13 Incredible Things To Do in Kauai: Experiences Worth Booking

Aptly named the “Garden Isle”, Kauai is characterized by lush rainforests, towering falls, and dramatic cliffs. If you love stunning nature as much as I do, this is the destination for you.

There are loads of activities in Kauai you could do, but are they all worth it?

That’s where this guide comes in. I’ve carefully put together this list of worthy experiences in Kauai, so you don’t spend a dime without being certain that you’re getting your money’s worth.

Before we jump into it, have a look at my ultimate Kauai travel guide for more tips and insights.

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Top Things To Do in Kauai: Excursions Worth Paying For

Whether you’re visiting for the outdoor scenery and coastal activities or going for spa days and indulging in Hawaiian cuisine, this list of Kauai attractions has something for everyone. 

1. Take a Scenic Tour Along the Nā Pali Coast

The Nā Pali Coast is likely what you’ll see when you search “Kauai” on the internet, and there’s a good reason.

This lush coastal strip boasts stunning rock formations, sparkling azure waters, and sandy beaches. It’s a must-see in Kauai, whether from land, water, or via a scenic flight.

Here’s how you can enjoy the Nā Pali Coast:

• By boat: Hop aboard a native catamaran to admire the majestic Nā Pali cliffs on a boat tour that brings you face to face with Kauai’s best gem. You’ll snorkel or whale watch, explore sea caves, and see the Waimea Canyon. Wrap with lunch and an epic sunset.

• By helicopter: Soar to the skies on a doors-off helicopter tour to marvel at the cliffs from a bird’s-eye view. Fly along Nā Pali’s seacliffs, glide over the Waimea Canyon, catch the waterfalls from Jurassic Park, and see rivers snaking through the Hanalei Valley.  

P.S. I have a guide on whether a Kauai doors-off helicopter tour is worth it. Check it out!

2. Drive Through Waimea Canyon and Scenic Lookouts

Narrow, winding, and picturesque, the Waimea Canyon Scenic Drive is an incredible way to sightsee in Kauai.

Take a guided tour through Waimea Canyon and Koke’e state parks, stopping at scenic lookouts and hiking trails, while learning about the history and geography of Hawaii.

Don’t pass up on the Waimea Canyon Lookout. From there, you’ll have a prime viewing position of the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Watch as its craggy peaks and lush slopes fill the horizon.

3. Kayak the Wailua River and Hike to Secret Falls

Put your adventure hat on and enjoy an amazing kayaking trip along the Wailua River, ending with a hike to Secret Falls.

If you’re looking for outdoor adventures in Kauai, this is the guided tour for you. You’ll kayak for about 4 miles and hike the lush rainforest for about 1.5 miles.

Make sure you have a full breakfast and bring snacks and water to fuel up for the adventure.

The operator provides all kayaking equipment, and your expert guide takes care of the rest.

4. Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Lūʻau in Kauai

Get a front-row seat to experience Hawaiian culture and island lifestyle at a traditional lūʻau.

The event at Lūʻau Kalamaku kicks off with a lei greeting and a welcome drink from the open bar.

Once settled, await an award-winning show that’s ranked among the best lūʻau shows in Kauai.

Live music, hula dancing, a photo session with the cast, and a Hawaiian feast with local dishes are also on the cards.

Gather under the pavilion to socialize with other guests and take it all in.

5. Tour a Kauai Chocolate Farm and Taste Local Treats

Are you into sweet treats? This chocolate farm tasting tour in Kauai has all that and more.

You’ll learn how cacao is grown and get a peek at the chocolate-making process at Lydgate Farms. 

On the menu, there’s a tour of the botanical gardens, where you’ll be sampling award-winning honey, tropical fruit, vanilla beans, chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, and apple bananas.

6. Fly Through Lush Valleys at Koloa Zipline

Adrenaline junkies will love this thrilling experience over Kauai’s lush valley.

Book a Koloa Zipline adventure and buckle up for a fun time outside.

Fly over the native forest and Waita Reservoir, hanging on the handlebars or hands-free on the secure Flyin’ Kauai’an’ harness.

You’ll be perfectly safe ziplining under the watchful eyes of expert guides and get carefully explained safety instructions before takeoff. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with some snacks. 

7. Wander the Princeville Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking for a leisurely way to spend time outside and still see a Kauai attraction, look no further than the Princeville Botanical Gardens.

Take a walking tour of the pristine gardens, strolling through native plants and flowers, garden terraces, and creek beds along the way.

