Things To Do in Kauai
Explore the Na Pali Coast
Hands down, the most beautiful sight we’ve ever seen! Heaven on earth! The Nā Pali Coast is pure magic - towering sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and waterfalls that spill straight into the ocean. Boat Tours: Hanalei Charters – Highly recommend!! Departing right from Hanalei Bay, this locally-based company offers small group military grade raft tours of the Nā Pali Coast, exploring sea caves, waterfalls, marine life and hidden coves. Epic!! We’ve experienced both by doors off helicopter (for the adrenaline junkies) and by boat, and each was such a different but insanely cool way to see it. From the air, you get unreal views of Kauai’s lush valleys and dramatic coastline, waterfalls (you see the wettest place on earth!); from the water, you cruise right alongside the cliffs and can even venture into sea caves, old volcano tubes (breathtaking experience). Helicopter Tour: Jack Harter Helicopters - Offering doors-off tours over the Nā Pali Coast, valleys, waterfalls, and the whole island.
Beaches + Hidden Gems
🌈 North Shore: Hanalei Bay - One of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii. Wide golden sand, calm waves in summer, and mountain views. Great for swimming, surfing, snorkeling. Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach) - Known for its clear water and incredible snorkeling right off the shore. Go early - parking is limited. Hideaways Beach - A small, tucked-away gem below Princeville with turquoise water. It’s a short but steep trail down, and worth every step. Epic!! Queens Bath - less than mile hike down a rugged path and end at tide pools. Anini Beach - Calm, shallow water protected by a long reef - ideal for swimming, snorkeling. ☀️ South Shore (other side of island - sunny and great for snorkeling) Po‘ipū Beach Park – Great for snorkeling, spotting sea turtles and monk seals, and swimming. Shipwreck Beach – A scenic stretch of sand next to the Grand Hyatt - great for long walks and watching surfers, though the waves are usually strong for swimming.
Local Shops + Food
Food on North Shore: - Nourish Hanalei (smoothie cafe tucked away in Princeville neighboorhood w/ mountain views) - Wishing Well Coffee - the best coffee!! (line get long so go early) - Wishing Well Shave - also the best shave ice - 1 Hotel Kitchen - Breakfast buffet is a must (open to the public) - 1 Hotel Welina Terrace - a must for happy hour and appetizers! The most stunning view and live music is every weekend - Kauai Juice Co - a personal favorite! Fresh juices, smoothies, and baked goodies - Foodland - Has the best fresh poké (locals favorite) - Hanalei Dolphin (sushi) - Hanalei Bread Co (breakfast) - Holy Grail Donuts (food truck) - Ama (dinner, outside mountain views) Kapaa: - Wailua Drive Inn ( true local food plate lunch, a must!) - The Musubi Truck (on way from airport to North Shore! I dream about this place often)
Waterfalls + Hikes
- Napali Coast Trail (bucket lister!) - Waimea Canyon - Hanakapiai Falls - Secret Falls - Wailua Falls - 'Opaeka'a Falls - Hoopoo Falls (2.6 miles) - Awa' Awapui Trail (6 miles) - Waipo'o Falls (3 miles) - Hanakapiai Falls (8 miles)