Top Kauai Sights & Attractions

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Visit the top destinations on the island of Kauai and experience the towering sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, romantic Fern Grotto and Wailua River, Hanalei Bay and more! Kauai, nicknamed "The Garden Isle," holds the record for being the wettest place on Earth and its rainforests are teeming with some of the world's most unique tropical flora and wildlife.

Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto

Only accessible by boat along the Wailua River, Kauai's Fern Grotto is a natural formation of lava rock that has accumulated a spectacular assemblage of fern, moss and other vibrant flora. This natural curiosity has attracted visitors for years, and river boat service offers an affordable method of transportation with the added benefit of local Hawaiian music. A great stop to add to any Kauai trip.

Na Pali Coast Adventure Tours

A visit to the Na Pali Coast along the northern shore of Kauai is like a trip through time, back to an ancient era when things were incomparably larger and somehow brighter. From mist-shrouded peaks down rippling, carved cliff faces to the waves that splash through arches and sea caves along the base, the Na Pali Coast is a sight to behold. While it is possible to hike a majority of the Na Pali Coast, boat and helicopter are the most popular ways to experience this incredible natural wonder.

Waimea Canyon Tours

On the west side of the island of Kauai stands beautiful Waimea Canyon, a vast 3,500-foot deep canyon famous for its spectacular panoramic views of steep cliffs, rugged valleys, and breathtaking peaks. Views from the summit can stretch for miles, earning this island gem the title "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific". A variety of sightseeing tours will lead you to this beautiful landmark and its favorite scenic spots for the most picturesque vistas.

Jurassic Falls Kauai

Discover the iconic "Jurassic Falls" in Kauai, renowned for its stunning appearance in the Jurassic Park™ movies! Experience the breathtaking Manawaiopuna Falls from a thrilling helicopter tour. Each tour provides a unique perspective on this legendary filming location, showcasing the incredible beauty of Kauai's landscape. Perfect for nature lovers and movie fans alike! Book your tour today and explore this must-see destination!

Hanalei Bay

Experience the beauty of Hanalei Town and explore this island's gem graced with a rich history and peaceful green landscapes. From taro fields to the Hanalei Mountains, Lagoon and Pier, there are a few amazing tours and activities in Hanalei to choose from that will be sure to delight people all ages. See where the classic movie musical "South Pacific" was filmed or get easy access to the coast and cliffs of Na Pali or simply relax and experience the northern sunset that Hanalei is known for.

Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls forms two distinct cascades near the head of the Wailua River. These streams drop 200 feet, churning up heavy clouds of mist that often form rainbow colors over the river's surface below. Many visitors already familiar with Wailua Falls due to their appearance in the popular television series, "Fantasy Island".

Wailua River

The serene Wailua River flows down the east side of Kauai, past lush jungles and cascading waterfalls rushing from the wettest spot on earth, Mt. Waialeale. A paradise for kayakers, with relatively calm water and plenty to see along the way, the Wailua River attracts leisure travelers and adventurers alike.

Opaekaa Falls

Opaekaa Falls is a beautiful, 150-foot waterfall found in Wailua. Known for being one of Kauai's most easily accessible waterfalls, you can view the majestic falls from a vista conveniently located on the side of Kuamoo Road. The name "opae-kaa" (shrimp-rolling) comes from the days when there were many freshwater shrimp in the stream, a lot of which would roll down the waterfall into the pool below. Opaekaa Falls flows year round, so it's worth visiting for anyone on the East Side.

Poipu Beach

Poipu Beach is hailed as one of the best beaches in the United States, and with good reason. It's perpetually sunny weather and calm shallow water attract snorkeling fans, swimmers and vacationers of all ages. When most people close their eyes and imagine a beach in Kauai, they are thinking of Poipu Beach.

Spouting Horn

This spectacular natural geyser forms when waves push under a shelf of volcanic rock, causing a pillar of water to rush upward. Blowholes like Spouting Horn, found elsewhere throughout Hawaii, are created when remnants of an ancient lava tube succumbs to tidal forces and erosion, finally producing an opening through which rushing sea water can emerge from. Visitors often enjoy the challenge of timing the perfect photo to catch a rainbow that flashes as the Spouting Horn erupts.

Hanapepe

"Kauai's biggest little town!" Hanapepe is an old settlement on the southwest coast of Kauai. Seemingly surrounded by plantation lands, Hanapepe is home to Port Allen Harbor and Port Allen Airport, as well as the famous Glass Beach, which was created by years of discarded glass being smoothed by the ocean and turned into a sand-like texture. The town's quaint charm and authentic historical aesthetic inspired the setting of the Disney film "Lilo & Stitch."

Kalalau Lookout

Kalalau Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys of the Na Pali Coast, is accessible only via an 11-mile hiking trail that begins in Haena State Park on the North Shore and continues along the Na Pali Coast. The Kalalau Trail is the only way to access Kalalau Beach, as boat landings aren't permitted. The Valley can also be viewed from Kalalau Lookout, located in Kokee State Park, or from a helicopter tour, most of which fly past the Na Pali Coast.

Lehua Crater

Lehua Crater is a sunken atoll off the North coast of Niihau, directly West of Kauai. A restricted Hawaii State Wildlife Sanctuary, Lehua's crescent shape makes it an excellent spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. This hidden gem is a definite "must-see" for anyone visiting the Garden Isle! Fans of Maui's famous Molokini Islet should definitely set their sights on Kauai's next big snorkeling destination.

