A list of what to do on Kauai in Hawaii to have an amazing vacation.
We just got back from a phenomenal trip to Hawaii! We visited both the Big Island and Kauai on this trip, however, we have also previously visited Oahu twice. You can find a post about Oahu here.
While Kauai is not as big as the Big Island, going from the north shore to the south shore will be over 2 hours. We stayed eight nights near Kapaa which is about halfway up the east side of the island. This was a good location because if you wanted to go north one day, but south the next we were not driving as long as if we were on the north or south shore.
Below you will find the list of what to do on Kauai, Hawaii organized depending on the area of the island.
South
Waimea Canyon State Park
The Grand Canyon of the Pacific has dramatic views of a colorful canyon. Drive-up Highway 550 and use pullouts to see the beautiful views. Then continue up to Kokee State Park. You will need to pay parking and entrance fees at the machines in the parking lots (these fees will cover you at Kokee State Park).
Kokee State Park
Continue on Highway 550 past Waimea Canyon State Park and into Kokee State Park. The two lookouts (Kalalau Lookout & Puu O Kila Lookout) show the beautiful carved Kauai mountains and amazing coastline. I highly recommend driving all the way to Puu O Kila Lookout first and early in the morning because clouds tend to move in covering the amazing views in the afternoon. You are so high you can see the slight curvature of the Earth on the horizon on a clear day.
The Shrimp Station
If you are looking for a lunch spot after visiting Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park and like shrimp, The Shrimp Station is a great option. And if not there are several other restaurants to choose from in Waimea.
Hanapepe
This quaint, small-town served as inspiration for the fictional town in the Disney movie Lilo and Stitch. The town is so cute and has several things to see:
Swinging bridge
The Lilo & Stitch mural (next door to Talk Story Bookstore)
Talk Story Bookstore – which is the westernmost bookstore in the US with new & used books, local Hawaii items, records, and comics
Aloha Spice Company
Midnight Bear Bread – if you are looking for breakfast or lunch this spot has delicious sandwiches, pizza, pastries, bread, and coffee
Hanapepe Valley Lookout
Kauai Coffee Plantation
Coffee is a staple in our house, so we enjoyed stopping at the Kauai Coffee Plantation for a self-guided tour to learn about how their coffee is made and for some free samples.
Spouting Horn
A blowhole that frequently spouts seawater up to 50 feet.
Poipu Beach
This kid-friendly crescent-shaped beach offers snorkeling, swimming, and wildlife viewing. We visited the beach twice and saw three sea turtles each day and a monk seal. I do recommend that you bring water shoes because the water is very rocky. And this beach has beautiful sunset views. There are restrooms, a lifeguard, and showers available.
Little Fish Coffee
Located near Poipu Beach is Little Fish Coffee and they have some amazing bagels and sandwiches packed with flavor and lots of fresh vegetables.
The Fresh Shave in Koala
An amazing place to stop for shave ice! They have delicious flavor combinations and a secret menu.
Warehouse 3450
A beautiful spot for some shopping, coffee, and delicious food.
Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
This trail is a 3.7 miles roundtrip from Shipwreck Beach to Punahoa Point near Koloa. You can walk as far as you want before turning back.
Horseback Ride
This is a must-do activity on most of our vacations because my daughter loves horses. This trip we did a 2 hour horseback ride at CJM Stables that took us on views of mountains, through Hawaii foliage, and along the beach.
East
Opaekaa Falls Overlook
This waterfall is visible from the parking lot making this a quick stop.
Wailua Falls
Visit this waterfall with a view from the road/overlook. The light is best in the morning and sometimes you can spot a rainbow.
Wailua Shave Ice in Kapaa
This might have been my daughter’s favorite spot for shave ice – we went three times.
Java Kai in Kapaa
I regret that we did not try this spot until our last morning because their coffee (Iced Maui Mocha – coconut and chocolate) was amazing and so was their Açaí bowl.
North
Hanalei Bay
This gorgeous semi-circular sandy beach has amazing views of the Kauai mountains and is just picture perfect. This beach does get busy, so I highly recommend that you arrive early. The water is shallow with gentle waves that are perfect for boogie boarding. We loved this beach so much we may have visited three days. There are restrooms and showers available, but no lifeguard.
Hanalei Bread Company
Before or after your visit to Hanalei beach, the hanalei Bread Company is a great spot for coffee and/or a bit to eat. They also have amazing Açaí bowls.
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Overlook
This overlook offers views of Kilauea Lighthouse built-in 1913, the coastline, and wildlife.
Hanalei Valley Lookout
This overlook allows you to peer over the taro fields toward the interior of Kauai.
Wishing Well Shave Ice
If you are looking for a place for shave ice on the north side of the island, Wishing Well Shave Ice operates out of an old bus at the entrance to Hanalei.
Have you visited Kauai, Hawaii?
