15 Jaw Dropping Outdoor Aventures In Kauai

After three trips to Kauai, I’ve experienced the island in just about every way: I’ve stayed in hotels and Airbnbs, and I’ve even camped under the stars. No matter how you do it, this island is a dream if you love being outside. Each time I visit, I discover a new trail, beach, or hidden gem—and I’m constantly blown away by how wild and beautiful this place is.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering how to soak up as much of Kauai’s outdoors as possible, I’ve got you. From waterfalls and beaches to jungle hikes and river kayaking, these are my favorite outdoor adventures on the island, based on firsthand experience.

Wondering what to pack? Check out my Hawaii packing list next!

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Best Things to do in Kauai – Mapped!

1. Hike to Hanakapi’ai Falls

I first did this hike back in 2005, before I really considered myself a hiker—and I’ll be honest, it kicked my butt. It’s an 8-mile round trip with serious elevation, muddy sections, and multiple river crossings. But it’s also one of the most scenic and rewarding hikes on the island.

The trail starts on the famous Kalalau Trail along the Nā Pali Coast. The first two miles hug the coastline with sweeping ocean views until you reach Hanakapi’ai Beach. From there, you turn inland and follow Hanakapi’ai Stream up the valley. The next two miles are a lot more rugged: you’ll wade through rivers, scramble over boulders, and follow an unmaintained path until you finally reach the 500-foot Hanakapi’ai Falls—a towering cascade with a chilly pool at the base that’s perfect for a refreshing (and cold!) dip.

This hike requires a permit, even for a day hike. You can apply up to 30 days in advance on the Division of State Parks website. It’s also part of the longer Kalalau Trail, so you might see backpackers heading out for multi-day trips. But for most people, the falls make a great day adventure—if you’re prepared.

Important tips:

It’s a challenging but unforgettable hike—and if you’re up for the adventure, it’s easily one of the best things to do on Kauai.

2. Chill at Hideaways Beach

One of my favorite things to do in Kauai is hunt for quiet, tucked-away beaches—and Hideaways is exactly that. This little stretch of white sand near Princeville is a bit of a hidden gem, just around the bluff from the old St. Regis Hotel (now 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay).

It’s not the easiest beach to access, which is probably why it stays relatively uncrowded. You’ll need to navigate a steep, sometimes muddy trail with ropes to help you down. Wear sturdy sandals or shoes you’re comfortable hiking in—flip-flops aren’t ideal here.

Parking is super limited (a small lot near the trailhead only fits a few cars), so your best bet is to arrive early in the morning or be prepared to wait for a spot to open up.

Once you’re down there, you’ll find soft sand, turquoise water, and often just a handful of other people.

3. Spend a day in Hanalei

Every time I visit Kauai, I make a point to spend some time in Hanalei. It’s one of those places that just has a good vibe—laid-back, a little artsy, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on the island.

I love wandering through the local shops and art galleries, grabbing a coffee or fresh juice, and trying whatever food spot catches my eye. There’s a great mix of boutiques selling everything from surf gear to handmade jewelry, and you can usually catch live music in the evenings at one of the bars or cafes.

Just beyond town is Hanalei Bay, a massive crescent-shaped beach that’s perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just laying in the sun.

4. Take a dip in the Queen’s Bath

Queen’s Bath is one of those places that looks incredible in photos—and it really is stunning in person. It’s a natural tide pool carved into lava rock, with crystal-clear water and dramatic ocean views. But I’ll say this up front: it can also be really dangerous.

On a calm day, it’s an amazing spot to explore and take a dip. The trail to get there is short but steep and often muddy, especially after rain. Wear shoes with good grip, and be prepared to scramble over rocks once you reach the coastline.

I timed my visit with low tide and zero surf – which are the only conditions you should consider swimming in here. If there’s any surf, even a little, stay out. The ocean can send surprise waves crashing over the rocks, and people have been swept out to sea here. There’s a sign at the trailhead that tracks how many lives have been lost—it’s sobering, but it’s there for a reason.

