What to do and see in Kauai, Hawaii (HI): The Best Lookouts

May 21, 2022 Agatha Simes

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. Puuo Kila

Volcanos National Park, Waimea, Kauai, HI 96746 http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/halemaumau_trail_guide.pdf
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 140 reviews

Puuo Kila

Reviewed By maitaimike2015 - Laguna Hills, United States

The long drive to the end of Koke'e road, lets you view one of Kauai's natural treasures. Being one of the rainiest (#8 by one account) places on earth. Most visitors have to get here very early to have a chance at a good view. If you have enough time, the visibility might improve if you wait. Our early October summit, had us at the Pu 'u O Kila overlook well before 10:00 am. Not only was the view stunning, but the normally muddy Pihea trail was dry enough to walk out & back 100 yards easy. This can get you to the Kilohana lookout via the Alakai swamp trail. Nice views from the platform, but use caution getting near the trail edge as vegetation hides the cliff ledge. Parking is limited, when busy. The nearby Kilalau lookout is an option, with more spaces, and it also has restrooms. Tips: Be prepared for muddy conditions if hiking the trail. Walking sticks a very good idea. The site has brushes to clean mud off boots, but they were a mess. Use a stick. Keep younger children on the paved paths and fenced platform area. Mahalo

2. Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, Kauai, HI 96796
Excellent
87%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8,194 reviews

Waimea Canyon State Park

"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!

3. Hanalei Valley Lookout

Hwy 56, Hanalei, Kauai, HI +1 808-464-0840 http://liveinhawaiinow.com/hanalei-valley-lookout/
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 742 reviews

Hanalei Valley Lookout

Reviewed By AimeeE351 - Frisco, United States

Just off the main road a few parking spots await. You pull off and stop for a quick photo of the valley and the taro fields with mountains behind.

4. Hanalei Day Spa

5-7132 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, Kauai, HI 96714 +1 808-826-6621 [email protected] http://www.hanaleidayspa.com
Excellent
77%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 167 reviews

Hanalei Day Spa

Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm We are a boutique Day Spa with a friendly Hawaiian feel. Located on the property of the 5 acre pristine beach front Hanalei Colony Resort. Our staff is dedicated to providing consistent excellent customer service There are 4 treatment rooms in spa, 2 couples rooms, (one is beach side and one in spa). Two full bathrooms with 'rain' shower facilities. We start off with a basic massage which is light to medium-ish pressure, then we tailor your experience from there. Guests frequently indulge in an Authentic Hawaiian experience with beach side Lomi Lomi Massage. We offer a wide variety of therapies to suit individual needs and couple's needs; Deep Tissue Massage, Prenatal, hot stones, and sunburn relief treatment, to name a few. We have services to help you relax, cleanse and rejuvenate. Walk-ins are welcome, appointments encouraged!

Reviewed By TheIndulgentTraveler - White Stone, United States

My husband, daughter, brother and I visited the Hanalei Day Spa and met Darci and her talented massage therapists, Jorge and Jessica. We all enjoyed our massages and I also got treated to a body wrap and hot oil scalp treatment. The spa is small and very peaceful and welcoming. We fully recommend spending a relaxing afternoon getting completely pampered.

5. Sleeping Giant Trail

Haleilio Road Nonou West Trail, Kapaa, Kauai, HI 96747
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 842 reviews

Sleeping Giant Trail

Reviewed By TravelinD1 - Plymouth, United States

Great hike, gives you a nice workout, with only one area that you need to scramble on. It is listed as one of the hardest on the easy list. If you are a hiker and like a bit of a challenge this is for you. Beautiful views, can be slippery if wet.

6. Puu Hinahina Lookout

Mile Marker 13, Highway 550, Waimea, Kauai, HI http://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/sights/puu_hinahina_lookout
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 42 reviews

Puu Hinahina Lookout

Reviewed By TowpilotKen - San Diego, United States

This was the best lookout spot that I found to see Waimea Canyon. The parking lot is the biggest on the highway and it's at a great spot to see a lot of the canyon, while being far enough away from the sightseeing helicopters that they aren't bothersome.

7. Hanapepe Valley Lookout

Kaumualii Hwy, Hanapepe, Kauai, HI 96741 +1 951-712-5069

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