Top Things to do in Kauai
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Kauai, Hawaii (HI)
Relaxing and pristine Kauai (the Garden Island) is the least commercially developed of the Hawaiian islands. Waterfalls, scenic drives and more than 60 beaches dot the landscape. Some beaches have great snorkeling, others offer child-friendly tidal pools and some are perfect for all kinds of water sports. Dry-land activities include hiking the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coastline, taking a day trip to Waimea Canyon and experiencing life on a sugar plantation at Grove Farm Homestead Museum.
Restaurants in Kauai
1. Kalalau Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,655 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. Kauai's hiking trail along the Na Pali coast.
Reviewed By wolverineJACK21 - Midland, United States
My family just got back from Kauai. We stayed near the NaPali coast. We had anyone from age 29-64 with us. There is a new rule now where you MUST have a park pass weeks ahead of time before being able to hike the Kalalau trail. We made this mistake and got sent away the first time. If you can’t get a pass, the best way to get access to the park is via the shuttle. The shuttle pass comes with entry to the park which is nice. The shuttle system is actually pretty efficient too. We took our shuttle from Princeville. After arriving, you have a 0.5 mile easy hike to the trailhead. There are bathrooms and a beach with a lifeguard here. If you want to hike, the trail itself is well marked and reasonably safe for the first two miles. It is mainly rocks but is wide and easily hike-able for people of all ages. There are tiny streams that you may have to step over but nothing too crazy. At the end, you hike down to a river. We went during the winter and the river was too high and too fast to cross. I recommend bring water shoes in a backpack to cross the river so that your hiking shoes aren’t soaked. It was at least waist high when we went. There is a small beach that you can hike down to which is nice. Overall, this trail is beautiful. I’m bummed we couldn’t make it to the waterfall on the other side of the river but highly recommend this.
2. Kalalau Lookout
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 587 reviews
Reviewed By getreal2me99 - Honolulu, United States
Coming here is breathtaking. At first, it was overcast then a little drizzle. Well, it's Kauai, so expect rain everyday. Once we reach the lookout, thanked God, weather is cooperating. The sun came out and gave us a phenomenal panoramic view of Kalalau lookout. It was very stunning to see the valley and also see waterfall on the backdrop. Even though, I was not able to see the native I'iwi bird that feeds on the Ohia blossoms, though I saw couple Nene's (endemic to Hawaii) that flew over the lookout. Due to the ongoing COVID-19, there weren't much people here. You have the place to yourself much. And when we were here, there were only 2 other families that came from other island that were visiting the park. Ample parking where you are greeted with wild chickens roaming around. And yes, chickens are all over in the island of Kauai. I adore this place so much because of its natural beauty. Highly recommend to add on your bucket list when visiting Kauai.
3. Waimea Canyon State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,194 reviews
"The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long and 3,600 feet deep.
Reviewed By Starlinghall
Beautiful sites that I think every person visiting Kauai needs to see... the highlight for us was going to the very highest lookout point at the end of the road at the top of the mountain. We looked out across the ocean and it took our breath away!
4. Hanakapiai Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 476 reviews
Reviewed By dsheon - Seattle, United States
Your journey starts by booking a shuttle bus, because it's almost impossible to get a parking permit at Ha'ena State Park, where the trailhead is located, unless booked weeks in advance. The good news is the shuttle gives you flexibility to look at the weather during your trip and decide the best date for this unforgettable journey. The 2 mile hike takes you over muddy trails through several waterfalls to a secluded beach, from which you can hike an additional mile to the H Falls. We went after days of heavy rain, so the trail was an absolute mess, but worth it. I just pretended the trail was made of milk chocolate and that powered me through. VERY IMPORTANT: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SWIM AT HANAKAPIAI BEACH DURING THE WINTER. A 27 year old male died the day we were there and was found 150 yards off shore. Plan on each mile taking about an hour given the rough footing. That means you'll want to get there no later than 11am to make it back before dark. Take lots of water and good footwear that you can throw out. Used sneakers or running shoes that you will trash and throw out are highly recommended!
5. Kauai Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 839 reviews
Reviewed By NicolleZ - Holt, United States
Great for all ages, my sister and parents and I had a wonderful bike ride along the coast. The paved path made for easy riding and there were plenty of pull-offs and scenic overlooks. You might even see a sea turtle or two! The rented bikes had baskets and bells on them. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat!
6. Kalepa Ridge Trail
7. Ho'opi'i Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
One of Kauai's best hiking trails.
Reviewed By melaniem598
We loved this hike. It was very muddy... but I think they all are! Where good runners and they will get muddy! Walk slow as the mud does get pretty slippery! Our youngest is 8 and we were able able to do this hike. The hardest part is climbing down the cliff ( and back up) after we had an amazing time in the falls and swinging on the rope swing!!! Careful of the huge rock when you drop off the rope. ( We had someone stand there so no one hit it and swung the rope back) what an experience!!! If you hike do this for sure!
8. Hanalei Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,829 reviews
Reviewed By puaka1 - Lee's Summit, United States
Breathtaking beach with nearby mountains making it a heavenly experience. A little ways from Lihue but the drive is beautiful itself. When it rains you can make out countless waterfalls on the nearby mountain range. Friendly shore break for body surfing, body boarding, surfing, or paddle boarding. You can even make out local canoe clubs practicing in the bay. Would live here if I could afford it lol but since I can't I will be back, frequently.
9. Poipu Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,745 reviews
Reviewed By elsalita
We love this beach, we swim and snorkel here every couple of days when we visit Kauai. It is safe, there are 2 life guard stations. We typically swim and snorkel in front of the Marriott. We see beached monk seals almost every time we are there. There's plenty of fish to see and variety of fish is really good, humu's, wrasse's, moorish idol's, puffer fish, trigger fish, tang's trumpet fish and more, we have occasionally seen turtles and eels. The waves are sometimes a little large but it's usually pretty easy to get in the water. There's also covered table area's if your spending the day and bathrooms and showers as well. There's lots of free parking.
10. Salt Pond Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
Reviewed By BrendaFBurg - South Padre Island, United States
This was our favorite beach you take the little ones. Perfect protected area for the little ones to experience the waters. Uncrowded so there was plenty of area to set up beach chairs and be comfy.
