Top 10 Things to Do in Kauai: Your Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide
Discover the Garden Isle’s hidden gems and must-see attractions through the eyes of a Hawaii destination specialist
Visiting the island of Kauai can be super exciting but also super overwhelming. As laid back as this Hawaiian paradise is, there are an immense amount of choices when it comes to exploring Kauai’s natural wonders, adventure activities, and cultural experiences. From world-class hiking trails to pristine beaches, this island truly has it all.
I’m Michelle, the Traveling Cheese Head, your trusted travel expert and Hawaii destination specialist. Today, I’m sharing my personal favorite places and activities on what I consider the most beautiful Hawaiian island – Kauai. With so many incredible Kauai attractions to choose from, you’ll need to narrow down your list, so I’ve curated my top 10 must-do experiences that will make your Hawaii vacation unforgettable.
1. Epic Kauai Hiking Adventures
Best hiking trails in Kauai offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Hawaii. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or casual nature lover, Kauai’s diverse trail system has something for everyone.
Top Kauai hiking destinations include:
- Waimea Canyon trails in the south – explore the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
- Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) in Kapaa – perfect for intermediate hikers
- Kalalau Trail on the North Shore – witness breathtaking Napali Coast views
If you’re an active person who loves being immersed in nature, Kauai is absolutely your island for extraordinary hiking experiences that showcase Hawaii’s raw natural beauty.
2. Scenic Drive Through Waimea Canyon
Maybe hiking isn’t your thing, and you prefer to explore Kauai by car? Take a scenic drive through Waimea Canyon – one of Kauai’s most popular attractions. This geological wonder offers breathtaking overlooks and lookouts perfect for panoramic photography.
Waimea Canyon highlights:
- Multiple scenic viewpoints and photo opportunities
- Red Dirt Waterfall – a unique geological feature
- Kokee Lodge and campground for dining and rest stops
- Easy accessibility for all ages and mobility levels
The Waimea Canyon drive is an ideal way to spend a full day exploring what locals call the “Grand Canyon of the West.”
3. Opaekaa Falls and Hindu Monastery
While Kauai boasts numerous stunning waterfalls, Opaekaa Falls paired with the nearby Hindu Monastery creates one of the island’s most serene and spiritual experiences. This twin waterfall is incredibly beautiful and easily accessible by road, making it perfect for families and photographers.
The Hindu Monastery, just around the corner, offers a peaceful, contemplative experience that beautifully complements your waterfall visit. Together, these attractions provide a couple hours of afternoon bliss and showcase Kauai’s spiritual side.
4. Best Kauai Beaches for Every Traveler
No Hawaiian island visit is complete without incredible beach days in Kauai. With multiple world-class beaches to choose from, here are my top recommendations:
Lydgate Beach – Perfect for families with its natural lagoon where kids can play safely without ocean waves. This protected area offers calm waters and excellent snorkeling for beginners.
Tunnels Beach – Known for exceptional snorkeling and unparalleled natural beauty. The coral reef formations here are spectacular for underwater exploration.
Other notable Kauai beaches: Poipu Beach, Ke’e Beach, and Hanalei Beach each offer unique experiences, from surfing to sunset viewing. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any beach choice on Kauai!
No Hawaiian island visit is complete without incredible beach days in Kauai. With multiple world-class beaches to choose from, here are my top recommendations:
Lydgate Beach – Perfect for families with its natural lagoon where kids can play safely without ocean waves. This protected area offers calm waters and excellent snorkeling for beginners.
Tunnels Beach – Known for exceptional snorkeling and unparalleled natural beauty. The coral reef formations here are spectacular for underwater exploration.
Other notable Kauai beaches: Poipu Beach, Ke’e Beach, and Hanalei Beach each offer unique experiences, from surfing to sunset viewing. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any beach choice on Kauai!
5. Explore Kauai's Stunning South Shore
Dedicate a full day to exploring Kauai’s South Shore, where multiple attractions cluster together for easy exploration:
South Shore must-sees:
- Poipu Beach – consistently ranked among America’s best beaches
- Spouting Horn – dramatic blowhole creating natural water geysers
- Kauai Coffee Company – hello, coffee lovers! Tour Hawaii’s largest coffee plantation
- Hanapepe town – artsy community featuring the famous Swinging Bridge
- Tree Tunnel Road – drive through a magical eucalyptus tree tunnel
- Old Koloa Town – historic sugar plantation town with shops, restaurants, and food trucks
This South Shore adventure combines natural wonders, local culture, and delicious food experiences all in one unforgettable day.
6. Discover Local Kauai Food Culture
One of my favorite travel experiences anywhere is discovering the local food scene and authentic Kauai restaurants. During our visit, we discovered Tip Top Cafe – a true local institution that perfectly represents authentic Hawaiian dining.
