Best Things To Do in Kauai

Kaui is the oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, noted for its outdoor activities and colorful lifestyle. You can start your vacation by connecting with local traditions and taking advantage of the best Luau shows on the Garden Island. I recommend you sign up for this experience, as you will enjoy Hawaiian dishes, knife shows and the typical Hula dancing.

The island is full of fun plans that include kayaking experiences, as well as zip line jumps and airplane rides. Of course, you can't miss the best local beaches, canyon tours and waterfalls in the area. If time permits, take a relaxing cruise and set aside enough time to learn about local history and Hollywood movie locations.

The luau is a Hawaiian tradition celebrated on most of the islands that make up the archipelago. In fact, a visit to Kauai is not complete if it does not include this spectacle. I assure you it is an unforgettable experience that explores the local culture, cuisine and history. It can even include a feast with traditional dishes such as poke, poi, saimin, Hawaiian pie, laulau meat and more. For approximately three and a half hours you can enjoy a party under the stars, while the Pacific breeze tucks you in.

The best luau shows on Kauai often include hula dancers, a dance of spiritual connection to ancient Hawaii. You'll also enjoy fire knife shows by the Cariocas and a craft fair. They are usually held at plantations, beaches, cruise ships and major hotels.

This exclusive activity starts at 153 euros and is very special because it gives you access to the plantation tents. In addition, locals usually greet tourists with the Lei greeting, an emotional and warm welcoming gesture. If you are looking for things to do in Kauai with kids, you can take them to this theater show that will capture their attention.

While strolling around Kauai you are sure to see many people exploring the waterways. Most choose to enjoy an exciting adventure, aboard canoes on the Wailua River. This type of experience is ideal, since by kayak you can access Kamokila Village, a traditional Hawaiian village. In fact, it is a village that recreates the old communities that have disappeared, with the aim of preserving local traditions. If you dare to try a shot of adrenaline, I recommend spending at least six hours, as the island has lush stops that are worth it.

Adventurers sign up for a jungle trek to reach the Ulewehi or Secrets Falls waterfall. The scenery is amazing and safe for the whole family, but it is dangerous to go under the falls because you might get bitten by an animal. Its location is difficult to get to and for this reason I do not recommend going on your own, as you can get lost in the streams and forests. The best local tours and excursions are ideal if you want to prioritize your safety, usually you will have a local guide, a lifeguard and the necessary equipment at all times.

An aerial tour is an experience not to be missed, especially if you are on vacation in Kauai. It is the fastest way to tour the island, to enjoy panoramic views and not miss any detail. It usually allows you to spend about 70 minutes flying over iconic locations such as Waimea Canyon, Opaekaa Falls, the rugged Na Pa coastline, the Eucalyptus Tree Tunnel and Waita Reservoir.

Generally, before takeoff you will be provided with a two-way headset to give you information of interest as you fly over the most iconic attractions. Keep your eyes on the scenery, so you don't miss the rolling hills and crystal clear waters of the Hanalei Valley. From the heights you can also appreciate the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and view the spot where Captain Cook, the explorer who discovered the island, is believed to have landed. If you dare to live this experience, you can find options from 141 euros.

Hawaiian gastronomy offers an explosion of flavors for all tastes, ideal to delight your palate. You cannot leave the island without tasting its colorful dishes, full of surprises. I recommend leaving the comfort of the hotel to explore local proposals and artisanal food. The best way to live this experience is through a tasting at different points of the island. This way, you will meet Hawaiian chefs and native farmers who prepare food in the traditional way.

If you are passionate about food, this activity is definitely for you. Give yourself the opportunity to explore the south, north and west of the island, in search of the dishes of each area. Of course, you can take the opportunity to try the famous Hawaiian poke, a salad with raw fish that has become popular for its benefits for the brain. In general, Hawaiian food is healthy and specialties based on chicken, fish, rice, tropical fruits and ginger are served.

Ziplining is an activity that will raise your heart rate, but it is definitely worth it. It will allow you to jump like an acrobat from the longest and most challenging zip lines on the island, to enjoy unparalleled panoramic views. At all times you will have a harness, so it is a safe experience, but for health reasons it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with serious conditions.

It is an activity recommended for adventurers, as it is full of adrenaline. You can do pirouettes with your hands free, although some skill and safety is required. Generally, you will fly over the Waita reservoir, on the south coast of the island. It's private property, so you can only visit via Kauai's best tours and excursions. The experience is generally available from €149 and usually lasts three hours, so it fits into short itineraries.

Kauai is famous for its film history, as its beautiful hills, mountains, rivers and canyons have been the ideal focus for filming independent movies as well as Hollywood blockbusters. You can't miss an interesting tour of the famous locations that were used as film sets. You can do it on your own, or sign up for the best tours and excursions that organize detailed itineraries starting at 155 euros.

It's ideal for soaking up unpublished anecdotes from your favorite movies, as the island was used to film Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Descendants, Indiana Jones, Avatar and more. While you discover curious facts, you can take pictures to immortalize the moment, as well as appreciate the virgin bays, wildlife and the beauty of the jungle that surrounds this Hawaiian promise. If you have at least 7 days in Kauai, you have to consider this option.

Kauai is an excellent starting point to venture to other destinations, due to its privileged location. Therefore, there is nothing better than taking a combination cruise to the imposing Waimea Canyon. It differs because you will be able to mix the experience by land and water, to appreciate the island from different perspectives. You will sail along the blue coast to enjoy adrenaline-filled attractions and a stroll through the old town of Koloa with beachfront resorts and a rustic village surrounded by small stores.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the Opaekaa waterfall, the Spouting Horn natural fire and water show and the Fern Grotto hanging fern cave. You can take advantage of the best local tours and excursions, although this shore tour is only available to Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America passengers. This is a luxury cruise ship that sails from Honolulu and flies the U.S. flag.

Kōkeʻe State Park is a must stop, especially if you're looking for things to do with kids on Kauai. Leave the paradise beaches behind, to head to the north of the island. It offers quiet trails where you can camp for around 10 euros, if you prefer you can rent a cabin with privileged views.

You can enjoy a hiking route and visit the Natural History Museum, open since 1953 with free access for all public. It has topographic maps, botanical engravings and information on flora and fauna species. You can take the opportunity to get to know the rainforests and explore the local treasures that surround it.

The island is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, where you can cool off and have a good time. In the middle of the rainforest there is no excuse to pass by the waterfalls, as they are majestic and worth appreciating. There are many options available with outdoor activities and breathtaking views. The most important thing to evaluate is the intensity of the trails you must hike, in order to reach these natural enclaves.

It is an ideal activity if you are looking for things to do in Kauai at night, as you can spend the night camping on the cliffs. The most attractive waterfalls that you can't miss include:

• Wailua Falls: they are one of the best known, due to their prime location in the Kalepa Mountain Forest Preserve. Many travelers visit this waterfall early in the morning to enjoy the natural spectacle of rainbows.
• Opaekaa Falls: it is easily accessible from any point of the island, with a natural blue pool. It offers observation areas, picnic tables and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Hanakapiai Falls: less known and more remote, but totally worth it. Prepare your hiking boots and water shoes, to walk in the bamboo forests and discover the geology of the area. Please note that the trails are slippery and not recommended for children.
• Mount Waialeale Falls: enjoy the rippling waters and emerald green moss of these beautiful falls on a family experience through the wet mountains of Kauai.

Kauai is a quintessential beach destination, as it is surrounded by Hawaii's best beaches. Hidden among the jungles and canyons are glistening shores of soft sand, with activities for the whole family. Before heading out to the beach you can check the official weather website for temperatures, wind and surf conditions. If you like to dive or enjoy aquatic experiences, you have many options to choose from.

In general, the best beaches on Kauai include:

• Ke'e Beach: an ideal destination if you plan to stay 3 days in Kauai, as weekends here are an incomparable experience. It has a reef that protects the shores, creating ideal conditions for snorkeling or swimming.
• Poipu: probably the best, at least considering the large number of tourists that visit it every year.
• Anini: enjoy a stroll along this beautiful beach where the sunsets will leave you speechless, here you can camp or practice paddle surfing and windsurfing.
• Kealia Beach Park: its golden sand contrasts with the amazing landscape, it also borders the curve of the famous Highway 56.

• The island enjoys good temperatures most of the year, ranging from 21° to 29°. In addition, the ocean water stays warm, ideal for families to enjoy.
• I recommend renting a car, as public transportation can be limited.
• Kauai is a microclimate island, meaning that the weather conditions and temperatures of the beaches are not the same as those of the mountains and canyons.
• The most expensive months to travel are from July to August, if you plan to travel to Kauai at Christmas time you should also consider that prices increase considerably due to seasonal themed events.
• If you are looking for things to do in Kauai in December, you can enjoy the Christmas parades and celebrate New Year's Eve.
• The island is divided into south, north, east and west. In the south it is always sunny and the chances of rain are low, while the north offers the best local sights. In the east you can find good value accommodation, while the west is the most remote and difficult to access area.