If you’re visiting in summer when the North Shore is typically calmer, you might catch it on a safe day. Just be sure to check the surf report and use your best judgment.

5. Hike the Mahaulepu Beach Trail

The Mahaulepu Beach Trail ended up being my favorite coastal hike on the island. It starts at Shipwreck Beach, just north of the Grand Hyatt in Poipu, and follows the coastline for about two miles. The first part climbs up onto the cliffs, giving you awesome views of the South Shore right away.

You can turn around whenever you want, but the farther you go, the quieter and more scenic it gets. About halfway in, the trail skirts the edge of a golf course—just hug the cliffs and you’ll pick the path back up as it drops down again.

Eventually, you’ll reach a beautiful stretch of white sand where you might spot endangered monk seals resting on the beach. If you do, make sure to give them plenty of space—for their safety and yours.

If there are any seals on the beach, give them their space for their protection and your safety.

6. Go Snorkeling at Poipu Beach Park

Snorkeling is a must-do in Kauai, and Poipu Beach Park is a great choice. On my first Kauai adventure, some locals took me to this spot, and it totally lived up to the hype—I snorkeled with sea turtles, big parrotfish, beautiful coral, and tons of other marine life.

Poipu Beach is split into two areas: a swimming beach and a more protected snorkeling zone right in front of the Marriott Waiohai Beach Club. I rented a mask, snorkel, and fins for the day and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach.

A few reminders if you go: don’t touch or stand on the coral, avoid getting too close to any turtles or other wildlife, and always follow Leave No Trace principles—on land and in the ocean.

Also, make sure to use reef-safe sunscreen (ThinkSport is a great brand) to help protect the fragile ecosystem. 

7. Take Surf Lessons with Kauai Surf School

If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, Poipu Beach is a great beginner-friendly place to start. Unfortunately, I was all signed up for a lesson with Kauai Surf School, but I got an ear infection that kept me out of the water.

The beach here isn’t too crowded, which means you won’t feel like you’re putting on a show while learning. Lessons are open to all ages, so it’s also a fun activity if you’re traveling with family.

8. Visit Kauai Coffee

We did the Kauai Coffee Company tour on a gloomy day when hanging at the beach didn’t sound appealing—and it ended up being such a fun and relaxing experience. The self-guided walking tour takes you through the coffee fields and gives a behind-the-scenes look at how their beans are grown and processed.

You can sample a bunch of different roasts (for free!) and pick up some fresh coffee to bring home. It’s a great low-key activity when the weather isn’t ideal or you just want a chill break from adventuring.

9. Hike the Sleeping Giant trail

This hike definitely got me sweating—the humidity was no joke—but the views from the top were absolutely worth it. The Sleeping Giant Trail (also called the Nounou Trail) climbs through lush forest with a steady incline that’ll get your heart rate up.

It’s about 3.5 miles round trip, and once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the coastline and interior mountains. The trail can be a bit slippery in spots, especially after rain, so wear good shoes and bring plenty of water.

It’s a solid morning hike if you want a bit of a challenge without spending the whole day on the trail.

10. Take a Doors-off Helicopter Tour with Jack Harter

The doors-off helicopter tour with Jack Harter was one of the best things we did in Kauai. It was such an amazing adventure! Flying over Kauai with nothing between me and the views was unreal—especially over the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and the waterfalls deep in the interior that you just can’t see any other way.

It’s definitely an adrenaline rush, but I never felt unsafe. The perspective you get from the air really shows you how wild and remote parts of the island still are. If you’re even slightly considering it, do it. Just be prepared—it gets windy and chilly up there, so wear layers and secure anything that could fly away.

Apart from being thrilling, the doors-off option allows you to get the best photos from up high with no glare from the windows.

