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 predominant Hawaiian islands, Kauai is understood for its lush, tropical panorama, epic seashores, and unmissable vacationer points of interest.

However which Kauai vacationer points of interest must you 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? 

In comparison with the islands of Oahu and Maui, Kauai is just not very touristy. It doesn’t have a giant metropolis, like Honolulu, and doesn’t see the identical vacationers flocking to well-known locations just like the Highway to Hana in Maui. In reality, Kauai is even quieter than the Huge Island, which is understood for being extra distant and pure.

Regardless of being the least touristy of Hawaii’s 4 main islands, Kauai nonetheless has the entire infrastructure vacationers have to get pleasure from a vacation there. You’ll discover a world airport, plenty of inns and outlets, and even a Goal and Costco on the island. 

What number of days do you want to go to Kauai?

I consider 5 days in Kauai is the proper period of time. This lets you discover Kauai’s vacationer points of interest, spend time on the seaside, uncover the best places to eat in Kauai, and perhaps even go on an journey or two. With 5 days, you’ll even have time to discover all sides of the island.  

Do you want to hire a automobile to go to Kauai? 

Sure, you do have to hire a automobile when visiting Kauai. Not like a few of the different Hawaiian islands, there’s not intensive public transportation obtainable in Kauai and a lot of the predominant vacationer websites are driving-distance away from each other. So make sure you e book your rental automobile prematurely! 

Search for car hire options on Kayak.

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

Discover Kauai at your personal tempo with this narrated, self-guided driving tour.

In case you’re not wanting or in a position to hire a automobile, be part of a guided bus tour to finest discover Kauai. 

The place must you keep in Kauai?

The most well-liked areas to remain in Kauai are Poipu within the south and Princeville within the north. Whereas Princeville lodging costs are barely cheaper than Poipu’s, the realm does see extra rainfall and is farther from a few of Kauai’s finest vacationer points of interest. Nonetheless, I consider the north shore seashores are higher for swimming.

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

Prime 5 Kauai vacationer points of interest

Waimea Canyon State Park & Kokee State Park

Absolutely the 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 will provide you with epic views of jagged coastlines, towering mountains, lush valleys, hidden waterfalls and beautiful lookouts over the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll need to dedicate a minimum of half a day to driving by means of these two parks. Observe 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 can even get fairly windy, so pack your nausea treatment when you get carsick.

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

Associated tour: Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Private Tour

Makauwahi Cave Reserve

Situated down a mud street on Kauai’s south shore, the Makauwahi Cave Reserve is residence to Hawaii’s largest limestone cave and is the proper place to find Kauai’s numerous terrain. From the higher parking zone you’ll trek down a hill, stopping usually to soak up views of the ocean and jungle. Alongside the best way, you’ll be able to peel off the path to hit the seaside or go to the resident tortoises. 

When you’ve reached the cave, you’ll need to crawl on fingers and knees to enter it. Don’t fear – the crawl is only some ft lengthy and there’s a tarp on the bottom to guard your knees. In case you time your go to proper, you’ll have the ability to converse to one of many cave guides who can level out totally different rock formations and the house of the uncommon cave wolf spider. 

Associated 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 effectively! On the south shore, you’ll be spoiled to your alternative of seaside to spend the day swimming, snorkelling and enjoyable at. The highest south shore seashores embrace Child Seashore, Kiahuna Seashore, Shipwreck Seashore and Poipu Seashore.

Poipu Seashore is persistently ranked as one of many high seashores on the planet and is definitely one of many busier seashores in Kauai. However there isn’t any higher place to observe the sundown! Plus, when you’re fortunate, chances are you’ll spot a monk seal lounging on the sand.

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

North shore seashores 

We are able to’t let the south shore have all of the enjoyable! After all, you’ll need to spend a while on the north shore of Kauai and provides their seashores a strive 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 ft from the shore and the water would nonetheless solely be at my hips. 

The most well-liked seaside on the north shore is Hanalei Seashore, that includes a protracted pier that juts out into the water and options on many Kauai postcards. Close by is Anini Seashore, a extra peaceable spot recognized for nice snorkelling. Tunnels Seashore is one other one which snorkellers will need to hit up. And when you’re in search of a seaside off the crushed path, take a look at Hideaway Seashore, accessible solely by a steep path. 

Associated 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 want to make in your technique to the airport. You possibly can’t go away Kauai with out testing just a few extra epic waterfalls! Each Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls are close by the airport and positively definitely worth the detour. These had been a few of the most lovely and plush waterfalls I noticed on the whole island.

In case 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. Nonetheless, if you wish to stand up shut and private, you may as well hike to the falls and expertise them from a complete different stage. 

Bonus: Exploring the Na’Pali Coast! 

After Waimea Canyon, the Na’Pali Coast may be the most well-liked and must-see vacationer attraction in Kauai. However attending to the coast might be troublesome. In case you’re not in a position to go to the Na’Pali Coast, there’s nonetheless lots to see and do in Kauai that may blow you away.

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

In case you’re not up for a protracted hike or didn’t get a reservation in time, you may have just a few extra choices for exploring the Na’Pali Coast. You possibly can take a ship, small aircraft or helicopter. Boats go away 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. 

Observe that these waters are notoriously tough and when you’re vulnerable to seasickness like I’m, a Na’Pali Coast boat tour may not be a enjoyable choice. The Na’Pali Coast aircraft and helicopter rides can be just a little bumpy and are, as anticipated, fairly expensive. 

Different Kauai vacationer points of interest you’ll need to go to

After all, there’s a lot extra to see and expertise in Kauai than simply the 5 websites above. You probably have time, listed here are just a few extra Kauai vacationer points of interest so as to add to your itinerary: 

• Kauai Espresso Firm: Go on a free impartial strolling tour to study espresso manufacturing in Kauai after which pattern a few of their favorite brews! 
• Hanapepe: Kauai’s largest little city, Hanapepe is a superb place to find native outlets and eating places, in addition to stroll throughout the swinging bridge. 
• Spouting Horn: Take a look at this blowhole on the south shore that erupts like a geyser each time a wave crashes into the shore. 
• Maha’ulepu Heritage Path: For many who don’t prefer to hike, this coastal strolling path is the proper choice to discover the seaside views of the south shore. 
• Tree Tunnel: As you drive alongside the island, you’ll inevitably drive by means of the Tree Tunnel, a cover of Eucalyptus timber that give Kauai a Center Earth really feel. 
• Kilauea Lighthouse: A ravishing spot on the north shore to look out over the coast and perhaps spot a whale. It’s additionally residence to a fowl sanctuary, which you’ll be able to pay to enter. 
• Smith’s Household Backyard Luau: Probably 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: In case you’re feeling adventurous, why not swing along the trees or go tubing down some mountain passes? Kauai has plenty of choices for thrill seekers! 

With this listing in hand, I’m certain you’re getting excited to your journey to Kauai. Ensure that to tick off as most of the above Kauai vacationer points of interest as you’ll be able to!