Things to do in Kauai, Hawaii

If you’re a nature lover seeking jaw-dropping vistas on your next island getaway, Kauai delivers. The Garden Isle offers unspoiled landscapes that feel almost prehistoric. Yet among the waterfalls and volcanic cliffs, you’ll still find world-class resorts and restaurants that offer a delicious and comforting counterpoint to your adventures.

“Kauai is known for its pristine beauty,” says Amanda Silva, an entrepreneur, educator and private chef. “It’s super unique in the sense that it feels like it’s untouched and people can come and really relax and connect with one another.”

Here, she shares her favorite recommendations for what to do in Kauai, from local food and outdoor adventures to luxurious island stays that make this Hawaiian paradise truly one of a kind. “We have so much to offer here,” Silva says. “Beautiful mountains, sunsets, beaches, the people, the love, the aloha. You can’t go wrong.”

What you’ll learn:

• Some of the island’s most remarkable attractions include Waimea Canyon, the Napali Coast and Poipu Beach.

• Eateries worth visiting include Merriman’s for farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine, The Beach House for oceanfront views or Uncle’s Shave Ice Kauai for sweet island treats.

• Accommodations include luxury resorts on the sunny South Shore and wellness-focused retreats on the lush North Shore.

• Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip.

When thinking about what to do in Kauai, you could start with its natural wonders—the kind that make you feel small in the best way. Here are some Kauai activities that truly capture its allure.

On Kauai’s rugged West Side, Waimea Canyon State Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is one of the island’s most unforgettable sites. “Stepping out into Waimea Canyon, you look over at these beautiful red and green mountains that are just incredible,” Silva says. “It looks like a sunset on a mountain. It’s something that everybody needs to experience.”

The 10-mile-long valley rises 3,600 feet above sea level and is dotted with tons of lookout points for people to enjoy, revealing red volcanic buttes and dense forest below. For a true adventure, you could set out on one of the state park’s many hiking trails, which are suited for a range of abilities, or take a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of the canyon.

Waimea Canyon State Park: Waimea Canyon Drive, Waimea, HI 96796

To see Kauai from the water, you could join Blue Ocean Adventure Tours, where a passionate Kauai native who started the boutique company leads small groups along the island’s rugged Napali Coast. The 17-mile coastline, which stretches along the northwest coast of Kauai between Kee Beach in Haena State Park to Polihale State Park in Mana, is inaccessible by car and boasts stunning cliffs that rise as high as 4,000 feet, waterfalls, lush green valleys and mysterious sea caves. 

“I highly recommend Blue Ocean Adventure Tours,” Silva says. “[When I did it,] we went in and out of different caves and to the most pristine waters. The moment you jump into that water, you look up to these green, beautiful, high mountains—and I must say it’s majestic.”

Blue Ocean Adventure Tours: 4351 Makeke Road, Waimea, HI 96796; 800-451-6133

If you prefer to keep your excursions on land, you can head to Poipu Beach, a crescent-shaped beach (considered by some America’s best) known for its calm surf and sea turtles. You can bring your goggles and snorkel for your best chance to spot these magnificent creatures. But “it’s important to respect the aina,” Silva reminds visitors. “Aina means ‘the land.’ Pick up your trash and respect the animals and marine life.”

Poipu Beach: 2179 Hoone Road, Koloa, HI 96756

Also on the South Shore, Endless Summer Surf School is the perfect place to try one of Hawaii’s most iconic pastimes—Hawaii’s beautiful beaches have some of the best waves, after all. “The south side of Kauai has a variety of waves where you can surf, from beginners to advanced,” Silva says. “I loved working with Jamie at Endless Summer Surf School. He was able to direct me on how to use the board, how to stand up—and I must have caught three or four waves. I absolutely recommend his school for anyone.”

Endless Summer Surf School: 2827 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI 96756; 808-651-3546

No matter what side of the island you’re on, the food on Kauai tastes as colorful and fresh as the landscapes look. From open-air kitchens that serve fish caught that morning to inventive tasting menus inspired by local farms, you can enjoy your meal with a side of aloha.

“There are so many amazing places to eat on Kauai,” Silva says. But for her, one stands out among the rest: Merriman’s.

