Of all the Hawaiian islands, there is something magical about stepping off the plane and onto Kauai. While the coastline is developed, you won’t find any highrise hotels lining the shores here. Instead, you’ll find feral chickens roaming the streets, wild backcountry with waterfalls and soaring cliffs, and one of the most prehistoric coastlines found anywhere in the world with the Nā Pali Coast.
Once you make your way outside the few small cities that dot the island, you’ll find yourself immersed in a wild and wonderful natural setting with sights you’ll only find here on Kauai.
Once you’ve set foot on this incredible island, you’ll understand why it has been the setting for movies like Jurassic Park, which is looking for a location that feels like it is from another time.
Nā Pali Coast
The Nā Pali Coast is a must-see for any visitor to Kauai for its soaring and rugged cliffs that rise straight up out of the sea. What sets them apart is despite their steepness, they are covered in lush foliage that makes the entire coastline feel alive and almost prehistoric.
The coastline can be seen by water, air, or by hiking along the challenging Kalalau Trail. We’d recommend trying to at least take a boat tour to cruise along the base of the cliffs, explore hidden beaches, and snorkel amongst this breathtaking scenery.
Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon stands high in the mountains above the Nā Pali Coast and is often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The ancient red rock that makes up the canyon creates a stunning contrast with the lush green foliage that dominates the valleys and ridges above. From the Waimea Canyon lookouts you can see massive waterfalls that tumble to the rivers below and, if you’re lucky, watch clouds rush over the mountaintops. This area is one of the rainiest in the world, so a clear, sunny day is never guaranteed!
Make sure not to miss the red dirt waterfall on the drive up to the canyon!
Hanalei Bay
This horseshoe-shaped bay on the island’s north side is located in an area dominated by small farms, forest land, and meandering streams that occasionally incur the wrath of the massive amounts of rain that fall on the peaks over the middle of the island. Visiting this area in the winter means understanding that you can be stranded on the wrong side of a flooded bridge for days at a time, but for many, that is all part of the allure. The town of Hanalei is home to several small shops and outstanding restaurants that serve delicious local seafood.
Wailua Falls
The island of Kauai is home to dozens of waterfalls, although most of them are deep in the mountains and are only accessible by a long hike or helicopter ride. Wailua Falls is one of the few that are relatively easy to get to, even though the road to the viewpoint does get pretty narrow at the end.
The falls feature twin channels (that sometimes turn to three after heavy rains) that cascade into a pool below. While you may see folks making their way down to the base of the falls, this area is closed, so please stick to the viewpoint near the road.
Kēʻē Beach
Located at the end of the road on the north side of the island, Kēʻē Beach sits at the beginning of the Nā Pali coast and Kalalau Trailhead. Besides the beauty provided by being right next to the cliffs of this gorgeous stretch of coastline, the beach is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling as it is protected by an underwater reef.
Note that because of the high demand for the Kalalau Trail, parking is limited and requires an advanced reservation. You can also reach the beach by taking the shuttle from various stops along the north shore.
Kalalau Trail
One of the best trails on Kauai, if not the entire state, Kalalau Trail takes hikers along the rugged Nā Pali coast to hidden beaches, old hippy encampments, and across streams that can occasionally swell and trap unlucky hikers for days at a time.
The trail begins at Hā’ena State Park, where advance reservations are required for parking. Alternatively, day use hikers can take the shuttle and avoid the parking headache. The first two miles of the trail to Hanakāpīʻai Beach are open to anyone, but hikers looking to venture further will need to obtain additional permits. The views along the first two miles are stunning, with plenty of places to look out over the coastline and the aqua-blue waters of the Pacific, and if you’re visiting during the winter, you may even catch a glimpse of the whales that overwinter in these warm waters.
Poʻipu Beach Park
One of the most popular beaches on the island’s south side, Poipu Beach features an outstanding snorkeling area, a protected beach perfect for little ones, and sea turtles that frequently haul themselves up on the sand to rest. With walking trails from the nearby hotels, you can expect a steady stream of visitors to this outstanding beach area.
Don’t miss grabbing a famous Hawaiian-style hot dog from Puka Dog, which is located right across the street.
Kilauea Lighthouse
The historic Kilauea Lighthouse was built in 1912. After decades of safely guiding ships past the island’s rocky waters, it now stands as a tourist attraction within the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. The lighthouse sits at the end of a short trail and is a great vantage point for watching native birds and the occasional whale swimming offshore.
Note that advance reservations are required for entry to the refuge grounds.
Queen’s Bath
The Queen’s Bath is an enormous tide pool and series of coves on the northern edge of the island that is very much a try-at-your-own-risk adventure. With limited parking, a steep and slippery hike down to the shore, and occasional sneaker waves that can wash visitors out to sea, this landmark is not to be taken lightly. That doesn’t stop tourists from continuing to visit this beautiful area, though, as, on nice summer days, you can float in the bath, swim in the ocean, and even catch a glimpse of sea turtles as they swim by.
We can’t stress enough how dangerous these waters can be in rough conditions, and visitors will be reminded of this by the numerous signs at the trailhead and tally marks for the people who have lost their lives in these waters.
Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach)
Tunnels Beach is a popular surfing spot in the winter and a snorkeling spot during the calmer summer months. Here, you’ll find a mix of locals and visitors alike enjoying the waves or just kicking back in the sand. From the main parking lot, there is plenty of beach to explore and escape the crowds, so don’t be shy to set off on foot to find your own little piece of beachside paradise.
The views towards the west end of the beach are ready for Instagram, with the start of the Nā Pali coast standing tall over the waters.
Limahuli Garden and Preserve
Limahuli Garden is a must-visit to get a glimpse and an appreciation of the history of the Hawaiian people and their way of life. The history of the valley with the Hawaiian people goes back more than 1,500 years, and today, it is home to native plants, archeological complexes, and native forests. Visitors can take either a self-guided or guided tour of the grounds but know that, like at the neighboring Hā’ena State Park, parking is extremely limited, and reservations are encouraged.
Spouting Horn
A natural hole in the lava rock along the coastline near Poipu creates an impressive natural sight when the waves roll in. Water from the incoming waves is forced into a small cave, and once the pressure builds, water is forced up through the small hole in the surface of the rock, resulting in a spout of sea spray shooting into the air.
There is plentiful parking and a viewing area to watch the spout. From here, you can also see sea turtles bobbing in the surf and the occasional Humpback Whale swimming offshore.
Polihale State Park
Because of the incredibly rugged Nā Pali coast, there is no way to drive all the way around the island of Kauai. While the north end of the road dead ends at the extremely popular trailhead for the Kalalau Trail, the western end dead ends at the infrequently visited Kēʻē Beach. This is in part due to the road to get to the beach is known to be deeply rutted and sandy which deters most tourists from making the trek in their rental cars. Their loss is your gain, though, as the long, sandy beach that dead ends into the mountains of the Nā Pali coast is perfect for exploring and escaping the crowds.
Beware of swimming in the water as there are no lifeguards on duty, and this beach is home to extreme rip tides.