Top Activities in Kauai

If you are reading this then I am guessing you are either planning a trip to Kauai or you would like to go to Kauai (Or maybe you’re just curious), either way, welcome!

We recently returned form our 10 day honeymoon trip in Kauai (You can see our recaps here, here and here) and I thought it would be helpful for anyone going to Kauai to make a condensed list of all the activities we did, the companies we used and how much we would recommend it.

Everything was great in Kauai and we had so much fun. Don’t let rainy forecasts get in your way either. We had rain forecasted pretty much everyday but we were able to get outside rain-free everyday we were there so don’t let it get you down if you find yourself in a similar situation and get out there and see the island!

Visit Waimea Canyon: This is a must for Kauai. Go early (like 7:30 AM) before crowds and fog roll in. Stop along at all the different look outs for breathtaking views. Keep driving up the mountain until you can’t anymore! This was a bit of a drive so plan for that. There are trails but we didn’t do any hiking.

Hike The Kalalau Trail: Definitely another must do!! Again, get there early before parking fills up because it does! (Also it is better to hike on a less busy trail- there will still be people when you go). Be prepared with shoes yo don’t mind getting muddy and bug spray! We got bit up. This is a challenging hike but it is so worth the views! We hiked the first two miles in and then back. Also, an extra pair of socks would be helpful.

Helicopter Tour: We went through Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and we enjoyed our experience. It is the only way to see the middle of the island and you will see so many water falls! My husband love love loved it.

Mini Golf: This is right near the Light House (below) so if you have time it was a really nice mini gold course and really pretty too! Plus mini golf is always fun.

Visit Kiluaea Lighthouse: There isn’t a lot to see here (and be prepared to pay $5/person) but we got some good pictures. We spent a total of 15 minutes here probably. Not a must if you don’t have time.

Napali Coast Boat Tour: We did the Makana Charters morning 5 hour tour with snorkeling/lunch. It would’ve been a great experience if I didn’t get sick 🙁 However, my husband loved it and we did see dolphins, sea turtles and even whales (in April). The Napali Coast is also beautiful. Nice crew as well. Snorkeling wasn’t great and lunch was okay. If you don’t think you will get sick then do it (but then again I have never been sea sick in my life).

Kauai Museum: Cool to see all of the old artifacts and learn about some ancient Kauai culture but it wasn’t something we would need to do again.

Wailua Waterfall: We stopped and saw these falls, and we were only there a few minutes for a picture. It’s a bit out of the way so not a must but is fun if you want a drive up waterfall.

ATV Ranch Tour: We did the two hour Kipu Ranch ATV tour and it was so much fun! We got to see places where they filmed movies and some awesome landscape. You drive your own ATV which is pretty cool and fun but you will get muddy! Wear your old clothes and shoes. The guides were awesome and so was the banana bread snack.

Tubing Adventure: Our last activity was the Kauai Backcountry Tubing adventure. We get on a tube and float down the old plantation irrigation system. It was fun and interesting to go through all the caves and the guides were really good here as well. Wear your swimsuit but pack a towel and dry clothes.