Sckylar RayneThe Complete Guide to Visiting Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is on everybody’s dream vacation vision board, but when you finally book those flights how do you decide what are the best things to do in Kauai? Luckily, I’ve got you covered.
In this article, I’m going to go over the ultimate list of bucket-list-worthy things to do in Kauai, Hawaii so you will know exactly how to plan your trip to the Garden Isle. Plus I’ll go over the best areas to stay, and what time of year is best to visit the island.
Hawaii had long been a bucket list trip for me. In fact, over the years, I’d missed out on several opportunities to go and I was totally heartbroken about it. So, when another opportunity came around, and the stars finally aligned so that I could make it, you bet I was getting my butt on that plane. And, let’s just say, Kauai, Hawaii did not disappoint.
I’ve been to some pretty beautiful locations throughout my years of adventuring, and Kauai definitely makes the cut. The island is nothing but jaw-dropping everywhere you turn. There’s a reason they call it the Garden Isle, with its stunning green and red mountains, shimmering beaches, and glistening waterfalls. This island has everything to make your wildest beach and jungle adventure dreams come true.
If Kauai is on your radar for your next adventure, read on, and I will tell you my advice for the best places to stay, the best time to visit, and, of course, my recommendation on the 10 bucket-list-worthy things to do in Kauai, Hawaii.
Where to stay in Kauai, Hawaii
Luckily, Kauai is a small enough island that no matter where you stay, it only takes two hours to drive to the other side. This means, that there really is no wrong option when it comes to picking an area to book your accommodations.
We spent our 8 days at an Airbnb on the South Shore in Poipu and rented a car to explore the rest of the island. This worked really well for us. I especially loved our location because we had to drive through the Kauai Tree Tunnel to get in and out of the area, and driving through the one-mile stretch of road covered in trees every day was a truly magical experience for me.
While there is no bad place to stay, I’ve outlined the difference between each part of the island so you can pick a place that is tailored to your preference:
South Shore (Poipu)
This is where we stayed, and it was great. But, it can also be a bit pricier than other areas of the island. We lucked out with a great Airbnb deal, so definitely look out for those!
- Resort area (more touristy with better access to touristy excursions)
- Beaches that are easier to access (no hiking necessary)
- Sunnier and drier weather
- Great spot for turtle watching
North Shore (Princeville)
The North Shore is wetter in winter, so keep that in mind when booking your trip. You may not be able to get in the water during the winter due to bigger waves.
There are often road closures, so be sure to check in with the Hawaii Department of Transportation if you’re planning to leave the area. When we went, we had to be through the highway to the North Shore by a specific time in the morning and out by a specific time in the evening, or else we’d have gotten stuck on that side of the island overnight.
- Green and mountainous area
- Major Jurassic Park vibes everywhere
- Lots of hiking
- Gorgeous, less populated beaches
West Shore (Waimea Canyon)
This is not a touristy area, and therefore accommodations are a lot more scarce. Your options here are to camp at Kokee State Park (reservation required) or book a charming cottage at Waimea Plantation.
- Great area for hiking
- Less access to restaurants and shops
- Quiet, remote, and less developed
- Stunning scenery (but so is the rest of the island)
East Shore (Lihue, Kapa’a, and Wailua)
These towns make up the most populated part of the island, and also the most affordable accommodation.
- A convenient middle ground to reach both sides of the island
- As “downtown” as you can get on a garden island
- Lots of restaurants, shops, and historic sites
- Less attractive beaches than the North and South shores
What time of year should you visit Kauai, Hawaii?
You really can’t pick a wrong time of year to visit Kauai, as far as the weather is concerned. Even though the North Shore has its wettest season December through March, the South Shore is sunnier and drier and still worth a visit at this time.
The prices for accommodations will jump up during the summer months and holidays. For the best deals, visit April – June or September – November. The weather will hover around a perfect 75° these times of the year, too!
Mikey and I visited in August and the weather was HOT. We got our asses burnt to a crisp the first day at the beach and had to suffer the rest of the week with dark red sunburns. Still, we’ve never had a better time.
