Kauai is one of the four major islands that make up Hawaii. It’s the fourth largest and the oldest amongst all the Hawaiian islands. It’s called the ‘Garden Island’ which describes the luscious greenery and beauty of Kauai. Like its sister islands, Maui, Big Island, and Oahu, Kauai is also known for its pristine beaches, scenic views, and rich culture. There are a lot of beautiful places on this island that are not to be missed and should make it to your must-see places in Kauai. In fact, you might recognize its dramatic cliffs from the Jurassic Park movie!
Where to stay
Usually, people prefer dividing their time between the north and south coast to save time and avoid traffic (Most of the roads are single lanes and can get congested quickly!) However, if you are on a budget or visiting for a short period, you can stay close to the airport on the east coast at Lihue. Below are some of the best options based on your budget.
North Coast – Princeville
The Cliffs at Princeville – This luxurious resort on the north shore of Kauai is a great place to relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the rugged coasts. It offers a variety of activities and would be a perfect choice if you are traveling with family and kids.
Oceanfront Condo with panoramic views – This beautiful oceanfront condo has all the amenities you need and would be an ideal choice for a couple. Imagine waking up to this beautiful sunrise every morning!
South Coast – Poipu
Sheraton Kauai resort – Sheraton Kauai is a 20-acre property along the coast in Poipu. This resort provides the best oceanic views and also has a ton of activities to keep you entertained.
Poipu Kapili – If you are looking for something more private, do check out this condo unit with the ocean views. The condo’s design and decor are Hawaiian-inspired as well.
East Coast – Lihue and Kapa’a
Private cottage at Kalapaki Bay – This cute little private cottage should be your choice if you are looking for budget-friendly stays. The views from the private lanai will make you want to never leave this cottage.
Top 8 must-see places in Kauai
Even though Kauai is smaller compared to the other islands, it still has a lot to offer to all kinds of travelers. The adventurous folks will love hiking at the Na Pali coast and surfing at some of the best beaches of Hawaii. If you are looking to grab a drink and chill, Poipu beach on the south shore would be perfect! The east shore has breathtaking waterfalls and the west side of the island is home to Waimea Canyon also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”.
Listed below are some of the places that should undoubtedly make it to your must-see places in Kauai. If you are looking to visit such places along with other lesser-known hidden gems, check out our custom itinerary planning service!
Na pali coast
If you are visiting Kauai, Na pali coast is a must-see place and has to be included in your itinerary. This coast stretches for 15 miles on the north shore of Kauai. It is famous for its high cliffs that rise almost 4000 feet above ocean level. This quintessential paradise is home to numerous waterfalls, hidden caves and will take your breath away with its luscious greenery! For adventure lovers, this coast is accessible via the 11 miles Kalalau hike which requires an overnight camping pass (these sell out fast, so make sure to book it in advance.) A more popular day hike is the first 2 miles of Kalalau which takes you to the Ke’e beach.
If hiking isn’t your thing then the best way to see this beauty is by taking either a boat tour or a helicopter ride.
Captain Andy’s sailing adventures – This tour service is highly rated and offers both sailing and rafting tours. They are highly rated with outstanding reviews.
Blue Hawaiian tours – A helicopter tour is a great way to see the Na Pali coast and the rest of the island since 77% of Kauai island is inaccessible by road. Blue Hawaiian tour guides are highly knowledgeable and are state certified. Must check out!
Waimea canyon state park
Known as the “Great Canyon of the Pacific”, this canyon is much younger than its namesake, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Deep valley gorges, rugged cliffs, and the bright red soil make this place a must-see place in the whole of Hawaii! The best way to see Waimea canyon is by the 26 miles drive through the park. There are several lookout spots throughout the drive to stop and take in the majestic views. The best time to visit the park is early in the day. During the later part of the day, the park sees on and off rain showers and cloudy weather blocking the view.
Kalalau Trail
Kauai has a diverse ecosystem like all the other Hawaiian islands. This makes Kauai a dream location for avid hikers. One of the must-visit trails is the Kalalau hike. The first 2 miles of this 11 miles hike are accessible to everyone and to get past the 2-mile marker you will need a camping pass which you can get from the state website.
If you are looking for a moderate hike, you can always hike the first 2 miles to Hanakapi’ai beach and head back. Another must-do hike is the Canyon trail in Koke’e State Park which offers stunning views of the Waimea Canyon. This 3 miles hike along the canyon’s rim brings you to the top of Waipoo Falls. From here, you can take in the beauty of the canyon and everything unique it has to offer.
Polihale state park
Polihale beach is a 7-mile long beach on the west coast of Kauai. This beautiful beach is a must-see if you are looking to catch some gorgeous sunsets in all of its glory. The road to the beach is a dirt route and AWD cars are preferable to make sure you don’t face issues with potholes and gravel. (Make sure to check with your rental company before you take your car here) What makes Polihale a perfect spot for stargazing is the lack of light pollution. So, if you are headed here for sunset and have some extra time later, make sure to stay for stargazing.
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Wailua Falls and ‘Opaeka’a Falls on the east shore
Kauai receives abundant rainfall making it home to some amazing waterfalls. If you are in Kauai, make sure to add a couple of waterfalls to your itinerary.
Some are easily accessible from a parking lot like Opaeka’a Falls. Fun fact – Opaeka’a means ‘rolling shrimp’ which were once abundant in the stream. This 150 feet fall is a 2 mile drive up along route 580 up Wailua. If you have time and are interested in hiking, you can walk to a more secluded viewpoint in about 30 mins.
Wailua falls is the must-see waterfall in the whole of Kauai. This waterfall is almost 80 feet tall and is located to the south of the Wailua River. The waterfall is close to Lihue and is easily accessible off the road. Make sure to visit this place early morning to catch some beautiful rainbow colors across the mist!
Wailua falls
Opaeka’a falls
Secret falls
The Uluwehi falls aka Secret falls is a beautiful cascade accessible only via a boat followed by a hike. Though the name says “secret” this place is fairly popular. To reach here you can either rent a kayak to go by yourself or take one of the guided tours. The journey to the falls includes 45 mins of kayaking and approx 20 mins of walk through the lush rainforest. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the waters, grab a quick snack and head back – making it a perfect day outing. This is exactly why this falls made it to our must-see places in Kauai.
Snorkeling at Tunnels beach and Poipu beach
Poipu beach – This beach on the south of Kauai is a good spot to snorkel for first-timers and kids. The waters are calm except for occasional swells. You can also spot turtles and monk seals resting on the beach quite often! The beach has all the public facilities like bathrooms and showers making it a perfect spot to visit with kids and family.
Tunnels beach – If you are on the north side of the island and are an experienced snorkeler, you must check out tunnels beach. The outer reef has some excellent corals but make sure to check the tide levels as the currents can get really strong especially during winters.
Spouting Horn
Spouting horn is a fun little spot to check out on your trip across the south shore of Kauai. The Pacific surf channels into the lava tubes to release huge spouts of water, reaching up to 50 ft in height. There is a lot of parking space available along with access to public restrooms.
Final Thoughts
Like all the other Hawaii islands, Kauai is a must-visit island if you are looking for a tropical holiday. The island has a lot to offer and depending on the number of days you are planning to spend, you can find new places to explore every day! If you are looking to visit Kauai and need help with putting together the itinerary, check out our custom vacation planning service. With our help, you will not only see the above mentioned must-see spots but also places that are more off-beat but makes the island what it is. If you liked this guide, do let us know below in the comments.
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