Planning a trip to the Hawaiian islands can be daunting. With six inhabited islands to choose from (not counting the “Forbidden Island” of Niihau), how can you possibly narrow it down to just one?
While Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii get the most love in terms of number of visitors each year, I’m going to come out and say it: Kauai is the island you’ll want to return to again and again. After I visited the Garden Isle for my good friend Agent M‘s 30th birthday, I vowed to return to see the rest of its unparalleled beauty. Whether it’s lush, green mountains or towering waterfalls you’re after, here are five experiences that will make you fall in love with Kauai.
1. Feast your eyes on the Na Pali Coast.
Not many things can actually take my breath away at first sight, but this stunning backdrop did just that. Na Pali, which means “the cliffs,” is accessible only by air, on foot via the challenging Kalalau Trail, or by boat. Agent M and I took a sunset dinner cruise to the see the coastline with Kauai Sea Tours ($120 if you book online), though there are many reputable tour outfitters. Trust me: if you don’t do anything else while you’re on the island of Kauai, do yourself a favor and see this 15-mile stretch of coastline. You won’t be disappointed.
2. Explore the natural wonder that is Waimea Canyon.
There’s a reason that this place is called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” When you stroll up the pathway to the top of the Waimea Canyon lookout and the initial shock of seeing the grandeur of this geological formation wears off, you may be tempted to think to yourself, Wait, is this deja vu? Am I in Arizona? No, my friend, you’re still in Kauai. While the two famous canyons may look a bit similar, Waimea Canyon is approximately ten miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep (compared to its Arizona counterpart, which is 277 miles long). “Waimea” is the Hawaiian word for reddish soil, a fitting nod to the striking color you’ll see throughout.
3. Kayak the Wailua River.
Not only will you enjoy the serenity of paddling through the heart of the island, but you’ll come home with stronger arms and a sense of accomplishment for not biting your kayaking partner’s head off. Bonus: some kayaking experiences (such as the one we did with Duke’s Kayak Adventures; $38.99 if you book online) will include a hike to a waterfall, but if you’re a mosquito magnet like me, you should skip it in favor of a visit to the better Wailua or Opaekaa waterfalls.
4. Don’t Go chasin’ waterfalls.
Speaking of said waterfalls: if you close your eyes, point somewhere on a map of Kauai, get in the car and start driving, odds are you’ll run into a waterfall at some point. Wailua Falls (seen below) was our top pick, as it was easy to get to by car and didn’t require any hiking boots, but there are plenty of others to choose from. Opaekaa Falls (on the Wailua River), for example, is another fanastic option; it’s one of Kauai’s most accessible waterfalls — just a 2-mile drive up Route 580 from Wailua.
Wailua Falls
5. Catch the sunrise (or sunset) at Hanalei Pier.
Although the clouds showed up for our attempted sunset viewing, that shouldn’t deter you from sauntering down this pier at the magical time of day when the sun comes out to play or disappears silently.
Built in 1892, Hanalei Pier became well known after being featured in the film adaptation of the musical “South Pacific,” which was shot there in 1957. If you want to run down to the end singing “Bali Hai” or “Some Enchanted Evening” at the top of your lungs, don’t worry: we won’t judge. In fact, we’ll be right alongside you.
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Essential Info:
Where should you stay in Kauai? Check out all options here.
Where did I stay specifically? I always stay here when I visit Kauai.
Want a guidebook for Kauai? Check out this one or this one.
What camera did I use for this post? I used my cell phone for this post, but I typically will use our Olympus EM5 Mark II camera with this lens.
Have questions for me? Hit me up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest!
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All costs were paid by me, and all opinions are my own. Not even a freakin’ amazing boozy sunset cruise to the Napali Coast can change that.
Last Updated: April 20, 2019
Rhiannon
Your pictures are stunning! I’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii but honestly haven’t read or heard much about any of the islands other than the Big Island and Oahu before. Kauai looks like it really has loads to offer, I’d definitely make the effort to explore it if I find myself in the state one day. Waimea Canyon in particular looks incredible!
Julianne
Thanks, Rhiannon! You’re right – most people think of Oahu or the Big Island when they think of Hawaii, but I prefer to visit Kauai and Maui when I’m there. Kauai is so green, and has a lot more to do than people think. 🙂 Hope you get a chance to visit!
Raymond
I noticed on your profile that you are from California. I have family in Anaheim and they visit Hawaii every year because they say it is the most beautiful location in the world. I have never been there but I must say that Kauai looks stunning. I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii after listening to my cousin’s descriptive overtures. I’ve visited the Grand Canyon in the past and Waimea Canyon does look a lot like it. Great post. Thanks for sharing!
Julianne
Thanks, Raymond! As a Californian, we travelled to Maui multiple times from San Francisco. Ironically, it wasn’t until I moved to NYC that I finally visited Kauai! It’s now an 11-hour flight instead of 5 hours (eek), but it’s always so, so worth it. 🙂
Lydia@LifeUntraveled
The Na Pali coast looks stunning with those jagged mountains! I can see why you fell in love with Kauai – I think it would be hard not to with all that amazing nature!
Melissa
You have just sold me on Kauai! That coastline is stunning and so is the canyon. Plus I love waterfalls… it would be worth getting eaten by mosquitoes to hike to see more of them. I’ve never actually been to Hawaii. I’ve thought about it a million times but always end up talking myself out of it because I could go abroad for the same amount of money and the same amount of time on a plane. But I think I’m talking myself into it again after reading this post.
Julianne
Glad to hear it, Melissa! It’s one of the few places I’ve been to more than once — with family and friends. Was just there in November 2016 again, in fact! Lots of amazing hikes with stunning views. I swear, you turn a corner and find another hidden gem! 🙂
Aleks F.
These photos are phenomenal! This is definitely a different side of Hawaii and one that I prefer as well. This makes me want to go more than ever! Thanks for sharing the tips and information.
Sophie
Just the photos are making me fall in love, and that’s before I’ve even read about your experiences! Would love to visit one day- That coastline is absolutely breathtaking! I can’t even imagine how pretty sunrise/ sunset must be!
Samantha
We spent our honeymoon here! We did most of these things except for kayaking the Wailua river, I had no idea you could do that! I know we spent time at Hanalei beach but I don’t remember seeing a pier, I bet it’s breathtaking at sunset when the clouds are clear!
Leah
I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii but never knew which island to focus on or what places to see! You’ve definitely convinced me on Kauai though, I mean those waterfalls are stunning. Also, WHAT? I had no idea there were canyons in Hawaii, how did I miss this?!
Jennifer Coleman
I went to Kauai when I was 14, And it still remains at the top of my list as favorite Hawaiian Islands. This post reminds me that I need to get back there ASAP, Especially with my husband as he is never been. So beautiful and green, And so many fun outdoor things to do you can’t go wrong!
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