Things to Do in Kauai
Plan your days in Kauai, your way
Start with the big one: Waimea Canyon in the morning, a lookout or two, and one easy trail among the red ridges.
Lunch in Kapaa — a plate lunch from a roadside spot, then shave ice for the walk back through town.
An afternoon on Poipu Beach, swimming, sunbathing, and watching turtles haul out on the sand like they own the place.
Golden hour at the Hanalei Valley lookout, taro fields glowing green below the mountains.
Dinner in Hanalei town — fresh fish, a cold drink, live music drifting from somewhere down the street.
A slow morning at the farmers market, tasting fruit you can't name and taking home something you can't find at home.
The Wailua River by kayak or boat, easy paddling to a waterfall or a fern grotto, effort optional.
One beach nobody told you about, found by pulling over where the locals' cars are parked.
A sunset at the Spouting Horn, blowhole roaring, sky going orange, the island showing off gently.
A little famous, a little hidden, a lot of good food — the full Kauai sampler, no extremes required.
Top attractions and places to eat in Kauai
Waimea Canyon State Park
The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” with red-and-green gorge views from the canyon road. Nonresidents pay $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle; the parking payment also covers Kōkeʻe. State parks are temporarily closed after Hurricane Lowell—check DLNR before travel.
park · 4.9 rating · $5
Poipu Beach Park
A popular family-friendly beach park on Kauai's sunny south shore, known for its protected swimming areas, snorkeling, and frequent sightings of Hawaiian monk seals. Travelers go to swim, sunbathe, and observe marine wildlife.
park · 4.8 rating · Free
Wailua Falls
A photogenic twin waterfall viewed from a roadside overlook. Since February 2026, nonresidents pay the Wailua River state-site fee of $5 per person plus $10 parking; check current post-storm access.
waterfall · 4.5 rating · $5
Kauai Plantation Railway
A narrated train ride around Kilohana’s historic plantation grounds, passing orchards and farm animals. Standard adult admission is $23.50; reserve ahead at busy times.
attraction · 4.6 rating · $23.50
Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
A dramatic stretch of towering sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and narrow valleys along Kauai's rugged northwest coast, accessible only by foot, boat, or air. Travelers come for its iconic scenery, the Kalalau Trail, and coastal wilderness.
park · 4.8 rating · Free
Princeville Botanical Gardens
A small-group, three-hour guided garden tour featuring tropical plants, fruit, chocolate and honey tastings. Standard adult admission is $105 and advance booking is required.
attraction · 4.8 rating · $105
Kalalau Trail
Kauaʻi’s legendary cliffside trail begins at Keʻe Beach; the first two miles reach Hanakāpīʻai Beach, while overnight travel requires a permit. Hāʻena reservations are required and the park is temporarily closed after Hurricane Lowell.
park · 4.8 rating · $5
Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail
A two-mile coastal trail across the cliffs of southern Kauai from Shipwreck Beach to the quiet Mahaulepu Beach.
trail · 4.7 rating · Free
Tunnels Beach
Also known as Makua Beach, gets its nickname from the maze of lava tubes found throughout its expansive reef.
beach · 4.6 rating · Free
Anini Beach
A well-shaded, sinuous beach home to one of the largest fringing reefs in Hawaii, one of the safest beaches on Kauai.
beach · 4.5 rating · Free
Hamura Saimin
A beloved no-frills counter eatery in Lihue famous for its saimin noodle soup and lilikoi pie. A longtime local institution for casual, inexpensive island comfort food.
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Bar Acuda
A tapas-style restaurant and wine bar in Hanalei serving Mediterranean-inspired small plates made with local ingredients. Travelers go for an upscale, intimate dinner experience.
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Kokeʻe State Park
High-elevation forest, trailheads and Kalalau Valley viewpoints above Waimea Canyon. Nonresidents pay $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle, valid here and at Waimea Canyon. Temporarily closed after Hurricane Lowell—check DLNR before travel.
park · $5
Beach House Restaurant - Kauai
An oceanfront fine-dining restaurant in Poipu known for Hawaiian regional cuisine and sunset views over the water. Popular for romantic dinners and special occasions.
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Duke's Kauai
A beachfront restaurant and bar in Lihue serving Hawaiian-American fare, seafood, and cocktails with an oceanside setting. Travelers go for a lively, casual meal with a view.
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