Things to Do on Kauai
Sightseeing
Spouting Horn
Best to go at High Tide and visit the shopping and dining near by
Hanapepe Swinging Bridge
3857 Iona RdOnly access by boat or helicopter. Do not go to Kauai without seeing the NaPali Coast!
69 locals recommend
Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
Only access by boat or helicopter. Do not go to Kauai without seeing the NaPali Coast!
Kilauea Lighthouse Trail
Kilauea Lighthouse TrailI haven't been to the lighthouse, only the overlook which is amazing.
Visit Kauai Coffee and be amazed by the over 4 million coffee trees!
34 locals recommend
Kauai Coffee Company
870 Halewili RdVisit Kauai Coffee and be amazed by the over 4 million coffee trees!
Beach
Lydgate Beach
Protected swim area safe calm water for Kauai
Last beach on the North Shore. Need to schedule parking pass 30 days in advance or take a shuttle due to limited parking
92 locals recommend
Ke'e Beach
Last beach on the North Shore. Need to schedule parking pass 30 days in advance or take a shuttle due to limited parking
Great beach for families, lifeguards, restrooms and often a endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal resting in the sun. Also great for sunsets
Salt Pond Road
Salt Pond RoadGreat beach for families, lifeguards, restrooms and often a endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal resting in the sun. Also great for sunsets
Great beach near restaurants, shopping, surf board and kayak rentals, restrooms, views, great swimming.
47 locals recommend
Kalapaki
Great beach near restaurants, shopping, surf board and kayak rentals, restrooms, views, great swimming.
Hanalei Bay
Must see beach!!
Anini Beach
Beautiful, calm, clear water. Very peaceful. Restrooms available.
Keālia Beach
Great place to watch surfers. Many locals visit this beach
Food scene
Kauai Kookie
1-3529 Kaumualii HighwayBest Cookies Ever!
Gaylord's at Kilohana
3-2087 Kaumualii HwyBest place for Luaus and Rum Tasting on Kauai
Lava Lava Beach Club
420 Papaloa RdOceanfront Dining. Live music, great food.
Brennecke's Beach Broiler
2100 Hoone RdRestaurant near Poipu Beach
Duke's Kauai
3610 Rice StGreat place for dinner or lunch. Right on Kalapaki Beach.
Chicken in a barrel BBQ
4-1586 Kuhio HwyBest Chicken Ever!
Kauai Beer Company
4265 Rice StGood Brews and Food
City/town information
Art Festival on Friday Nights. Stop by after Napali Boat tour or after Salt Pond Beach
30 locals recommend
Hanapepe
Art Festival on Friday Nights. Stop by after Napali Boat tour or after Salt Pond Beach
Walk from Pono Kai to Kapa'a for shopping, restaurants, music, festivals, and food trucks
51 locals recommend
Kapaʻa
Walk from Pono Kai to Kapa'a for shopping, restaurants, music, festivals, and food trucks
Koloa
Great little town on the way to Poipu to shop and eat
Golf
Princeville
North shore, Beautiful golf course, shopping and dining.
The Ocean Course at Hokuala
3351 Ho'Olaulea WayGreat Views on this golf course
City advice
Don't miss
Things to do on Kauai
The Napali Coast is a must see. Access only by boat or air, so book a helicopter tour or boat tour, don't go to Kauai without seeing the Napali Coast. Book activities in advance with Best Kauai Tours. We like the early tour when the waters are calmer and then have the whole day afterwards, plus you will be up soooo early with time difference, but either is probably fine.
Checkout Waimea Canyon. Be sure drive all the way to the top for the most amazing views.
Getting around
Rent a Car
You will miss so much of the island if you don't rent a car
Book before you go
Book Activities with Best Kauai Tours in advance.
Don't wait until you arrive to book Napali Coast tours, ATV or zip lining, sugar cane tubing, Waimea biking, luaus...