Things To Do
Poipu Beach Park
Located on close by to the wedding venue, this beach is particularly popular for swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, and snorkeling. (And if you're lucky, you can spot Hawaiian monk seals here, too.) *If you encounter a Hawaiian monk seal, it is recommended to keep a distance of at least 50 feet, or 150 feet for mothers with pups. Mother monk seals can be very protective of their pups- do not approach them or go in the water near the mom and/or the pup.
Wailua Falls
This two-tiered 80-foot-tall waterfall located near Lihue is famous for being featured in the 1970s TV series, Fantasy Island. These spectacular falls are easily accessible—no hiking required—and can be seen from the nearby carpark. Visit after rainfall when the falls are exceptionally impressive, or in the morning for a chance to catch a rainbow when the light is just right. Be careful though—it's not recommended to hike to the base of the falls as it's steep and slippery. You can see the falls on a day trip or from up above on an air tour of Kauai.
Queen's Bath
Once a bathing spot for the royals, this stunning natural pool is now a popular summertime attraction. To get there, you'll need to take a 15-minute hike across slippery lava rocks, so wear a good pair of shoes. In summer, the pool resembles a large hot tub and the waters are calm and clear. During winter, however, the water can be treacherous, so avoid visiting during those months; the pool may even be closed. Before you go, be sure to check the surf report online, and only attempt the hike down if the waves are less than four feet high.
Tunnels Beach
Also known as Makua Beach, Tunnels Beach gets its nickname from the maze of lava tubes found throughout its expansive reef. Here, you'll find lots of marine life—large schools of reef fish, turtles and even wild dolphins—making it one of the best spots for snorkeling in Kauai. Visit during summer for calm waters or during winter when it becomes a surfer's paradise. You can also simply stroll down the white sand beach and enjoy views of the scenic green peaks of Mount Makana to the west. Tours of Kauai often include a stop here; you can even fly over the beach on a helicopter tour.
Spouting Horn
This blowhole on Kauai's south shore near Poipu shoots seawater through its natural lava tube up to 50 feet in the air.
Hanalei Beach
Located in the center of the bay and at the mouth of the Hanalei River, this beach is popular for swimming and water sports.
Kokeʻe State Park
A beautiful state park encompassing 4345 acres and containing 45 miles of scenic trails.
McBryde & Allerton Gardens, National Tropical Botanical Garden
NTBG’s McBryde Garden is located on the south shore of Kauai in the picturesque Lawai Valley. Tours run daily and include a ride from the Visitors Center in Poipu along a scenic coastal route and continue along the valley rim on a former sugarcane train rail-bed. Visitors disembark on the valley floor to explore this outstanding garden, known for its diverse collection of tropical plants. McBryde, NTBG’s flagship garden, is home to the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian flora, many endangered or having gone extinct in the wild. It is a “botanical ark”, filled with palms, flowering trees, ornamental flowers, and unusual plants from the tropical world.National Tropical Botanical Garden is a nonprofit institution, dedicated to saving and studying tropical plants.