Imagine this: you board a helicopter as the sun rises, your heart racing with excitement. As you soar through the clouds, you witness the breathtaking views of mountains and rivers below. Later, you find yourself on a stunning beach, the soft sand beneath you and the sound of waves lapping at the shore. The sun warms your skin as you sip a drink, enjoying the perfect blend of thrill and relaxation in one unforgettable day. That’s the appeal of planning a trip to the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai. The Garden Isle is brimming with unique ways to spend your vacation. From the exhilarating mountain tubing to the awe-inspiring helicopter tours and everything in between, there’s truly something for everyone. This activities in Kauai blog post will detail the majority of these unique options, helping you narrow down your top choices.
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Mountain Tubing
Starting with one of the more unique experiences in Kauai: mountain tubing. Located just outside Lihue is an abandoned sugar cane plantation with ditches and tunnels dug to help deliver water to the fields. After the sugar production moved to lower-cost regions, this property was converted into an unforgettable tubing experience. Once fitted with a helmet and life preserver, you’re all set to hop on your tube and make your way through the tunnels. It’s both relaxing and thrilling at the same time, and it will definitely get your heart racing! This is one of my top recommendations from this activities in Kauai blog post.
Hiking
If you’ve read any of my previous blog posts, you know that my husband and I are avid hikers, and we love traveling to destinations that offer visitors an array of stunning hiking trails. Kauai is no exception! The trails in Kauai are not just gorgeous; they are a testament to the island’s natural beauty. Some trails are lush jungle-like terrain; others are slick treks leading you to a breathtaking waterfall. There are dozens of trails ranging in length and difficulty, but I’ve listed my top choices below:
- Hoopii Falls Trail: 2.6 miles out and back, 209 ft Elevation Gain.
- Kuilau Ridge Trail: 3.6 miles out and back, 682 ft Elevation Gain.
- Waialeale Blue Hole Falls Trail: 4.9 miles out and back, 1,502 ft Elevation Gain.
- Awa’awapuhi Trail: 5.8 miles out and back, 1,863 ft Elevation Gain.
- Nu’alolo Trail: 7.6 miles out and back, 2,641 ft Elevation Gain.
- Hanakāpīʻai Falls Trail: 7.7 miles out and back, 2,480 ft Elevation Gain.
If you decide to hike, you should come prepared with a reusable water bottle and follow the Leave No Trace Principles.
Check out my Complete Hiking Packing List post that outlines the hiking ten essentials you need in your pack for a safe journey outdoors.
Helicopter Tour
If you look up to the sky on any given day in Kauai, odds are you will see a helicopter or two flying around the island. There’s an ongoing joke that the state bird of Hawaii is a helicopter since these tours are extremely popular. Although they’re popular, they live up to the hype. In Kauai, the best way to witness the rugged and captivating Nā Pali Coast is by helicopter. Once you take off and look at the lush green jungle and crisp blue waves crashing below, you will be mesmerized by the island’s beauty. Several companies offer tours around the island, but my top recommendations in this activities in Kauai blog post are this tour and this tour.
Enjoy The Beaches
Okay, okay, I know some of you might be thinking that lying by the beach isn’t an activity. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a beach day in this activities in Kauai blog post. The beaches in Kauai are pristine and absolutely worth dedicating some time during your trip to explore and unwind. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, but some of the fan favorites around the island include Poʻipū, Tunnels, and Ke’e.
If you need a comprehensive packing list for all your travel needs, I’ve got you covered! I created the ultimate packing list for your upcoming adventures, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, clothing, and location-specific items.
Whale Watching
There’s something enchanting about witnessing the gentle beauty of a whale gliding across the ocean’s surface. It’s even more unforgettable if you’re lucky enough to see a whale breach the surface and come down with a magnificent splash. Whale watching is a seasonal favorite activity that I highly recommend booking if you visit during the winter months when the whales are near Kauai. The whales migrate to Hawaii in mid-December, and the peak time for whale watching is mid-February through mid-March. Be sure to plan your trip accordingly to catch this breathtaking sight. Some tour options include this Whale Watching Adventure, Napali Coast Sunset Sailboat Tour with Dinner, and South Shore Whale Watch.
Nā Pali Coast Boat Tour
Another fantastic way to take in the views of the Nā Pali Coast is by boat. As you set sail and the coast begins to look smaller and smaller, you begin to witness the grand sight of the Nā Pali Coast. This iconic shoreline is sure to leave you speechless as you explore the island by boat. There are several boat tour options around the island, with ports on the south and north shores. You can book a classic catamaran tour, a romantic evening sunset cruise, or a snorkeling excursion. Something for everyone!
Ziplining
Kauai is the perfect destination for the ziplining adventure of your dreams. The lush jungle-like terrain on the Garden Isle creates a stunning backdrop to get your adrenaline pumping while you zip through the tree line. The first time I visited Kauai, my family booked a ziplining tour, which was one of our trip’s highlights. You can book a tour of an 8-track course here.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
For those looking to get up close and personal with the sea life in Kauai, consider snorkeling or scuba diving. Kauai is the perfect spot to dip your toes (pun intended) into these water activities since there are easy, beginner-friendly snorkeling locations throughout the island. If you’re looking for a more adventurous activity, scuba diving could be right up your alley. There are tours available for beginners who need to become certified before diving, and tours focused on more experienced divers.
Surfing & Paddle Boarding
When most people picture visiting Kauai, the image of surfers catching a massive wave immediately pops into your mind. The Hawaiian islands are well known for their ideal surfing conditions, with the big wave season beginning in November through February. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a pro surfer trying to catch a big wave to give surfing a try during your vacation. For those looking to catch a wave and live out their surfing dreams, you can book a lesson or tour.
Kayaking The Wailua River
Looking for an adventurous yet relaxing water-based tour that leads you to epic waterfalls? Experience the stunning beauty of the Wailua River with an unforgettable guided tour that includes kayaking, hiking, and swimming beneath a waterfall. This tour is excellent for all since no prior experience with kayaking is necessary to fully enjoy this adventure. Booking a kayak tour or renting a kayak is the only way to get to Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls. I recommend booking a tour so you have additional guidance to help you navigate the river safely.
Planning a trip to Kauai? If so, check out my comprehensive Kauai guide and my Kauai packing list blog posts so you can plan the ultimate trip to the Garden Isle!
ATV Tour
For those looking to explore Kauai’s terrain, booking an ATV tour would be the ideal way to see the sights. Kauai is famous for its landscape and has been featured in several movies, including Jurassic Park, The Descendants, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. There are a variety of tours available all over the island, but my top choice is this one.
Final Thoughts
Kauai offers an unparalleled blend of adventure and relaxation, ensuring every traveler finds the perfect way to experience the island’s beauty. Whether you’re soaring above the breathtaking landscapes on a helicopter tour, navigating the thrilling waters of mountain tubing, or simply soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, each moment in this paradise is sure to create lasting memories. I hope this thrilling activities in Kauai post allows you to embrace the island’s natural wonders and select one of the diverse activities that make Kauai truly special.
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