Ten of the Best Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai was the destination for my first destination race, the Kauai Half Marathon, and it ended up being my favorite of the Hawaiian islands. It has the best of Oahu and the other islands, with more community and less of a tourist trap feel than somewhere like Waikiki. This list covers the top things to do on Kauai, whether you have a long weekend or a full week. Comment below if you know of others that should be added!
1) Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon: Poipu
Held each year on the south shore around early September, this is a beautiful race to build a trip around. You can select to run a full or half marathon, and both take you through the famous tunnel of trees! Even if you don’t run, the weekend is lively, and it’s a great way to see Poipu and explore the island. The course winds along the coast and through the Koloa area, and there are multiple events and festivities around the race to enjoy. Register early, since entries fill up! Use BRIE27 for $15 off next year's race
2) Loco Moco: Local Bites After the Race
A loco moco is rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and gravy, and it’s the best post-race meal I can imagine (especially combined with a large Kona beer!). We found ours at Kalapaki Joe's Poipu, a local spot just off Poipu road. Look for small local places for generous servings, and try the plate lunches as well.
3) Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa: Poipu
If you want a base that makes the whole trip easier, this is it. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa sits on Keoneloa Bay in Poipu, and you can walk directly from the property onto the beach.
Adults-only pool: The adults-only pool has a lazy river that winds around multiple waterfalls, and it’s one of the best places to unwind.
Restaurants: The resort has several excellent restaurants, from casual to special-occasion.
Spa: The on-site spa is a perfect way to recover, especially after a long run or a hike.
Race-day convenience: The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon was hosted from the Grand Hyatt, which made race weekend easy.
Luaus and events: The resort sometimes hosts luaus for special events, so check the calendar when you book. It’s a great way to see Hawaiian music, dance, and food without leaving the property.
Poipu’s beaches, shops, and Old Koloa Town are all a walk or a short drive away, which makes it a convenient home base for the whole south shore.
4) Waimea Canyon: The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
Waimea Canyon Red Dirt Waterfall Kauai Kōkeʻe Lodge Kauai
About 10 miles long and more than 3,000 feet deep, Waimea Canyon has red, orange, and green layers that change with the light. Drive up Waimea Canyon Drive and stop at the lookouts, including Waimea Canyon Lookout and Pu’u Hinahina, and continue to Kalalau Lookout and Pu’u o Kila at the top of Koke’e State Park for views toward the Napali Coast on clear days.
At the top: We stopped at Kōkeʻe Lodge, a small cafe near the top, which is a perfect spot to warm up and grab lunch, since it’s cooler at elevation. The lodge is located directly beside the Koke'e Natural History Museum if you want a break from the trails and the chance to learn more of the local history.
Small waterfall: Don't miss the small red dirt waterfall on the road in as you stop at the multiple viewpoints!
Tips: Go early before clouds roll in, bring a layer, and check current non-resident entry and parking fees for Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks. Cell service is limited, so download your map ahead of time.
5) Old Koloa Town: Shopping and Dinner
Koloa is the site of Hawaii’s first commercial sugar plantation, started in 1835, and today the historic district is full of small shops, galleries, and restaurants. It was our favorite place to walk around in the evening and grab easy bites. Stop on the way in to see the Tree Tunnel, a canopy of eucalyptus trees on Maluhia Road.
6) Napali Coast Boat Tour: Holoholo Charters
Napali Coast Hawaiian monk seal Ni'ihau Cliffs
The Napali Coast has no roads, so the best ways to see it are by sea, air, or on foot. We went with Holoholo Charters from Port Allen on the south shore which gave a full day of sailing and snorkeling, plus breakfast and lunch provided on the trip.
Snorkeling: Our trip included snorkeling off Ni'ihau (Hawaii's "Forbidden Island"), the private island west of Kauai. Ni'ihau crossings generally run in the calmer summer months.
Wildlife: We had a close encounter with Hawaiian monk seals, one of the most endangered seals in the world, plus tons of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins along the way. These animals are federally protected, so always follow your crew’s instructions and keep your distance!
