1. Helicopter Tour
Topping the list of activities is a Kauai helicopter tour, which will thread together the island’s four distinct regions and also show a unique perspective of this vibrant island that one could not appreciate anywhere but from the sky. A genuine eco-tour, a helicopter tour will undoubtedly offer views of unseen and remote Kauai, of which at least 70% is inaccessible except by air. Aerial views of Hawaii’s oldest island makes perfect sense if one wants to truly see, and discover, the island of Discovery, yet another one of Kauai’s names.
2. Napali Coast
North Shore’s Napali Coast is as captivating as it is life-changing for those who venture to access the 11-mile trek of the Kalalau Trail. Ranges of mountain and sea, camping options and a chance to view red soil bursting through verdant mountains, plus a hike that challenges the mind, body and soul will make this one of the top traveling experiences of a lifetime. Waterfalls, valleys, and a jagged, glorious coastline will hold up any hiker simply because of the photo opportunities. Those that cannot make the arduous hike can consider viewing this surreal area through a boat excursion.
Escape to the North Shore of Kauai, stay in one of our Hanalei vacation rentals.
3. Sunny South Shore
Kauai’s sunny South Shore is continuously beaming its rays of light upon the area’s Poipu Beach Park and Old Koloa Town. Kauai’s garden isle name reverberates through every corner of the island. The top way to get a true feel of the South Shore and Kauai’s past is the Koloa Heritage Trail. Such highlights as the Spouting Horn phenomenon, Moir Gardens (Pau A Laka), Keoneloa Bay, Kihahouna Heiau (ancient Hawaiian temple) and Prince Kuhio Park make the Trail an easy choice as many sites are rolled into one top pick.
4. Coconut Coast
Kauai’s East Side has an alternate name, the Coconut Coast, for its plentitude of groves of coconut palms. The Wailua River is a significant part of the top five Kauai activity list. The only navigable rivers in Hawaii are on Kauai, so it enhances the top five list for what it offers but also for the alternative to hiking, cycling and driving to see the island’s richest assets. The bounty of this sight is that it encompasses many sights, including seven heiau, Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls. Also important is the fact that this 20-mile river flows from the wettest spot on the island, the 5,148-foot Mount Waialeale.
Planning a trip to Kauai? Check out our Waipouli condos on the East Side.
5. Waimea Canyon
Kauai’s West Side further extends the gifts of wondrous landscape with Waimea Canyon, more than 3,600 feet deep and full of character. Start at Waimea Canyon Drive and finish at Kokee State Park. What you do and see in between depends on your level of interest and skill. The fabulous views of deep valleys; mountainous terrain; native birds such as iwi, moa and apapane fly overhead and native plants lend to the wildly exciting prospect of seeing an island characteristic at every turn. Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park make the top five Kauai activity list and appeal to all levels of hikers.
Also, please consider our Poipu condos for your trip to Kauai’s South Shore.
Not on the top five list is a Kauai beach simply because it’s impossible to pick just one. Every beach offers a landscape and a multitude of water sports that appeal to various ages and interests. Consider Polihale Beach Park, though, as one of the less mainstream beaches and as a sixth pick.