Prime 5 Kauai Vacationer Sights You Can’t Miss

Welcome to Kauai: the Emerald Isle of Hawaii and residential to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific! Of the 4 foremost Hawaiian islands, Kauai is thought for its lush, tropical panorama, epic seashores, and unmissable vacationer points of interest.

However which Kauai vacationer points of interest must you prioritize in your journey to Kauai? Let’s discover out, however first we’ll reply just a few generally requested questions on Kauai.

Is Kauai very touristy? 

In comparison with the islands of Oahu and Maui, Kauai isn’t very touristy. It doesn’t have a giant metropolis, like Honolulu, and doesn’t see the identical vacationers flocking to well-known locations just like the Street to Hana in Maui. In reality, Kauai is even quieter than the Huge Island, which is thought for being extra distant and pure.

Regardless of being the least touristy of Hawaii’s 4 main islands, Kauai nonetheless has the entire infrastructure vacationers must get pleasure from a vacation there. You’ll discover a global airport, plenty of accommodations and outlets, and even a Goal and Costco on the island. 

What number of days do you might want to go to Kauai?

I consider 5 days in Kauai is the right period of time. This lets you discover Kauai’s vacationer points of interest, spend time on the seaside, uncover the best places to eat in Kauai, and possibly even go on an journey or two. With 5 days, you’ll even have time to discover all sides of the island.  

Do you might want to lease a automotive to go to Kauai? 

Sure, you do must lease a automotive when visiting Kauai. In contrast to among the different Hawaiian islands, there’s not in depth public transportation obtainable in Kauai and a lot of the foremost vacationer websites are driving-distance away from each other. So make sure you e book your rental automotive prematurely! 

Search for car hire options on Kayak.

Driving round Kauai is pretty straightforward, as there’s just one foremost highway that circles the perimeter of the island. Be aware that the highway doesn’t totally circle the island; the Na’Pali Coast mountains on the northwest of Kauai prohibit a highway from passing by way of. You’ll additionally need to keep alert for any highway closures because of flooding. 

Discover Kauai at your personal tempo with this narrated, self-guided driving tour.

In the event you’re not wanting or in a position to lease a automotive, be a part of a guided bus tour to greatest discover Kauai. 

The place must you keep in Kauai?

The most well-liked areas to remain in Kauai are Poipu within the south and Princeville within the north. Whereas Princeville lodging costs are barely cheaper than Poipu’s, the world does see extra rainfall and is farther from a few of Kauai’s greatest vacationer points of interest. Nonetheless, I consider the north shore seashores are higher for swimming.

The south shore seashores round Poipu are rockier and resort costs are greater, however you’re nearer to Kauai’s foremost websites. There’s additionally the choice to remain in Lihue or Wailua on the east aspect of the island. Lodging right here isn’t as plentiful however it’s cheaper. 

Prime 5 Kauai vacationer points of interest

Waimea Canyon State Park & Kokee State Park

Absolutely the can’t miss vacationer attraction in Kauai is the Waimea Canyon. Heralded because the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon State Park and the adjoining Kokee State Park provides you with epic views of jagged coastlines, towering mountains, lush valleys, hidden waterfalls and beautiful lookouts over the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll need to dedicate a minimum of half a day to driving by way of these two parks. Be aware that there’s just one highway out and in, so that you’ll be returning on the identical highway that you just drove in on. The highway may also get fairly windy, so pack your nausea medicine for those who get carsick.

Alongside the best way, there can be a variety of official and unofficial lookout factors. The official lookout factors require paid parking, which acts as your entrance payment to the parks. There are additionally a variety of mountain climbing trails you may head out on to raised discover the panorama. 

Associated tour: Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Private Tour

Makauwahi Cave Reserve

Positioned down a dust highway on Kauai’s south shore, the Makauwahi Cave Reserve is residence to Hawaii’s largest limestone cave and is the right place to find Kauai’s numerous terrain. From the higher parking zone you’ll trek down a hill, stopping usually to soak up views of the ocean and jungle. Alongside the best way, you may peel off the path to hit the seaside or go to the resident tortoises. 

When you’ve reached the cave, you’ll must crawl on arms and knees to enter it. Don’t fear – the crawl is only some ft lengthy and there’s a tarp on the bottom to guard your knees. In the event you time your go to proper, you’ll have the ability to communicate to one of many cave guides who can level out completely different rock formations and the house of the uncommon cave wolf spider. 

Associated tour: Private Tortoises, Caves, and Cliffs South Shore Hike

South shore seashores 

Kauai isn’t nearly mountain climbing, jungles and mountains – it’s a must to make time to hit the seaside as properly! On the south shore, you’ll be spoiled to your alternative of seaside to spend the day swimming, snorkelling and enjoyable at. The highest south shore seashores embrace Child Seaside, Kiahuna Seaside, Shipwreck Seaside and Poipu Seaside.

