4 Star Places To Visit in Kauai, Hawaii, United States (21)

1. 4.0 Spouting Horn (5.548 reviews)
   - Worth the short drive from the Poipu Beach area
   Geologic Formations
   
   
   This blowhole on Kauai's south shore near Poipu shoots seawater through its natural lava tube up to 50 feet in the air. See more..
   
2. 4.5 Poipu Beach Park (4.899 reviews)
   - Come a half hour before sunset to see turtles
   Beaches • Parks
   
   
   Located on Kauai's sunny shores, this beach is particularly popular for swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, and snorkeling. (And if you're lucky, you can spot Hawaiian monk seals here, too.) See more..
   
3. 4.5 Wailua Falls (3.550 reviews)
   - Beautiful falls, but hard to get a good picture
   Waterfalls
   
   
   This two-tiered 80-foot-tall waterfall located near Lihue is famous for being featured in the 1970s TV series, Fantasy Island. These spectacular falls are easily accessible—no hiking required—and can be seen from the nearby carpark. Visit after rainfall when the falls are exceptionally impressive, or in the morning for a chance to catch a rainbow when the light is just right. Be careful though—it's not recommended to hike to the base of the falls as it's steep and slippery. You can see the falls on a day trip or from up above on an air tour of Kauai. – Tripadvisor See more..
   
4. 4.5 Kauai Coffee Company (2.084 reviews)
   - Stop by and grab a bag of fresh beans.
   Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Farms
   
   
   This Hawaiian coffee estate is the largest coffee farm in the U.S. Enjoy guided tours with tastings and learn about the coffee production process. See more..
   
5. 4.5 Hanalei Beach (1.867 reviews)
   - Hanalei Beach
   Beaches
   
   
   Located in the center of the bay and at the mouth of the Hanalei River, this beach is popular for swimming and water sports. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Queen's Bath (1.619 reviews)
   - Worth the hike!
   Geologic Formations
   
   
   Once a bathing spot for the royals, this stunning natural pool is now a popular summertime attraction. To get there, you'll need to take a 15-minute hike across slippery lava rocks, so wear a good pair of shoes. In summer, the pool resembles a large hot tub and the waters are calm and clear. During winter, however, the water can be treacherous, so avoid visiting during those months; the pool may even be closed. Before you go, be sure to check the surf report online, and only attempt the hike down if the waves are less than four feet high. – Tripadvisor See more..
   
7. 4.5 Lydgate State Park (1.404 reviews)
   - Buy an Underwater Camera before your trip
   Parks
   
   
   Situated near the mouth of the Wailua River in the east, the two protected bays are a favorite for snorkelers and windsurfers. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Allerton Garden (1.290 reviews)
   - Allerton garden and luau
   Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens
   
   
   NTBG’s Allerton Garden Garden is located on the south shore of Kauai in the picturesque Lawai Valley. Tours run daily and include a ride from the Visitors Center in Poipu along a scenic coastal route and continue along the valley rim on a former sugarcane train railbed. Visitors disembark on the valley floor to explore this former private estate, named by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the 50 places to see in a lifetime. Plants form the walls of outdoor rooms, the canopy of trees the ceiling. Housed within are elegant statuary and water features. A popular spot for photos is the ‘Jurassic trees’, with their massive curving roots.National Tropical Botanical Garden is a nonprofit institution, dedicated to saving and studying tropical plants. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Shipwreck Beach (1.214 reviews)
   - Take the long trail hike!
   Beaches
   
   
   Shipwreck is beautiful but can be dangerous for swimming. We'd recommend taking the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail starting at Shipwreck Beach to the Makawehi Bluff to see the Waiopili Heiau Historic Site. Bring water as you'll get thirsty along the trek. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail (996 reviews)
    - Scenic but hot!
    Hiking Trails
    
    
    This two-mile coastal trail across the cliffs of southern Kauai starts from Shipwreck Beach on Keoneloa Bay to the quiet Mahaulepu Beach near Kawailoa Bay. See more..
    
11. 4.5 Polihale State Park (964 reviews)
    - Stunning empty white sand beach on the Napali Coast
    State Parks • Beaches
    
    
    A historical state beach park with breathtaking views and landscape. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Tunnels Beach (941 reviews)
    - Great beach…Difficult access
    Beaches
    
    
    Also known as Makua Beach, Tunnels Beach gets its nickname from the maze of lava tubes found throughout its expansive reef. Here, you'll find lots of marine life—large schools of reef fish, turtles and even wild dolphins—making it one of the best spots for snorkeling in Kauai. Visit during summer for calm waters or during winter when it becomes a surfer's paradise. You can also simply stroll down the white sand beach and enjoy views of the scenic green peaks of Mount Makana to the west. Tours of Kauai often include a stop here; you can even fly over the beach on a helicopter tour. – Tripadvisor See more..
    
