Things to do in Kauai, Hawaii

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

Here are some of the top 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.

What you’ll learn:

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

• Eateries 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. 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 and 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. 

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 on Kauai’s South Shore (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. 

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. Beginners to advanced surfers can enjoy a variety of waves. 

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 can taste 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.

Merriman’s is a local institution on Kauai. Tucked into the island’s South Shore with stunning mountain and ocean views, it 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. You can pair your meal with wine, beer or a unique cocktail, like a mai tai made with Kauai local honey and 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 drinks like the signature monkeypod mai tai. Dishes include coconut shrimp and fresh Hawaiian fish 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

Bar Acuda, located on the North Shore, puts a Mediterranean twist on Kauai dining. This modern tapas restaurant, sister to the popular AMA Restaurant next door, combines a chic, urban aesthetic with an easy island vibe. A sophisticated shareable menu that highlights the island’s fresh ingredients includes za’atar lamb riblettes and the hyperlocal North Shore honeycomb with goat cheese and Fuji apple.

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

Ready for dessert? Locals recommend trying Uncle’s Shave Ice Kauai for a special treat. Family-owned and -operated since 2011, its award-winning handcrafted sweets include caramel apples, shave snow (a Taiwan-inspired dish), frozen chocolate bananas and, of course, shave ice—in flavors ranging from honeydew and guava to root beer and “tiger’s blood.” The honey toast is a local favorite.

Uncle’s Shave Ice Kauai: 

• 4454 Nuhou St., Set 419, Lihue, HI 96766; 808-246-4454

• 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St., Koloa, 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) can provide 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.

Plan an unforgettable trip to Kauai—including hotels and vacation rentals, flights, rental cars and activities—all in one place with Capital One Travel. Eligible cardholders can enjoy these elevated rewards and exclusive benefits:

• Up to 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel

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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 at 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 five-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.

If you’re planning a trip to Kauai, you might want to consider taking a travel rewards credit card:

• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars, and 5X miles on flights, vacation rentals and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture card. 

• Earn 2X miles on all other purchases, at home or away, with the Venture X and Venture cards.

From booking to destination, you can elevate every part of your trip with Capital One:

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit. Venture X and Venture cardholders can receive up to a $120 credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® when they pay for the application fee with their card. 

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• Travel protections. Cardholders may have access to travel insurance through their credit card. Benefits may include trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage insurance. You can review your guide to benefits for more information on which benefits come with your credit card.

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