Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Kalalau Valley
Kauai Best Things to See
Kauai Sights Guide (50+ Attractions)
Kauai has some of the most dramatic scenery in all of Hawaii. From the towering cliffs of the NaPali Coast to the dramatic landscapes of Waimea Canyon, the Garden Isle is filled with geologic marvels that amaze and allure.
Looking for some of the world's best waterfalls? How about ancient Hawaiian villages? And let's not forget that Kauai is a great place to appreciate history and culture. If fantastic sights are on your Garden Isle itinerary, you're in luck! Check out our picks for the best Kauai sights.
This entry includes resources for Kauai's Top Things to See, including tips, advice, rankings, maps, and more.
- The 10 Best Things to See on Kauai - ranked based on several important visitor criteria
- Discover all of the Kauai's Sights, categorized by region
- Explore our hand-picked Kauai Sightseeing Tours
Best Top 10 Kauai Things to See
The numbered sights listed below are our absolute favorites on the island of Kauai. When ranking sights & things to see for visitors, we consider several variables - accessibility, scenery quality, location history, costs (if admission required), type of path (if walking/hiking is necessary), and general safety. Here are our top picks for Kauai.
Makawehi Lithified Cliffs
South Kauai Region
#10 Rated in Sights to See on Kauai
Whether you're an armchair geologist or simply appreciate Mother Nature's stunning handiwork, you'll want to check out the fascinating Makawehi Lithified Cliffs on Kauai's South Shore.
Located next to Shipwreck Beach in South Kauai, these ancient limestone sea cliffs have been virtually sandblasted by a combination of wind, salt, and water over millions of years.
This entire stretch of Kauai's coastline is also a treasure trove of fossils, petroglyphs, and ancient Hawaiian burial grounds.
National Tropical Botanical Garden
South Kauai Region
#9 Rated in Sights to See on Kauai
At the end of Lawa'i Road is one of the most magnificent gardens on Kaua'i, the National Tropical Botanical Garden. It is actually two gardens in one: the 252-acre McBryde Gardens and the 100-acre Allerton Gardens.
The Allerton Gardens were once a private estate and are full of fountains, lush greenery, and interesting flowers. The McBryde Gardens are adjacent to the Allerton Gardens and are home to the world's largest collection of native Hawaiian flora.
Tours of the garden are guided and normally last two to three hours. Visitors must check-in at the Visitors Center across the street from Spouting Horn Beach Park.
Opaekaa Falls
East Kauai Region
#8 Rated in Sights to See on Kauai
Head up Kuamo'o Road until you see a pullout for Opaeka'a Falls on your right, shortly before the second mile marker. From the overlook, you can get a spectacular view of 150+ foot Opaeka'a Falls.
The falls are at their best in full sunlight (late morning usually). If you visit on a cloudy day, definitely try to return at a sunnier hour.
Best of all, the falls are flowing year-round so you're always certain to see it in action.
Puu o Kila Lookout
West Kauai Region
#7 Rated in Sights to See on Kauai
At the very end of Highway 550 in Kokee State Park awaits one of the most jaw-dropping lookouts on the island; a panoramic view into Kalalau Valley and scenic views overlooking the Alakai Swamp (the highest swamp in the world).
Clouds permitting, the views into Kalalau Valley are superb at this location, and you can venture right up to the edge of the valley to snap that perfect photograph.
The swamp that stretches out behind you is the wettest place on earth, ending at the summit of Waialeale
Kilauea Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge
North Kauai Region
#6 Rated in Sights to See on Kauai
Kilauea Lighthouse is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. The lighthouse was built in 1913 with the largest hand-blown clamshell lens in the world. It was later replaced with a beacon in the 1970's.
The lighthouse is open to look around in on the ground level. Today the lighthouse remains one of Kaua'i's most popular attractions.
Native vegetation and an informative visitor center attracts thousands of tourists to this site to bird watch, view the sweeping cliff and ocean vistas, and revel in Kaua'i's past.
Limahuli Garden & Preserve
North Kauai Region
#5 Rated in Sights to See on Kauai
Along the North Shore of Kauai, past mile marker 9 on Highway 560, mauka (towards the mountain) is one of the fascinating gardens on the island, Limahuli Garden & Preserve.
The 1,000-acre garden is now part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens after being donated to the society in 1976. The garden, nestled in the mountains, is unique and a real treasure to visit.
One of the most amazing areas of the garden is the taro gardens and terrace system, the origins of which date back a century or more to the earliest Hawaiians.
Wailua Falls
Lihue Region
#4 Rated in Sights to See on Kauai
If you've ever fantasized about seeing a double-tiered waterfall, then get ready to turn your fantasy into reality at the gorgeous Wailua Falls.
Unlike many other waterfalls on Kauai, Wailua Falls is easily accessible, as no hiking is needed to reach it and appreciate its beauty up close. In fact, the parking lot basically overlooks the falls.
As an added bonus, when the sun hits at just the right angle you'll get a beautiful rainbow extending out from the base of the falls in the mist, which is nothing short of spectacular.
Kalalau Lookout
West Kauai Region
#3 Rated in Sights to See on Kauai
Kalalau Lookout isn't just another Waimea Canyon lookout, as many first-time visitors often believe. It's a view into the heart of the Kalalau Valley- one of the most-photographed and well-recognized valleys in all of Hawaii.