Tip Top Cafe highlights:
- Famous for their incredible oxtail soup
- Legendary loco moco prepared island-style
- Enormous pancakes that are Instagram-worthy
- Authentic local atmosphere where island residents actually eat
- Connected motel for the ultimate local experience
The restaurant usually has lines, but service moves quickly. Don’t miss these local spots – the locals keep the island running, and experiencing authentic Hawaiian culture through food is absolutely essential for any Kauai vacation.
7. Kauai Whale Watching Tours
While Maui might be synonymous with Hawaiian whale watching, Kauai offers incredible humpback whale viewing opportunities during winter months (December through April). These magnificent creatures pass by Kauai’s waters during their annual migration.
During our afternoon whale watching tour, we spotted numerous whales and even witnessed an exciting breach! Most tour operators make the experience fun, safe, and educational while providing a unique perspective of Kauai from the ocean.
Getting out on the water is essential when visiting any Hawaiian island – seeing Kauai from the ocean provides an entirely different perspective of this magnificent island’s beauty.
8. Napali Coast Boat Tours - A Must-Do Experience
The Napali Coast represents one of Kauai’s most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders. A Napali Coast boat tour offers the absolute best way to experience this dramatic coastline, and you can combine it with sunset viewing and dinner for a three-in-one experience.
I highly recommend Captain Andy’s for their:
- Excellent food quality and variety
- Incredible, knowledgeable staff and service
- Unparalleled Napali Coast viewing opportunities
- Professional safety standards and comfortable vessels
Seeing the Napali Coast from the water is truly unparalleled – the towering sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and emerald valleys create memories that last a lifetime.
9. Kauai Shave Ice - A Daily Hawaiian Tradition
Just like every Hawaiian island, Kauai shave ice represents the sweet treat that keeps on giving! Kauai offers an incredible variety of shave ice establishments around the island, each with their own unique flavors and preparations.
Jojo’s Shave Ice became our favorite with three convenient locations, but we made sure to try multiple shops for comparison. Make it a fun daily tradition – try a different shave ice place each day and discover your personal favorite!
During our 10-day stay, we never missed our daily shave ice. It’s incredible how each establishment puts their own creative twist on flavors and presentations, making shave ice exploration a delicious adventure throughout your Kauai vacation.
10. Kauai Helicopter Tours - The Ultimate Island Experience
The most important recommendation I have for Kauai more than any other Hawaiian island: take a helicopter tour. Unlike other islands, Kauai has a large percentage of terrain that’s completely inaccessible by car or hiking trail. Air tours provide the only way to see the entire island and gain a truly unique perspective.
Why Kauai helicopter tours are essential:
- Access to otherwise unreachable areas of the island
- Aerial views of the Napali Coast’s full majesty
- Mount Waialeale – the wettest spot on Earth
- Waimea Canyon from above – absolutely breathtaking
- Unique photography opportunities impossible from ground level
Doors-off vs. doors-on helicopter experiences: I’ve experienced both and highly recommend doors-off tours for the most immersive experience and superior views. However, if you’re nervous about flying, doors-on tours provide extra security and comfort.
Yes, helicopter tours represent a significant investment, but this will be the one experience you’ll never regret and will remember for the rest of your life.
Helicopter tour recommendation: I personally recommend Airborne Aviation for their exceptional professionalism, friendly accommodating service, and overall outstanding experience. While other companies exist, Airborne Aviation delivered everything I hoped for in a Kauai helicopter adventure.
Bonus Experience: Kauai Humane Society Field Trip Program
Here’s my secret bonus recommendation for animal lovers: Take a rescue dog on a Kauai adventure through the Kauai Humane Society’s innovative field trip program!
How the program works:
- Register online in advance for approximately $40 (donation)
- Pick up your assigned dog between 10 AM and noon
- Return your furry companion by 5 PM
- Receive a complete backpack with supplies: leash, car towel, food, snacks, water
- Get recommendations for dog-friendly hiking trails and beaches
- Choose your comfort level: small, medium, or large dog options
The dogs wear adorable ponchos saying “You can adopt me,” while your backpack displays “I’m on a field trip.” We constantly received questions about our temporary companion, Ham Bone, and it became one of our trip’s absolute highlights!
The Humane Society’s goal is facilitating dog adoptions, even to mainland visitors. If you’re an animal lover visiting Kauai, this unique experience combines adventure with supporting a wonderful cause.
Kauai truly offers something magical for every type of traveler – from adrenaline-seeking adventurers to relaxation-focused beach lovers to cultural experience seekers. This incredible Hawaiian island combines natural wonders, authentic local culture, and unforgettable activities that will leave you planning your return visit before you’ve even departed.
Ready to plan your own incredible Kauai experience? Let’s connect and build an amazing Hawaiian adventure that will have you falling in love with the Garden Isle just like I did.
What’s your top Kauai must-do experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more authentic Hawaii travel tips and destination guides!
Michelle is a trusted travel advisor and Hawaii destination specialist known as the Traveling Chzhed. She specializes in creating authentic Hawaiian experiences and helping travelers discover the islands’ hidden gems beyond typical tourist attractions.