Top 8 things to do in Kauai
If you think Kauai will be just another "beach day" vacation, you are so wrong! The four of us were in for one hell of an adventure and we didn't even know it! What a great island, I would rate the hiking as supreme, and the beaches as second favorite. We found a couple gems for food, and had one WILD catamaran ride!
#1 Kauai Half-day Tour
This was our first time on Kauai and we wanted to get some info/overall knowledge of the area. We decided to get a tour from one of the local companies, and I'm so glad we did!!! 100% worth it! Simon gave us more info in 5hrs than we could have ever read in a book or online. Really knowing Kauai and being able to give us a list of things to do made the trip so much better!
#2 Sleeping Giant
Hike Sleeping Giant trail - preferably from the West side trailhead, its quieter and a better hike all around. It can be difficult to find, seems that everything online wants you to go on the East trailhead. It is a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaʻa, Kauai. Generally considered a challenging route, and i would say it was challenging in some spots, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete.
#3 Waimea Canyon
Drive the 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon - I know, you have seen many canyons before... But this one is different from the others. Be sure to take some of the side roads and explore, but watch your gas since there are no stations in the area! Expect 1/2 a day or more. If you have time, check out Kalepa Ridge!!!
#4 Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail
3.7-mile out-and-back trail starting at Shipwreck Beach near Koloa, Kauai. I would rate it a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 23 min to complete the main portion. It is full of cliff edges, twisty fun trails through the woods, a golf course, and never-ending scenery. If you are up for the challenge, keep going! It goes much further than it says online and takes you to amazing secluded beaches and through serene wooded areas. Be sure to stop at the turtle sanctuary, they are super cute!
#5 Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park
Definitely taking a drive up to the North side of the island is well worth the views, but to top it off there is the Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park! Bring your swim suit, surf board, and beach towel for the awesome water and most scenic mountain backdrop!
#6 Kauai Coffee Estate
The Kauai Coffee Estate is the largest coffee farm in the U.S. It is crazy what you’ll learn all about how coffee is grown, harvested and roasted. You can also get your buzz on with some free samples, or buy some cool swag to take home from the gift shop!
#7 Catamaran Cruise to Napali
The scenery cannot be put into words. This is a MUST do! Waters are relatively calm and you can do early morning or sunset style cruises too. We saw so many whales, dolphins, incredible cliffsides, tons of waterfalls, the inside of caves (yes, the catamaran went in the caves...) and so much more! Staff were amazing and attentive. Depending on the time of year you may opt for the addition of snorkeling off the “Forbidden Island” of Niihau, but beware, if it is winter and the water is rough you are in for the wildest catamaran ride of your life!
#8 Eat Up Kauai Style!
Konohiki Malasadas - The only place we found with REAL Malasadas, but you have to be committed! The sell out in minutes every morning, be there as they open to get the goods!
Koloa Fish Market - The best poke bowls in town!
Porky's - Probably still the best grilled cheese and kalua pork sandwich of my life.
The Cabana Bar and Grill - I recommend the fish tacos, and pretty much anything else on the menu! All great food and even better drinks
There are so many things this island has to offer! What was your favorite part? Any great places I should add to the list?
