Explore Kauai: Unique Things To Do and Best Places to Stay
Known as Hawaii’s “Garden Island,” Kauai offers lush green landscapes, dramatic canyons, serene beaches, and fewer crowds than its larger counterparts. The island’s laid-back vibe and stunning scenery make for an idyllic Hawaiian vacation. Beyond the typical tourist spots, there are many unique things to do in Kauai for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a tranquility seeker, we’re rounding up our favorite things to do in Kauai and where to stay after a day of unforgettable experiences.
Unique Things To Do in Kauai
Enjoy a Guided Tour
If you really want to experience the local flavors of Kauai, book a tour at one of the island's many farms or estates. Kauai is home to some of the most unique agriculture in the United States, including coffee, sugarcane, and chocolate. Outlined below are a few of our favorite guided culinary tours.
Lydgate Farms Chocolate Farm Tour
5730 Olohena Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
808-821-1857
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Lydgate Farms, run by a fifth-generation Kauai family, is renowned for growing high-quality cacao to produce the finest craft chocolate. The farm also grows award-winning vanilla and honey.
Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Lydgate Farms hosts three-hour tours during which visitors can explore the estate, learn about cacao, sample fresh produce, and, most importantly, try some delicious chocolate.
Kauai Coffee Company
870 Halewili Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741
800-545-8605
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With over 4 million coffee trees on 3,100 acres, Kauai Coffee Company is the largest coffee grower in Hawaii and the U.S. Open seven days a week, the Kauai Coffee estate offers self-guided walking tours, guided walking tours, and farm tours in an open-air truck. After your tour, check out the Visitor Center, where you can taste the entire line of 100% Hawaiian coffees.
Discover Hidden Beaches
While popular beaches like Poʻipū Beach and Hanalei Bay are picturesque, they can sometimes get crowded. We recommend the following beaches if you're looking for serenity and seclusion.
Kauapea Beach (Secret Beach)
GPS Directions Here
Kauapea Beach, also known as Secret Beach, is a large secluded hideaway on Kauai’s North Shore. Secret Beach, true to its name, is hard to find and not marked. To reach it, follow the first dirt road on the right when turning onto Kalihiwai Road from Kuhio Highway. Park along the road near a private residence, then follow the dirt path west of the house to the beach. Once there, you’ll enjoy the soft sand and views of Mokuaeae Island and the Kilauea Lighthouse.
Favorite things to do at Kauapea Beach: Sunbathing, Swimming, Sunset Viewing, Surfing
Polihale Beach
GPS Directions Here
Located in Polihale State Park, Polihale Beach is the longest stretch of beach in Hawaii. With seventeen miles of white sand, impressive dunes, and views of the Na Pali cliffs, it is easily one of Kauai’s most beautiful beaches.
To access Polihale Beach, drive to the end of Highway 50 and continue down an unpaved old cane haul road. Due to the bumpy roads and sometimes muddy paths, many locals and visitors recommend using a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Rental agencies on the island offer 4WD rentals for this purpose.
Favorite things to do at Polihale Beach: Snorkeling, Swimming, Boating
Other notable beaches to give a try are Hanalei Bay, Lydgate Beach Park, Kalapaki Beach, and Kekaha Beach.
Experience an Outdoor Adventure
If you're an adventure buff looking to add some adrenaline to your Hawaiian getaway, you'll enjoy the following things to do.
Kipu Ranch ATV Adventures
235 Kipu Rd, Lihue, HI 96766
808-246-9288
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Take a guided 4x4 UTV tour at the 3,000-acre Kipu Ranch. Kipu Ranch Adventures offers two off-road excursions, the Waterfall Triple Expedition and the Ultimate Kauai Off-Road Ranch Tour. Both feature stunning views from famous movie locations like Jurassic Park.