The view: Seeing the sea cliffs rise from the water was stunning. We also sailed into one of the secluded water caves and passed by the famous Open Ceiling Cave (also known in Hawaiian as Pulalani or Pukalani) where numerous music videos have been filmed. This breathtaking, roof-collapsed lava tube features a tiny rock island right in the center, surrounded by electric-blue water and towering vertical rock walls.
7) Napali Coast by Foot or Air: The Kalalau Trail
By foot: The Kalalau Trail starts at Ke’e Beach in Haena State Park on the north shore.
Reservations: Non-resident visitors need advance reservations for Haena State Park, which covers entry and parking, and these book up quickly.
Day hikes: Hanakapiai Beach is about 2 miles each way. Hanakapiai Falls continues about 2 more miles, for roughly 8 miles round trip total. The trail is steep and muddy, and swimming at Hanakapiai Beach is dangerous because of strong currents.
The full trail: The Kalalau Trail runs 11 miles one way. Camping past Hanakapiai requires a separate permit from Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, so again, it is helpful to plan well ahead.
Weather: Heavy rain can make stream crossings unsafe, so check conditions first.
By Air: Helicopter tours depart from Lihue and cover places you can’t reach any other way, including the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and interior waterfalls. It’s a splurge, so book early and check the weather window.
8) Wailua Falls and Opaeka’a Falls: East Side
Wailua Falls Wailua River State Park Opaeka’a Falls
Two main scenic waterfalls near Wailua River State Park are easy roadside stops. Neither needs a hike, so they’re ideal for a short trip or added to the route on your return to the airport:
Wailua Falls: A drop of around 173 feet, often seen in two streams, a short drive from Lihue (left side)
Opaeka’a Falls: Around 150 feet, viewed from an overlook above the Wailua River valley (right side)
9) Wailua River Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls
We ran out of time for this adventure, but it was highly recommended and top of our list for next time!
Get Your Guide handles all the logistics for this adventure to paddle along Kauai’s most beautiful jungle river, enjoying views of the staggering and beautiful cliff lines of the Wailua, until you come to the trailhead of the hike to an enchanting Secret Falls, a 120-foot waterfall that descends into a picturesque pool.
10) Sampling the Local Food: Spam Musubi, Acai Bowls, Fresh Bread & More
Kauai has an impressive number of small, local places for great food. Skip the chains and look for the little shops!
Spam musubi: A block of rice and grilled Spam wrapped in nori, are cheap and tasty! Suprisingly some of the best we had were from the 7-Elevens on Kauai. They are perfect fuel for road trips.
Acai bowls at Anake’s Juice Bar: A cold, fresh acai bowl was exactly right on a warm morning. The medium portion size was wmassive and lasted for breakfast and lunch!
Fresh baked treats at Midnight Bear Breads: A small local bakery with freshly baked treats, great for stocking up before a day of exploring.
Plate lunches and loco moco: Look for small local spots serving plate lunches, a classic Hawaii meal.
Tip: Many of the best local places are small, close early, or sell out, so go early in the day, and bring cash in case a shop is card-limited.
Explore more of Hawaii with my ten favorite things to do in Oahu!
Quick tips for visiting Kauai
Rent a car: Public transit is limited, and you’ll want one to reach the canyon, north shore, and waterfalls
Book early: Boat tours, helicopter tours, and Haena State Park reservations sell out
Reef-safe sunscreen: Hawaii bans sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate
Pack layers: The canyon is cooler, and the north shore is wetter
Respect the island: Stay on trails, give wildlife space, and support local businesses
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Kauai?
Five to seven days is ideal, but you can hit the highlights in a long weekend.
What is the best way to see the Napali Coast?
A boat tour combines views and snorkeling, a helicopter shows the most of the interior, and the Kalalau Trail is for hikers.
Do you need reservations for the Kalalau Trail?
Yes, non-residents need advance reservations for Haena State Park, and camping beyond Hanakapiai requires a permit.
Where should you stay in Kauai?
Poipu on the south shore is a great base, and we loved the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa.
When is the Kauai Half Marathon?
It’s held in early September in Poipu
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin Luau in Kauai Kauai Marathon
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