worried about stepping on sea urchins, that is how close they are.

    If you do make it here make sure to get a hot dog at Puka Dog, they were incredible!
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Artima24
    Lihue, HI1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommend the tour at Princeville Botanical Gardens. The best place in Kauai to see all the plant life in one location and only place to see some near extinct plants. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and friendly. The chocolate tasting was a nice addition as well!
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brandon K
    Flagstaff, AZ1,953 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We saw the Na Pali park on a Blue Ocean zodiac boat tour that went up and down the coast in a morning. The cliffs are enormous and you lose all sense of perspective looking up at them from the water. There are gorgeous hidden beaches and sea caves to explore as well. It can get rough out there on windy days if you take the water approach to seeing the park, but you need to get out there and see it for yourself. No words do it justice.
    Written 27 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dmitriy
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to learn about how coffee is grown and processed. Self-guided tour is very informative and you can do it at your own pace.
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ORMum
    Lake Oswego, OR153 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful falls very close to the Lihue airport. We went to the falls right after we arrived at Lihue airport and picked up our car. It is an easy 15-30mins drive by car and there is a small parking area where you can park and go to the viewing area to see the waterfalls from the top. There is not much else to do after you've seen the falls, so we drove back and stopped at a fruit stand on the way back. We spent about 30mins max at the falls.
    Written 10 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • brigitte
    Steamboat Springs, CO2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fave beach was Anini (North) and Poi Pu (South). Kayaking to Menehune Fishpond… drove to The Canyon… food was great.
    (Happy Talk, Postcards, holey grail doughnuts, Kintaros, the night markets, 1Hotel). Shopped for vintage stuff. Fave island so far… it’s lush and green.
    Written 28 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kathleen S
    Melfort196 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spouting Horn is worth a stop if you are in that area of the island on a drive. I wouldn't say it was worth going out of your way to find, unless you had never seen a spouting horn before. It is a quick stop to take some photos and then to carry on with your day.
    Written 1 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gary F
    Castle Rock, CO677 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautiful area and beach. Good for a walk. Town of Hanalei is a good place to get something to eat, drink or grab a shaved ice.
    Written 6 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rainee E
    Seattle, WA53 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of my favorite beaches! Favorite in Kauai and in the top 10 best I’ve ever been to. Beautiful soft sand and clear blue water. The surf can be rough, depending on weather. Parking is tough. We followed the advice on Trip Advisor to park on one of the small roads where parking is free (versus a private drive). The beach wasn’t overcrowded.
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ChandlersForders
    Eastleigh, UK69 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took the 3hr docent lead tour of the gardens. Sharon was passionate about the gardens and was very knowledgeable about the plants and history. It is a special place to see rare endemic plants.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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