Why visit the island of Kauai and what activities are there to enjoy there? Read on in this chapter.

The 10 best hotels on Kauai

Hiking and natural beauty

Kauai is nicknamed the ‘Garden Island’, which means that its main attraction is its beautiful, evergreen and flower-filled natural landscape.

Kauai is a paradise for lovers of spectacular scenery, which ranks amongst themost beautiful in the world. The island is criss-crossed by a network of hiking trails and is rightly considered one of the hiking paradises of the entire Pacific region.

Easy and short treks

If you’re not particularly fit, it doesn’t matter at all. On Kauai, there are dozens of kilometres of easy, short trails, typically leading from a car park to a viewpoint or a waterfall.

The most popular areas for short treks are the iconic nature parks on the west and north sides of the island, which boast the most beautiful scenery:

• Kokee State Park
• Waimea Canyon

On the eastern, more developed side of the island, you can go for short walks, particularly around the town of Wailua in the localWailua River State Park, where beautiful paths along the river and through dense forests await you.

The south coast is ideal for leisurely coastal walks. Among the most popular are the trails alongMakawehiBeach near the resort of Poipu.

Another easy, short route is the 1.5 km trail through dense rainforest to the Makaleha Falls, not far from the town of Kapa’a, heading inland.

Challenging treks

Kauai is a paradise for true hiking enthusiasts who love challenging, long routes lasting a whole day or even several days. The reward, however, is always scenery that is almost unimaginable to us Central Europeans.

The absolute holy grail of hiking on Kauai is the Nā Pali Coast, along which winds one of the most beautiful treks in the USA and the Pacific, known as the Kalalau Trail.

You can spend just a few hours on it, or even as long as three days. It takes you deep into the heart of the most authentic and beautiful wilderness, untouched by human civilisation. However, you’ll need to be in good physical shape, have the right kit and know your own limits.

Another area ideal for day-long and multi-day hikes is the aforementioned Kokee State Park, as well as the nearby Waimea Canyon, where gruelling climbs await you, rewarded by the experience of being in a landscape untouched by human hands.

For connoisseurs, there is also a journey into the island’s mysterious interior, where *Jurassic Park* was filmed. The caldera beneath the Waialeale massif, with its vertical walls rising over 1,000 metres, ranks among the finest spots on Kauai. However, the journey here is truly demanding, both physically and in terms of driving skills.

Beaches and swimming

The Hawaiian Islands lie in the tropics and, as well as their breathtaking natural beauty, are also renowned for their stunning beaches and swimming in the Pacific Ocean.

Kauai’s beaches will particularly delight those who love swimming in natural settings away from the city and enjoying stunning panoramic views. Virtually all of Kauai’s beaches are covered infine golden or white sand, though some are made up of black lava rocks.

On most beaches near towns and villages, you’ll find at least one refreshment stall and a lifeguard, as well as shops selling beach or surfing equipment and public toilets. On the other hand, sun lounger and parasol hire isn’t very common on Hawaiian beaches.

Swimmingis safe on beaches sheltered by coves; however, swimming in the open sea is strongly discouraged, particularly along the north and west coasts, where there are strong currents.

You can swim in the sea all year round, but during the summer (May–October) the sea is significantly calmer and the water is crystal-clear. In winter, however, the sea is often rough with large waves and murky water.

The most beautiful beaches on Kauai

Take a look at our selection of the top beaches on Kauai, for which we’ve put together separate mini-guides:

• Hanalei Bay – the island’s most popular beach, set in a quiet cove; spacious, long and with all the amenities you need in the nearby village
• Tunnels Beach – a beautiful beach with breathtaking scenery, in a peaceful spot with excellent conditions for snorkelling
• Poipu Beach Park – a popular ‘town’ beach right in the small town of Poipu, with all amenities, good transport links and luxury resorts
• Kauapea Beach – a seemingly completely secluded beach with a nearby lighthouse and varied coastline, yet still easily accessible by car
• Polihale State Park – the longest and most remote beach, completely off the beaten track, with stunning surroundings and very few visitors

Scenic flights along the Nā Pali Coast

The island of Kauai is one of the most beautiful places in the world; whilst it’s great to explore it from the ground, you’ll truly appreciate its beauty best from the air. When it comes to sightseeing flights along the Nā Pali Coast, it really isn’t worth worrying about the price – the excitement, the beauty and the unforgettable experience far outweigh the higher cost.

