There are many ways to make the most of your time in Kauai, Hawaii’s outdoor playground. This far-away island has been exquisitely carved by nature to create a work of art just waiting to be discovered. Kauai is far too large to cover in a single day, so it is best to break up the trip into two halves. This will give you plenty of time to explore while also giving you plenty of time to relax. A week-long trip allows you to spend only seven days, so plan to maximize your time on the “Garden Island.” Read on for the best ways How To Spend Time in Kauai, Hawaii.
How to Spend Time in Kauai, Hawaii
Taking in the Beautiful Views
In Kauai, you may be sure that there will be picturesque overlooks aplenty to make sure you fall in love with the “Garden Isle” if there is anything noteworthy to observe on the side of the road. The most beautiful viewpoints are located at Menehune Fishpond, Wailua Falls, and Hanalei Valley along the “sightseeing crescent,” which runs along the coast from Waimea to Ke’e Beach. There is no need to rush through these breathtaking locations. Take your time, enjoy the view and take travel blog-worthy photos.
Kilauea Point
Do you remember those nature documentaries where the entire frame is filled with thousands of nesting birds? At the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, it certainly feels like that. This bird sanctuary and historic lighthouse are situated on one of Hawaii’s most picturesque peninsulas. They are home to protected albatross colonies, frigate birds, boobies, and various other birds. If you’re fortunate, you might even be able to spot a few humpback whales and spinner dolphins.
Hiking Mahaulepu Heritage Coastal Trail
It’s comforting to know that there is one trail on an island with so many tourists where you might have the natural world to yourself. The Mahaulepu Coastal Trail, which runs along the untamed coastline between Shipwreck and Ha’ula Beaches, provides hikers with breathtaking views of the south shore. You’ll pass through old Hawaiian stone buildings, secluded bays protected by high limestone pinnacles, and perhaps even schools of sea turtles rising for air. Those who at least reach Mahaulepu Beach can take advantage of the stunning undeveloped beach and explore Makauwahi Cave, one of Hawaii’s richest fossil sites.
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is Kauai’s largest, most stunning bay and a playground for people of all ages. You’ll want to leave it there for the day because that’s where George Clooney went for his morning jog in The Descendants. From the busy Black Pot Beach and Hanalei Beach Park in the east to the quieter and unnamed beaches in the west, Hanalei Bay stretches. Who will you see while jogging on the beach?
Kalalau Trail Hike
Always on the “most incredible hike in America” lists, this trail spans 11 strenuous miles from Ke’e to Kalalau Beach. It would likely rank higher (currently third as of this writing) if the second, more beautiful half was easier to trek. On the Kalalau Trail, day hikers can take in breathtaking coastline views of the well-known Na Pali coast as they pass through several verdant valleys on their way to the harsh Hanakapiai Beach and its towering waterfall upstream.
The real treat is only available to those who make the overnight trek to Kalalau Beach. The spectacular peaks of the Na Pali shoreline, formed over millennia by the erosive powers of water and wind, are seen at the end of this hard segment, which takes you as near Mother Nature as you can.
Tunnels Beach
Makua Beach, also referred to as Tunnels Beach, is unquestionably the finest beach on Kauai. You might easily spend the entire day swimming and snorkeling in Tunnels Beach due to the area’s pristine seas and the presence of Bali Hai, a mountain with a pyramidal structure. What gives it the name Tunnels Beach? On the gorgeous coastline highway leading to Ke’e Beach, you can see a handful of the region’s many underground caves for yourself.
Waimea Canyon
The magnificence and beauty of Waimea Canyon are beyond words. It’s difficult to imagine that the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” located on the little tropical island of Kauai, exists on the planet. When Kauai’s enormous shield volcano collapsed, the canyon was created.
Water then took over to finish the fine-tuning. The Waimea River carves a path through the canyon, almost 10 miles long and up to 3500 feet deep. You won’t forget this fantastic day in Kauai because of the countless breathtaking viewpoints along the picturesque Waimea Canyon Drive and the abundance of hiking paths.
Kokee State Park
The most breathtaking land-based vistas on Kauai can be seen at Koke’e State Park, which is wedged between the iconic peaks of the Na Pali coast and the weird wonder of Waimea Canyon. The park is home to sensitive ecosystems of indigenous plants and animals and spans a significant area of high-elevation terrain.
From the Kalalau or Pu’u o Kila Lookouts, where you can also start a journey to the wetlands of the Alaka’i Swamp route and its views, you can capture the magnificence of the Na Pali cliffs. But if you want to have the “best seat in the house,” walk the magnificent Awa’awapuhi Trail and reward yourself with views of an amphitheater that will keep your friends envious of your social media updates.
Kalamaku Luau
You must enjoy a luau while in Hawaii, or at the least, forego the buffet supper and only experience the evening’s performance. Currently, all island luaus are compared to Kauai’s award-winning Luau Kalamaku for having the best Polynesian dance performance.
Numerous dancers perform a story about a pair of Tahitian lovers who become separated as one sets off on a protracted journey to the uninhabited islands of Hawaii to the rhythmic beat of traditional drums. Will they meet again in heaven? Will they be able to withstand the gods’ and other chiefs’ wrath? You’ll have to experience the fantastic food and paradise pageantry by yourself!
Kauai’s Farmer’s Market
If you’re into coconuts, papayas, ripe bananas, taro, and even the odorous, oddly translucent alien-looking noni plant. These are just a few exotic treats you can find at one of Kauai’s farmer’s markets. There is always a farmers’ market going on somewhere on the island. And it should come as no surprise that the native Kauai produce is of unrivaled quality, given the region’s lush, nutrient-rich volcanic soil and continual exposure to the sun. The Saturday market in charming Hanalei, surrounded by moist taro patches and the emerald peaks of the north shore, is generally regarded as the favorite Kauai farmers market.
Conclusion
When planning a Kauai vacation, remember that the weather can be unpredictable. You can find the weather forecast for different parts of the island by visiting the National Weather Center website. You can even drill down to see the weather in different regions. The island typically experiences heavy rain in the north and uninhabited interior. Sometimes the rain may even last a few days. These are the best things to do in Kauai, as you can see! Traveling to additional Hawaiian islands? You should make an itinerary to get the most out of your time on Kauai. You’ll have more time to explore the Na Pali Coast, bask in the sun by Hanalei Bay, or swim with exotic marine life off Poipu Beach. A five to the seven-day itinerary is perfect for a first-time visitor to Kauai. Aloha!