Kauai is one of the oldest, northernmost islands in Hawaii and is sometimes also referred to as “The Garden Isle.” Even though the island isn’t very huge, as one can drive from one end of the island to the other in just a few hours, but in between, there are many natural wonders that will take your breath away. In fact, only 20% of the whole island is accessible on foot, while the other parts are covered in lushes and primeval jungles, mountain peaks, and even rugged cliffs.
So, it goes without saying, if you are a nature lover, then being at Kauai is nothing less than a treat for eyes.
And if you have already purchased your vacation deal Kauai, then here is a little guide that will work as an itinerary while offering you the details of the best places on the Kauai island that are worth visiting.
So, let’s get started!
1 Na Pali Coast and Whale Watching:
Did you have the “déjà vu” feeling after watching the pictures of the Na Pali coast? Well, that is because this rugged 25-mile coastline is the famous backdrop from the Jurassic Park movies. And that means it is very wrong to miss out on this impressive wonder of the world.
You can access the Na Pali coast through air or water if you visit the island during rainy reason because the 11-mile Kalalau Trail is closed.
But if you are on the island from November to April, then opt for waterways because you have the higher chances of catching the sight of giant humpback vales vacationing in the waters.
2 Waimea Canyon:
Also considered as the “grand canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is a magnificent geological wonder.
It stretches 10 miles long and is more than a mile wide. This 3,600ft deep canyon provides multiple hiking trails as well as lookout points that are enough to show how huge this canyon is.
Fun Fact: The canyon’s walls often change hues based on the Sun’s direct lighting, but the sunrise is something you may not want to miss at all, meaning the best time to visit is before the sunrise to catch nature in action.
3 Kauai’s Best Waterfalls:
If you don’t have enough time on your itinerary and still want to enjoy mesmerizing scenic beauty, then follow Highway 56 that is a few minutes north of Lihue, and halt at the lookout point for Wailua falls.
Luckily, one can view the beauty of this waterfall right from the highway itself. But if you can spare a few hours, you can take a boat trip to Wailua River that goes to the lush Fern.
Another waterfall that is accessible from the highway is the Opaeka’a Falls that falls on the east side of the island. The best time to view this waterfall is in the mid-morning when the Sun is in the right position, allowing you to click some social-media-worthy pictures.
To gain an intensive waterfall experience, stop by at Secret Falls that is located up in the Wailua River and is the main highlight of many kayak tours.
4 Kilauea Point Lighthouse:
Located at the northernmost point, the Kilauea point lighthouse is a fascinating spot. This (Circa 1913) vintage lighthouse offers the best panoramic view of the entire North shore.
If you are at the right time on this elevated cliff-top perch, then you can spot Humpback Whales and Dolphins. But, you can always enjoy the birdlife here.
Kilauea is the home to huge colonies of native Hawaiian seabirds and is also referred to as a bird nesting sanctuary. You can easily spot some Laysan Albatross, Red-footed Booby, or the Great Frigate Bird.
5 Anini Beach:
Well, what is the use of visiting Kauai if you don’t visit a Beach? That is why the next on this list is the mesmerizing Anini Beach. It is a less crowded beach with no lifeguards but is still considered to be one of the safest beaches on the North Shore of Kauai.
Anini houses the longest and widest fringing reef that makes the water safe and well-protected for most activities. And that means you get the opportunity to snorkel, paddleboard, windsurf, do a family picnic or go on beach walks.
But if you wish to snorkel, make sure that you carry your gear or visit the beach with the tour as the shore has no rentals. But the beach has multiple campsites to enjoy the picnic experience.
Over to You
So, there you go. These are some of the best places that are worth visiting if you take a trip to Kauai Island.
But, if you haven’t yet got your vacation deal, Kauai, then connect with Platinum Travel to get the best travel deals.