Top Ten Things to do on Kauai

Kauai is the known as Hawaii’s Garden Isle, and Karen and I plan on visiting sometime in the distant future.  We hope we can make it there in the next couple of years, but that does not keep us from doing some research and dreaming about going.  I think Kauai has a lot to offer any visitor and have already made a list of ten things that we will have to do upon visiting the Garden Isle.  So without further ado here is our list of the top ten things to do on Kauai.

Top Ten things to do on Kauai

10. Polihale State Park

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Wild coastline is what you will find at Polihale State Park.  Situated at the end of a long rutted dirt road is this stunning beach park that has a large sand beach and rugged sea cliffs the distant.  Hard to get to but seems worth every bit of effort.

9. Lehua Island

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Lehua Island is premier snorkeling spot about an hour’s boat ride from Kauai where adventurers have the opportunity to snorkel on the backside of the volcanic crater.  Lehua is similar to Molokini near Maui just with a lot less people around you which means the reef is going to be in better condition.  It has been said that Lehua Island has some of the best water visibility in Hawaii.

8. Limahuli Garden and Preserve

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Located in a tropical valley on the north shore of Kauai the Limahuli Garden and Preserve has the perfect setting as it overlooks the Pacific Ocean.  In 1997, it was selected as the best natural botanical garden in the United States and has won other awards for its efforts to preserve Hawaiian culture and its natural resources.

7. Hanakapiai Falls

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A very difficult long hike to a spectacular waterfall is what awaits the person who wants to see Hanakapiai Falls.  This waterfall plunges 300 feet from its perch on the volcanic-rock cliffs above, and according to budgettravel.com one of the top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

6. Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

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A relatively new national wildlife refuge having been established in 1985 Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is home to native Hawaiian birds and sits above a marine sanctuary.  An historic lighthouse is on its grounds that just adds a little something extra to the abundance of spectacular scenery that you will find here.

5. Waimea Canyon

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Waimea Canyon has been dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and though it is not as grand as the Grand Canyon it is 14 miles long and more than 3,600 feet deep, and there is nothing else like it in Hawaii.

4. Wailua Falls

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While not as jaw-dropping as Hanakapiai Falls it is much easier to get to which is why it is a little big higher on my list.  Wailua Falls, like several other spots on Kauai, has made its appearance on television and in movies.  You might recognize it from the late 70’s early 80’s television show Fantasy Island.

3. Tunnels Beach

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Kauai’s premier beach access snorkeling area that has a little bit of something for everybody.  There is an inner shallow reef that is good for novices but a little ways out there is an outer reef that can provide a wonderful snorkeling experience for those who are a little bit more advanced.

2. Na Pali Coast

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When I think of Kauai I think of the rugged yet strikingly beautiful Na Pali Coast.  This area of Kauai is a rugged 15 mile stretch of coastline that is on the northwest shore of Kauai.  Taking a boat, helicopter ride or hiking the Kalalau Trail is the only way to experience the wonder that is Na Pali Coast.

1.       Kalalau Trail

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The Kalalau Trail is an 11 mile hike that is along the Napali Coast, but it is not for the faint at heart.  According to backpacker.com it is one the most dangerous hikes in America.  It is steep drop-offs and its trail bed in parts are narrow and crumbly not to mention after it rains the trail can turn into a slippery mess.  Despite its dangers it is one of the most beautiful hikes a person can take and offers those once in a lifetime experiences.

Hope you enjoyed our list of the top ten things to do on Kauai. Is there anything that you think we left off or if you disagree with our top 10 sound off by leaving a comment.  Happy Travels!