The surrounding coastline and valley, which is the largest valley on the island at two miles wide, has served as the backdrop for countless films including "King Kong" (the original), "Mighty Joe Young," "Jurassic Park," and "Six Days Seven Nights."
Kalalau Lookout is also the highest elevation most people reach in Kauai by road, at 4,000 feet.
Waimea Canyon
West Kauai Region
#2 Rated in Sights to See on Kauai
Dubbed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific" by Mark Twain, Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific and truly a dramatic sight to behold at ten miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,500 ft. deep.
Carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods that flowed from Mount Waialeale's summit, the canyon is home to the Waimea River.
The river was named for the red hue of the water, as Waimea means 'red waters.' The red tint is caused by several natural processes that break down the ancient rock inside the gorge.
Na Pali Coast State Park
West & North Kauai Region
#1 Rated in Sights to See on Kauai
The NaPali Coast is the gem of all gems on the island of Kauai. There are 3 ways to visit the NaPali Coast: by land, by sea, or by air.
Stretching across a road-less expanse from Polihale Beach in on the West Side to Makana Mountain and Kee Beach in Ha’ena on the North Shore; the NaPali Coast makes up the breathtaking, beautiful northwest coastline of Kauai.
Filled with dramatic cliff faces, pristine beaches, rugged hiking trails and extensive archaeological sites, NaPali Coast is an environment of immense power where natural forces are continually evolving the shape of the land.
Kauai 50+ Top Sights & Attractions
Categorized by Region
Need Help? Check out our Kauai Regions Guide →
Na Pali Kauai Sights
Top Na Pali Sights
The glorious Na Pali Coast... a truly breathtaking experience. From its stunning sea cliffs, verdant valleys, and pristine beaches, there's seemingly no end to the rugged beauty found here.
- Na Pali Coast State Park - #1 Best in Sights on Kauai
- Hanakapiai Falls
- Nualolo Kai
- Polihale State Park
East Kauai Sights
Top East Kauai Sights
The lovely Coconut Coast is home to history, culture, tropical botanical gardens, and yes, abundant coconut trees that sway gently in the Kauai breezes as you take in these East Side Kauai sights.
- Fern Grotto
- Smith's Tropical Paradise
- Uluwehi 'Secret' Falls
- Wailua River
- Opaekaa Falls - #8 Best in Sights on Kauai
- Kauai Museum
- Wailua Falls - #4 Best in Sights on Kauai
- Kamokila Hawaiian Village
- Poliahu Heiau
- Kauai Bike Path
- Knudsen Gap
- Sleeping Giant
- Coconut Grove
- Grove Farm Homestead Museum
- Keahua Forestry Arboretum
South Kauai Sights
Top South Kauai Sights
The sunny South Shore is home to everything from impressive cliffs chiseled by the elements to historic mill towns. You'll even find the famous Moreton Bay fig trees immortalized in "Jurassic Park" here. Check out these great South Shore sights.
- Spouting Horn
- Prince Kuhio Park
- National Tropical Botanical Garden - #9 Best in Sights on Kauai
- Koloa Sugar Mill
- Makawehi Lithified Cliffs - #10 Best in Sights on Kauai
- Lawai International Centre
North Kauai Sights
Top North Kauai Sights
If "visit paradise" is on your to-do list, consider it done with a stop on Kauai's North Shore. Lush valleys, heavenly gardens, and birdwatching galore make this region memorable. Make sure to stop by the northernmost point in all of Kauai to top off your North Kauai sightseeing adventure.
- Hanalei Valley Overlook
- Limahuli Garden & Preserve - #5 Best in Sights on Kauai
- Queens Bath
- Kalihiwai Falls
- Kilauea Lighthouse - #6 Best in Sights on Kauai
- Waikapalae Wet Cave
- Waikanaloa Wet Cave
- Mokuaeae Island
- Manini-holo Dry Cave
- Christ Memorial Episcopal Church
- Haena State Park
- Na Aina Kai Botanical Garden
West Kauai Sights
Top West Kauai Sights
From the impressive "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" to the historical landmarks, West Kauai is known for its gorgeous vistas and authentic "old Hawaii" feel. Visit a museum and look back in time, or stop at the Niihau lookout and gaze toward the Forbidden Island... simply amazing.
- Kalalau Lookout - #3 Best in Sights on Kauai
- Puu Hinahina Lookout
- Waimea Canyon - #2 Best in Sights on Kauai
- Puu Ka Pele Lookout
- Puu o Kila Lookout - #7 Best in Sights on Kauai
- Waipoo Falls
- Kokee State Park & Museum
- Menehune Ditch
- Niihau Lookout
- Russian Fort Elizabeth
- Waimea Swinging Bridge
- Captain Cook Monument
Lihue Kauai Sights
Lihue Sights
Lihue is the county seat of Kauai and is the location of the government offices, a museum, and several other potential resources to visitors.
- Wailua Falls - #4 Best in Sights on Kauai
- Ninini Point Lighthouse
- Menehune Fishpond - Alekoko
- Nawiliwili Harbor
- Lihue Town
Kauai Sightseeing Tours
Enjoying everything the Garden Isle has to offer is a snap. Whether you're an extreme adventurer looking for an epic challenge or just want to sit back, relax, and take it all in, we have the perfect Kauai tour for you. Kayak the NaPali Coast, explore the hills on horseback or take a leisurely stroll through an enchanting botanical garden. No matter how you choose to experience Kauai, these sightseeing tours are sure to impress.
