The Na Pali Coastline is one of the Kauai attractions that can be enjoyed on foot. However, nothing compares to the thrill and sights you will encounter while either on a boat tour or helicopter tour of the Na Pali Coast. These castle-like, velvet green cliffs provide an inspiring backdrop for boat tours (including whale watching from December through April and sea cave excursions when ocean conditions are right), while close up views of the hundreds of waterfalls and steep canyons are be viewed by helicopter.
Parents with young children flock to the protected waters of Poipu’s “Baby Beach,” and couples will especially appreciate the romantic qualities that are inspired from the natural beauty of Kauai. If you enjoy hiking, add the Na Pali’s Kalalau Trail to your “things to do on Kauai” list. Many families hike the first two miles past to a waterfall and secluded cove, while the most adventurous of hikers go the full 11 miles, camping along the way. Anyway you look at it, the Na Pali coast makes for the perfect Kauai vacation.
Many cultural festivals can be experienced at shopping centers throughout the Island, while nightlife is active at the resorts and the Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa (near the North Shore.)
Na Pali Coast
The Na Pali Coast is known for its jagged cliffs that drop thousands of feet down into the ocean. Kauai literally means “the cliffs” and there is no shortage on the Na Pali Coast. The landscape of the Na Pali Coast makes it difficult to reach yet adds to the beauty of Kauai, which is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands
To reach the Na Pali Coast you will need a sense of adventure instead of set of car keys. Half the fun in this Hawaiian adventure is getting there. Hiking tours, kayaking tours, boating tours or by Kauai helicopter tours are the best ways to reach this beautiful coast.
Once on Kauai, plan on a fun filled day of snorkeling, hiking, boating or fine dining; just to name a few things to do in Kauai. Boating and sailing on the Na Pali Coast are activities that few tourist pass up. Let the tour guides impress you with their knowledge of the area while enjoying one of the relaxing and scenic Kauai activities. Na Pali boat tours are the best when it comes to viewing marine life and ocean sightseeing in Kauai. No wonder the Na Pali Coast is one of the top 10 Hawaii attractions.
Kauai snorkeling is one of the most popular Kauai activities. Kauai is home to hundreds of varieties of fish and marine life. Because of its remote location, the Na Pali Coast is the most desirable area for snorkeling in Kauai. Kauai snorkeling tours on the North Shore are extremely popular. A Kauai snorkeling tour is an activity that should be at the top of your list of things to do in Kauai.
A Na Pali Coast sailing adventure is plenty of fun, yet relaxing. Kauai dinner cruises and Kauai snorkeling tours are usually described as the best Kauai activities. Top 10 Hawaii Attractions provides discounts on Kauai dinner sunset cruises, allowing you to save money. We have a great selection of Na Pali tours at discounted prices.
Maybe you’d rather start your adventure with a Na Pali kayaking tour. But beware this tour is not for the faint of heart and you must be in great physical shape. But the sights you’ll see will forever create an impression in your memory.
Kauai hiking tours will reveal breathtaking tropical rain forest and remotely hidden waterfalls. The Kalalau Trail is an 11 mile trail that leads from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach. If you care to do a less strenuous hike, the first two miles of the Kalalau trail will allow you to see a few of the best Kauai waterfalls.
Hiking and nature tours are great ways to experience some of the Na Pali Coast, but having a birds-eye view is indescribable. Imagine all the things yours saw on your kayaking tour, your hiking tour, or your boating tour, now picture seeing them all at once. Observing the cliffs and amazing landscape on a Kauai helicopter tour gives you a different perspective on Kauai’s beauty.
Until you arrive and see if for yourself, no one can explain the beauty of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. The Na Pali Coast will offer you a lifetime of memories to share with your loved ones, so make sure you reserve your choice of Kauai activities at discount prices and enjoy the beauty of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. There are so many things to do in Kauai and this is just the beginning when visiting the Na Pali Coast.