Outfitters Kauai Zipline Tours
230 Kipu Rd, Lihue, HI 96766
808-742-9667
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If you're hunting for an adventure the whole family can enjoy, look no further than Outfitters Kauai, the island's first zipline company. Outfitters Kauai offers four unique zipline tours where visitors can fly over forest canopies and waterfalls. The company allows passengers aged seven and up to ride, making it a great activity for adventurous kids.
Airborne Aviation Doors-Off Helicopter Tour
3651 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766
808-651-0619
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Experience Kauai's epic landscapes from the sky with Airborne Aviation's helicopter tours. These 50-minute excursions begin at the Na Pali Coast on Kauai's north shore and soar over Hanalei Bay. With doors-off helicopters that seat four, every passenger enjoys optimal, unobstructed views.
Embrace Tropical, Garden Beauty
When getting tan at a beach, strolling estate and coffee tours, and adventurous activities aren't really your thing, then you can always sightsee at some of the most beautiful gardens to truly understand why Kauai is called the Garden Island.
Limahuli Garden & Preserve
5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
808-826-1053
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Where traditions and history come to flourish, Limahuli Garden & Preserve is a beautiful garden with taro terraces and native Hawaiian plants. This garden includes endangered and rare species like Pritchardia napaliensis or Hibiscus waimeae subsp. hannerae. Interested in learning more about the plants native to Hawaiian culture? Limahuli Garden & Preserve also has educational events you can enjoy.
Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park
4101 Wailapa Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754
808-828-0525
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Na 'Aina Kai is chock-full of stunning sculptures of animals and natives, as well as beautiful trees, a lagoon, tea house, and plenty of tropical plants to admire. You can book a guided tour here or walk by yourself. Reservations are required, though, at this garden and park. Bringing kids along for adventure in Kauai? There's a special Splash & Play park they can enjoy!
McBryde & Allerton Garden
4425 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
808-742-2623
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On Kauai's south shore, McBryde & Allerton Garden come together to create a tropical paradise. While Allerton is known for its scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and fig trees, McBryde is well-known for its wide array and selection of tropical plants, as well as its endangered plant species. You can do a self-guided stroll through these gardens or book a tour that features both.
Best Places to Stay on Kauai
The 100 Collection is proud to partner with Kauai Vacation Rentals by The Parrish Collection Kauai. Owner JP Parrish hand-selected each rental property, ensuring a curated feel in every location.
JP's homes seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living, allowing guests to enjoy the ocean breeze, tropical views, and breathtaking sunsets. Guests can choose from beachfront properties, homes with pools and spas, and locations with extra-large outdoor covered lanais.
Kukuiula Makai Cottage 36
If a private swimming pool and a large outdoor patio area sounds right up your alley, then this Kauai vacation rental in the community of Kukuiula might be the right fit for you. This vacation rental is great not only because of it's outdoor area and plantation-style architecture, but also because of its amenities like a BBQ, large flat screen TV, full gourmet kitchen, and maid service.
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Hale Maluhia Estate
An outdoor shower, heated swimming pool, outside pool bar, guest powder room, and an additional outdoor garden shower all await at the Hale Maluhia Estate. This is an exceptional place to stay in Kauai that has a little touch of luxury in every square foot. There's plenty of accommodations for everyone and it's conveniently located near things to do like Poipu Beach or Shaka Zipline Kauai.
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Kukuiula Makai Cottage 29
Another Kauai cottage in the Kukuiula community, this rental not only has a suspended lounging bed to lay on as you relax, but it also has a hammock, a private hot tub, and private pool. Surrounded by secluded garden and tropical trees, this rental will have you truly feeling like you are in Kauai. Other bonuses to this home? Sonos sound system throughout the house, full gourmet kitchen, and a private telephone for your use!
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There are many fun and exciting things to enjoy and do in Kauai, but choosing the right place to stay is just as important. After a day full of adventure, sightseeing, and fun, choose any of these Kauai vacation rentals as your home base for relaxation and recharging. Embrace your ultimate Kauai vacation experience today!
