There are many things to do on the lush island Kauai, with opportunities ranging from kayaking to sunbathing. The golden beaches and the sometimes rugged landscape offer a variety of activities for the most active traveler to the stereotypical beach bum. Read on to learn about the many ways to entertain yourself and your family on the island of Kauai. Take a tour and visit Kauai real estate for sale.
This island is a hiker’s paradise. Waimea Canyon provides a total of 45 miles of well-maintained trails, including several that guide you all the way down to the floor of the canyon. Resembling the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Waimea Canyon is a smaller version, full of deep river gorges and lovely multi-colored cliffs. The Na Pali Coast offers a once-in-a-lifetime hiking opportunity for anyone brave enough to attempt it. This densely forested area is only accessible by foot, and the 11 mile Kalalau Trail is an incredible hike along lush valleys and running streams, past waterfalls and ancient plantations. If you’re up for it, you can get a camping permit from the State Parks Division and spend the night in the glorious solitude of the rainforest. There are also shorter hiking trails available in the area, and the views are just as stunning. These amazing trails are free, and among the best things to do while you’re visiting Kauai.
If you’re looking for a sunny beach, there are three popular stretches in Kauai that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beaches of Poipu are great tourist destinations, with the largest concentration of beach hotels, thus the most populous. The east coast offers many things to do, such as excellent kayaking along the river valley and the waterfalls, but the rough seas and strong current make swimming inadvisable. Intrepid surfers try their hand at the amazing waves that can be seen year-round.
The Wailua River is Hawaii’s longest navigable river, and it’s the location of the former royal settlements on Kauai. The river valley is rife with valuable historical landmarks, such as the royal birth stones at Holoholoku or the petroglyphs found at the mouth of the river. The reconstructed village at Kamokila sits on the site of a former settlement, and depicts the way Hawaiians might have lived hundreds of years ago. It’s also possible to rent a kayak from the village to explore the beautiful river and access Secret Falls, the secluded waterfall that is home to the famous Fern Grotto, which was featured in the Elvis Presley film ‘South Pacific’. Tourists from all over the world believe this is one of the best things to do in Kauai.
