The Top Must Do and See Things in Kauai Hawaii!

   These are all of the top must do and see things on Kauai!Also known as the garden island Kauai is beautiful and lush, it is a perfect place to go for the holidays, or for your honeymoon. It is the oldest island in the Hawaiian region, with lot of features to relish when you go visiting. Talk about the mountains, the canyons, the beaches, the people, the animals, the food and all of nature in its splendour. Kauai’s tourist sites are fantastic scenes, you couldn’t have wished for something more exciting. There is a lot of enjoyment and fun, as well as a close touch with nature. Although the list could be a lengthy and almost endless one, here are some things you could do in Hawaii-Kauai.

1. Go swimming or snorkelling on the beach

There are a good number of beaches on the Kauai island, each of which promises an exciting experience that would not be forgotten in along while. If your family loves swimming or snorkeling and you get to go on a family vacation, then the Kauai beaches are an excellent option for you. There are swimming and snorkelling areas in many of the beaches, and each one guarantees an awesome water experience. When you visit, check out the Hanelei beach, Anaholu beach park, Poipu beach park, Hanamaulu beach amongst others for a full swimming or snorkeling adventure.

Swimming Kauai

2. Visit the best hiking trails in the world

So, if you’ve got all the energy and are ready to do some real hiking, then you’ve just discovered the right spot. Kauai boasts of some of the best hiking trails you can find anywhere. And it seems you haven’t had the best hiking adventure until you have visited Kauai. The Nou’nou East trail has a height of about 1,000 feet, while the Kalapa ridge trails allows you a detailed view of the Kalalau valley. There are a number of other trails; both the ones that can easily be climbed by kids such as the Kuilau ridge trail, and the one that is best reserved for the strong at heart such as the Waialeale back wall trail. The Naa’pali Coast is the ultimate in hiking trail with a vast mountainous trail stretching for miles, it is the most famous and picturesque point in all of the Hawaiian islands for hiking and seclusion and it is safe!

Napali Coast

4. Observe the botanical diversity

Kauai has a rich collection of plants in their diversity; probably a reason why it is referred to as ‘Garden island’. You’ll get to appreciate this beautiful aspect of nature when you travel through the island. The island has a lush green vegetation cover that is common to everywhere you go. Some notable plants you would find include the Ulehe fern, the illiau which is found only on the island, many attractive hibiscus and a whole lot of other interesting plants.

Kauai Botanical Garden

5. Hunt for waterfalls

There are so much scenic views at the island’s inspiring waterfalls. Did you know that the Wailua falls is located in Kauai? The Ulewehi falls (also known as the secret falls) is located after the Wailua river; tourists visiting the site usually make great use of rented kayaks or canoes. Kayak tours and kayaking are a common recreational and transport activity on the island.

Kauai Waterfalls

6. Visit the historic sites

The Kauai island has its own preserved historic entities. The Kauai museum houses a collection of artifacts of historic significance. You would find the Waioli Huiia church with its historic architectural design around the Hanelei centre. The historic menehune fishpond and other historic sites are a representation of the origin of the Hawaiian people.

Historical Bridge

7. Savour the different food delicacies

One of the things to enjoy on the Kauai island is the people’s numerous tasty meals. The poke is made from fish (usually the yellow-fin tuna) in a combination of seasoning. Huli huli chicken is roasted chicken prepared in modest Hawaiian style. There are a whole lot of other tasty dishes which are sold in the available restaurants. You should try out the poi and loco moco delicacies too. There is the shave ice desert covered in syrup and toppings; it is sold in almost all of the restaurants you would get to on the island.

Poke Bowls! Yum

8. Explore the wildlife

When it comes to animal diversity, Kauai island is host to a large number of animals. These animals range from the lively tropical birds to terrestrial wildlife and then the vast marine forms. There are thousands of feral chickens and animals of the cat family, as well as some even-toed ungulates. You may add to the fun by going on hunting trips for wild boars and goats. When you go to see the waters, it is common sight to see humpback whales flying mid-air out of the huge waters. You would also find green sea turtles, different types of sharks, dolphins and other fishes. Spear fishing is common activity among the locals and visitors. There is an array of fishes with different sizes and colours to be caught. But importantly, hunting instructions should be adhered to; all hunting activities are guided by rules. Notable among the hunting rules are the rule regulating game bird hunting, and the commercial shooting preserves.

Giant Sea Turtles of Hawaii

9. Learn about the culture and customs of the Hawaiians

The Hawaiians in general, have a deep and rich cultural heritage. Probably you’ve ever thought “what is this aloha?”. When you visit the Kauai island, you can get first hand information on the tradition and customs of the people. There are a whole lot of their cultural inclinations that would excite you. For example, their type of music, dance and the social activities.

Luau

10. Take a Helicopter ride

Since the Kauai island thrives largely on its tourist potential, you’ll readily find the services of a helicopter tour company that could take you on a tour of the island. The helicopter tour lets you see the entire island from a birds view!

Helicopter Ride Over Hawaii

11. Surfing/ Surf Lessons

If you or your kids have not learnt to surf, this may be a good time to learn how. You should go with your surf boards if you have any, or you may rent from any of the shops that rents them out. It is possible to find a number of instructors who could guide you on safe surfing. Hawaii is of course famous for surfing and is a very safe place to learn the sport. Most of the most popular beaches such as Poi’pu beach will have multiple surf rental and lesson companies and it is very inexpensive.

Surfing Kauai

12. Go zip-lining

This is one of the most popular outdoor activities that can be enjoyed on the island and it is especially popular with youths. Zip-lining in Hawaii is beautiful and can be a thrilling experience.

Ziplining

13. Stage shows/ Lu-Au

On Kauai there are many places to go for a Lu’au, this is a must do if this is your first time here. There will be a stage show showcasing Hawaiian culture, then they will cook you a feast to remember including a roasted pig! This is where tourist take pictures with Lei’s on the Hawaiian flower necklace.

Firedancer

14. Camping

Taking a moment to separate oneself from all the modern day burdens and technologies, just living in nature and communing with your environment can prove to be therapeutic. Camping in a Paradise like Hawaii-Kauai is very different from the average camping, camping in Kauia is amazing and words alone cannot describe the mind blowing experience that it is. If you ever visit Hawaii-Kauai it is a must to experience. One great thing, there are no poisonous animal on the island!

Hawaii Camping

15. Horseback tours

Riding on a stallion through the spectacular scenery of Hawaii and riding along the beautiful coastlines will make you forget all your worries and transport you to a world of possibilities. Seeing Hawaii from horseback is a life changing thing and even if you don’t know how to ride there are Private turors that can teach how to ride. 

Horse back riding Kauai

16. Baby Beaches if you have children

Poipu beach has a kids pool built into the ocean surrounded by rocks with no waves at all, our 2 year old had a blast here chasing small fish and swimming. The water is super warm, they have bathrooms and showers here. 4 out of the 5 times I went here they had beached seals right beside the tourists.

Poipu Beach

17. Scuba Diving

Being one of the Polenesian islands Hawaii is famous for their scuba diving. The waters and reefs here are in great shape as the Hawaiians respect their ocean as they know it is their resource!

Hawaii Scuba Diving with Turtles!

18. Fishing Kauai

There are many places all over Kauai that you can charter a deep sea fishing tour and catch Tuna, Marlin and more! There are many other forms of fishing here including spear fishing which is a total rush, shore fishing as well as reef fishing. I always bring my collapsable rod on every hike to fish the small ponds inland where there are a lot of easy catches!

Spearfishing

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The Rampersauds at Ko Olina Beach in Oahu, Hawaii