Things To Do In Kauai
For Free, For Couples, For Kids & More
Book A Restaurant Early
Outdoor luaus will be canceled so make sure you get your dinner reservations in early
What To Do On Kauai On Vacation?
Thinking about what to do in Kauai on your vacation? Kauai is full of activities and ready to fill up your trip with memories. From lounging on Kauai’s beaches to exploring island gardens and museums, there’s something for everyone. Are you and your partner in search of romantic moments? We’ve got tips for cozy spots perfect for two. Plus, if you’re bringing kids, they’ll love the fun adventures made just for them. And if you’re wondering what to do when it rains in Kauai, we have a list of rainy-day activities that are just as fun. We’ll keep you updated on what’s happening today, tomorrow, and in the coming days, so you’re always in the know. Start exploring all the things you’d love to do on the “garden isle” of Kauai today!
Cheap Or Free Things To Do In Lihue & Beyond
Kauai doesn’t have to be expensive to be enjoyable! There are plenty of cheap or free activities that let you experience the island’s stunning beauty and unique culture without stretching your budget. You can spend your days soaking up the sun and swimming at Kauai’s stunning beaches, opt for self-guided hiking on some of Hawaii’s most beautiful scenic trails, or visit the island’s natural wonders like Kauai’s dramatic blowholes and waterfalls. Skip the car rental and explore Kauai with local guides instead to get even more out of your experience. Local farmers’ markets are great for experiencing the local vibe and finding affordable finds too!
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Fern Grotto Cruise
Explore Wailua River on a specially designed river boat with live... More
- 80 Min. Wailua River Cruise In Kapaa
- Live Music and Entertainment
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Group Surf Lesson for Beginners
Are you looking for a new adventure? Kauai is the perfect... More
- Small group
- Beginner and family-friendly
- Four departure times daily
- 1.5 Hour Personalized Lesson
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Kauai Group Surf Lesson
Learn to surf with us in this fun small group class.... More
- 1.5 Hrs. Surf Lessons at Poipu Beach
- Instructor and All Equipment Provided
- Learn To Surf in A Small Group Of 4
- Family-Friendly Surf Lessons
Kauai Is The Most Romantic Of The Hawaiian Islands
Looking for ways to make your Kauai trip special with your partner? Imagine sailing together as the sun sets, exploring secret spots on the island, or getting a heart-racing experience from an ATV ride. Picture yourselves enjoying a luau under the stars or seeing Kauai from above in a helicopter. Even the simple joy of floating down a stream together becomes an experience that can bring you closer together.
Check out the activities you can enjoy while visiting Kauai. Some of the best places on this garden island are also the most romantic. More couples want to get married on Kauai than the other Hawaiian Islands for a reason.
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Secret Falls Kayak Tour
Adventure through lush jungles and ancient and sacred areas, see... More
- 5 Hrs. Kayak and Hike on Wailua River
- Includes Kayak Rentlal, Required Gear & Picnic Lunch
- Equipment Included, Lunch Provided, Amazing Jungle Adventure
- 2 Departures Daily, Family Friendly, Ages 5+
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Nā Pali Sunset Cruise or Sail
Take a beautiful cruise along the Na Pali coastline on Kauai at... More
- 3.5-4 Hrs. From Port Allen, South Kauai
- 3-Course Dinner & Alcoholic Drinks
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Kauai Movie And TV Tour to Scenic Hanalei
Explore famous movie locations, including settings for... More
- 8 Hrs. Scenic Tour From Kauai Hotels & Pier
- Round-Trip Hotel Transportation is Included
- See Several Of Hawaii's Most Famous Movie Sites
- Family-Friendly Cinema Sites Tour, Ages 3+
There Are Always Great Kauai Beach Activities Available
Looking for a beach day to remember on Kauai? The island’s beaches offer both excitement and relaxation, making them ideal for everyone looking for that perfect beach day. You can find quiet places surrounded by tropical trees or active beaches great for surfing or splashing around with the family. Enjoy snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, relax and watch the sunset, or be a kid again making sandcastles with Kauai’s golden soft sand.
