FREE THINGS TO DO IN KAUAI

  • 1. Waimea Canyon State Park – Also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this scenic state park overlooks the colorful Waimea Canyon, which stretches over 14 miles and is more than 3,600 feet deep. The park itself is famous for its scenic drive, panoramic lookouts, and hikes of varying difficulty. Depending on the time you visit, the canyon’s appearance can seem to change throughout the day—it’s best to visit earlier in the morning for fewer crowds and better visibility. You might even spot a rainbow, especially during the summer months. There are many ways you can tour the canyon, including a bike tour, or even from up top on a helicopter ride.
  • 2. Poipu Beach Park – Located on Kauai’s sunny shores, this beach is particularly popular for swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, and snorkeling. (And if you’re lucky, you can spot Hawaiian monk seals here, too.)
  • 3. 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.
  • 4. Kalalau Trail – End the day with some of the best camping in Hanakoa and Kalalau—this 11-mile trail along the Northern Na Pali coast is challenging but incredibly scenic.
  • 5. 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.
  • 6. 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.
  • 7. 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.
  • 8. 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.
  • 9. Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail – This two-mile coastal trail across the cliffs of southern Kauai starts from Shipwreck Beach on Keoneloa Bay to the quiet Mahaulepu Beach near Kawailoa Bay.
  • 10. Hanalei Bay – This crescent-shaped bay in Kauai is the largest bay on the north shore, with stunning views and gorgeous beaches. Start at Black Pot Beach and head towards Hanalei Pier—an unmistakable landmark jetty made famous by the classic film, South Pacific—before walking towards Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park. Find a good spot along the bay to set down your towels—you can have a picnic, kayak, sunbathe, and even snorkel if the waters are calm (the waves can be rough during winter). Stay until sunset for exceptionally amazing views of Mount Makana in the distance. Hanalei Bay is a featured stop on many Kauai boat tours; some even help you to look for green sea turtles.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT