Kauai Vacation Sightseeing Attractions |
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The following Kauai vacation activities are the most popular with first time visitors. There are ranked in priority order from "must do" to "should do". This is based upon our experience of showing family and guests around the island many times. Pictures shown below are thumbnail size and can be enlarged by placing your mouse over the picture and clicking the left mouse button. |
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Helicopter Tour - If you are ever going to do a helicopter tour, Kauai is the place to do it. It is an unforgettable experience. Lower cost tours start around $90 and offer good value. We recommend that guests do this on their last 2-3 days of their stay. By that time they are familiar with many landmarks that they will recognize from the air. It's also a great way to end your vacation. Just don't wait too long in case there is a bad weather day. |
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Napali Boat Tour - Another memorable event with or without snorkeling is a boat tour of the Napali coast. There are half day, full day and sunset cruises available. Views are spectacular. Don't forget sunscreen and seasickness medicine if you are prone to motion sickness. It is especially fun when the whales are in season from December through March. Tours start around $80. More expensive tours go to the neighboring island of Ni'ihau. |
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Waimea Canyon - The canyon is beautiful to see as it looks like a smaller version of the Grand Canyon. Colors vary throughout the day. We recommend that visitors go all the way to the end of the road at Kalalau Lookout. The weather can get pretty bad at the lookout if you don't get there before about 10-11AM. After seeing the Kalalau Lookout, you can then take your time on the return trip, as weather is usually not a factor on the canyon side. Allow time to stop at Koke'e State Park. The museum is well worth seeing. After leaving the museum, the first 6-7 canyon overlooks offer the best views of the canyon. |
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Kalalau Lookout (overlooks the Napali coast) - If you arrive early enough views are spectacular. This is very near the wettest spot in the world, so a rain poncho would be a good idea just in case. We have been there when it is clear, sunny and breezy and you can see for miles. We have also been there when it is rainy, foggy, very windy and totally socked in. On a clear day look for waterfalls and mountain goats. There are two overlooks and both are worth seeing. |
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Wailua Falls - The famous falls where the Fantasy Island opening scene was filmed is convenient and well worth seeing. |
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Ke'e Beach - A beautiful beach at the end of the road (route 56) going up the east side of the island. Like all our beaches, Ke’e can be treacherous, especially during the winter, but it often provides crystal clear, calm waters perfectly suited for swimming and snorkeling. When the surf is low during the summer, it is possible to walk around the point where you can see a magnificent view down the Napali coast. This is also a great place to watch beautiful sunsets. Rumor has it that the sun turns green (i.e. - a green flash) when it sets. We recommend going all the way to Ke'e Beach and taking a leisurely trip back as parking at Ke'e in the afternoon can get crowded. |
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Wet and Dry Caves - Stop on the way back at the wet and dry caves. You can peer into the wet cave from the mouth of the cave whereas you can actually walk into the dry cave for a couple of hundred feet. Foliage on the hillsides about the caves is well worth seeing. There are many isolated beaches on the way back if you want to stop and walk on the beach. |
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Hanalei Valley Overlook - As you come across the double single lane bridges and up the hillside to Princeville, Hanalei Overlook is just across the road and a little before the Princeville Shopping Center. From there you can see a breathtaking view of the valley and river. This is a great place for pictures. |
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Hanalei - A great small town to shop or get something to eat. The pier at Hanalei Bay, shown to the left, is where Mitzi Gaynor sang, "I'm going to wash that man right out of my hair" Hanalei is also where Peter, Paul and Mary stayed for a while in the 60's. They supposedly wrote, "Puff the Magic Dragon" while there. Puff is imaginary image formed by the silhouette of the mountains around Hanalei. Ask any local if you can't find it and they can point it out. |
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Fern Grotto - After docking at the Fern Grotto area, you will take a short walk and arrive at the cave. The entire cave is wrapped around you with beautiful hanging ferns. Smith's provides Hawaiian entertainment at the grotto and either going to or coming from the grotto. Weddings at the Fern Grotto can be arranged through Smith's. |
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Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Sanctuary - The 52-foot Kilauea Lighthouse was constructed in 1913 and its beam once reached 90 miles out to sea. The lighthouse has not been in service since 1976. There is much wildlife to see from the lighthouse viewing area and park rangers offer walking tours daily. It is open Monday - Friday 10 am - 4 pm, closed Saturday and Sunday |
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National Botanical Tropical Gardens - There are 4 gardens, 1 in Florida and 3 on Kauai; McBryde Garden, Allerton Garden and Limahuli Garden. All are a treasure house of tropical flora. You can see rare and endangered Hawaiian species and learn about the efforts to save them. It is a worldwide collection of fascinating plants that is "tropical" at its best. Call for tour information and reservations. |
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Mt. Waialeale Hike - Head inland from Wailua on Kuamoo Road (580) past Opaekaa Falls and the Wailua Reservoir to the Keahua Arboretum. From the arboretum, continue further into the heart of Kauai. The road crosses streams and winds through dense forest to the, "Gate", used in Jurassic Park. Park at the gate and enjoy an easy half hour stroll past wild flowers and gorgeous vistas to the, "Blue Hole", where water is diverted into the irrigation system of Lihue Plantation. There is a total of about 3 miles of walking involved. |
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Offered by
Kauai Beachfront Vacation Rentals
(c) Copyright 2006 |
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