Prime 5 Kauai Vacationer Points of interest You Can’t Miss

Welcome to Kauai: the Emerald Isle of Hawaii and residential to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific! Of the 4 important 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 will not be very touristy. It doesn’t have an enormous metropolis, like Honolulu, and doesn’t see the identical vacationers flocking to well-known locations just like the Highway to Hana in Maui. In truth, Kauai is even quieter than the Large 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 the entire infrastructure vacationers have to get pleasure from a vacation there. You’ll discover a global airport, plenty of inns and retailers, and even a Goal and Costco on the island. 

What number of days do you must go to Kauai?

I consider 5 days in Kauai is the proper period of time. This lets you discover Kauai’s vacationer sights, spend time on the seaside, uncover the greatest locations 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 must hire a automobile to go to Kauai? 

Sure, you do have to hire a automobile 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 important vacationer websites are driving-distance away from each other. So you’ll want to e-book your rental automobile upfront! 

Seek for automobile rent choices on Kayak.

Driving round Kauai is pretty straightforward, as there’s just one important highway that circles the perimeter of the island. Observe that the highway doesn’t absolutely 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 as a result of flooding. 

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

If you happen to’re not wanting or in a position to hire a automobile, 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 sights. Nonetheless, I consider the north shore seashores are higher for swimming.

The south shore seashores round Poipu are rockier and lodge costs are larger, however you might be nearer to Kauai’s important 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 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 provides you with epic views of jagged coastlines, towering mountains, lush valleys, hidden waterfalls and lovely lookouts over the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll need to dedicate at the very least half a day to driving by way of these two parks. Observe that there’s just one highway out and in, so that you’ll be returning on the identical highway that you simply drove in on. The highway also can get fairly windy, so pack your nausea medicine in case you get carsick.

Alongside the best way, there might be a lot 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 lot of mountaineering trails you possibly can head out on to higher discover the panorama. 

Associated tour: Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Personal Tour

Makauwahi Cave Reserve

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

When you’ve reached the cave, you’ll should crawl on palms and knees to enter it. Don’t fear – the crawl is just a few ft lengthy and there’s a tarp on the bottom to guard your knees. If you happen to 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: Personal Tortoises, Caves, and Cliffs South Shore Hike

South shore seashores 

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

Poipu Seashore is constantly ranked as one of many high 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, chances are you’ll spot a monk seal lounging on the sand.

Observe: In my expertise, the south shore seashores appeared rocky and the waves weren’t so calm. If that is your expertise too, I recommend carrying water sneakers and solely venturing additional out in case you’re a robust swimmer. 

North shore seashores 

We are able to’t let the south shore have all of the enjoyable! In fact, 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 may 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 Seashore, that includes a protracted pier that juts out into the water and options on many Kauai postcards. Close by is Anini Seashore, a extra peaceable spot recognized for nice snorkelling. Tunnels Seashore is one other one which snorkellers will need to hit up. And in case you’re searching for a seaside off the overwhelmed path, try Hideaway Seashore, accessible solely by a steep path. 

Associated tour: Personal Wildlife, Seashore Hike with Snorkel Choice

Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls

As you put together to depart Kauai, there’s one ultimate cease you must make in your strategy to the airport. You may’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 undoubtedly well worth the detour. These have been a few of the most lovely and luxurious waterfalls I noticed on the whole island.

If you happen to’re simply in it for the views, each waterfalls have designated parking areas the place you possibly can pull up and benefit from the surroundings from a lookout level. Nonetheless, if you wish to stand up shut and private, you can too hike to the falls and expertise them from an entire different degree. 

Bonus: Exploring the Na’Pali Coast! 

After Waimea Canyon, the Na’Pali Coast is perhaps the most well-liked and must-see vacationer attraction in Kauai. However attending to the coast could be troublesome. If you happen to’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 strategy 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. 

If you happen to’re not up for a protracted hike or didn’t get a reservation in time, you have got a number of extra choices for exploring the Na’Pali Coast. You may take a ship, small airplane or helicopter. Boats go away from the south or north of the island, relying on the time of yr, and are out on the water for a number of hours. 

Observe that these waters are notoriously tough and in case you’re liable 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 will also be somewhat bumpy and are, as anticipated, fairly expensive. 

Different Kauai vacationer sights you’ll need to go to

In fact, 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 impartial strolling tour to find out about 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 retailers 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 wish to hike, this coastal strolling path is the proper 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 house to a fowl sanctuary, which you’ll be able to pay to enter. 
• Smith’s Household Backyard Luau: One of the widespread luaus on Kauai gives a scrumptious Hawaiian feast, spectacular luau dance present and a 30-acre backyard you possibly can discover earlier than showtime. 
• Ziplining or mountain tubing: If you happen to’re feeling adventurous, why not swing alongside the timber or go tubing down some mountain passes? Kauai has plenty of choices for thrill seekers! 

With this record in hand, I’m positive you’re getting excited on your journey to Kauai. Ensure that to tick off as most of the above Kauai vacationer sights as you possibly can!