Things You'll Need:
- Bathing suit
- Casual clothes
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Insect repellent
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Step 1
Stop by the Kauai Museum for a little history lesson. Here, you’ll find a showcase of artifacts and native Hawaiian crafts, including Koa furniture made from native Hawaiian wood. You’ll also learn about the volcanic eruptions that formed the island and the Polynesians who arrived on canoe.
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Step 2
Plan a visit to the Wailua River for a fascinating three-mile ride on one of the river launches. You’ll go ashore to explore another landmark, the famous Fern Grotto, a fern-draped natural amphitheater formed by lava rock. The highlight of this trip will be the incredible beauty of Hanalei Valley and Hanalei Bay.
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Step 3
Explore Koke's State Park, a 4,345-acre upland wilderness on Kauai’s south shore. It’s truly lovely. Travel high into the park to view Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." While there, visit Kalalau Lookout for a view of the Napali Coast Valley, whose emerald cliffs plunge 4,000 feet to the surf below.
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Step 4
Kick back and relax on Kee Beach Park, a fine bathing and excellent snorkeling beach at the end of the road where the trail begins to the Napali cliffs. Other options: Poipu Beach located on the south coast. It’s also a superb spot for snorkeling and swimming. If you’re looking for something a little more remote, try Polihale Beach, which is nestled at the end of the west coast’s paved road. Or take a short hike to Secret Beach. You’ll enjoy its views of Kilauea Lighthouse.
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Step 5
Don’t miss a chance to visit the Limahuli National Tropical Botanical Gardens, which abounds with natural vegetation. More than half the plants are rare or endangered, and one of Hawaii’s last pristine waterways, Limahuli Stream, winds through the grounds. Kauai has several gardens that are open to the public for a small fee, including Na'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens in Kilauea and Smoth's Tropical Paradise at Wailua.
