29 Must Do Things to do in Kauai

Claire

29 Things to do in Kauai

Planning a trip to Kauai? Here are the best things to do in Kauai right now!

Kauai isn’t too big. You can easily drive from one side to the other in a few hours.

1. Take a flight over the Na Paoli coast

Take a Sightseeing Flight over Napali Coast & Waimea Canyon.

Other popular helicopter tours available:

Kauai 65-Minute Grande Deluxe Air Tour

Fly over the most beautiful landscape in the world on this incredible helicopter tour. Soar through the Waimea Canyon, along the Na Pali Coast, and above beautiful waterfalls, while hearing all about the rich history and mythical lore of Kauai! Book your tour here.

2. Mount Waialeale

Mount Waialeale in Kauai — Mount Waialeale known as the wettest spot on Earth Kauai Hawaii

Known as the wettest spot on Earth! Mount Waialeale can only be seen by helicopter.

3. Luau Kalamaku

Luau Kalamaku Fire Poi Ball Twirlers in Kauai Hawaii — Luau Kalamaku Fire Poi Ball Twirlers at Historic KiloHana Plantation.

Luau Kalamaku Fire Poi Ball Twirlers at Historic KiloHana Plantation

This Luau Kalamaku is unlike anything you have ever seen before. If you only experience one thing in Hawaii, make sure you don’t miss this spectacular extravaganza – filled with graceful Hula dancers, fire poi ball twirlers, traditional fire knife dancing, a lavish buffet of local delicacies and vivid storytelling.

Make sure you book your tickets in advance because these shows are likely to sell out. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the show for free.

4. Go Snorkeling!

Snorkeling at the Na Paoli coast in Kauai

Book your tour here – Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour

If you aren’t interested in snorkeling at the Na Pali coast there are so many other snorkeling tours I recommend in Kauai. This one is amazing because the tour limits the group size to only 6 people, making it amazing to avoid the crowds.

Head for Kauai’s pristine south shore reefs to see tropical fish, sea urchins, and sea mammals. You may also see a turtle nesting on the beach or a Hawaiian monk seal basking in the sun.

5. Explore the giant Moreton Bay fig trees in Allerton Gardens

Banyan Trees in Allerton Gardens in Kauai Hawaii — Moreton Bay fig trees in Allerton Gardens in Kauai

This picturesque setting in the Allerton Gardens has been used in a number of films and TV shows including Pirates of the Carribean, Magnum PI, Starsky and Hutch, and Donovan’s Reef.

Trek through winding pathways and marvel at towering rainforest trees providing you shade from the warm Kauai sunshine.

You can’t miss the tall curving roots of the Moreton Bay fig trees made famous in the movie Jurassic Park. Book your tour to see the world famous fig tree roots here.

6. Wailua River Kayak to Secret Falls

Wailua River Kayak in Kauai — Wailua river and Kamokila Hawaiian Village on Kauai Island, Hawaii. People kayaking on the river.

Book your tour: Wailua River Kayak & Hiking Tour to Secret Falls

7. Rainbow Eucalyptus tree at Keahua Arboretum

The colorful bark and tree trunk of the Rainbow Eucalyptus tree at Keahua Arboretum.

9. Kalalau beach

Kalalau Beach in Kauai Hawaii — Stunning view of secluded Kalalau Beach and Kalalau Valley from a boat on a sunny day, Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

Kalalau Beach is one of the most secluded beaches in Kauai. Kalalau Valley from a boat on a sunny day, Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

10. Kalalau Trail, Nā Pali Coast State Park

Kalalau Trail Nā Pali Coast State Park Kauai

The famous Na Pali Coast is full of cliffs, ridges, and waterfalls.

11. Koloa Zipline

You can’t take a trip to Kauai without trying one of the most epic adventures the island offers. Ziplining is one of the top tourist attractions in Kauai. I highly recommend booking this zipline tour. You won’t regret it. Check out the almost 2,000 reviews here.

12. Visit the Red Dirt Waterfall

Red Dirt Waterfall in Kauai — Red dirt waterfall

Located in Waimea Canyon State Park is the red dirt waterfall. A cascading waterfall of fresh water over the iron-rich basalt rock on the west side of the island of Kauai.

13. WAIPO’O FALLS

Waipoo Falls in Kauai — Waipoo Falls drops 800 feet to the bottom of Waimea Canyon on Kauai, Hawaii.

Waipoo Falls drops a whopping 800 feet to the bottom of Waimea Canyon.

14. Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach in Kauai — Aerial shot off the coast over Tunnels beach on Hawaiian island of Kauai with Na Pali mountains behind

One of the most beautiful beaches in Kauai. If you get lucky you can even see a Monk Seal at Tunnels Beach.

15. Queen’s Bath

Queen's Bath Kauai at sunset — Queen’s Bath Kauai at sunset

16. Manawaiopuna Falls in Kauai

Manawaiopuna Falls Kauai — Manawaiopuna Falls

Hawaii are better known as the waterfalls from Jurassic Park and can only be seen from a helicopter tour. Take this Jurassic Falls helicopter tour to see the incredible falls from above.

17. Poipu beach Monk seal

An endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal rests on Poipu beach at sunset in Kauai, Hawaii

18. Enjoy the View at Hanalei Valley Lookout

Hanalei Valley lookout in Kauai — Taro fields in beautiful Hanalei Valley Kauai.

Taro fields in beautiful Hanalei Valley Kauai.

19. Explore Ke’e Beach

One of the top things to do in Haena. Ke’e Beach on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai.

20. Hike the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

Kauai's Mahaulepu Heritage trail — View of waves crashing on Kauai’s Mahaulepu Coast

21. Visit Glass Beach in Port Allen

Fragments on Glass Beach in Kauai with old pieces of bottles

22. Fern Grotto

Kauai: Full-Day Tour with Fern Grotto River Cruise

23. Spouting Horn Blowhole

Spouting Horn blowhole in Kauai — Setting sun illuminates spout of water from lava rocks on coast of Kauai

24. See Rainbows at Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls in Kauai Hawaii — Wailua Falls in Kauai

25. Visit Hanalei

Hanalei bay in Kauai — Hanalei bay pier in Kauai

Hanalei Pier, Hanalei.

26. Explore Secret beach (Kauapea Beach)

Secret beach in Kauai also known as Kauapea Beach

Secret Beach, officially known as Kauapea Beach, is a beach in Kalihiway and Kīlauea on the north shore of the island of Kauai, Hawaii. The beach is known for its size, seclusion, and beauty.