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16 Unforgettable Things to Do in Kauai

Each of Hawaii’s islands offers something beautiful and majestic to its visitors. Kauai features tropical rainforests that cover most of the island, dramatic cliffs, and expansive canyons. These geological masterpieces draw in tons of visitors every year, and usually adventurous ones. Kauai is known for having many adrenaline-pumping activities available on the island, and many people come to this pristine location to enjoy just that. Along with tours for the adventure seekers, there are activities for the more causal guests that would like to take in the beauty and culture of the island. Whatever you enjoy, there is something for you on this amazing island. So you don’t miss out on anything, this list covers the top 16 things you should do when visiting the island of Kauai.

1. Take an Air Tour of Kauai

Enjoy everything that Kauai has to offer with an air tour from Air Tour Kauai. You’ll experience a 60-70-minute air tour of Kauai in a Cessna 206, with huge windows and no middle seats. Some of the sights you’ll see include Salt Pond Beach Park’s pristine white sand beaches, Poipu’s tree tunnel, the “Jurassic Park Falls”, Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, and Hanalei Bay. This one tour gives you a complete view of this amazing island and all the spectacular spots it offers.

2. Tour a Coffee Farm

The Kauai Coffee Estate is the largest coffee farm in the U.S. On the Kauai Coffee Walking Tour you’ll get to see the beautiful grounds, and learn how the coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted right on the island; and the tour wouldn’t be complete without some coffee sampling. Did we mention that this walking tour is completely free? This is one activity you won’t want to miss.

3. Hike the Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau Trail winds along the rugged Kauai coast, offering breathtaking views and spectacular sights. This 11-mile trail is graded, but almost never level because it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. For experienced backpackers, this 11-mile hike will take a full day. However, there are smaller sections of the trail that can be done in less time. With the promise of sprawling views, vibrant topical plants, and rambunctious wild goats, the Kalalau Trail is an adventure you’re sure to love.

4. Zipline through Kauai

With Outfitters Kauai you can zipline through canopies and over the treetops of beautiful Kauai. This thrilling experience is fun for the whole family, while you zipline from platform to platform, crossing rivers and waterfalls, and jumping out of tree houses. Outfitters Kauai offers a few different packages to choose from, all of which include fun and adventure.

5. Kayak on the Wailua River

The Wailua River is Kauai's only navigable river, and Kauai Kayak Adventures offers guided kayak tours of this scenic location. The tour begins with a light 2-mile paddle along smooth waters and past beautiful, towering mountains. Then you will journey into the rainforest, exploring ancient Hawaiian sights and learning about the local flora and fauna. The grand finale is swimming under the 125ft “Secret Falls”, something that is truly unforgettable.

6. Chow Down at some Food Trucks

The Kauai Food Truck serves traditional island comfort food. We recommend trying the garlic shrimp plate, the fish taco trio, or the fish sandwich. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with this food truck. Another one of our favorites is the Chef George Of Da Jungle truck. This quirky food truck serves some seriously delicious food. The Greek Gyro Burger and the OooONOoo Fish Burger are some of the most popular dishes. And finally, we love the Shave Ice Tege Tege truck for some amazing dessert. This is not your traditional shave ice, topped with artificial syrups. These shave ices are topped with organic local fruit, local cane juice, and condensed milk. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on these food trucks.

7. Go Tubing through Kauai’s Mountains

Backcountry's Mountain Tubing Adventure takes you through open canals and tunnels, all while floating on an inner tube. You also go off-roading through the lush, green Lihue Plantation to get to your launch site. Headlamps will guide your tour through these spectacular tunnel systems. At the end of your tour, enjoy a cool dip in a natural swimming hole.

8. Catch a Catamaran and Go Dolphin Watching

On Blue Dolphin Charters, they guarantee that you will see dolphins on every morning tour. Their 65’ deluxe catamarans allow you to tour the majestic Na Pali coast, while learning about Hawaiian legends and landmarks, and watching dolphins, whales, and turtles frolic in the sea around you. They also offer snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving. For some fun on the Na Pali coast, look no further than Blue Dolphin Charters.

9. Stop by a Farmers’ Market for Amazing Produce

Farmers’ Markets in Hawaii can’t be beat. The conditions are perfect for growing fruits and vegetables, and Kauai’s markets have a diverse selection from local farms. Soak in the culture and some amazing food with a trip to one of several locations around the island, open seven days a week.

10. Take a Bike Ride Along the Wai Koa Loop Trail

The Wai Koa Loop Trail is a must-see in Kauai. Ride through canopies of Albizia trees and Cook Pines, through the largest Mahogany plantation in the U.S and out into open, expansive fields with views of Namahana Mountain on your way to the historic Stone Dam. The trail is 4.5 miles round trip and mountain bikes can be rented at Anaina Hou Community Park. It is an intermediate trail, but less experienced bikers can simply walk their bikes over the first two hills.

11. Skydive in Kauai

Have you ever dreamt of flying like a bird? If you’re a true thrill seeker or just looking to check off one more adventure on your bucket list, nothing is more exhilarating than skydiving over beautiful Kauai. At Skydive Kauai, go on a tandem skydive and experience the breathtaking views of the entire island. Open seven days a week.

12. Visit One of Kauai’s Botanical Gardens

The National Tropical Botanical Garden has 3 gardens throughout Kauai and 2 others in Hana (Maui) and Miami (Florida). These stunning gardens have a unique combination of plant collections, climate, natural features, and cultural history. You can choose from guided, self-guided, or specialty tours. These tours are a great way to soak up the culture and natural beauty of this magnificent island.

13. Attend a Luau

The Luau Kalamaku has everything you would ever want in a luau, including fire dancers and Hula dancers. Enjoy a delicious, traditional Hawaiian meal with dancing, music, games, and of course lots of aloha. The luaus operate every Tuesday and Friday. Plan so you don’t miss out on this beautiful cultural experience.

14. Surf in Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is stunning, and features calm waters that allow even novice surfers to stand up and ride the waves. Whether you’re a beginner or not, Hanalei Bay is one of the most iconic places in Kauai to do some surfing. Hawaiian Surfing Adventures offers lessons and equipment for surfing or stand-up-paddle boarding. Embrace some adventure and try your hand at surfing in Kauai.

15. Tour the Lawai International Center

The Lawai International Center is a non-profit community project that protects and restores 88 Buddhist shrines. This Buddhist temple is one of the oldest sites in the country and is known to be a healing sanctuary. Walking through this historic cultural site is sure to bring healing and gratitude to your trip. Tours are offered on the last Sunday of the month and donations are accepted.

16. Go Off-Roading with an ATV Tour

Kipu Ranch is one of the highest-rated ATV eco-tour companies in Kauai. Located in Lihue, they offer a few different tour options. The waterfall tour takes you to rope swings and waterfalls; the ranch tour guides you through green pastures and tropical valleys; and the jungle tour directs you through the lush jungle trail system. Whatever tour you choose, the entire family is sure to enjoy this Kauai excursion.

This list has a little bit of everything, from jumping out of planes to visiting the local botanical gardens. Kauai has so much to offer, and while you might not be able to do everything in one trip, you can always return!