Top 5 Kauai Tourist Attractions You Can’t Miss

Welcome to Kauai: the Emerald Isle of Hawaii and residential to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific! Of the 4 fundamental Hawaiian islands, Kauai is understood for its lush, tropical panorama, epic seashores, and unmissable vacationer sights.

But which Kauai vacationer sights do you have to prioritize in your journey to Kauai? Let’s discover out, however first we’ll reply just a few generally requested questions on Kauai.

Is Kauai very touristy? 

Compared to the islands of Oahu and Maui, Kauai isn’t very touristy. It doesn’t have an enormous metropolis, like Honolulu, and doesn’t see the identical vacationers flocking to well-known locations just like the Road to Hana in Maui. In truth, Kauai is even quieter than the Big Island, which is understood for being extra distant and pure.

Despite being the least touristy of Hawaii’s 4 main islands, Kauai nonetheless has all the infrastructure vacationers must get pleasure from a vacation there. You’ll discover a world airport, numerous motels and outlets, and even a Target and Costco on the island. 

How many days do you could go to Kauai?

I imagine 5 days in Kauai is the right period of time. This means that you can discover Kauai’s vacationer sights, spend time on the seaside, uncover the greatest locations to eat in Kauai, and perhaps even go on an journey or two. With 5 days, you’d even have time to discover all sides of the island.  

Do you could lease a automobile to go to Kauai? 

Yes, you do must lease a automobile when visiting Kauai. Unlike a number of the different Hawaiian islands, there’s not in depth public transportation out there in Kauai and a lot of the fundamental vacationer websites are driving-distance away from each other. So you should definitely guide your rental automobile prematurely! 

Search for automobile rent choices on Kayak.

Driving round Kauai is pretty simple, as there’s just one fundamental street that circles the perimeter of the island. Note that the street doesn’t absolutely circle the island; the Na’Pali Coast mountains on the northwest of Kauai prohibit a street from passing by. You’ll additionally need to keep alert for any street closures because of flooding. 

Explore Kauai at your individual tempo with this narrated, self-guided driving tour.

If you’re not wanting or capable of lease a automobile, be part of a guided bus tour to greatest discover Kauai. 

Where do you have to keep in Kauai?

The hottest areas to remain in Kauai are Poipu within the south and Princeville within the north. While Princeville lodging costs are barely cheaper than Poipu’s, the realm does see extra rainfall and is farther from a few of Kauai’s greatest vacationer sights. However, I imagine the north shore seashores are higher for swimming.

The south shore seashores round Poipu are rockier and lodge costs are greater, however you’re nearer to Kauai’s fundamental websites. There’s additionally the choice to remain in Lihue or Wailua on the east facet of the island. Accommodation right here isn’t as plentiful however it’s cheaper. 

Top 5 Kauai vacationer sights

Waimea Canyon State Park & Kokee State Park

The absolute can’t miss vacationer attraction in Kauai is the Waimea Canyon. Heralded because the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon State Park and the adjoining Kokee State Park offers you epic views of jagged coastlines, towering mountains, lush valleys, hidden waterfalls and beautiful lookouts over the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll need to dedicate at the least half a day to driving by these two parks. Note that there’s just one street out and in, so that you’ll be returning on the identical street that you simply drove in on. The street also can get fairly windy, so pack your nausea medicine when you get carsick.

Along the way in which, there shall be quite a lot of official and unofficial lookout factors. The official lookout factors require paid parking, which acts as your entrance price to the parks. There are additionally quite a lot of mountaineering trails you’ll be able to head out on to higher discover the panorama. 

Related tour: Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Private Tour

Makauwahi Cave Reserve

Located down a dust street on Kauai’s south shore, the Makauwahi Cave Reserve is residence to Hawaii’s largest limestone cave and is the right place to find Kauai’s numerous terrain. From the higher car parking zone you’ll trek down a hill, stopping usually to absorb views of the ocean and jungle. Along the way in which, you’ll be able to peel off the path to hit the seaside or go to the resident tortoises. 

Once you’ve reached the cave, you’ll must crawl on fingers and knees to enter it. Don’t fear – the crawl is just a few toes lengthy and there’s a tarp on the bottom to guard your knees. If you time your go to proper, you’ll be capable to communicate to one of many cave guides who can level out completely different rock formations and the house of the uncommon cave wolf spider. 

Related tour: Private Tortoises, Caves, and Cliffs South Shore Hike

South shore seashores 

Kauai isn’t nearly mountaineering, jungles and mountains – it’s a must to make time to hit the seaside as properly! On the south shore, you’ll be spoiled to your selection of seaside to spend the day swimming, snorkelling and stress-free at. The prime south shore seashores embrace Baby Beach, Kiahuna Beach, Shipwreck Beach and Poipu Beach.