Poipu Seaside is constantly ranked as one of many prime seashores on the earth and is actually one of many busier seashores in Kauai. However there isn’t a higher place to look at the sundown! Plus, for those who’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll spot a monk seal lounging on the sand.

Be aware: In my expertise, the south shore seashores appeared rocky and the waves weren’t so calm. If that is your expertise too, I recommend sporting water sneakers and solely venturing additional out for those who’re a powerful swimmer. 

North shore seashores 

We are able to’t let the south shore have all of the enjoyable! After all, you’ll need to spend a while on the north shore of Kauai and provides their seashores a strive too. I discovered the northern seashores to be extra calm, sandy and family-friendly than the southern ones. At many I discovered I might stroll out over 100 ft from the shore and the water would nonetheless solely be at my hips. 

The most well-liked seaside on the north shore is Hanalei Seaside, that includes an extended pier that juts out into the water and options on many Kauai postcards. Close by is Anini Seaside, a extra peaceable spot recognized for nice snorkelling. Tunnels Seaside is one other one which snorkellers will need to hit up. And for those who’re on the lookout for a seaside off the overwhelmed path, take a look at Hideaway Seaside, accessible solely by a steep path. 

Associated tour: Private Wildlife, Beach Hike with Snorkel Option

Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls

As you put together to depart Kauai, there’s one last cease you might want to make in your solution to the airport. You’ll be able to’t go away Kauai with out trying out just a few extra epic waterfalls! Each Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls are close by the airport and undoubtedly well worth the detour. These have been among the most stunning and luxurious waterfalls I noticed on your entire island.

In the event you’re simply in it for the views, each waterfalls have designated parking areas the place you may pull up and benefit from the surroundings from a lookout level. Nonetheless, if you wish to stand up shut and private, it’s also possible to hike to the falls and expertise them from a complete different stage. 

Bonus: Exploring the Na’Pali Coast! 

After Waimea Canyon, the Na’Pali Coast is perhaps the preferred and must-see vacationer attraction in Kauai. However attending to the coast will be troublesome. In the event you’re not in a position to go to the Na’Pali Coast, there’s nonetheless a lot to see and do in Kauai that may blow you away.

One possibility for visiting the Na’Pali Coast is to hike the Kalalau Trail through Haena State Park. The one solution to entry this path is on-foot and superior reservations and permits are required. If you wish to do your entire path, it’s a 22 mile spherical journey hike that requires an in a single day tenting keep. 

In the event you’re not up for an extended hike or didn’t get a reservation in time, you’ve got just a few extra choices for exploring the Na’Pali Coast. You’ll be able to take a ship, small airplane or helicopter. Boats go away from the south or north of the island, relying on the time of 12 months, and are out on the water for just a few hours. 

Be aware that these waters are notoriously tough and for those who’re susceptible to seasickness like I’m, a Na’Pali Coast boat tour won’t be a enjoyable possibility. The Na’Pali Coast airplane and helicopter rides may also be somewhat bumpy and are, as anticipated, fairly pricey. 

Different Kauai vacationer points of interest you’ll need to go to

After all, there’s a lot extra to see and expertise in Kauai than simply the 5 websites above. When you have time, listed here are just a few extra Kauai vacationer points of interest so as to add to your itinerary: 

• Kauai Espresso Firm: Go on a free impartial strolling tour to study espresso manufacturing in Kauai after which pattern a few of their favorite brews! 
• Hanapepe: Kauai’s largest little city, Hanapepe is a superb place to find native outlets and eating places, in addition to stroll throughout the swinging bridge. 
• Spouting Horn: Take a look at this blowhole on the south shore that erupts like a geyser each time a wave crashes into the shore. 
• Maha’ulepu Heritage Path: For many who don’t prefer to hike, this coastal strolling path is the right choice to discover the seaside views of the south shore. 
• Tree Tunnel: As you drive alongside the island, you’ll inevitably drive by way of the Tree Tunnel, a cover of Eucalyptus bushes that give Kauai a Center Earth really feel. 
• Kilauea Lighthouse: A phenomenal spot on the north shore to look out over the coast and possibly spot a whale. It’s additionally residence to a chicken sanctuary, which you’ll pay to enter. 
• Smith’s Household Backyard Luau: One of the fashionable luaus on Kauai provides a scrumptious Hawaiian feast, spectacular luau dance present and a 30-acre backyard you may discover earlier than showtime. 
• Ziplining or mountain tubing: In the event you’re feeling adventurous, why not swing along the trees or go tubing down some mountain passes? Kauai has plenty of choices for thrill seekers! 

With this record in hand, I’m certain you’re getting excited to your journey to Kauai. Be sure to tick off as most of the above Kauai vacationer points of interest as you may!