10 Bucket List Worthy Things To Do in Kauai, Hawaii
1. ATV through the jungle with Kipu Ranch Adventures
I’m starting at the top with my favorite activity we did all week. I felt like Indiana Jones as I raced my ATV through the jungles, dodging hanging vines, and flying over rocks and potholes in the mud.
This three-hour tour was a great way to get close and personal with the nature of Kauai as this tour takes place on private, untouched land.
On top of getting our adrenaline pumping, this tour also offered a few awesome surprises. I’m a major movie buff, so imagine my excitement as we stopped at the filming sites for several of my favorite movies, including George of the Jungle and Pirates of the Caribbean.
We also got a cultural lesson as our guide explained the history behind the land, dating back to the original Polynesian explorers who settled on the island.
Overall, this was a very cool excursion and I full-heartedly recommend it.
2. Queen’s Bath
Visiting Queen’s Bath is definitely a bucket list experience, but beware! This excursion can be very dangerous!
Queen’s Bath is a tidal pool surrounded by volcanic rock. It’s located on the North Shore near Princeville. You have to hike to get to it, and the hike isn’t an easy one either. The path itself is moderate. It’s straight downhill in one direction, and it’s muddy as hell, so be prepared to slip and slide and probably get your butt covered in dirt on the way down. Luckily, there are lots of jungle branches to grab onto if you start to slip.
Once you get out of the jungle, the view of the open ocean is gorgeous. You find yourself on the edge of a cliff made out of igneous rock and you can see the ocean waves kissing the foot of the cliff many feet below you. Be super careful about standing close, though, because that is not a fall you are likely to survive.
The baths themselves are a popular hangout for both local residents and tourists. Some of the rocks that surround the pools make for great boulders to dive off of. There are small sea creatures that live in the water, so if you’re into snorkeling, this is a great place to bring your gear!
Because of the violent ocean waters in the winter, Queen’s Bath is only accessible during the summer months. Always be sure to check the weather and surf reports even in the summertime to make sure it’s safe to go. If the gate at the entrance is closed, do not enter. This excursion is so worth experiencing, but people have died here so make sure to keep safety your TOP priority!
3. Tube down the sugar cane canals
This was one adventure that Mikey and I weren’t sure if we were going to do, but we are so glad we decided to try it out.
In 1870, Hawaiian engineers hand-dug tunnels through the Kauai mountains for the sugar cane canals. Now, more than 150 years later, you’re in for an adventure when you tube through these plantation waters.
This excursion was kind of like floating through a lazy river, except you’re surrounded by gorgeous Kauai mountain greenery and sometimes you would pass through a long, dark tunnel. They give you headlamps to wear, which made passing through these mountain caves extra fun and exciting.
4. Hike up the Sleeping Giant
Legend tells that once upon a time, a giant ate so much at his own feast that he passed out and never woke up. Thus, the Sleeping Giant Mountain was born. You can see the resemblance the mountain has to a giant from the town of Kapa’a.
This is a moderate, uphill hike that is roughly 3.4 miles out and back. While the hike through the jungle is nice, what makes this a bucket-list-worthy thing to do in Kauai is the view you get up top. Don’t do this trail if you’re afraid of heights! Do do this trail if you love breathtaking views.
5. Take the plunge through the air and skydive
If you’re a braver soul than me then I can’t think of a better place to earn your skydiving wings than in Kauai. True, I have not done this one. And I probably won’t either. I personally prefer to keep my feet flat on the ground. However, I have several friends who lost their skydiving cherries to the skies of Kauai and they have reported that the experience was nothing less than spectacular.
Imagine, soaring through the air over glistening ocean waters, taking in views from the beautiful green garden isle as the wind swooshes past your face. It sounds exhilarating. Definitely a bucket-list-worthy thing to do, especially in Kauai. You’ll have to let me know how it goes.
6. See the island from a bird’s perspective in a helicopter
Another one I have not done, but one that is right at the top of my bucket list. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to tour Kauai via helicopter, but I would love to someday. Guess I’ll just have to return to the island. Darn.
