7 Engaging Kauai Activities

Kauai is the fourth largest and most northern major Hawaiian island. This beautiful island is known for its amazing waterfalls, beaches, and majestic mountain peaks.

There is no "best time" to visit, as the weather is warm and balmy all year long. Dryer months tend to be spring through fall, while winter tends to be rainier.

During these months, the weather is less rainy, making adventures like swimming and kayaking manageable. While you'll be arriving at Kauai by air—at Lihue Airport—traveling from one place to another will be mainly by road.

Here are a few things you should not miss!

Kauai North Shore Drive

A drive down the North Shore can lead you to the beautiful Hanalei Valley. Here, you can check out Hanalei Town, Hanalei Pier, and Hanalei Bay. You can easily reach beautiful beaches, including Wainiha Beach, Lumaha'i, Tunnels, and Kepuhi Beach.

Other destinations you can visit along the shore include the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Na' Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, 'Ainini Beach, and Secret Beach among other stops.

Exploring the North Shore should take at least two days. It's an adventure that rewards slow travel, so give yourself ample time to enjoy each destination.

Golfing on Kauai

If you're looking for a golf vacation, Kauai has plenty of options!

Kauai Island has nine golf courses of note:

• The Club at Kukuiula (pictured below - Kukuiula offers bungalows, cottages, and villas!)
• Kukuiolono Golf Club
• Hokuala Kauai
• Princeville Makai Golf Club
• The Ocean Course at Hokuala
• Poipu Bay Golf Course
• Kiahuna Golf Club
• Puakea Golf Course
• Wailua Golf Course

Kauai's golf courses are scenic and challenging.

Kilohana Plantation

This is your one-stop for a luxurious experience! At the Kilohana Plantation, you'll appreciate Kauai's culture and enjoy the best of the 105-acre experience. The plantation is centered on the mansion that belonged to Gaylord Wilcox since 1935.

The plantation prides itself on its agricultural production, with its 2.5-mile train ride, you'll have the chance to view exotic crops, enjoy exclusive scenes, and learn more about Hawaii's agricultural history.

At Kilohana Plantation, you'll have the chance to dine at one of the top restaurants in Kauai, known as Gaylord's Restaurant. There's also a rum company named Koloa where you can taste some of the local hooch. The plantation offers other activities, including hiking through the rainforest.

Wailua River State Park

If you've watched the film "Raiders of the Lost Ark," you've seen Wailua River. It's even more adventurous in person! Another remarkable fact about the Wailua River is that it is the only navigable river in Hawaii, commonly accessible by boating or kayaking. It's known as one of the most sacred places on Kauai.

The park has breathtaking rainforests and several points of interest, including Opaeka Falls, Wailua Falls, and the Wailua complex of Heiau, where you can see the ruins of historical sites.

Depending on the activities, you may need a full day or two to experience this trip. 

Koloa Ziplining

Discover the allure of Kauai's enchanting landscapes with Koloa Zipline. Koloa Zipline is Kauai's longest zip line course. 

Kauai's lush, verdant terrain, adorned with vibrant tropical flora, sets the stage for an exhilarating zipline experience that soars above the emerald canopy.

Each moment offers a perfect blend of thrill and tranquility, allowing you to appreciate the island's stunning vistas and rich biodiversity. 

The course offers the following:

• Tandem ziplining
• Harness
• Handlebar pulleys
• Sunset ziplining
• Ground school, and
• Aerobics

While it's not a free adventure, the premium experience is worth it! The thrilling adventure can take approximately 4 hours.

Na Pali Coast

Between Kalalau Beach and the famous Ke' e Beach, you can trek along the Kalalau Trail to experience Na Pali Coast. On this trail, you'll explore a landscape of sea cliffs and their narrow valleys, including the Hanakoa Valley, streams, and waterfalls.

The Coast can also be accessed by sea. Some sea tours offer dinner cruises on a catamaran with champagne, where you can watch the sunset and enjoy magnificent views of the coastline.

Another activity is snorkeling. If you take a day trip when the sun's out, snorkeling will let you get up close and personal with Hawaii's gorgeous marine life. You'll see corals, colorful tropical fish, and, if you're lucky, larger animals like Hawaii's green sea turtle.

Tour the Kipu Ranch

Kipu Ranch, a 3000-acre cattle ranch, is one of Hawaii's top eco-tours. You can go off-roading into Kipu Ranch on a 4WD vehicle and experience a unique landscape filled with mountains, valleys, and Kipu Kai beach.

Once you cross the ranch to the top of the mountain, you'll be able to get a glimpse of Kauai's south shore. This area is popular due to its appearance in the movie, 'The Descendants' where George Clooney stood to take in the land.

Another Kauai movie experience would be swinging at the Indiana Jones rope swing. The best part is that experienced riders can ride into the ranch. A guide will enrich the experience, as the farm is full of surprising stories.

The best way to experience Kipu Ranch's uneven terrain is by ATV with Kipu Ranch Adventures.

With several beautiful destinations and unique adventures, Kauai is undoubtedly one of Hawaii's most beautiful and dramatic islands. Whether you're visiting alone or as a group, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy.

Contact Exotic Estates today for information about renting a luxury Kauai vacation home and take your Kauai stay to a new level.