Poipu Beach is persistently ranked as one of many prime seashores on the planet and is actually one of many busier seashores in Kauai. But there isn’t a higher place to look at the sundown! Plus, when you’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll spot a monk seal lounging on the sand.

Note: In my expertise, the south shore seashores appeared rocky and the waves weren’t so calm. If that is your expertise too, I recommend sporting water sneakers and solely venturing additional out when you’re a robust swimmer. 

North shore seashores 

We can’t let the south shore have all of the enjoyable! Of course, you’ll need to spend a while on the north shore of Kauai and provides their seashores a attempt too. I discovered the northern seashores to be extra calm, sandy and family-friendly than the southern ones. At many I discovered I may stroll out over 100 toes from the shore and the water would nonetheless solely be at my hips. 

The hottest seaside on the north shore is Hanalei Beach, that includes a protracted pier that juts out into the water and options on many Kauai postcards. Nearby is Anini Beach, a extra peaceable spot identified for excellent snorkelling. Tunnels Beach is one other one which snorkellers will need to hit up. And when you’re in search of a seaside off the overwhelmed path, take a look at Hideaway Beach, accessible solely by a steep path. 

Related tour: Private Wildlife, Beach Hike with Snorkel Option

Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls

As you put together to depart Kauai, there’s one remaining cease you could make in your strategy to the airport. You can’t depart Kauai with out testing just a few extra epic waterfalls! Both Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls are close by the airport and undoubtedly well worth the detour. These had been a number of the most stunning and plush waterfalls I noticed on all the island.

If you’re simply in it for the views, each waterfalls have designated parking areas the place you’ll be able to pull up and benefit from the surroundings from a lookout level. However, if you wish to stand up shut and private, you may also hike to the falls and expertise them from an entire different degree. 

Bonus: Exploring the Na’Pali Coast! 

After Waimea Canyon, the Na’Pali Coast is perhaps the most well-liked and must-see vacationer attraction in Kauai. But attending to the coast will be tough. If you’re not capable of go to the Na’Pali Coast, there’s nonetheless a lot to see and do in Kauai that may blow you away.

One possibility for visiting the Na’Pali Coast is to hike the Kalalau Trail by Haena State Park. The solely strategy to entry this path is on-foot and superior reservations and permits are required. If you need to do all the path, it’s a 22 mile spherical journey hike that requires an in a single day tenting keep. 

If you’re not up for a protracted hike or didn’t get a reservation in time, you’ve got just a few extra choices for exploring the Na’Pali Coast. You can take a ship, small aircraft or helicopter. Boats depart from the south or north of the island, relying on the time of 12 months, and are out on the water for just a few hours. 

Note that these waters are notoriously tough and when you’re liable to seasickness like I’m, a Na’Pali Coast boat tour won’t be a enjoyable possibility. The Na’Pali Coast aircraft and helicopter rides may also be a little bit bumpy and are, as anticipated, fairly pricey. 

Other Kauai vacationer sights you’ll need to go to

Of course, there’s a lot extra to see and expertise in Kauai than simply the 5 websites above. If you’ve got time, listed here are just a few extra Kauai vacationer sights so as to add to your itinerary: 

• Kauai Coffee Company: Go on a free unbiased strolling tour to find out about espresso manufacturing in Kauai after which pattern a few of their favorite brews! 
• Hanapepe: Kauai’s greatest little city, Hanapepe is a good place to find native outlets and eating places, in addition to stroll throughout the swinging bridge. 
• Spouting Horn: Check out this blowhole on the south shore that erupts like a geyser each time a wave crashes into the shore. 
• Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail: For those that don’t wish to hike, this coastal strolling path is the right choice to discover the seaside views of the south shore. 
• Tree Tunnel: As you drive alongside the island, you’ll inevitably drive by the Tree Tunnel, a cover of Eucalyptus timber that give Kauai a Middle Earth really feel. 
• Kilauea Lighthouse: A lovely spot on the north shore to look out over the coast and perhaps spot a whale. It’s additionally residence to a chicken sanctuary, which you’ll pay to enter. 
• Smith’s Family Garden Luau: One of the most well-liked luaus on Kauai provides a scrumptious Hawaiian feast, spectacular luau dance present and a 30-acre backyard you’ll be able to discover earlier than showtime. 
• Ziplining or mountain tubing: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not swing alongside the timber or go tubing down some mountain passes? Kauai has numerous choices for thrill seekers! 

With this record in hand, I’m certain you’re getting excited to your journey to Kauai. Make certain to tick off as most of the above Kauai vacationer sights as you’ll be able to!