Hiking the Kalalau Trail of the Na Pali Coast
The Kalalau Trail of the Na Pali Coast is a one-way 11 mile trail that provides breathtaking views of the Na Pali Coast. About half way while hiking the Kalalua Trail is one of the most popular lookouts of the Kalalau Valley. The Kalalau Trail Hike is broken into sections.
From Kee beach, the first section of the Kalalau Trail of the Na Pali Coast that leads to Hanakapiai is about 2 miles long and is very popular if you have a tight schedule and yet still want to enjoy the beauty of Kauai. If you have a little more time, there is a 2 mile side-hike up to the Hanakapiai Falls, which is more strenuous but well worth the hike. The reward for this section of the Kalalau Trail hike is the beautiful Hanakapiai Falls and the swimming hole beneath the falls.
Back on the main trail from Hanakapiai, you will need a permit to proceed to Honokoa. This section of the Kalalau Trail hike is approximately 4 miles and takes another 2-3 hours to complete. The trail is tropical and lush, but a bit more strenuous, as it climbs 800 feet and then descends again down into the Hoolulu Valley. You may obtain a permit for free from the State Parks office at 808-274-3444.
The next section of the Kalalau Trail Hike takes about 3 more hours and measures approximately 5 miles in length. The Kalalau Valley itself is 2 miles wide and 3 miles deep, providing beauty that is best appreciated once seen in person. If you are not the hiker, read on because there is another option below to view the jewels of the Na Pali Coast.
Hiking the Kalalau Trail to its entirety is an incredible experience, but note that it requires you to be in great hiking shape. Most people hiking the Kalalau Trail to its entirety make it an overnight trip and camp at the Kalalau Valley, where beach camping is permitted.
Again, if time restraints are an issue, we highly recommend hiking the Kalalau Trail’s first section (2 miles) from Kee Beach. If you have time and are more adventurous you may wish to continue hiking the Kalalu Trail. If you wish to capture the beauty of the Na Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail in a less strenuous fashion, Kauai helicopter tours provide a different perspective and a lasting memory of Kauai’s natural beauty.
Wailua River
The Wailua River is located along the Coconut Coast of Kauai and is fed by Mount Waialeale. Mount Waialeale receives the most rainfall of any other place on earth. The Wailua River is the only navigable river in Kauai and is also where you will find the very popular Fern Grotto. There are several options if you wish to explore the Wailua River.
Fern Grotto
The Fern Grotto of Kauai is a beautifully draped fern grotto that is located along the Wailua River. This popular attraction is reachable by ferrying on the Fern Grotto River Boat Tours. This tour takes approximately one and a half hours for the round trip.
As you are ferrying along the Wailua River on the Fern Grotto tour and taking in the natural beauty of Kauai, you will be entertained by local artisans. You may even learn a new move in the hula dance. It is advisable to bring a raincoat because you may get wet. The Fern Grotto River Boat Tour is a relaxing and fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.
Fern Grotto Boat tours
Fern Grotto Boat Tours are presented by the Smith family and they take you on a motorized boat tour of the Fern Grotto, providing Hawaiian entertainment in hula dancing as you cruise up the Wailua River. To learn more click Fern Grotto Boat Tours.
Wailua River Kayak Tours and Rentals
There are several companies that rent kayaks at the mouth of the Wailua River if you care to venture on your own. However, if you wish to experience a more Hawaiian and storied engage
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is an 80 foot cascading waterfall that is located 5 miles north of Lihue just off HI-583. If you are heading to Princeville from Lihue or the Poipu area, it is well worth the very short drive off the main highway to see the Wailua Falls, as it is one of the more popular things to see in Kauai.
The Wailua Falls lookout area provides great photo opportunities. There is a trail that leads to the bottom but it can be slippery and dangerous. Be careful if you attempt to make the trek down to the bottom of Wailua Falls. But if you don’t, don’t fret because your view from the top is very satisfying and you will be able to cross the Wailua Falls off your list of things to see in Kauai.