13. 4.5 Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (936 reviews)
    - Coastal views are incredible!
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    ***Plan ahead and get your reservation online*** If you have a National Park Pass, be sure to bring it with you and use for your reservation (it only costs $1 for up to 4-people). You currently cannot go in the Lighthouse, but they have done a great job to make the grounds accessible and safe. There were so many sea birds and a few seals in the cove. If it's a sunny day, bring a hat or wear sunblock, as everything is pretty much unshaded. Binoculars would be great for those who want to check out the shoreline for animals and the nearby cliffs for birds. I didn't go during whale season, but I heard you can see a lot of them in the winter/spring. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Anini Beach (929 reviews)
    - Xmas holiday- have the Anini Beach to ourselves
    Beaches
    
    
    This well-shaded, sinuous beach is home to one of the largest fringing reefs in Hawaii, and an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. It’s one of the safest beaches on Kauai, making it especially popular amongst families with kids. Green sea turtles, Hawaii’s state fish (triggerfish), and tropical reef fish are examples of common marine life you can spot in the area. For those keen on trying watersports, windsurfing is exceptionally popular due to the steady winds. Otherwise, roll out your beach gear on one of the tranquil sandy inlets and enjoy the privacy. Come early and score a picnic pavilion for splendid views. – Tripadvisor See more..
    
15. 4.5 Koloa Rum Company (889 reviews)
    - Enjoyable tasting experience!
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Distilleries
    
    
    For the first time in history, Rum is being distilled legally on the island of Kauai. Visit Koloa Rum's Premier Tasting Room and Company Store at Kilohana Plantation in Puhi, Kaua`i where our award winning Premium Hawaiian Rums are available. Also popular are our rum cakes, rum fudge sauce, Kukui Brand Mai Tai Mix, jams, jellies, syrups, Koloa Rum logo wear and other unique Hawaiian made products. Open daily at 10:00am. All tastings and alcohol sales require a valid photo ID and all individuals must be 21 years or older to enter the tasting room. Please enjoy responsibly! See more..
    
16. 4.5 Sleeping Giant Trail (870 reviews)
    - Sleeping Giant will wake you up
    Lookouts • Hiking Trails
    
    
    Named for its unusual shape, this Nounou Mountain trail in east Kauai is a challenging 3.4 mile trek—but the views at the top? Worth it. See more..
    
17. 4.5 National Tropical Botanical Garden (791 reviews)
    - Otherworldly
    Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens
    
    
    NTBG’s McBryde Garden and Allerton Garden are located on the south shore of Kauai in the picturesque Lawai Valley. Individual tours of each garden run daily and include a ride from the Visitors Center in Poipu along a scenic coastal route and continue along the valley rim on a former sugarcane train railbed. Visitors disembark on the valley floor to explore these outstanding gardens. McBryde, NTBG’s flagship garden, is home to the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian flora, many endangered or having gone extinct in the wild. It is a “botanical ark”, filled with palms, flowering trees, ornamental flowers, and unusual plants from the tropical world. Allerton is a former private estate, named by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the 50 places to see in a lifetime. Plants form the walls of outdoor rooms, the canopy of trees the ceiling. Housed within are elegant statuary and water features. A popular spot for photos is the ‘Jurassic trees’, with their massive curving roots.National Tropical Botanical Garden is a nonprofit institution, dedicated to saving and studying tropical plants. See more..
    
18. 4.5 Hanalei Valley Lookout (765 reviews)
    - Early morning Rainbow
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Lookouts • Scenic Drives
    
    
    Early in the morning, I stopped at the Hanalei Valley lookout on my way to the Okolehao Trail. I was in no rush to leave the area, so I fed the hen and her chicks a banana. A rainbow appeared to compliment the view of Hanalei Valley. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Limahuli Garden and Preserve (718 reviews)
    - Worth the time and money
    Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens
    
    
    If you love nature, you will appreciate this preserve. They provide a booklet that describes the items along the path. I especially appreciated learning about how they have preserved native plants from the interior of the island that are near extinction and impact of immigration to the island. A reservation is a must, as parking and access is limited. See more..
    
20. 4.5 Hanalei Bay (580 reviews)
    - Beautiful Beach!!
    Beaches
    
    
    This crescent-shaped bay in Kauai is the largest bay on the north shore, with stunning views and gorgeous beaches. Start at Black Pot Beach and head towards Hanalei Pier—an unmistakable landmark jetty made famous by the classic film, South Pacific—before walking towards Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park. Find a good spot along the bay to set down your towels—you can have a picnic, kayak, sunbathe, and even snorkel if the waters are calm (the waves can be rough during winter). Stay until sunset for exceptionally amazing views of Mount Makana in the distance. Hanalei Bay is a featured stop on many Kauai boat tours; some even help you to look for green sea turtles. – Tripadvisor See more..
    
21. 4.5 Kauai's Hindu Monastery (452 reviews)
    - A mindful time
    Religious Sites
    
    
    This is not a tourist destination so much as a deliberate choice to be within a working monastery where beauty and reflection reward you deeply. Not to be rushed but truly savored. It is wise to submit a request to sit/meditate in the small temple in the last hour the grounds are open to the public each day. You will be amply rewarded in quietude. See more..