76 Best Sights in Kauai, Hawaii

The mighty Wailua River produces many dramatic waterfalls, and Opaekaa (pronounced "oh-pie-kah-ah") is one of the best, plunging hundreds of feet to the pool below. It can be easily viewed from a scenic overlook with ample parking. Opaekaa means "rolling shrimp," which refers to the tasty native crustaceans that were once so abundant they could be seen tumbling in the falls. Do not attempt to hike down to the pool. Just before reaching the parking area for the waterfall, turn left into a scenic pullout for great views of the Wailua River and its march through the valley to the sea.

This is actually two very small pocket beaches separated by a slender rocky point. The narrow beach area can all but disappear in wintertime. However, in summer, the steep rocky trail (don't trust the rusty handrails and rotting ropes) that provides access reduces the number of beachgoers, at times creating a deserted beach feel. Winter's high surf creates dangerous conditions. The parking lot is small. Don't attempt the trail after a heavy rain—it turns into a mudslide. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: sunset; surfing.

The ruins of this stone fort, built in 1816 by an agent of the imperial Russian government named Georg Anton Schäffer, are a reminder of the days when he tried to conquer Kauai for his homeland, or so one story goes. Another claims that Schäffer's allegiance lay with King Kaumualii, who was attempting to keep leadership of his island from the grasp of Kamehameha the Great. The crumbling walls of this National Historic Landmark are not particularly interesting, but the signs loaded with historical information are. A bronze statue of King Kaumualii was installed in 2021, marking 200 years since the king was kidnapped to Oahu aboard the ship Haaheo o Hawaii in July 1821, during a reception aboard. Follow the statue's gaze for a splendid view of Niihau.

A field next to Prince Kuhio Condominiums honors the birthplace of Kauai's beloved Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. Known for his kind nature and tireless work on behalf of the Hawaiian people, he lost his chance at the throne when Americans staged an illegal coup against Queen Liliuokalani in 1893 and toppled Hawaii's constitutional monarchy. He served as a delegate to the U.S. Congress for 19 years after Hawaii became a territory in 1900. An annual commemoration is held around his March birthday, a state holiday. This is a great place to watch wave riders surfing a popular break known as PKs, or to see the sun sink into the Pacific.

Set on a private estate on the mauka (mountain side) of Kam Highway across from Princeville, these well-tended gardens include a diverse collection of native and “canoe” plants (brought by Polynesians), plus medicinal, rare, and endangered flowers. Visitors can join three-hour guided tours of the entire property, usually offered four mornings a week at 9:30 am. Tours include samples of seasonal fruit and honey from on-site beehives and a half-hour chocolate tasting. Reservations are required (no self-guided tours); book early, as tours fill well in advance.

The coastline along the community of Princeville is primarily made up of sea cliffs with a couple of pocket beaches. The sea cliffs end with a long narrow stretch of beach just east of the Hanalei River. Public access is via 100-plus steps around the back of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay; hotel guests can take the elevator to sea level. The beach itself is subject to the hazards of winter's surf, narrowing and widening with the surf height. On calm days, snorkeling is good thanks to a shallow reef system pocked with sand. Sometimes a shallow sandbar extends across the river to Black Pot Beach Park, part of the Hanalei Beach system, making it easy to cross the river. On high-surf days, the outer edge of the reef near the river draws internationally ranked surfers. The 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay pool is off-limits to nonguests, but the hotel's restaurants and bars are not. Note that parking is limited. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee). Best for: snorkeling; sunset; surfing.

A great family spot, Salt Pond Beach Park features a naturally made, shallow swimming pond behind a curling finger of rock where keiki (children) splash and snorkel. This pool is generally safe except during a large south summer swell. The center and western edge of the beach are popular with bodyboarders and bodysurfers. The beach is also an easy spot to see stilts, tattlers, shearwaters, and other seabirds, as well as an occasional resting monk seal. Pavilions with picnic tables offer shade, and there's a campground that tends to attract a rowdy bunch at the eastern end. On a cultural note, the mudflat behind the beach is the last spot in Hawaii where salt is harvested in the dry heat of summer, using pans passed down within families. The park is popular with locals, and it can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Amenities: lifeguard; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

Although its true name is Nounou, this landmark mountain ridge is more commonly known as the Sleeping Giant because of its resemblance to a very large man sleeping on his back. Legends differ on whether the giant is Puni, who was accidentally killed by rocks launched at invading canoes by the Menehune, or Nunui, a gentle creature who has not yet awakened from the nap he took centuries ago after building a massive temple and enjoying a big feast. The ridge can be experienced up close via one of several trails that traverse the giant's body from the east and west ( see Hiking).

