7 Best Places in Kauai

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Sviat Oleksiv
March 16, 2022

Kauai, known as the "Garden Isle," is Hawaii's oldest island, constructed millions of years ago by a volcanic explosion. Hiking, snorkeling, ziplining, river kayaking, and even tubing through inner waterways are popular activities for active vacationers on Kauai.

In addition to snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and sunbathing, you may take scenic/snorkeling boat cruises along the Na Pali Coast, where you have a good chance of seeing dolphins or trying your hand at kayaking the gorgeous Wailua River.

Spend time on the 7 Best Places in Kauai

1. Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon State Park is the most beautiful valleys in Hawaii, with red soil, lush green woods, meandering streams, tumbling waterfalls, and black volcanic rocks. The canyon, famous as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, runs for 14 miles and reaches depths of 3,600 feet.

Waimea Canyon is so picturesque that you'll find it tough to leave once you've arrived, regardless of your plans for the rest of the day. The top and lower viewpoint sites (Puu ka Pele and Puu hinahina) on Waimea Canyon Drive provide panoramic vistas of craggy crags and deep mountain valleys and are visited by most visitors.

The canyon's environment includes a variety of colored rock strata and some breathtaking waterfalls. There are guided tours offered along the numerous tough hiking paths and rafting trips that explore the river below and other trails for all ability levels in the nearby Kokee State Park.

2. Kauai Open-Ceiling Sea Cave

The Open Ceiling Cave, commonly known as The Queen's Bath, is one of Kauai's most famous caverns and a significant tourist destination.

The open ceiling cave was previously a hollow lava tube with a closed ceiling. The ceiling eventually fell owing to erosion caused by the heavy sea waves, resulting in the masterpiece that we see today. An overhead view reveals the donut-shaped appearance that this cave has retained. The open roof lets in a lot of light, which creates a good color pallet on the pool.

The Open Ceiling Cave, like other sea caves on the Na Pali Coast, can only be reached by boat.

3. Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

The Napali Coast State Wilderness Park preserves a beautiful 16-mile length of coastline on Kauai's northern tip, where towering cliffs (up to 4,000 feet above sea level), known as pali in Hawaiian, plummet steeply to meet the Pacific Ocean.

This shore is best explored by boat or helicopter. Otherwise, you'll need to make reservations to trek along the Kalalau Trail, which is 22 miles round trip, but if you're looking for something shorter, you may cut it down to only 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach.

The Na Pali coast is one of the top places to visit on Kauai and is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

4. Wailua Falls

Like other outstanding Kauai film locations, Wailua Falls is most known for its appearance in the television show "Fantasy Island."

Because it is one of Kauai's most easily accessible waterfalls, visiting Wailua Falls is a popular pastime. To reach there, use Maalo Road in Hanamaulu north of Lihue. For about 3 miles, go upward.

If you'll be able to see the sun is at the proper angle, you could see a rainbow spreading through the mist from the foot of the falls.

Wailua Falls is around 85 feet high and descends into a pool over 30 feet deep. They're best observed from the overlook above, but not to even attempt diving down this waterfall!

5. Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach is widely regarded as the premier site for snorkelers and divers during the summer months because of the crescent-shaped coral reef that lays close offshore. The reef keeps the beach safe for swimming during the summer, and a gentle slope provides plenty of opportunity for wading.

During peak hours, lifeguards are on duty, and there are lots of shaded spaces and picnic tables for taking a rest. There isn't a lot of parking, so arriving earlier is recommended to secure a spot along the road.

6. Ke'e Beach

Ke'e Beach is located on the island's northwest coast. It serves as the beginning of the Kalalau Trail, which runs down the coast through the Hono'Onapali Natural Reserve and then into the breathtaking Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.

This is one of Kauai's premier snorkeling spots during the calmer summer months, and the protected reef is alive with tropical species. Kayaking trips in the lagoon are also available to tourists, providing great views of the surrounding environment.

One of Ke'e Beach's most distinctive features is its population of wild chickens, sometimes known as wild roosters. These vividly colored birds may be found on the beach every day, and while they make for beautiful photos, be cautious that they can also steal your food.

7. Polihale State Park

Polihale Beach, located on Kauai's western shore near Na Pali State Park, is the state's most extended, lasting over 17 miles. Unfortunately, only ten of these miles are available to the public, but there is still enough space to explore the dunes. Due to strong currents, this is not a swimming beach, and there are no lifeguards on duty, but visitors may enjoy the tranquillity of the wide-open space while wading and collecting shells.

Because it is only accessible by dirt roads, tourists will find this beach far less crowded than others. It is an excellent location for a long romantic walk on the beach, and the sunsets are spectacular.