As with the other Hawaiian islands, Kauai's water and air temperatures make this a paradise for ocean lovers. This "Garden Isle" of Kauai, also nicknamed "The Island of Discovery", is a perfect beach vacation destination for families and honeymooners alike. Because Kauai is the first born in the volcanic chain of Hawaii's main islands, Mother Nature has had more time to work her magic on Kauai's natural beauty, allowing great opportunities for prime time activities.
If you plan on exploring Kauai by car, check out this link, "Driving Kauai By Car", for a summary as what to expect along the way, as well as what attractions are available to see.
Land Activities
Horseback Riding Tubing Adventures Kauai Ziplines
Some of the most popular Kauai activities on land include horseback riding, ATV tours, movie tours, and hiking. Those hoping to combine their beach vacation with golfing can tee off at some of Hawaii's most challenging golf courses while on a Kauai vacation. Kauai also offers a generous helping of cultural activities and festivals, including luau. If you're looking for luau, try Germaine's or any of the resort hosted extravaganzas.
Air Tours
The splendor of the Na Pali coast can be more appreciated from the air via a helicopter tour. You will get to witness cascading waterfalls, secluded coves, sea caves, and razor-like sharp cliffs as you soar above this magnificent Coastline. Airplane tours are also able to take you soaring above this paradise in the Pacific.
Water Activities
Snorkel Cruises Sunset Cruises Sport Fishing Tubing Adventure
Kauai activities such as the sunset Na Pali snorkel cruises and catamaran tours are among the favorite things to do on Kauai. Some boat tours of the Na Pali Coast will actually steer into sea caves, take you to snorkel the crystal clear reefs at Kee Beach in Haena State Park (near the Na Pali's Kalalau trailhead) and explore secluded coves. Scuba diving is another one of the very popular Kauai activities with the best dive spots found in the calmer waters of the South shore where visibility averages about 50 feet. Sport fishing in Hawaii is also another popular and exhilarating activity on Kauai, whereas Kayak tours on Kauai's Wailua River allow you to witness such sights as the Fern Grotto.
Kauai Attractions
The Na Pali Coastline is one of the Kauai attractions that can be enjoyed on foot. However, nothing compares to the thrill and sights you will encounter while either on a boat tour or helicopter tour of the Na Pali Coast. These castle-like, velvet green cliffs provide an inspiring backdrop for boat tours (including whale watching from December through April and sea cave excursions when ocean conditions are right), while close up views of the hundreds of waterfalls and steep canyons are be viewed by helicopter.
Parents with young children flock to the protected waters of Poipu's "Baby Beach," and couples will especially appreciate the romantic qualities that are inspired from the natural beauty of Kauai. If you enjoy hiking, add the Na Pali's Kalalau Trail to your "things to do on Kauai" list. Many families hike the first two miles past to a waterfall and secluded cove, while the most adventurous of hikers go the full 11 miles, camping along the way. Anyway you look at it, the Na Pali coast makes for the perfect Kauai vacation.
Many cultural festivals can be experienced at shopping centers throughout the Island, while nightlife is active at the resorts and the Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa (near the North Shore.)
Other main Kauai attractions include:
- Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Who would expect this on a beach vacation? Mother Nature's painted an amazing canyon right of the Southwest. View from the lookout point, hike the trails, and/or take the helicopter tour.
- Fern Grotto. A favorite tour for the romantic Kauai travel seeker, the Smith Family's boat cruises up the river to this natural amphitheatre where the "Hawaiian Wedding Song" is performed.
- Wailua Falls. Made famous by the opening scene of the 70s television series, Fantasy Island, this is a dramatic 80 foot waterfall.
- National Tropical Botanical Garden. The only tropical botanical garden in the U.S. to be chartered by Congress.
- Hanalei. A pastoral valley of taro patches that can be viewed from the Kuhio Lookout.
- Lumahai Beach. This pretty white sand beach was the setting for the "Nurses' Beach" in South Pacific.
Kauai Travel Facts
Kauai is the smallest of Hawaii's four main islands, with only 550 square miles. A Kauai vacation provides more natural beauty because Kauai is far less developed than Oahu, Maui or even the largely rural Big Island.
Lihue Airport services non-stop flights from the U.S. mainland to Kauai and inter-island flight.
As with any Hawaiian vacation, be sure to book popular tours and Kauai activities well in advance, especially if your Kauai vacation is going to take place during the summer, spring vacation or over any major holiday. You'll find the best Hawaii vacation deals during the off-season.
