Kauai is a place of breathtaking beauty where rugged mountains meet crystal-clear seas. From its wild northern cliffs to its sunny southern shores, the island is packed with natural wonders and timeless charm. Here are the island’s top attractions every visitor should experience at least once.
1. Na Pali Coast
Arguably Kauai’s most iconic landscape, the Na Pali Coast features towering emerald cliffs that drop dramatically into the Pacific. Whether viewed by boat, helicopter, or from the legendary Kalalau Trail, its raw, untouched beauty is unforgettable.
2. Waimea Canyon
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon dazzles with layers of red, orange, and green carved by centuries of erosion. Sweeping viewpoints and hiking trails reveal cascading waterfalls and breathtaking vistas.
3. Kokee State Park
High above Waimea Canyon, Kokee offers cool mountain air, lush forests, and more than 45 miles of hiking trails. The park’s lookouts provide panoramic views of the Na Pali Coast and the island’s wild heartland.
4. Hanalei Bay
Encircled by misty mountains and taro fields, Hanalei Bay is Kauai’s most picturesque beach. Its crescent-shaped shoreline invites surfers, swimmers, and sunset watchers alike.
5. Kilauea Lighthouse
Perched on a dramatic bluff at the northernmost point of the island, the historic Kilauea Lighthouse is a haven for seabirds and whale watchers. The views over the Pacific are as inspiring as the wildlife that surrounds it.
6. Wailua River
The Wailua River is the only navigable river in Hawaii, winding through lush jungle valleys and ancient heiau (temples). Visitors can take a riverboat cruise to the enchanting Fern Grotto or kayak to a “secret” waterfall.
7. Poipu Beach
Sun-soaked and family-friendly, Poipu Beach on the South Shore is one of the island’s most popular spots. Calm waters, golden sand, and frequent visits from Hawaiian monk seals make it a must-see.
8. Haena Beach Park and Tunnels Beach (Makua)
Just before the Na Pali Coast, Haena Beach Park is home to golden sands, sea caves, and world-class snorkeling at Tunnels Beach. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
9. Kalapaki Beach
Fringed by palm trees and resort charm, Kalapaki Beach in Lihue offers gentle surf ideal for beginners. It’s a lively hub for paddleboarding, dining, beach volleyball, and oceanfront relaxation.
10. Wailua Falls
This twin waterfall near Lihue is one of Kauai’s most photographed landmarks. Easily accessible and utterly mesmerizing, Wailua Falls cascades 80 feet into a lush tropical basin—a true island icon. (Hiking to the plunge pool is exceedingly dangerous and illegal.)
11. Polihale State Park
Remote and spectacular, Polihale stretches for miles along Kauai’s western edge with towering dunes and sweeping ocean views. Accessible only by a rough road best suited for 4WD vehicles, it rewards travelers with solitude, golden sand, and some of the island’s most unforgettable sunsets.
12. Spouting Horn
Along Kauai’s sunny South Shore, Spouting Horn sends seawater shooting skyward through a natural lava tube, creating a dramatic geyser-like display. The hissing sound and rhythmic bursts make it one of the island’s most captivating coastal viewpoints.
13. National Tropical Botanical Gardens
Showcasing Kauai’s extraordinary plant life, the NTBG includes two standout gardens: Allerton Garden on the South Shore, a sculpted paradise of fountains and iconic movie locations; and Limahuli Garden on the North Shore, where native plants thrive in a lush valley framed by mountains.
14. Kauai Tree Tunnel and Old Koloa Town
Drive under a mile-long canopy of stately eucalyptus trees, then take a step back in time exploring the charming sugar plantation era Old Koloa Town.
15. Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are one of Kauai’s best ways to experience local island life — from fresh tropical fruit and vegetables to handmade jams, coffee, flowers, crafts, and ono food trucks. These vibrant outdoor markets pop up throughout the island each week and are ideal for travelers who want to taste Kauai’s bounty and support local growers.
All Kauai Attractions
North Shore
Anaina Hou Community Park
Club Med Ruins
Haena Beach Park
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Pier
Hanalei Town
Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge
Hanalei Bay Lookout
Kalalau Trail
Kauai Mini Golf and Botanical Gardens
Kee Beach
Kilauea Lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge
Kilauea Stone Dam
Kilauea Town
Kilioe Stone
Limahuli Garden and Preserve
Maniniholo Dry Cave
Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens
Na Pali Coast
Pools of Mokolea
Princeville Botanical Gardens
Princeville Ranch
Queen’s Bath (dangerous, closed during the winter)
Waikanaloa Wet Cave
Waioli Huiia Church
Waioli Mission House
Wishing Well Shave Ice
East Kauai
Coconut Marketplace
Fern Grotto
Hoopii Falls
Jurassic Park Gate
Kauai Hindu Monastery
Kauai Multiuse Path
Keahua Arboretum
Lydgate Beach
Lydgate Farms
Opaekaa Falls
Pineapple Dump Pier
Sacred Rudraksha Forest
Secret Falls and Wailua River Kayak
Smith’s Tropical Paradise
Smith’s Luau
Spalding Monument
Wailua River State Park
Lihue
Grove Farm Sugar Plantation Museum
Kalapaki Beach
Kapaia Suspension Bridge
Kauai Museum
Kauai Plantation Railway
Kilohana Plantation
Koloa Rum Company
Menehune Fishpond
Mount Waialeale Overlook
Ninini Point Lighthouse
Wailua Falls
South Kauai
Allerton and McBryde Gardens
Kauai Tree Tunnel
Lawaii International Center
Makauwahi Cave Preserve (recently closed)
Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Falls by helicopter)
Mahaulepu Trail
Old Koloa Sugar Mill
Old Koloa Town
Poipu Beach Park
Poipu Shopping Village
Shipwreck Beach
Shops at Kukuiula
Spouting Horn
Warehouse 3540 (shopping)
West Kauai
Aloha Theater (under renovation)
Hanapepe Town and Hanapepe Swinging Bridge
Kaumakani (Talk Story Bookstore, JP’s Pizza)
Kauai Coffee Company
Kekaha Beach
McBryde Sugar Plantation Cemetery
Menehune Ditch and Waimea Swinging Bridge
Paulaula State Historic Park (Russian Fort Elizabeth)
Polihale State Park
Port Allen
Salt Pond Beach Park and Hanapepe Salt Ponds
Waimea Town and Waimea Pier
Waimea Canyon/Kokee
Kalalau Lookout
Kokee Lodge
Kokee Museum
Puu Hinahina Lookout
Puu O Kila Lookout
Red Dirt Falls
Sugi Grove
Waimea Canyon Lookout
Waipoo Falls (Canyon Trail)
