Known as the Garden Island Kauai is the second most popular Hawaiian island, and it offers a little something for everyone. If you’re planning on taking a trip to this Hawaiian Island, here are some of the top attractions that you might want to check out.
1. Waimea Canyon
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” Waimea Canyon is definitely something to behold. It is two miles wide and about 3,600 feet deep. It is also a free attraction for those looking for something inexpensive and fun. A combination of volcanic activity and water regime helped create this massive canyon, which by the way is a lot more colorful than the Grand Canyon. Although it is off the beaten path, Waimea Canyon is the type of scenic photo you will want for your scrapbooks back home!
2. Helicopter Tour
Regardless of what you’re looking for, taking a helicopter tour of Kauai is something you will never forget. The island of Kauai is unlike anywhere else in the world, and taking it in from a helicopter is really the best way to do it. Although taking a helicopter tour you around the island can be quite expensive (around 200 USD per person), it might be something worth the money because of the unforgettable experience. Many Kauai rentals provide information to guests about helicopter tours in the area, the most established companies being Blue Hawaiian, Safari Helicopters and Jack Harter Helicopters. For the ultimate thrill you might want to try Jack Harter’s helicopters with no doors!
3. Kilohana Plantation
Kilohana Plantation is another really cool attraction that you can check out when you are on the island. The plantation is a perfectly groomed landscape where you will feel at home. Seeing the tropical plants, wild animals or taking a ride on the Kilohana Express can be family fun for all.
4. Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is an area you must check out if you’re into natural scenery. At Hanalei Bay, you will enjoy one of the most beautiful natural beaches in all of Hawaii right on the north shore of the island. Going to the beach/bay is also a free attraction and offers great swimming, snorkeling and surfing for anyone looking to dip their toes in the Pacific Ocean.
5. Kauai Surf School
If you have time, energy and room in your budget, one of the best things to do in Hawaii is go surfing. Kauai is well-known for having some of the best surfing waves in all of the world, and has bred world famous surfers like the Irons brothers or Alana Blanchard. If you’ve never gone surfing before you might want to take a class at Kauai Surf School where you’ll be able to learn from some of the best teachers in the world, and figure out how to balance on top of these great waves.
6. CJM Country Stables
CJM Country Stables gives you the opportunity to ride a horse through some of the best landscapes in the island. Explore the jungle like atmosphere or the valleys on horseback. Even if you have never been on a horse, guides will make it easy to learn. Be sure to keep your horse from taking off and enjoy the ride!
7. Movie Tours
When asked to think of movie tours the first thought usually goes to New Zealand, but don’t sleep on Hawaii. Some of the movies made with the incredible natural landscape include Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.If seeing “behind the scenes” is your thing this is something you must do!
Regardless of what you enjoy, you will be able to find something entertaining to do on the beautiful island of Kauai. There are several daily flights from Oahu that cost around 150USD round trip, and accommodation is good albeit not cheap. Oh, and don’t forget to take a sunset cruise along the Na’pali coast if traveling with your significant other!
Have you visited Kauai? What did you enjoy most of the island and what would you recommend visitors don’t miss? Will you join one of the helicopter tours if visiting soon? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below, and this post too if you think others might find it useful!
Explore the Hawaiian Islands by engaging in a unique sight-seeing experience. Visitors to Hawaii can choose from helicopter, airplane, off-road, ATV, and bike tours, along with traditional tour buses to see what Hawaii has to offer.
Kauai seems like an awesome place. Also since it is lesser known, I guess it would be perfect to visit it and avoid the tourist tide that usually sweeps through Hawaii. Thanks for sharing. Also, I love the tips that you gave to make the visit a more memorable one.
Wow! is all I can say after looking at your pictures. The place is so damn beautiful and clean. I cannot resist from going there anytime soon. If I visit it I am surely going to take the helicopter ride as I have always craved for it and never had it before.
It is very nice place, but I prefer the Maldives. It is not so far. 🙂
The Maldives…not a bad choice either! But it’s more expensive to get there!
Hey thanks for sharing this. I do envy you in a way. Traveling all these great places and sharing such great pictures must be a wonderful job. I’m definitely going to try surfing and the Jack Harter’s helicopter tours when I go down to Kauai.