Bear in mind that the best time for a sightseeing flight over the Nā Pali Coast is in the morning and early afternoon (around 9 am to 12 noon), when there are very few clouds.

On Kauai, you actually have two options for sightseeing flights; we definitely recommend the first one – a helicopter flight.

Helicopter flight over Kauai

Of all the sightseeing flights, helicopter flights are the most popular. This is because helicopters have the best manoeuvrability. They can get closer to the coast, hover in one spot or circle in small loops above the most beautiful cliffs and mountains.

With helicopters, you essentially have two options – the classic enclosed helicopter and the so-called ‘off-door’ helicopter, i.e. one without doors. The second option is certainly much better for taking the best photos and is no less safe; naturally, you’ll be securely strapped in.

Helicopter flights usually lastbetween 50 and 65 minutes andtake in the whole island, including the Na Pali Coast, a flight over Waimea Canyon and over Kauai’s highest peak, Mount Waialeale.

• Enclosed helicopter flight – 220 usd to 250 usd
• Door-off helicopter flight – 330 usd to 360 usd

Examples of companies organising helicopter flights over Kauai; most of them offer online booking with a small discount:

• Jack Harter Helicopters (flights from Lihue in door-off helicopters)
• Island Helicopters Kauai (flights from Lihue in enclosed helicopters)
• iFly Kauai(flights in both open-door and enclosed helicopters from Lihue and Princeville)

Flying over Kauai by plane

If, for whatever reason, you’re not keen on helicopters, you can also take a sightseeing flight over Kauai in a small, single-engine Cessna. The downside compared to a helicopter is that the flight is faster, manoeuvrability is poorer and the experience is therefore less intense – though still absolutely brilliant. On the other hand, prices are half those of helicopter flights and are around 135 usd for a flight lasting about an hour.

Examples of companies organising plane flights over Kauai; most of them allow online booking with a small discount:

• Air Ventures
• Wings over Kauai

The popular hang-gliding flights have been temporarily suspended due to overcrowding in the airspace above Kauai.

Kayaking trips

Kayaking is one of the most popular activities on Kauai, both at sea and on the local rivers. You’ve already explored the island from land and from the air; now it’s time to see it from the water.

There are several agencies on Kauai organising guided trips as well as offering kayak hire. We definitely recommend a guided trip, especially if you’re setting out on a sea kayaking trip along the Na Pali Coast. The currents here are treacherous and the trips cover many kilometres, so having expert guidance and, if necessary, assistance in an emergency is practically essential. Sea trips are only possible from May to October.

The guide never paddles in a kayak directly alongside you, but has their own boat.

Price examples

• 12-hour trip along the Na Pali coast: 250 usd to 300 usd
• Wailua River trip: 90 usd to 120 usd
• Kayak hire (available on the Wailua River only): 110 usd

You can book a kayaking trip with agencies such as Kayak Kauai, Outfitters Kauaior Kayak Wailua.

Snorkelling

The waters around the Hawaiian Islands are ideal for easy snorkelling for beginners, and Kauai is no exception. You don’t need to pay for expensive boat trips; simply buy a snorkel for 20 usd from one of the many shops and head to one of the fantastic snorkelling beaches.

The best spots for exploring the underwater world include the following beaches:

• Tunnels Beach on the north coast
• Poipu Beach Park on the south coast

You can expect to see mainly shoals of small, colourful fish and small coral reefs.

Surfing

The Hawaiian Islands are a mecca and the birthplace of surfing, and of course you can enjoy some great surfing on Kauai too, even though it is perhaps one of the least well-known spots among all the major Hawaiian islands. That still means, however, that Kauai offers some of the best surfing conditions in the Pacific.

Kauai is the ideal place forbeginners and those who just want to give surfing a go. The conditions here are gentler than on Oahu or the Big Island, but still absolutely brilliant for getting to know professional surfing.

The best spots are in Hanalei Bay in the north, Poipu in the south, or Kealia Beach near the town of Kapa’a, although the conditions there are mainly suitable for more experienced surfers.

Examples of surf schools on Kauai:

• Kauai Surf School (Poipu)
• Endless Summer Surf School (Poipu)
• Hanalei Surf School (Hanalei)