Top Things to do in Kauai
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Things to do in Kauai, Hawaii (HI): The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
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. Na Pali Coast State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,954 reviews
A scenic area offering beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs.
Reviewed By kalisTravelGuide - Pennsylvania, United States
I was lucky enough to view Kauai's 17 miles of coastline on the northwest sides by boat. The view is riveting. I could barely take my eyes off for fear I was going to miss it. The vast cliffs are very memorable and full of untouched natural beauty. I'd even say magical.
3. Kalani Kauai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
ATV is the best way to discover the many wonders of Kauai: from the lush, tropical landscape to refreshing waterfalls, to recognizable movie locations.
4. Huleia National Wildlife Refuge
5. Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 915 reviews
Reviewed By Nthusiast-RCJ - Markham, Canada
We enjoyed a brief stop at Kilauea Lighthouse, and appreciated the efforts being undertaken to support and nurture wildlife in the area. A haven for sea birds, including huge albatross, and red footed boobies, it’s also supposed to be a great place for sighting whales this time of year. (Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great on our visit, so we didn’t have much chance to look before we were getting soaked, and the ocean was too rough to readily discern spouting from the many whitecaps and waves crashing the shore. A very reasonable $10 entry fee for adults, kids 15 and younger are free.
6. Kawai‘ele Waterbird Sanctuary
7. Keahua Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By grlgrdgate - California, United States
The Keahua Arboretum has really evolved into something spectacular over the years. It used to be under construction and difficult to find, but it is now easily accessible and there is a beautiful bridge. It is really serene, and the Rainbow Eucalyptus are a unique sight to see. It is close to Opaekaa Falls, so if you make the trip to the falls, drive about 7 more minutes down the road to see the Rainbow Trees at Keahua Arboretum.
8. Turtle Cove
9. Niumalu Beach Park
10. Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By MikeH305 - Phoenix, United States
We have a knack of making a turn just because. This one as we were leaving Hanalei interested me because someone had pulled off and wer taking photos. So I did too but i didn't stop right at the turn. I went further on down the road and found all sorts of birds to photograph from the car. Further down was a parking area for the wild life reserve. Off the beaten path and not a lot of people here. Great for birding and birders.
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