We love Anini Beach for itʻs shallow waters and protected coast, a great place to learn how to windsurf. Poipu Beach Park on the opposite side of the island is exposed to larger waves which are fun. Hawaiian green sea turtles and monk seals often bask in those warm sands for hours before sunset.
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North Shore Coastal Wildlife Hike
Take your group on a private, guided tour as you hike along the... More
- 4 Hrs Hiking Tour From Kauai Trail Heads
- Local Guide And Equipment Included
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South Shore Coastal Hike to Sea Cliffs
This hike shows you amazing views of Hāʻupu mountain, kawelikoa... More
- 3 Hrs. Hiking Tour From Kauai Trail Heads
- Local Guide and Equipment Included
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Kids Private Surf Lesson
Let us teach your kids to surf in paradise.... More
- 1.5 Hrs. Surf Lessons At Kauai Surf School
- Equipment And Instructor Included
- Kids Learn To Surf!
- Child-Oriented Surfing Lessons
Kauaiʻs Unusual And Unique Things To Do
Craving something “different” for your Kauai visit? How about the thrill of mountain tubing down a gentle stream or the excitement of chasing waterfalls while on an ATV? Imagine flying over the incredible Na Pali Coast, or exploring movie locations from Hollywood’s more notable films on the island in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Make it a trip to remember!
The more adventurous visitors who plan can hike along the Kalalau trail and snorkel at Haena State Park and even take a tasting tour around Hanalei Bay.
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Mountain Tubing On Kauai
The Gently Flowing Waters, Beautiful Scenery, Slides, And Tunnels... More
- 3 Hrs. From Lihue
- Food, Drinks and All Required Equipment Included
- Enjoy Tubing Down Historic Canals
- Family-Friendly Tubing Experience, Ages 5+
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Secret Falls Kayak Tour
Adventure through lush jungles and ancient and sacred areas, see... More
- 5 Hrs. Kayak and Hike on Wailua River
- Includes Kayak Rentlal, Required Gear & Picnic Lunch
- Equipment Included, Lunch Provided, Amazing Jungle Adventure
- 2 Departures Daily, Family Friendly, Ages 5+
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Kauai Movie And TV Tour to Scenic Hanalei
Explore famous movie locations, including settings for... More
- 8 Hrs. Scenic Tour From Kauai Hotels & Pier
- Round-Trip Hotel Transportation is Included
- See Several Of Hawaii's Most Famous Movie Sites
- Family-Friendly Cinema Sites Tour, Ages 3+
Things To Do On Kauai With Kids
Planning a family trip to Kauai? That’s a great idea but we also understand the challenges of keeping the kids entertained. Kauai will make your trip enjoyable for everyone with fun activities, places, and things to do that are perfect for young families (and those with teens too). From surfing, tubing, and snorkeling to sightseeing tours, there’s no shortage of fun-filled options for families on the Garden Isle. Including some great luaus too!
Lydgate Beach Park, a setting for many movies, has a playground for kids, safe swimming spots, disc golf, and a wonderful walking path. It is rich in Hawaiian history so be on the lookout for those cultural markers and respect those areas.