Tucked into the island’s South Shore with stunning mountain and ocean views, this local institution celebrates Hawaiian regional cuisine. Chef Peter Merriman, acclaimed as a pioneer in Hawaii’s farm-to-table movement, serves up beloved delicacies like escargot, ahi poke and wok-charred ahi, the chef’s signature entree. Silva recommends the fresh catch, a seasonal macadamia nut-crusted fish caught by local fishermen. You can pair your meal with wine, beer or a unique cocktail. “I love the mai tai,” Silva says. “It has Kauai local honey and lilikoi [passion fruit] foam.” 

Merriman’s: 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka #42, Koloa, HI 96756; 808-742-8385

The Beach House is an island classic. Snag a waterfront table at golden hour for gorgeous sunset views of the Pacific as you sip a signature monkeypod mai tai. The coconut shrimp is a crowd-pleaser, and the fresh Hawaiian fish is served with organic macadamia nuts, ginger bok choy, celery-caper relish and garlic-scallion rice. 

The Beach House: 5022 Lawai Road, Koloa, HI 96756; 808-742-1424

For another of Silva’s top picks, you could head to Bar Acuda on the North Shore, which brings a Mediterranean twist to Kauai dining. This modern tapas restaurant, sister to the popular AMA Restaurant next door, combines a chic, urban aesthetic with an easy island vibe. Her favorites include the hyperlocal North Shore honeycomb with goat cheese and Fuji apple, and the za’atar lamb riblettes—both stars of a sophisticated shareable menu that highlights the island’s freshest ingredients.

Bar Acuda: 5-5161 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, HI 96714; 808-826-7081

Ready for dessert? Silva recommends visiting Uncle’s Shave Ice Kauai “for a special treat.” Family-owned and -operated since 2011, its award-winning sweets are handcrafted and include caramel apples, shaved snow (a Taiwan-inspired dish), frozen chocolate bananas and, of course, shaved ice—in flavors ranging from honeydew and guava to root beer and “tiger’s blood.” For a true local favorite, “try their honey toast,” Silva says. 

4454 Nuhou St., Suite 419, Lihue, HI 96766; 808-246-4454 and 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St., Koloa, Suite K158B, HI 96756; 808-742-2364

Each part of the island offers a slightly different slice of paradise. The sunny South Shore (Poipu) is known for its beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts and reliable weather. The East Side (Kapaa and Wailua) provides a convenient, affordable base with easy access to waterfalls, kayaking and local dining. The North Shore (Hanalei and Princeville) pairs lush, dramatic scenery with a quieter, more luxurious feel, while the West Side offers history and solitude near Waimea Canyon.

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On the South Shore, Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach offers an intimate experience that feels both elegant and relaxed. Oceanfront suites have balconies where guests can soak in Kauai’s fabled sunsets over the Pacific. The property also features a lava-rock swimming pool, firepits on the beach and a world-class spa. Red Salt, the on-site restaurant, celebrates local ingredients with a new American menu and is acclaimed as one of Kauai’s top foodie destinations. Other restaurants can be found a short stroll away.

Koa Kea Resort: 2251 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI 96756; 808-742-4200. Book through Capital One Travel.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa delivers classic luxury on a grand scale. Built on a former sugar plantation, the property is tucked away on the east end of Poipu Beach, offering guests a secluded atmosphere with sweeping ocean views. The hotel boasts its own world-class golf course, a hydroponic garden you can tour and a Hawaiian culture center with hands-on classes in hula, ukulele and flower crafts. The room decor has an old Hawaii vibe, with luxurious plantation-style furnishings.

Grand Hyatt Kauai: 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI 96756; 808-742-1234. Book through Capital One Travel.

Travel north to Hanalei for 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, where you’ll find a blend of relaxation, sustainability and 5-star service. Overlooking Puu Poa Beach, this oceanfront retreat encourages guests to reconnect with nature through spa treatments inspired by Hawaiian plant medicine, daily wellness classes and farm-to-table dining. The infinity pool and guided outdoor experiences can help visitors feel immersed in Kauai’s natural beauty.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: 5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville, HI 96722; 808-826-9644. Book through Capital One Travel.

Kauai is where adventure and serenity meet—a place to hike red canyons, surf in crystal waters and sleep in luxury steps from the beach. No matter which corner of the island you choose, every stay comes with the same reward: the beauty and spirit of the Garden Isle.

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