Soar through the air and see the stunning Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as Jurassic Falls. You might recognize this gorgeous landscape from several scenes in Stephen Speilberg’s Jurassic Park. These beautiful falls are only accessible by helicopter, so a helicopter tour is definitely a must.
7. Drive through the magical Tree Tunnel
I didn’t know about the Tree Tunnel when I first arrived on the island. It wasn’t until I was following the GPS to my Airbnb that we passed through this one-mile stretch of magical road and I fell in love. I crossed off a bucket-list-worthy thing to do in Kauai without even knowing it was on my list.
Even if you aren’t staying on the South Shore, I recommend driving through this tunnel. You can’t miss it if you’re visiting Poipu anyway, as this tunnel marks the grand entrance to the town on Highway 520.
There aren’t many safe places to stop and take pictures, so I recommend using this drive as an opportunity to practice living in the moment. Drive under the canopy of more than 500 intertwining eucalyptus trees’ branches and wonder in awe at the beauty of mother nature.
8. Sail the Napali Coast
The massive, jaggedy cliffs off the Napali coast are what Kauai is known for. When you see an image of the mountains of Kauai, it’s probably a picture of the Napali Coast. Which is why it is essential to take a boat ride in order to see these cliffs in their full glory.
Keep your eyes out for turtles, dolphins, and whales swimming next to the boat, too! If you book a day tour, you’ll likely be able to snorkel along the coast as well. Or, you can book a sunset tour. There won’t be any snorkeling, but seeing the majestic cliffs at sunset makes it so worth it.
9. Explore Waimea Canyon
Whether you prefer to explore in your car or on foot, Waimea Canyon is not a sight you want to miss out on. This gorgeous 14-mile-long, mile-wide and approximately 3,600-feet deep canyon is nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and is made up of rugged red cliffs blanketed in gorgeous green lush.
If you choose to drive along Koke’e Road, there are several viewpoints where you can stop and look out over the stunning sights. If you prefer to explore on foot, there are several trails to choose from ranging from moderate to difficult in experience.
10. Hang loose and chill at one of Kauai’s spectacular beaches
I don’t know about you, but when I travel I get so excited to see all the places and do all the things that sometimes I forget to slow down and enjoy the fact that I’m on vacation. There’s a lot to do in Kauai, so it can be so easy to get wrapped up in the adventure and not take time to relax.
But, dude. You’re in Hawaii. Honestly, if all you did for your entire trip was chill on the beaches and didn’t do any of the other fun stuff, it would still be a bucket-list-worthy adventure.
So, make sure that you give yourself a day (or several) to just hang loose and soak up that beach bum life.
I spent the most time at Poipu Beach because it was next to where we were staying. My favorite beach was Lumaha’i Beach because of how private it was. I’d also recommend Tunnels Beach for snorkel lovers.
Cross off your bucket list with these top 10 things to do in Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii is a bucket list destination for almost every travel-loving adventurer. There is so much do to that it can be overwhelming to decide what to do now and what to leave for if you ever return again.
I could have easily made this blog a list of 50 things to do in Kauai alone, not to mention the other islands. But I wanted to keep it short enough to only include what I truly think are the top 10 bucket-list-worthy things to do in Kauai.
I would love to hear what you think are the top bucket-list-worthy things to do in Kauai!
Looking for more things to do in Kauai? Check out this fun list of adventures!
Ready to start crossing off your Kauai, Hawaii bucket list? Book your trip!
Planning a trip soon?
Here are a few helpful services:
Booking.com | Find a comfy place to lay your head after a full day of adventuring.
Vrbo | If you’re looking for a more homey vibe, these rental homes might do the trick.
Expedia | Whether you’re looking for some wheels or a flight, you can find a way to get to your destination here.
Get Your Guide | Find local attractions and tours and book tickets to your excursions.
TSA | If you’re flying, check out the TSA page to make sure that you pack to TSA regulations.
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