Seeing the Napali Coast is almost a must do while your on island. Go Blue is a locally run tour of the Napali Coast, they have rafts (my favorite but definitely more interactive) or catamarans available for tours! Fun fact, 80% of Kauai is only accessible via boat or helicopter.
Definitely head to the west side of Kauaʻi and check out Waimea Canyon — it’s known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific,’ and it’s seriously beautiful. The drive has a bunch of amazing lookout spots, and if you feel like hiking, the Canyon Trail is a good one with some awesome views. After that, you can keep driving up to Kōkeʻe State Park and stop at Kalalau Lookout. It’s one of my favorite views on the island (that photo above is from there!). Heads up — it can get chilly, so bring a jacket, and try to go on a clear day since it gets foggy up there. Sunset is extra pretty if you catch it right.
This beach is famous for a reason — you get ocean views on one side, towering mountains on the other, and waterfalls scattered all around. There are also a ton of shops and local surf stores in Hanalei that are fun to checkout!
Since so much of the island can only be seen by boat or helicopter, I would recommend Island Helicopters to see Kauai from the sky. You’ll fly over the Nā Pali Coast and land at Jurassic Falls —the actual waterfall from Jurassic Park! Lots of the series was filmed on Kauai :)
Over at Poipu beach, tons of sea turtles come up every evening right before sunset.
A cute little town known as the home of Lilo & Stitch! It’s full of local art galleries, shops, and fun little spots to explore. Definitely worth a stroll if you’re nearby or on the way to the canyon.
Definitely swing by Wailua Falls for some seriously gorgeous views — it’s a quick, easy stop, and the waterfall is unreal in person. You may recognize it from the show "Fantasy Island" Great spot for photos and just soaking it all in together!
Lydgate Beach is an awesome spot for snorkeling, especially if you're new to it — the protected lagoons make it super calm and easy to spot colorful fish without worrying about big waves. If the swell isn't too bad, Tunnels and Anini up north are my favorite spots to snorkel!