You’ll get to taste fresh Hawaiian fruit and honey as well as single-origin gourmet chocolates from around the world. There’s also a lesson on how cocoa beans transform into chocolate. 

8. Go Beachside Horseback Riding in Kauai

Walking along Kauai’s shores is a fun experience, but do you know what’s better?

A horseback riding tour on the coast. Opt for a scenic ride through the Maha‘ulelpu area for its coastal terrains and mountain views, or choose one where you can dismount and enjoy a beach picnic.

9. Spot Whales and Dolphins on Kauai’s South Shore

Whale watching is one of the most incredible things you can do in Kauai’s South Shore.

Running from November to May and peaking in January and February, this season sees humpbacks migrating. You can also spot dolphins year-round in this area, so it’s two for one.

Hop on a Zodiac boat for a whale and dolphin watching experience like no other. You’ll spot these gentle giants breaching and being playful, while surrounded by extraordinary scenery.

10. Book a Spa Day at a Luxury Kauai Resort

Kauai is an adventure island, but there are plenty of opportunities just to relax.

Book yourself a spa day at a luxury resort to kick back and get special treatments while sipping on a nice drink.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay offers a full-service spa focused on holistic living and intuitive therapies.

You can also book a body massage or facial treatment at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. 

These are two of my top places to stay in Kauai, so consider making them your base.

11. Glide Underwater on a Kauai Snorkeling Tour

Water activities abound in Kauai, and this snorkeling tour is right at the top.

Spend the day out in the depths of the ocean, spotting vibrant coral reefs and majestic marine life floating about.

Kauai’s pristine south shore corals offer amazing scenery for swimming and a memorable experience. You’ll learn about the wildlife and ecosystem, and indulge in snacks afterward.

12. Book a Kauai Photography or Flying Dress Photoshoot

Kauai’s landscapes are some of the best in the United States, so you’ll want pictures to prove you were there.

Luckily for you, there are many ways to do that, including a professional Kauai photoshoot (ladies will love the flying dress shoot). Just stand back and pose for epic snaps.

Whether it’s a couple’s, family, or solo shoot, there’s a photographer in Kauai to do that for you.

Wave shoots are quite popular among couples, while flying dress photoshoots are for the ladies.

13. Visit Iconic Film Sites on a Kauai Movie Location Tour

If you’re a Jurassic Park fan, you’ll know that some of it was shot in Kauai. But it’s not the only Hollywood blockbuster filmed on this island.

Raiders of the Lost Ark, South Pacific, and Jungle Cruise were also shot in Kauai, and you can see some of these film locations on a movie tour.

The tour begins at Wailua Falls, where you may catch filming sites from The Amazing Race and Tropic Thunder. Other stops include Kapa’a Town Park, ‘Aliomanu Beach, and the Hanalei Pier.

FAQs About the Best Things To Do on Kauai Island, Hawaii

Still have some lingering questions about what to do in Kauai? Here are brief answers to the most frequently asked questions I get about the “Garden Isle” and its popular attractions.

What Are the Best Shore Excursions in Kauai?

The best shore experiences in Kauai depend on your interests.

If you’re all about stunning natural scenery, you can’t go wrong with a tour of the Nā Pali Coast.

Nature enthusiasts will love exploring the coastal parts of Waimea Canyon, and thrill-seekers must kayak the Wailua River.

What Is the Best Self-Guided Tour of Kauai?

Many adventures in Kauai can be self-led, but you’ll always run the risk of missing a few spots.

The most doable self-guided tour of Kauai that skips no top spots is the Waimea Canyon Scenic Drive.

You can simply follow Google Maps and stop at the well-placed lookouts and hiking trails.

What’s the Best Month To Go to Kauai?

Kauai is a wonderful year-round destination, so the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for.

The shoulder months (April–June and September–November) offer great weather and fewer crowds, while summer (July–August) brings the beach weather.

You could visit Kauai in the wintertime (December–March), which is whale season, but it is a much rainier season.

How Many Days Are Enough in Kauai?

You need at least 5–7 days to fully indulge in the best things to do in Kauai, Hawaii.

A solid week gives you enough time to explore popular sites like Waimea Canyon and the Nā Pali Coast. You’ll also have time to engage in watersports, from snorkeling to kayaking and boating.

Next Read:

• 8 Most Instagrammable Places in Kauai
• The Perfect Kauai Packing List: What to Wear on the Garden Isle