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 most important 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 isn’t 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 Street to Hana in Maui. In truth, Kauai is even quieter than the Massive 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 all the infrastructure vacationers must take pleasure in a vacation there. You’ll discover a global airport, a number of resorts and outlets, and even a Goal and Costco on the island. 

What number of days do you have 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 possibly even go on an journey or two. With 5 days, you’ll even have time to discover all sides of the island.  

Do you have to lease a automobile to go to Kauai? 

Sure, you do must lease a automobile when visiting Kauai. Not like a number of the different Hawaiian islands, there may be not in depth public transportation accessible in Kauai and a lot of the most important vacationer websites are driving-distance away from each other. So you should definitely guide your rental automobile upfront! 

Search for car hire options on Kayak.

Driving round Kauai is pretty straightforward, as there’s just one most important highway that circles the perimeter of the island. Be aware that the highway doesn’t totally circle the island; the Na’Pali Coast mountains on the northwest of Kauai prohibit a highway from passing by way of. You’ll additionally need to keep alert for any highway closures as a result of flooding. 

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

When you’re not wanting or in a position to lease a automobile, be a part of a guided bus tour to greatest discover Kauai. 

The place must you keep in Kauai?

The preferred 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 world does see extra rainfall and is farther from a few of Kauai’s greatest 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 most important websites. There’s additionally the choice to remain in Lihue or Wailua on the east aspect 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 provides you with epic views of jagged coastlines, towering mountains, lush valleys, hidden waterfalls and lovely lookouts over the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll need to dedicate not less than half a day to driving by way of these two parks. Be aware that there’s just one highway out and in, so that you’ll be returning on the identical highway that you just drove in on. The highway may also get fairly windy, so pack your nausea remedy for those who get carsick.

Alongside the way in which, there can be quite a few official and unofficial lookout factors. The official lookout factors require paid parking, which acts as your entrance payment to the parks. There are additionally quite a few mountain climbing trails you’ll be able to head out on to higher discover the panorama. 

Associated tour: Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Private Tour

Makauwahi Cave Reserve

Positioned down a mud highway on Kauai’s south shore, the Makauwahi Cave Reserve is dwelling to Hawaii’s largest limestone cave and is the proper place to find Kauai’s numerous terrain. From the higher car parking zone you’ll trek down a hill, stopping usually to soak up views of the ocean and jungle. Alongside the way in which, 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 must crawl on arms and knees to enter it. Don’t fear – the crawl is just a few toes lengthy and there’s a tarp on the bottom to guard your knees. When you time your go to proper, you’ll be capable to communicate to one of many cave guides who can level out completely 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 mountain climbing, jungles and mountains – you need to make time to hit the seaside as properly! On the south shore, you’ll be spoiled on 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 constantly ranked as one of many prime seashores on the earth and is definitely one of many busier seashores in Kauai. However there isn’t any higher place to look at the sundown! Plus, for those who’re fortunate, you could spot a monk seal lounging on the sand.

Be aware: In my expertise, the south shore seashores appeared rocky and the waves weren’t so calm. If that is your expertise too, I recommend sporting water sneakers and solely venturing additional out for those who’re a powerful swimmer. 

North shore seashores 

We are able to’t let the south shore have all of the enjoyable! In fact, you’ll need to spend a while on the north shore of Kauai and provides their seashores a attempt too. I discovered the northern seashores to be extra calm, sandy and family-friendly than the southern ones. At many I discovered I might stroll out over 100 toes from the shore and the water would nonetheless solely be at my hips. 

The preferred seaside on the north shore is Hanalei Seashore, that includes an extended pier that juts out into the water and options on many Kauai postcards. Close by is Anini Seashore, a extra peaceable spot identified for excellent snorkelling. Tunnels Seashore is one other one which snorkellers will need to hit up. And for those who’re searching for 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 ultimate cease you have to make in your technique to the airport. You possibly can’t depart Kauai with out trying out just a few extra epic waterfalls! Each Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls are close by the airport and undoubtedly definitely worth the detour. These have been a number of the most stunning and luxurious waterfalls I noticed on the complete island.

When 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 can too hike to the falls and expertise them from an entire different stage. 

Bonus: Exploring the Na’Pali Coast! 

After Waimea Canyon, the Na’Pali Coast is perhaps the preferred and must-see vacationer attraction in Kauai. However attending to the coast will be troublesome. When you’re not in a position to go to the Na’Pali Coast, there may be nonetheless lots to see and do in Kauai that may blow you away.

One possibility 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 complete path, it’s a 22 mile spherical journey hike that requires an in a single day tenting keep. 

When you’re not up for an extended hike or didn’t get a reservation in time, you could have just a few extra choices for exploring the Na’Pali Coast. You possibly can take a ship, small airplane or helicopter. Boats depart 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. 

Be aware that these waters are notoriously tough and for those who’re liable to seasickness like I’m, a Na’Pali Coast boat tour won’t be a enjoyable possibility. The Na’Pali Coast airplane and helicopter rides can be somewhat bumpy and are, as anticipated, fairly pricey. 

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

In fact, there’s a lot extra to see and expertise in Kauai than simply the 5 websites above. When you’ve got 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 unbiased strolling tour to find out about espresso manufacturing in Kauai after which pattern a few of their favorite brews! 
• Hanapepe: Kauai’s largest little city, Hanapepe is a good place to find native outlets and eating places, in addition to stroll throughout the swinging bridge. 
• Spouting Horn: Try 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 way 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 possibly spot a whale. It’s additionally dwelling to a chicken sanctuary, which you’ll pay to enter. 
• Smith’s Household Backyard Luau: One of the vital in style 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: When you’re feeling adventurous, why not swing along the trees or go tubing down some mountain passes? Kauai has a number of choices for thrill seekers! 

With this checklist in hand, I’m certain you’re getting excited on your journey to Kauai. Be sure to tick off as lots of the above Kauai vacationer points of interest as you’ll be able to!