Kauai County, Hawaii
Top Spots in and near Kauai County
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Kapaa, Hawaii
Wailua Falls
4.81.5 mi / 150 ft gainThis is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island of Kauai. There is a designated parking lot with a viewpoint to see the top of the falls.Read more -
Kapaa, Hawaii
Hike Kalepa Ridge
4.41.6 mi / 580 ft gainKalepa Ridge is a narrow, unofficial trail that starts at the Kalalau Lookout in Koke'e State Park. To get to the trailhead, drive to the popular Kalalau Valley Lookout near the end of highway 550 in Koke'e State Park. Look toward the left (ocean side) of the parking lot where you'll see the unm...Read more -
Waimea, Hawaii
Camping on the Beach at Polihale
5.0Polihale Beach is at the western most point of Kauai and it's perfect white sand shore stretches for over 15 miles. Come here to avoid the notorious Kauai rain, as Polihale is typically sunny and cloudless throughout the year. The sunsets here are some of the best around and the island of Ni'ihau...Read more -
Lihue, Hawaii
Take A Helicopter Ride Over Kauai
5.0There are lots of options for heli rides in Kauai, ranging from plush interiors with AC and noise canceling headphones, to deeply discounted, crowded rides, but my personal recommendation is to find a company that offers a doors off option (there are two options as of winter 2015/16). Not only w...Read more -
Kapaa, Hawaii
Hike to the nose of Sleeping Giant
4.54 mi / 1000 ft gainThere are a few different approaches for this hike - you can take either the East route, West route, or the Kuamoo-Nounou route. The East route is closest to nearby towns of Kapa'a and Wailua, so for convenience I chose this route.The trail quickly begins with several switchbacks, all of which a...Read more -
Kapaa, Hawaii
Kayak the Wailua and Hike to Secret (Uluwehi) Falls
5.01.5 miFirst, you need kayaks to get on the river. I bring my Oru Kayak with me everywhere, but we did have to rent one additional, and there are rentals everywhere - a quick Google search will get you tons of options. You can launch your boat from directly across the Wailua River Marina where you see t...Read more -
Hanalei, Hawaii
Kayak Camp on Miloli'i Beach
17 miNOTE: The beach is closed in the winter months due to high surf. Be sure to work with a local guide to insure you do this adventure safely.The only way to reach Miloli'i is by Kayak. Unless you are going to be bringing your own kayak to the island chances are you will need to rent one from a com...Read more -
Hanalei, Hawaii
Relax in Hanalei Bay
5.0Hanalei Bay is one of the most scenic beaches on the north shore of Kauai. It features mountain views and a pier. In summer, the water gets calm and clear. It's perfect for swimming, SUP, and diving. During the winter, the it becomes a beautiful surf spot. There are small lots for parking sca...Read more -
Kapaa, Hawaii
Hike to Ho'opi'i Falls
4.02.2 miEasiest/Direct route: When in the Kapa'a area from the main highway turn left onto Kawaihau road. Follow Kawaihau all the way up until you see a sign for Kapahi road, turn left onto that road. Driving in, you'll see a red gate on your left-hand side. The parking area is just after the gate, along...Read more -
Kilauea, Hawaii
Na Pali Coast via the Kalalau Trail
4.920.55 mi / 7562 ft gainThis hike begins at the parking lot of Ke'e Beach at the Northern most point you can drive to on the island. This is where the Kalalau Trail begins. From there, you immediately start hiking upward, with great views of the beach down below. The first two miles of the trail are the busiest, as n...Read more -
Kilauea, Hawaii
Hanakoa Valley via Kalalau Trail
12.47 mi / 5997 ft gainHanakoa Falls is one of two large waterfalls along Na Pali Coast. While most set out for a high-paced hike on Kalalau Trail, rushing past Hanakoa Valley, those who choose to explore Hanakoa Valley and Falls will not be disappointed. To reach the beautiful Hanakoa Valley, you will take the same tr...Read more -
Kapaa, Hawaii
Kayak or Sail the Na Pali Coast
5.0Enjoy the view of the Garden Island from the crystal clear waters of the pacific ocean. Experiencing the coast by water allows for private beach access and exploring amazing sea caves! You have a few options to go by boat to see this enchanted terrain.Guided Kayak ToursYou can rent a kayak and pa...Read more -
Kapaʻa, Hawaii
Hanakāpī’ai Falls
5.08 mi / 2913 ft gainThis hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. The beach is a beautiful place to hang out and relax, there's a stream where you can take a dip, and bathrooms if you need to stop. Unfortunately, there's ...Read more -
Hanalei, Hawaii
Relax at Tunnels Beach, Kauai
4.9Makua, aka Tunnels, is known for its incredible mountain scenery. This beach also offers great snorkeling, where people will usually see turtles. Public parking, bathrooms and showers are available at Haena Beach Park located west of Tunnels. Be sure to head to the beach early, parking on the tow...Read more -
Princeville, Hawaii
Scramble the Okolehao Ridge Trail
4.5 mi / 1200 ft gainThey don't call it the butt slide trail for nothing— the Okolehao Trail (translated to iron butt, for more than just the glutes involved) —is a short drive from Princeville, just before Hanalei Bay. Filled with lush vegetation, ample wildlife, and stunning viewpoints, the full trail isn't for th...Read more -
Princeville, Hawaii
Diving in Paradise at Hideaway's Beach
4.7This beach is easily found by driving into Princeville and heading toward the St. Regis hotel. The trail to the beach is just before you arrive at the hotel. There is a small public parking lot on the right, which leads to the trail. If the lot is full, don't worry, the St. Regis Resort will vale...Read more