Our Kauai Travel Tips: Activities
There is a ton of fun stuff to do all over Kauai. We hope you have a ton of fun while you are enjoying the island before and after the Wild Island Rumpus celebration. We’ve only done a fraction of what this island has to offer, but see below for some ideas of things to do.
FREE
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail: Shipwreck Beach to Punahoa Point
Maha’ulepu Trail
Fun, scenic hike that is good for kids. The trail overlooks the ocean near Poipu. Note that there are some cliffs, but the trail doesn’t run near them. When we hiked it last year, there were several kids either hiking on their own or being carried. Takes anywhere from ½ hour to over an hour depending on how much time you spend looking out on the water.
Turtle Sightings at Poipu Beach Park
Green turtles at sunset took us by surprise!
Turtles come right onshore in the afternoon if you're lucky. You’ll see a bunch of people gather in the late afternoon as sea turtles come onto the beach to rest. Don’t touch the turtles! Poipu Beach Park is on The south end of the island near all of the resorts.
Tunnels Beach
Amazing, beautiful beach that feels magical. It is on the North side of the island on the way from Princeville/Hanalei to the Na’ Pali Coast. Excellent snorkeling. As you can see from the picture, there is a reef that runs in a mile-long half circle around the beach - inside is placid water and you can snorkel all day along the inner part of the reef away from the waves. The parking for the beach is really limited (so go early if you don’t want to walk). After it fills up, you can park at Ha’ena Beach Park and walk along the beach to get there. Highly recommended!
Inexpensive
Bike Adventure on Kaua’i Bike Trail
We had a pretty amazing experience in winter last year renting bikes in Kapa’a (there are a few places on the main drag) and biking north on this trail. There are spur paths out to overlooks all over. We saw several humpback whales close to shore and even followed a few as they worked their way down the coast. The trail goes north for quite a ways along several beaches. If the weather’s good and you pack a picnic, you can beach hop and make a day of it.
Info: https://roamingtheamericas.com/kapaa-bike-path-kauai-hawaii/
Wailua Shave Ice in Kapa’a
Don’t let the strip mall deceive you - this place is the real deal. Really good Hawaiian Shave Ice with all the flavors and add ins. For those in the Northwest, they also have an odd location in Portland!
Info: https://www.wailuashaveice.com/
Waimea Canyon State Park
If you’re willing to drive a bit, this is a very different kind of scenery compared to the rest of the island. It is full of hiking and trails in an almost Grand Canyon-like setting. It is also one of the few places on the island to get views of the Na’ Pali coast from the south. And it’s only $10 per vehicle. Access from the south of the island - the road from Poipu to the park has some fun places to stop off and grab some treats.
Info: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/waimea-canyon-state-park/
Pricier
Hanalei Paddle Cruise
Rent paddleboards or kayaks from Kayak Hanalei, and then take off on their private dock to access either Hanalei Bay or trek up a calm river. We did this a few years ago in a downpour and it was amazing. Also great in the sun! If the sun is out there is a good chance you will see small turtles warming on the rocks.
Info: https://kayakhanalei.com/
Lava Lava Beach Club
This is where we usually spend the last night of our trips while we’re waiting to head to the airport. Beach side club with good food and fun island drinks.
Info: https://lavalavabeachclub.com/kauai/
Priciest
Island Helicopter Ride
There are several tour companies that offer helicopter tours to view Kaua’i from the air. They take off near the airport in Lihue. They are not cheap, but the view from the air is incredible. See the blue hole, the Na’ Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and the rest of the island from the air!
Info: https://iflykauai.com/kauai-helicopter-tour/ (there are many options, so shop around!)