Kilauea Lighthouse

Visit the historic Kilauea Point Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge, where you can enjoy breathtaking ocean views and observe native Hawaiian seabirds in their natural habitat.

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51 Activities Availability varies by date for all activities.

Kauai East & South Shore Private Guided Sightseeing Tour with Expert Local Guide

USD 1,146.60

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Get ready to witness the beautiful views of Kauai's south & east side on a 6-hour private charter

Head to a variety of locations including the famed Wailua River State Park and Hanapepe Town

Pick-up Provided

Morning

5 - 7 hour(s)

Mon / Tue / Wed / Thu / Fri / Sat Only

Kauai West & South Shore Private Guided Sightseeing Tour with Expert Local Guide

USD 1,146.60

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Uncover the beauty of Kauai's south and west shores on a 6-hour private guided sightseeing tour

Make your way to a number of iconic destinations like Waimea Canyon, Poipu Beach and Hanapepe Town

Pick-up Provided

Morning

5 - 7 hour(s)

Mon / Tue / Wed / Thu / Fri / Sat Only

Ultimate Full-Day Kauai Guided Private & Fully Customized Sightseeing Tour

USD 2,089.00

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Enjoy up to 12 hours of personalized sightseeing around Kauai's best locations with a private guide

Head out to see the island's scenic beauty with visits to the south, north, east, and west shores

Pick-up Provided

Meal Provided

Morning

10 - 12 hour(s)

Mon / Tue / Wed / Thu / Fri / Sat Only

Na Pali Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Open Bar - Kauai Sea Tours

USD 190.25

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Head out on a 4 hour sunset cruise along the Na Pali Coast on a speedy catamaran

A delicious meal before sunset, and variety of drinks from the open

Meal Provided

Afternoon

4 - 4.5 hour(s)

Daily

Na Pali Rafting & Snorkel Tour with Exclusive Beach Landing - Kauai Sea Tours

USD 277.22

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Explore the remote shores of the Na Pali Coast on a 6 hour snorkel and rafting adventure

Land at Nualolo Kai and visit an ancient Hawaiian fishing village with an exclusive landing permit

Meal Provided

Morning

6.5 hour(s)

Daily

Kauai Sea Tours Na Pali Coast Snorkel Cruise with Breakfast & Open Bar [Apr-Dec]

4.00 (1)

USD 211.99

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Ride the fastest boat along the Na Pali Coast on a 4.5 hour morning snorkeling cruise

Enjoy a tasty breakfast sandwich and an open bar on the best Kauai boat tour to the Na Pali Coast

Meal Provided

Morning

5.5 hour(s)

Daily

Wings Over Kauai - Kauai Private Airplane Sightseeing Tour on Cessna

USD 199.00

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See Kauai's natural wonders from the Air! Fly over Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, waterfalls & more!

All flights are private tours

Morning / Afternoon

1 hour(s)

Tue Only

Private Customized Kauai Hiking Eco-Adventures with Expert Local Guide

From USD 397.91

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Choose a personalized private Kauai hiking tour with multiple different options to fit your schedule

Explore the best hiking spots on Kauai with a knowledgable and expert local guide

Pick-up Provided

Morning / Afternoon / Evening

1 - 9 hour(s)

Daily

Air Kauai Helicopter Tours Private Charter

USD 2,492.00

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Discover Kauai's best sights from above with Air Kauai Helicopter Tours

Fly in a helicopter above Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast

Morning / Afternoon / Evening

Weekdays Only

Kauai Helicopter Rental & Private Charter Flight from Lihue - Blue Hawaiian

USD 3,900.00

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Explore the island of Kauai by air on a fully customizable private helicopter tour from Honolulu

Perfect for special occasions, create lasting memories for wedding proprosals, birthdays, and more

Morning / Afternoon

Daily, Wheelchair accessible

Two-Tank Scuba Diving Boat Tour from Poipu - Seasport Divers

From USD 259.11

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Morning / Afternoon

4.5 - 5 hour(s)

Daily

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Top-Rated Activities for Kauai

Kauai Backcountry Adventures Mountain Tubing Tour with Lunch

USD 163.35

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Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment

USD 35.00

(386)

Smith's Family Garden Luau - Polynesian & Fire Show, Dinner and Open Bar

From USD 30.00

(305)

Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

USD 144.99

(140)

Liko Kauai Snorkel Cruises - Na Pali Coast Boat Tour & Sea Cave Adventure

From USD 182.03

(94)

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Kauai Eco Adventure Flight from Lihue

From USD 409.00

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Kauai Jurassic ATV Tour at Kipu Ranch - Ultimate Mountain Off-Road Adventure

From USD 211.90

(67)

Private Kauai Doors On & Off Na Pali Coast Air Tour - Mauna Loa Helicopter

USD 359.00

(9)

Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation - Polynesian Dinner Show & Fire Knife Dance

From USD 179.06

(78)

Air Kauai Helicopter Tours - Scenic Circle Island Flights from Lihue Airport

From USD 280.00

(6)

Kayak Kauai Hanalei River & Blue Lagoon Kayak & Snorkel Adventure