Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Of the 4 main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is the most rugged and adventurous. The smallest and least visited, it reserves itself for the island chain’s more ambitious travelers; those who seek jaw-dropping natural wonders and who welcome the terrain standing between themselves and it.
That being said, this is still the state of Hawaii; a place where visitors can find unparalleled luxury and comfort in place of stay, weather, and much more. It is an absolutely marvelous destination for couples young and old. If you’re on the hunt for romantic adventures that will both excite and inspire you, read on.
Here is an introductory guide to the essential Kauai tours that every couple should take together.
Go Kayaking
One highly scenic option is to go on a guided kayaking tour. Kayaking can seem a little intimidating if you’re among the majority of people who have never done it. It is, however, easier than it looks - whether you choose to share a kayak together or each row one of your own side by side.
The Wailua River is Kauai’s only navigable waterway and therefore the location where kayaking tours take place on the island. Its waters are generally quite calm and spacious, making for an easy journey. Plus, in many if not most cases, tours are focused on a final destination such as a breathtaking waterfall or a rare snorkeling spot.
Propelling yourself down the tranquil river and reaching an otherwise unreachable corner of paradise is a tremendously rewarding experience - all the better if shared between the two of you!
Hike to a Waterfall
Speaking of waterfalls, another essential tour for any couple visiting Kauai is to hike to one of the island’s magnificent falls hidden away in the jungle.
Though not all are easily accessible, in total the island has dozens of amazing waterfalls. Some are extremely easy to get to, like Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls which require no hiking whatsoever to see up close. Others present quite an arduous journey, but a tremendous payoff - the most notable example surely being the astonishing and deeply-inland Hanakapiai Falls.
Whatever you’re up for, you can find some of th
Visit Waimea Canyon
Kauai is an incredibly special island because it is one of the few islands in the world (and the only in Hawaii) that has a canyon. Waimea Canyon is in fact quite massive, earning the nickname “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” from none other than Mark Twain.
While not as big as the actual Grand Canyon in Arizona, it stretches ten miles long and digs way over a mile deep. It’s more than enough to take your breath away and make your heart race if you stand too close to the guard rail.
This distinct natural wonder is a must-see for any Kauai visitor. For a couple, it is the perfect unforgettable sight to soak in together.
Tour the North Shore
Kauai’s North Shore isn’t just a popular destination because of the resorts in Princeville. It’s also a wealth of striking landmarks and intriguing history.
One excellent place to visit is the garden in the Limahuli Preserve, a 1,000-acre space off Highway 560 dating back at least a century. Another is the Kilauea Lighthouse, a fascinating piece of history offering stunning ocean views.
This lighthouse actually exists because it sits on the northernmost point, not only of the island of Kauai, but in fact the entire archipelago. North Shore also (of course) offers several world-class beaches, including Hanalei Beach, which is often considered the island’s best.
What better way to enjoy your day together than by immersing yourself in the history of one the most important regions of the island and seeing, around every corner, something new, unexpected, interesting, and beautiful.
Take a Sunset Cruise
Then, last but not least, there is, of course, the sunset cruise. Hawaiian sunsets are arguably the world’s best. Taking a sunset cruise as a couple is the stuff of Hollywood film endings - you may not exactly be the first to do it, but then again, there’s a reason why it is considered the ultimate romantic setting. You’re unlikely to see something in nature more beautiful, especially out on the water in a front row seat together. Oh, and - don’t forget complimentary food, drinks, and even live music and performances.
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Kauai is paradise for movie directors, paradise for outdoor adventure seekers, paradise for warm-sand-beach-cocktail-drinkers, and paradise for couples too. We hope you find this to be a helpful starting place for your Kauai trip. Mahalo and best of luck!
