Kauai Things to Do
From the Grand Canyon of the Pacific to waterfalls you can drive to and sea cliffs only a helicopter can reach — here's how to spend your days on Kauai, sorted by what makes your heart race.
Where to begin
Kauai's highlights are scattered across the island with no road circling it. The trick is to group your days: west for the canyon, north for Na Pali, east for waterfalls. A rental car turns a logistical puzzle into the best road trip of your life.
The experiences
Filter by the kind of day you want, then expand any experience for timing, effort and local tips.
Nature & ViewsThe Grand Canyon of the Pacific — lookout after jaw-dropping lookout.
Fourteen miles long and over 3,600 feet deep, Waimea Canyon is a riot of red dirt, green ridges and silver waterfalls. The paved drive up climbs past a series of lookouts, each more staggering than the last — this is the single most scenic drive on Kauai.
Nature & ViewsCool-air trails and a lookout straight down the Na Pali Coast.
Keep driving past Waimea Canyon and you reach Kokee State Park, 4,000 feet up, where the air is crisp and the forest trails feel a world away from the beach. The Kalalau Lookout peers down a mile of fluted green cliffs to the ocean — when the clouds part, it's the best view in Hawaii.
AdventureKauai's legendary emerald sea cliffs — by boat, air, or trail.
Seventeen miles of cathedral cliffs plunging into turquoise water, accessible only by foot, boat or helicopter — the Na Pali Coast is the reason many people come to Kauai. Summer catamaran tours cruise into sea caves and snorkel spots; helicopter tours deliver the full, impossible scale.
AdventureOne of the world's great coastal hikes, from Ke'e Beach.
The famed Kalalau Trail traces the Na Pali cliffs for 11 rugged miles. Most visitors hike the first two miles to Hanakapiai Beach — steep, muddy, and absolutely worth it for the coastal views — then optionally another two inland to Hanakapiai Falls.
Nature & ViewsAn 80-foot double waterfall, minutes off the highway.
Just north of Lihue, Wailua Falls thunders 80 feet into a jungle pool — and you can drive right to the lookout. It's one of the most accessible waterfalls on the island and frequently throws a rainbow across the gorge in morning light.
AdventureSee the 70% of Kauai no road or trail can reach.
Most of Kauai is roadless wilderness, and a helicopter tour is the only way to see it — the hidden heart of Waimea Canyon, the secret 'Jurassic Park' falls of Manawaiopuna, and the full sweep of the Na Pali Coast from above.
On the WaterTurtles, tropical fish, and warm, clear water.
Kauai's reefs teem with green sea turtles, parrotfish and the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Poipu and Lawai (Beach House) on the south shore are reliable year-round; Tunnels and Ke'e on the north shore are spectacular in summer.
On the WaterPaddle Hawaii's only navigable river to a hidden grotto.
The Wailua is the only navigable river in Hawaii, winding inland through jungle to the Fern Grotto and a trailhead to Secret (Uluwehi) Falls. Rent a kayak or join a guided tour and paddle a flat, family-friendly stretch of rainforest.
Towns & CultureHanalei, Old Koloa, Kapaa — the laid-back soul of Kauai.
Between the big sights, Kauai's small towns are half the fun. Wander surf-town Hanalei, historic Old Koloa, and walkable Kapaa for local art, food trucks, farmers markets and the obligatory shave ice.
The crown jewel
You can't drive to Kauai's legendary sea cliffs — and that's exactly what keeps them wild. Whichever way you choose, your car gets you to the departure point with time to spare.
Summer catamaran and raft tours slip into sea caves, snorkel spots and waterfalls along the coast.
A helicopter delivers the full, impossible scale — plus the canyon interior and hidden falls no road reaches.
Drive to Ke'e Beach and hike the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai for jaw-dropping views from land.
Plan by region
Base yourself anywhere and day-trip out. Here's what each side of Kauai is known for.
Sunniest, driest, and the easiest first beach day.
25 min from LIH
The Coconut Coast — central, walkable, easy to reach.
5–20 min from LIH
Postcard Kauai — emerald cliffs, waterfalls, Hanalei Bay.
45–75 min from LIH
Big skies, red dirt, and the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
40–90 min from LIH
Things to do, answered
The most common questions about what to see and how to fit it all in.
Waimea Canyon is the must-do — the scenic drive and lookouts are unforgettable and accessible to every visitor with a rental car. Pair it with a Na Pali Coast boat tour or helicopter flight for the full Kauai experience.
Book Your Adventures
Every highlight on this page is bookable today through our partner Viator — from doors-off helicopter flights to Nā Pali cruises, ziplines, and luaus. Prices and reviews are live, never made up.
Tours for this section are being updated. Browse all Kauai tours to find your next adventure.
Trailheads, canyon drives and boat harbors are all easy with your own wheels. Reserve in minutes and start exploring.
