Kauai, “the garden isle”, and of the 4 ‘major’ tourist islands, where you can find remnants of ‘old Hawaii’ during times of plantation life and beautiful, untouched country. As far as partying and social gatherings, Kauai is quite the opposite. The Garden Isle, aptly named for its outdoor adventures and natural scenery, is the island to visit if you’re looking for beauty and a deeper connection to nature.
Still trying to decide what island to visit?
Here are 10 highlights we thought were important to see or do in Kauai to find that adventure-connection:
1) GO MOUNTAIN TUBING
For a non-traditional activity, Mountain Tubing is one adventure for the entire family! Easily located approximately 8 minutes from Lihue Airport (LIH), it’s easy to get a quick adventure in for that one last activity or to start your vacation off right!
2) DRIVE TO WAIMEA CANYON STATE PARK
Also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, the drive up the canyon is spectacular: a vibrant blue Pacific Ocean in the distance, the neighbor island of Niihau on the horizon, and the depth perception loss thanks to the deep and colorful canyon. Just the drive alone is worth it as the windy road and cool air transport you to a time before time.
3) TAKE IN THE VIEW FROM KALALAU TRAIL
Once getting to the highest public access point of Waimea Canyon, Kalalau Lookout, you can take photos like normal people or go on a daring ridge-line hike (closed to the public). When the weather is just right, the view from here can be impeccable!
4) SEE THE NA PALI COAST
Every good thing has an end and at the end of Waimea Canyon is something even better (IMO): the cliffs of Na Pali Coast. A place of movie making and Hawaiian History. If it’ll be your first time visiting Kauai, see Na Pali Coast by a boat tour – up close and personal to the massive sea cliffs!
5) GO KAYAKING AND ZIPLINING
If you’re having the trouble choosing between Kayaking or Ziplining, why not do it both? An all in one safari with Outfitters Kauai! All in one day, we: kayaked, hiked, zipline, jumped into a river, saw famous movie locations, swam in those movie locations and zipline into a watering hole.. This was nothing short of epic; the epitome of adventure!
6) CHECK OUT THE WET AND DRY CAVES
For a more calming time, take a picturesque drive to the North Shore of Kauai where you can find the famous wet and dry caves and where the Na Pali Coast 12 mile hiking trail begins! There is also a beach just across the caves where you can play and relax (careful of bigger waves in the winter).
7) WATCH SUNSET ON THE BEACH!
It’s an obvious one but being able to watch a Hawaiian sunset is magical regardless of what island. On Kauai, the western beaches like Barking Sands/Polihale beach is our favorite spot to squeeze in a romantic sunset on an empty beach.
8) CHECK OUT THE SCENERY HANALEI BAY
Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on the North Shore of Kauai. It’s a gorgeous place with a two mile stretch of beach, beautiful mountains which offers a breathtaking scenery!
9) SEE WAILUA FALLS
Kauai is known as ‘the Garden Isle’ and there’s no way it could be as beautiful without cascading waterfalls! Wailua Falls is a double waterfall that’s easily accessible for cars where you can step out, look over the ledge, and take a quick photo.
10) SNORKEL AT TUNNELS BEACH
If a beach day is in the schedule, add snorkeling to the list. A great spot for snorkeling is Tunnels Beach on the North Side of Kauai because of the shallow reefs, abundant sea life, and a gorgeous green mountain backdrop!
These are our top ten highlights of things to do in Kauai! We hope readers are able to do a few things on this list! Our top pick would have to be a Na Pali Coast experience, of any kind, as it really deserves it’s a place amongst the natural wonders of our world! Mahalo for reading!
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WHERE TO STAY IN KAUAI
Koloa Landing Resort
Waimea Plantation Cottages
Courtyard Kauai
Airbnb in Kauai
There are Airbnb’s available throughout Singapore. If you’re not familiar with Airbnb, it’s an online marketplace for arranging or offering lodging, primarily homestays, or tourism experiences. Get $40 off your first booking at any Airbnb in Kauai!
For more places to stay in Kauai, Booking.com offers hotels, apartments, and hostels. You get free cancellation on most rooms and the best price guarantee!
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