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 primary Hawaiian islands, Kauai is understood for its lush, tropical panorama, epic seashores, and unmissable vacationer sights.

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

Is Kauai very touristy? 

In comparison with the islands of Oahu and Maui, Kauai shouldn’t be 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 Highway to Hana in Maui. Actually, Kauai is even quieter than the Huge Island, which is understood for being extra distant and pure.

Regardless of being the least touristy of Hawaii’s 4 main islands, Kauai nonetheless has all the infrastructure vacationers have to take pleasure in a vacation there. You’ll discover a world airport, numerous resorts and outlets, and even a Goal and Costco on the island. 

What number of days do it is advisable to go to Kauai?

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

Do it is advisable to hire a automotive to go to Kauai? 

Sure, you do have to hire a automotive when visiting Kauai. Not like a few of the different Hawaiian islands, there may be not in depth public transportation obtainable in Kauai and many of the primary vacationer websites are driving-distance away from each other. So be sure you guide your rental automotive prematurely! 

Seek for automotive rent choices on Kayak.

Driving round Kauai is pretty simple, as there’s just one primary 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 wish to keep alert for any highway closures attributable to flooding. 

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

In case you’re not wanting or in a position to hire a automotive, be part of a guided bus tour to finest discover Kauai. 

The place must you keep in Kauai?

The preferred 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 realm does see extra rainfall and is farther from a few of Kauai’s finest vacationer sights. Nevertheless, I consider the north shore seashores are higher for swimming.

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

Prime 5 Kauai vacationer sights

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 gives you epic views of jagged coastlines, towering mountains, lush valleys, hidden waterfalls and beautiful lookouts over the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll wish to dedicate at the least 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 get fairly windy, so pack your nausea treatment in case you get carsick.

Alongside the way in which, there can be quite a few official and unofficial lookout factors. The official lookout factors require paid parking, which acts as your entrance charge to the parks. There are additionally quite a few mountaineering trails you’ll be able to head out on to raised discover the panorama. 

Associated tour: Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Personal Tour

Makauwahi Cave Reserve

Positioned down a dust highway on Kauai’s south shore, the Makauwahi Cave Reserve is dwelling to Hawaii’s largest limestone cave and is the right place to find Kauai’s various terrain. From the higher parking zone you’ll trek down a hill, stopping usually to absorb views of the ocean and jungle. Alongside the way in which, you’ll be able to 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 fingers and knees to enter it. Don’t fear – the crawl is only some toes lengthy and there’s a tarp on the bottom to guard your knees. In case you time your go to proper, you’ll be capable to communicate to one of many cave guides who can level out totally different rock formations and the house of the uncommon cave wolf spider. 

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

South shore seashores 

Kauai isn’t nearly mountaineering, jungles and mountains – you need to make time to hit the seaside as effectively! On the south shore, you’ll be spoiled in your alternative of seaside to spend the day swimming, snorkelling and stress-free at. The highest south shore seashores embody Child Seashore, Kiahuna Seashore, Shipwreck Seashore and Poipu Seashore.

Poipu Seashore is persistently ranked as one of many prime seashores on this planet and is actually one of many busier seashores in Kauai. However there is no such thing as a higher place to observe the sundown! Plus, in case you’re fortunate, you might 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 in case you’re a robust swimmer. 

North shore seashores 

We will’t let the south shore have all of the enjoyable! After all, you’ll wish 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 may stroll out over 100 toes from the shore and the water would nonetheless solely be at my hips. 

The preferred seaside on the north shore is Hanalei Seashore, that includes an extended pier that juts out into the water and options on many Kauai postcards. Close by is Anini Seashore, a extra peaceable spot identified for nice snorkelling. Tunnels Seashore is one other one which snorkellers will wish to hit up. And in case you’re in search of a seaside off the crushed path, take a look at Hideaway Seashore, accessible solely by a steep path. 

Associated tour: Personal Wildlife, Seashore Hike with Snorkel Possibility

Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls

As you put together to depart Kauai, there’s one ultimate cease it is advisable to make in your method to the airport. You possibly can’t go away Kauai with out trying out a number of extra epic waterfalls! Each Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls are close by the airport and positively well worth the detour. These have been a few of the most lovely and luxurious waterfalls I noticed on the whole island.

In case you’re simply in it for the views, each waterfalls have designated parking areas the place you’ll be able to pull up and benefit from the surroundings from a lookout level. Nevertheless, if you wish to stand up shut and private, you may as well hike to the falls and expertise them from a complete different degree. 

Bonus: Exploring the Na’Pali Coast! 

After Waimea Canyon, the Na’Pali Coast may be the preferred and must-see vacationer attraction in Kauai. However attending to the coast could be tough. In case you’re not in a position to go to the Na’Pali Coast, there may be nonetheless loads to see and do in Kauai that can blow you away.

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

In case you’re not up for an extended hike or didn’t get a reservation in time, you will have a number of extra choices for exploring the Na’Pali Coast. You possibly can take a ship, small aircraft 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 a number of hours. 

Be aware that these waters are notoriously tough and in case you’re susceptible to seasickness like I’m, a Na’Pali Coast boat tour won’t be a enjoyable possibility. The Na’Pali Coast aircraft and helicopter rides may also be slightly bumpy and are, as anticipated, fairly expensive. 

Different Kauai vacationer sights you’ll wish to go to

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

• Kauai Espresso Firm: Go on a free unbiased strolling tour to study espresso manufacturing in Kauai after which pattern a few of their favorite brews! 
• Hanapepe: Kauai’s greatest 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 timber that give Kauai a Center Earth really feel. 
• Kilauea Lighthouse: A gorgeous spot on the north shore to look out over the coast and possibly spot a whale. It’s additionally dwelling to a hen sanctuary, which you’ll be able to pay to enter. 
• Smith’s Household Backyard Luau: One of the vital widespread luaus on Kauai gives a scrumptious Hawaiian feast, spectacular luau dance present and a 30-acre backyard you’ll be able to discover earlier than showtime. 
• Ziplining or mountain tubing: In case you’re feeling adventurous, why not swing alongside the timber or go tubing down some mountain passes? Kauai has numerous choices for thrill seekers! 

With this record in hand, I’m positive you’re getting excited in your journey to Kauai. Be certain that to tick off as most of the above Kauai vacationer sights as you’ll be able to!