Lihue will probably be the first and last place you see on Kauai, as it is the site of this island’s main airport and harbor. There is some shopping available here as well as a few hotels and restaurants, but chances are you won’t be spending too much time here. If you do find yourself wanting to explore Lihue, the downtown area is quaint with some interesting shops and a fine museum. Puakea Golf Course and Kauai Lagoons Golf Courses are also popular spots to visit.

Poipu is home to the majority of the hotels and condos on Kauai. Located at the southernmost tip of Kauai, the beaches here receive more sunshine than anywhere else on the island. The beautiful white sand beaches are perfect for Kauai activities like surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also take a guided tour of Allerton Tropical Gardens, a park dedicated to preserving Hawaiian trees, plants and flowers. Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course offers a golf experience with incredible views. As you may know, this course hosts the PGA Grand Slam each year.

Located on the North Shore, Princeville is a resort community consisting of a few large upscale condo complexes and several vacation homes. Set against a gorgeous mountain backdrop, Princeville creates a picture perfect vacation community. Golf is huge here, with two world class courses. The Prince Course has been called Hawaii’s number one golf course. While definitely a pretty course, this course is also a challenge sure to test all of your skills. Their links style layout was created by Robert Trent Jones, Junior. The Princeville Makai Course offers three unique nine hole layouts. One is an ocean course, another weaves through natural Hawaiian forests, and a third is nestled amongst pleasant placid lakes.

Hanalei is an old time local North Shore town. Here you will find hippies, surfers and local artists enjoying the sun and surf. Uncrowded beaches such as Anini Beach Park are highlights in this area. Windsurfing is one of the popular Kauai activities on the North Shore. If you want to try your hand at windsurfing, there are several options for lessons. If you are a shutterbug, the mission established here in 1834 by Reverend William Alexander offers plenty of photo opportunities. If you are looking for just the right gifts to take home, there are two small shopping areas that display many local crafts as well as some fabulous Hawaiian antiques.

Sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is truly an awesome sight. Red, brown and green peaks and valleys flow for miles. There are numerous hikes available here, including a nature loop that is suitable for the entire family. The Koke’e Natural History Museum has all the information you need to really enjoy this beautiful park.

The rugged coastline along the Na Pali Coast is breathtaking, to say the least. Often called one of the world’s best hikes, the 11 mile Kalalau Trail boasts amazing peaks, lush valleys and splendid waterfalls that will wow even the most experienced of hikers. This trail is tough, though. Often wet and slippery with plenty of tree roots to negotiate, this trail challenges hikers with its difficult and repetitive climbs and descents. If you don’t want to spend the night on the trail before turning around, one alternative is to hike the first two miles and then head off to Hanakapiai Falls.

Luckily, there are many other Kauai activities that take in the beauty of the Na Pali Coast! Helicopters allow for viewing of the coast as well as traveling to waterfalls that even the most dedicated hiker may never reach. And most helicopter tours will take you to visit a lot more incredible island scenery. There is so much to see! One of our favorite trips brings you to see the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Jurassic Falls, Hanapepe, and Mount Waialeale – the wettest spot on earth! – all in one day.

Another option is to take a raft or boat tour. Most of these include stops for snorkeling or scuba within secluded bays. Some of the rafting trips allow you to visit small beaches that are inaccessible by any other means. The snorkeling along this coast tends to be spectacular, so don’t forget to pick up an underwater camera for these Kauai activities.

When all is said and done, every way you choose to see the Na Pali Coast will be breathtaking. You may just find that you want to try every Na Pali experience possible! People say that Kauai moves a little slower than the rest of the Hawaiian islands. While this may be true, as you have read, there is plenty to do here. Kauai activities offer an abundance of fun for everyone.

We will see you when you get here!