Waimea Canyon
Mark Twain called this Hawaii attraction the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. This majestic canyon measure approximately 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and 3,000 feet deep. Depending on the time of day, the sun can change the colors of Waimea Canyon from green, to red and purple hues.
To reach Waimea Canyon you can drive on HWY 552 along a 10 mile stretch of winding road, but be weary if you get car sick. There are good lookout points, where you can witness the beautiful and natural landscape of Kauai, such as the abundant waterfalls of Waimea Canyon.
Waimea Canyon Lookout Points
Waipo’o Falls is an impressive waterfall that you will want to see and there are two good Waimea Canyon lookout points to view it. The first lookout is at mile marker 10, which has a greater view of Waimea Canyon and the second lookout of Waipo’o Falls is at mile marker 13 (no sign) at the Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout. The Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout is much closer to the fall.
Keep in mind you are still a great distance from the fall, as the vastness of the Canyon can deceive your perception of distance. Waterfalls are plentiful throughout Waimea Canyon and there are several ways to view the highlights and other waterfalls of Waimea Canyon.
Waimea Canyon Helicopter Tours
It is a great experience to see Waimea Canyon from above with Kauai helicopter tours. You will be to see many other waterfalls of Waimea Canyon and get a chance to hover next to the cascading falls and shear valley walls.
Waimea Canyon Biking Tours
Guided Waimea Bike Tours allow you to appreciate the natural beauty of Kauai, as you bike down Waimea Canyon to the Ocean, stopping along the way for short hiking excursions to several Waimea Canyon lookout points.
Waimea Canyon Hiking
Hiking the Kukui Trail is very popular and provides several of the lookout points to view the many waterfalls of Waimea Canyon.
Other main Kauai attractions include:
- Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Who would expect this on a beach vacation? Mother Nature’s painted an amazing canyon right of the Southwest. View from the lookout point, hike the trails, and/or take the helicopter tour.
- Fern Grotto. A favorite tour for the romantic Kauai travel seeker, the Smith Family’s boat cruises up the river to this natural amphitheatre where the “Hawaiian Wedding Song” is performed.
- Wailua Falls. Made famous by the opening scene of the 70s television series, Fantasy Island, this is a dramatic 80 foot waterfall.
- National Tropical Botanical Garden. The only tropical botanical garden in the U.S. to be chartered by Congress.
- Hanalei. A pastoral valley of taro patches that can be viewed from the Kuhio Lookout.
- Lumahai Beach. This pretty white sand beach was the setting for the “Nurses’ Beach” in South Pacific.
Kiauea Point Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge
The Kilauea Lighthouse was built in 1913 so that incoming ships from the orient could be guided in safely. It is one of the best Kauai attractions due to its ease of access and the popularity of lighthouses. The Kilauea Point Lighthouse sits on a small peninsula next to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, home to many nesting seabirds and the Hawaiian monk seal. During winter months the lookout from the Kilauea Pont lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to spot whales.
For the bird lovers, if you visit the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge you may see the red-footed boobies, nene, shearwaters, the great Frigate bird, and the Laysan Albatross. Other highlights of Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge are the stunning views of the surf crashing into the rocks below, native plants, monk seals, whales during season and of course fabulous photo opportunities of the Kilauea Point Lighthouse.
Inland from the Kilauea Point Lighthouse is Crater Hill, an extinct volcano that is open for hikes. The summit sits just short of 700 feet and affords spectacular views. Make sure you bring your binoculars to see the whales during whale season. If you want to get a better view of the whales, click Kauai Whale Watching Tours to get more information.
Kauai Travel Facts
Kauai is the smallest of Hawaii’s four main islands, with only 550 square miles. A Kauai vacation provides more natural beauty because Kauai is far less developed than Oahu, Maui or even the largely rural Big Island.
Lihue Airport services non-stop flights from the U.S. mainland to Kauai and inter-island flight.