Nestled next to Wailua Marina along the mighty Wailua River, this 30-acre botanical and cultural garden offers a glimpse of distinctive foliage, including 20 types of fruit trees, a bamboo rain forest, and tropical lagoons. Enjoy a stroll along a mile of pathways. It's a popular spot for wedding receptions and other large events, and its luau is one of the island's oldest and best.

The Colonel Zephaniah Spalding Monument commemorates the Civil War veteran who purchased this splendid property overlooking an area from Anahola to Kapaa in 1876 and established what became the Kealia Sugar Plantation. To reach it, turn onto Kealia Road toward the mountains, just after Mile Marker 10. Immediately on your right is a small post office and, on your left, rodeo grounds sometimes in use on summer weekends. The very rough road ascends, and 2½ miles later you'll reach a grassy area with the concrete remains of a monument, though all the interpretive signs have been destroyed.

Off Route 50 as you head from Lihue to the South Shore, Route 520 (Maluhia Road) is known locally as "Tree Tunnel Road," due to the avenue of tall eucalyptus trees lining both sides. A drive here is a lovely introduction to the area. The trees were planted at the turn of the 20th century by Walter Duncan McBryde, a Scotsman who began cattle ranching on Kauai's South Shore. The canopy of trees was ripped to literal shreds twice—in 1982 during Hurricane Iwa, and then again in 1992 during Hurricane Iniki. And, true to Kauai's resilience, both times the trees grew back into an impressive tunnel.

Located at the mouth of Hawaii's only navigable river, Wailua Beach has considerable cultural significance. Petroglyphs carved on boulders are sometimes visible near the river mouth during low-tide conditions. Surfers and stand-up paddlers enjoy this beach, and many families spend weekend days in the cool shade under Wailua Bridge, even hauling out their portable grills and tables to go with their beach chairs. The great news about Wailua Beach is that it's almost impossible to miss; however, parking can be a challenge. The best parking for the north end of the beach is on Papaloa Road behind the Shell station. For the southern end of the beach, you can park at Wailua River State Park and cross the highway at the traffic light. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

The first hotel built in Poipu in 1962 overlooked this beach, adjacent to Poipu Beach Park. Actually, there's little to distinguish where this one ends and the other begins, other than a crescent reef at the eastern end of Waiohai Beach. That crescent, however, is important. It creates a small protected bay—good for snorkeling and beginning surfers. However, when a summer swell kicks up, the near-shore conditions become dangerous; offshore, there's a splendid surf break for experienced surfers. The beach itself is narrow and, like its neighbor, gets very crowded in summer. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: snorkeling; sunset; surfing; swimming.

Like the Waioli Mission House behind it, this little church is an exquisite representation of New England architecture crossed with Hawaiian thatched buildings. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the church—affiliated with the United Church of Christ—doesn't go unnoticed right alongside Route 560 in downtown Hanalei, and its doors are often wide open (from 10 am to 2 pm, give or take), inviting inquisitive visitors in for a look around. During Hurricane Iniki's visit in 1992, which brought sustained winds of 160 mph and wind gusts up to 220 mph, the church was lifted off its foundation but, thankfully, it has been lovingly restored. Services are held at 10 am on Sundays, with many hymns sung in Hawaiian and often accompanied by piano, ukulele, and hula.

Built by missionaries William and Mary Alexander, this 1837 home has tidy New England–style architecture and formal koa-wood furnishings that epitomize the prim and proper missionary influence. Informative guided tours offer a fascinating peek into the private lives of Kauai's early white residents. One-hour private guided tours are available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cultural information and local exhibits about sugar, weaving, shells, and poi-making highlight this small museum-style resource center in Waimea Town. Shop counters offer Island-made items, Niihau-shell jewelry, photographs of Kauai, children's books, and snacks. Lei-making and music sessions happen regularly on the patio, and you can get a map for a walking tour.