11. Kayak Wailua River to Wailua Falls

Canoeing up the Wailua River was such a fun adventure—and a solid workout, too. We paddled about two miles upstream through lush, jungle-lined riverbanks before reaching the trailhead to Wailua Falls. You can also do it by kayak or paddleboard, but I liked the rhythm (and challenge) of the canoe.

From there, it’s about a 30-minute hike to the falls. The trail is moderate, but expect it to be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Once you arrive, you’re rewarded with a beautiful double-tiered waterfall tucked deep in the forest. It’s a great spot to cool off and snap some photos.

Pack a bathing suit, bug spray, a couple light layers, and a dry bag if you’re bringing a camera. You can rent canoes or kayaks from Kayak Kauai if you’re going without a tour.

Bring your bathing suit, bug repellent, a few layers, and your camera to capture this beautiful spot. You can rent kayaks from Kayak Kauai.

12. Hike to Ho’opi’i Falls

This was a flat, easy trail through a beautiful forest with massive trees—and a peaceful change of pace from some of Kauai’s more rugged hikes. The Ho’opi’i Falls trail is about 2 miles out and back, running alongside a river and through dense greenery before ending at a small but scenic waterfall.

The trail can get muddy, and if you plan to climb down to the base of the falls (totally worth it), you’ll want solid shoes with good grip. Bring a towel and a change of clothes if you’re thinking about swimming.

Parking is limited and in a residential area, so be respectful—don’t block driveways. Also, make sure to stay on the marked trail, as the surrounding land is private property.

13. Explore the hiking trails in Koke’e State Park

Koke’e State Park is home to some of Kauai’s most iconic trails—including the Awaʻawapuhi Trail, which would’ve been my top pick. Unfortunately, when we visited, heavy rain had made the trails muddy and unsafe, so we had to skip it.

We did hike the Alaka’i Swamp Trail, which was a cool experience, but incoming fog totally blocked the views at the end—classic Kauai weather luck. On a clear day, though, both of these hikes offer unreal views of the Nā Pali Coast, with dramatic cliffs dropping straight to the ocean.

If you want to explore this area, I’d plan for at least one or two full days. The hiking is incredible when the conditions are right, and the scenic overlooks along the drive are worth the trip alone. Be sure to check current trail conditions on the Koke’e State Park website before you go.

14. Take a Zodiac Tour of Na Pali Coast with Captain Andy

We did Captain Andy’s Raft Day Expedition, and I loved just about everything about it. Cruising along the Nā Pali Coast in a zodiac boat was such an unforgettable adventure—the cliffs are even more dramatic from the water, and we were able to get right into sea caves that larger boats can’t access. We also lucked out and saw a pod of dolphins up close, which was a total highlight.

The ride can be rough depending on the swell, so if you’re prone to seasickness, I’d recommend ginger tablets the night before and the morning of, or using Sea-Bands for extra support.

The only part I found a little underwhelming was the snorkeling. The visibility wasn’t great the day we went, and the marine life wasn’t quite as impressive as some other spots on the island. But the rest of the tour more than made up for it.

If you’re looking for a smoother ride, Captain Andy’s also offers sailing trips that are more relaxed but still give you those epic Nā Pali views.

15. Explore Waimea Canyon State Park

Visiting Waimea Canyon State Park is a must-do on your Kauai trip. The contrast of the deep red canyon walls against the lush green vegetation is something you have to see in person—it’s often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” for good reason.

I recommend carving out time to do at least one hike here. The Iliau Nature Loop is an easy option with amazing views right off the bat, while the Kukui Trail takes you down into the canyon if you’re up for more of a workout.

There’s a $5 per person entrance fee, plus a parking fee if you plan to explore the trails and overlooks. Totally worth it for the scenery you get in return.

Kauai Trip Planning Resources

• This book by Andrew Doughty is THE Kauai travel planning bible! I highly recommend you purchase it for your trip and download their app to your phone. It’s the only Kauai guidebook you’ll need.
• If you’re thinking about renting a camper van, be sure to read about my van rental experience here

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What are some adventures on your Kauai bucketlist? Leave a comment below!