A shortlist of my all-time favourite things to do on Kauai.
These must-do experiences are waiting for you on Kauai, hidden gem of the Hawaiian Islands.
01. Unwind on a Mountain Tubing adventure
02. River kayak through the great outdoors
03. Witness the raw beauty of Waimea Canyon
04. Immerse yourself in a botanist’s dream
05. Sail the day away along the Napali Coast
06. Access the rugged island interior by air
07. Zip through Kauai’s rainforest tree tops
08. Admire locations of famous movies
09. Sun worship on 50mi (80km) of beaches
10. Get active on hundreds of hiking trails
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Kauai Tours
01. Unwind on a Mountain Tubing adventure
Mountain Tubing, Kauai Must Dos | @starlordjames
Float peacefully on an inner-tube (inflated ring) down the peaceful irrigation waterways and hand-dug tunnels of an old sugar plantation on a one-of-a-kind mountain tubing tour.
02. River kayak through the great outdoors
Hanalei River, Kauai Must Dos | @kyilynnphotography
Home to Hawaii’s only navigable rivers, Kauai is perfect for paddling. Choose to kayak along the Wailea, Huleia, Hanalei or Kalihiwai Rivers.
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Kayaking & Canoeing
03. Witness the raw beauty of Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon, Kauai Must Dos | @schreiltalk
See the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” from panoramic lookouts within Kokee State Park by self-driving, organised tour, hike or downhill bicycle ride.
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Waimea Canyon
04. Immerse yourself in a botanist’s dream
McBryde Garden, Kauai Must Dos | @beautiful_filipino
View Mother Nature at its best at one of Kauai’s National Tropical Botanical Gardens, McBryde and Allerton (South shore) or Limahuli (North shore).
05. Sail the day away along the Napali Coast
Napali Coast, Kauai Must Dos| @kody_combes
The Napali Coast is a breathtaking sight thoroughly enjoyed from sea level. Watch for flying fish, dolphins, monk seals, turtles and whales (Dec-Apr).
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Na Pali
06. Access the rugged island interior by air
Mount Waialeale, Kauai Must Dos | @viewfromseat7
The heart of Kauai is filled with remote terrain that can only be seen from the air, making this luscious, green island ideal for any aerial activity.
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Helicopter Tours
07. Zip through Kauai’s rainforest tree tops
Ziplining, Kauai Must Dos | @mermandaland
For an exhilarating thrill, and a very special perspective, soar above Kauai’s tropical rainforests on a zip line (flying fox) experience.
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Ziplines in Kauai
08. Admire locations of famous movies
Wailua River, Kauai Must Dos | @electric_gypsy999
Rent a car or take a guided movie tour to view the island’s most famous film locations including The Descendants, Blue Hawai‘i, Pirates of the Caribbean and more.
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Kauai Movie Tours
09. Sun worship on 50mi (80km) of beaches
Poipu Beach, Kauai Must Dos | @thesergc
As the oldest Hawaiian Island, Kauai had a head-start eroding lava rock into white sandy beaches just perfect for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing.
10. Get active on hundreds of hiking trails
Napali Coast, Kauai Must Dos | @simonaruzbasan
One of the best ways to feel the energy of Kauai is by hiking, the island offers outstanding trails of every level of difficulty. Be sure to plan ahead and follow safety advice.
SEARCH ACTIVITY SHOP: Hiking & Camping