Things to do · Kauai, Hawaii, US
Things to Do in Kauai
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- Getting there
- Most visitors fly into Lihue Airport (LIH), which sits roughly 15 miles (24 km) from Lihue town and is a short drive to most resorts. Some travelers connect through Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and take a short inter‑island flight, about an hour, to LIH. A few adventurers arrive by chartered seaplane or ferry from Maui, though the latter is less common.
- Who goes
- Kauai welcomes around 2 million tourists each year, drawing a mix of nature‑focused families, couples seeking quiet, and active solo travelers. The busiest stretch runs from mid‑December through March, when mainland visitors escape winter, while September and early October tend to be quieter, offering a more relaxed island vibe.
- Budgeting
- A careful traveler can expect to spend roughly $80–$120 per day (about $220–$330 USD), while a comfortable stay often runs $150–$250 daily (around $410–$680 USD); accommodations and dining typically dominate the budget. To stretch dollars, consider staying at a locally‑run guesthouse and buying groceries for a few meals rather than dining out for every meal. Estimate →
Waimea Canyon State Park
park · 4.9 rating · $5
The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” with red-and-green gorge views from the canyon road. Nonresidents pay $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle; the parking payment also covers Kōkeʻe. State parks are temporarily closed after Hurricane Lowell—check DLNR before travel.
Poipu Beach Park
park · 4.8 rating · Free
A popular family-friendly beach park on Kauai's sunny south shore, known for its protected swimming areas, snorkeling, and frequent sightings of Hawaiian monk seals. Travelers go to swim, sunbathe, and observe marine wildlife.
Wailua Falls
waterfall · 4.5 rating · $5
A photogenic twin waterfall viewed from a roadside overlook. Since February 2026, nonresidents pay the Wailua River state-site fee of $5 per person plus $10 parking; check current post-storm access.
Kauai Plantation Railway
attraction · 4.6 rating · $23.50
A narrated train ride around Kilohana’s historic plantation grounds, passing orchards and farm animals. Standard adult admission is $23.50; reserve ahead at busy times.
Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
park · 4.8 rating · Free
A dramatic stretch of towering sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and narrow valleys along Kauai's rugged northwest coast, accessible only by foot, boat, or air. Travelers come for its iconic scenery, the Kalalau Trail, and coastal wilderness.
Princeville Botanical Gardens
attraction · 4.8 rating · $105
A small-group, three-hour guided garden tour featuring tropical plants, fruit, chocolate and honey tastings. Standard adult admission is $105 and advance booking is required.
Kalalau Trail
park · 4.8 rating · $5
Kauaʻi’s legendary cliffside trail begins at Keʻe Beach; the first two miles reach Hanakāpīʻai Beach, while overnight travel requires a permit. Hāʻena reservations are required and the park is temporarily closed after Hurricane Lowell.
Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail
trail · 4.7 rating · Free
A two-mile coastal trail across the cliffs of southern Kauai from Shipwreck Beach to the quiet Mahaulepu Beach.
Tunnels Beach
beach · 4.6 rating · Free
Also known as Makua Beach, gets its nickname from the maze of lava tubes found throughout its expansive reef.
Anini Beach
beach · 4.5 rating · Free
A well-shaded, sinuous beach home to one of the largest fringing reefs in Hawaii, one of the safest beaches on Kauai.
Kokeʻe State Park
park · $5
High-elevation forest, trailheads and Kalalau Valley viewpoints above Waimea Canyon. Nonresidents pay $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle, valid here and at Waimea Canyon. Temporarily closed after Hurricane Lowell—check DLNR before travel.
Hanalei Bay
attraction · Free
A large crescent-shaped bay on Kauai's north shore with a wide sandy beach, mountain backdrop, and a historic pier. Travelers come to swim, surf, paddle, and relax against dramatic scenery.
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
attraction · $11
A dramatic seabird refuge and historic lighthouse viewpoint. Timed reservations are required and adult admission is $11 including the reservation fee. The refuge is temporarily closed for post-hurricane maintenance.
Ke'e Beach
attraction · $5
A celebrated north-shore beach at the road’s end and the start of the Kalalau Trail. Hāʻena reservations and a $5 nonresident entry fee apply, with parking or shuttle charged separately. Temporarily closed after Hurricane Lowell.
Spouting Horn Park
park · Free
A coastal lookout on Kauai's south shore where waves force water through a lava tube, creating a dramatic blowhole spray. It is a quick roadside stop popular for watching and photographing the spouting geyser.
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