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Mountain Tubing On Kauai
The Gently Flowing Waters, Beautiful Scenery, Slides, And Tunnels... More
- 3 Hrs. From Lihue
- Food, Drinks and All Required Equipment Included
- Enjoy Tubing Down Historic Canals
- Family-Friendly Tubing Experience, Ages 5+
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Kauai Waimea Canyon, Wailua River & Fern Grotto Tour
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Kauai with the Waimea Canyon,... More
- Approximately 10-Hour Tour
- Round-trip Hotel Transportation And Lunch Included
- Outstanding Family Activity
- See The Highlights Of Kauai Island
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Smith’s Family Garden Luau
Have a wonderful evening at the Smithʻs Family Luau. This family... More
- 3 Hrs At Wailua Marina in Kapaa
- Tram tour, Food, Drinks, and Entertainment
- Traditional Hawaiian Imu Ceremony
- Guided Tour and Luau Experience
What To Do When It Rains
Caught in the rain during your Kauai trip? You have only a few options. Hang out in your hotel room, go to a restaurant, or go outside to check out the island of Kauai anyway! If you only have a few days on the island, we suggest you keep to your exploring plans and see what you can, even in the rain. The waterfalls will be gushing so you will see more of them coming out of most hillsides. Heading out to Hanalei, you may see hundreds along a single cliffside.
Check out some of the local shops, restaurants and cafes. We even suggest you check out the Kauai Museum in Lihue.
Go Shopping
Most markets and shopping areas are outdoors. Having an umbrella makes things a little bit nicer.
Movies, Shows and Events
Most stages are outside so check out the only indoor venue, historic Waimea Theater.
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Waimea Canyon And Kokee Lookout Tour
Explore the island of Kauai with a local guide and see the most... More
- 8 Hrs. Kauai Tour From Kauai Hotels
- See Waimea Canyon and Kokee South Coast
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ATV Ranch Tour
You will see the most dramatic views of Kipu Kai beach at the... More
- 3 Hrs. ATV Ranch Tour at Kipu Ranch
- Drive Your Own Vehicle Through Historical Landscapes
- Guide, Snacks and Drinks Included
- Guided ATV Famous Sites Tour
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Kauai Private or Shared Fishing Trip
Experience The Unforgettable Big Game Fishing Off The Coast Of... More
- 4,6, & 8, Hrs. Fishing Adventures From Port Allen
- Guide, Drinks And All Equipment Included
- Multiple Tour Options Are Available
- Family-Friendly Fishing Adventure
What To Do In Kauai Today, Tomorrow & Upcoming
If you’re planning your trip, already here, or looking for fun tomorrow, there’s so much to see and do on Kauai. All year round, events are happening on the island from cultural festivals that celebrate Hawaiian traditions to outdoor music events under the stars, and so much more. There is always something exciting on the island’s calendar.
- Downtown Lihue 2nd Saturday Night Market
- Princeville Sunday Night Market
- September 1st Kauai Marathon
- Poipu & Koloa Plantation Days Festival
- Kauai Brewers Festival
The Best Things To Do On Kauai
Want to see the best of Kauai? Itʻs on our list. This island is a paradise waiting to be explored and you can bet that you’ll find all of the best things to do on Kauai here. Ocean activities, sightseeing, and helicopter flights are definitely at the top of most visitors’ lists when they are planning to visit Kauai. Check out what we recommend below.
We encourage visitors to use tours to visit a variety of landmarks around Kauai. Seeing the lighthouse at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, checking out the hiking trails, taking in Hanalei Bay, and visiting the Kalalau Lookout with a guide brings so much more to the experience.
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Mountain Tubing On Kauai
The Gently Flowing Waters, Beautiful Scenery, Slides, And Tunnels... More
- 3 Hrs. From Lihue
- Food, Drinks and All Required Equipment Included
- Enjoy Tubing Down Historic Canals
- Family-Friendly Tubing Experience, Ages 5+
-
Waimea Canyon And Kokee Lookout Tour
Explore the island of Kauai with a local guide and see the most... More
- 8 Hrs. Kauai Tour From Kauai Hotels
- See Waimea Canyon and Kokee South Coast
-
Secret Falls Kayak Tour
Adventure through lush jungles and ancient and sacred areas, see... More
- 5 Hrs. Kayak and Hike on Wailua River
- Includes Kayak Rentlal, Required Gear & Picnic Lunch
- Equipment Included, Lunch Provided, Amazing Jungle Adventure
- 2 Departures Daily, Family Friendly, Ages 5+
- Open Daily
5:00am to 9:00pm, HST