As with any Hawaiian vacation, be sure to book popular tours and Kauai activities well in advance, especially if your Kauai vacation is going to take place during the summer, spring vacation or over any major holiday. You’ll find the best Hawaii vacation deals during the off-season.
Kauai Tubing
Kauai Backcountry tubing provides a one-of-a-kind activity that is fun for the entire family (5 yrs and older). Grab a tube, don a headlamp and jump into the canals for a leisurely float. But be ready to have fun and get wet. You will tube down an old sugar plantation irrigation system, through open canals and several tunnels. With this Kauai Mountain Tubing Adventure you will enjoy exclusive access to over 17,000 scenic acres of former plantation lands, all while witnessing spectacular vistas and ocean views.
Kauai Backcountry has helped to restore sections of the old plantation irrigation system, which are now used for this Kauai Mountain Tubing Adventure. Some of this land had never been available to the public, but with Kauai Backcountry’s stewardship, this tubing adventure allows you exclusive access to this area.
This Mountain Tubing Adventure is perfect for all those age 5 and over, and in generally good physical condition. The gently flowing waters, beautiful scenery, flumes and tunnels are combined for a relaxing, fun and fascinating experience. If you want to make your experience even greater, check out the Kauai Zipline Tour that also crosses this beautiful country, including spectacular views of the ocean, coastline, mountains and valleys.
Kauai Ziplines
Home to Kauai’s most unique and exciting tours, Kauai Backcountry Zipline Adventures gives you exclusive access to over 17,000 scenic acres of former plantation lands. In the heart of Kauai, you can participate in this one-of-a-kind activity, soaring through the air on this 7-line Kauai zipline course. Zip down the side of a mountain and into the lush bamboo grove below.
These Kauai Zipline Tours are designed to provide eco-tourism activities that are accessible to a broad range of people. This Kauai zip line tour has minimal environmental impact. Kauai Backcountry continues the preservation of Kauai’s history and culture and has helped restore sections of the old plantation irrigation system, which are now used for the Kauai Mountain Tubing Adventure.
Imagine the thrill of soaring like a bird over a pristine rain forest and feel the rush as you glide over lush tropical forests and down into the deep valleys below. You will begin with a fun and informative scenic ride in a four wheel drive adventure vehicle, as your certified guide shares information about the island history, culture, flora and fauna. After your safety briefing you will then get to soar over tropical forests, streams and jungles, rich with magnificent scenery! After you finish the Kauai zipline course you will have a picnic lunch and have time to relax, bask in the sun, or just soak in our natural swimming pool.
Kauai Kayak Tours
Kayaking in Hawaii is a wonderful way to get up close with nature, and the Garden Isle offers an abundance of natural beauty. A Kauai kayak excursion can be a tranquil experience or a thrilling adventure, and Kauai kayak tours allow you to view sights you’d never see otherwise.
A popular Kauai kayak tour destination is the Wailua River Valley, where you can view sacred spots, hidden waterfalls and possibly a dip in the 120-foot Secret Falls! Kayaking adventure tours can guide you on all day adventures along the Na Pali coast proving a chance to explore sea amazing caves. During Hawaii’s winter months when the surf is up on the North Shore, your Kauai kayak sea tours may take paddlers out to view the humpback whales that mate and give birth.
Be sure to book your Kauai kayak tour with an experienced guide. If you’re new to the adventure of paddling a kayak, this is the best to go. A guided tour will ensure your kayaking excursion includes the best scenic routes on the island of Kauai.
If you plan to visit any of the following islands, check out their kayaking tours as well:
- Ouhu Kayak Tours – Kayak to secluded off shore islands and surf the coves or take a sunset tour off the North Shore.
- Maui Kayak Tours – Hana, whale watching and Molokini Crater are among the kayaking highlights on Maui.
- Big Island Kayak Tours – Kelakekua Bay Marine Preserve and “Flumin’ the Ditch” are among the kayaking offerings of the Volcano Isle.