Best Kauai Things to See

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.

Kauai video guide

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Press play for a quick tour through Kauai's big-ticket experiences, including the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Wailua River, helicopter views, tubing, beaches, and garden-isle adventures.

Explore Kauai's Sights on the Map

Every Kauai sight we cover, side by side with the map. Tap a filter to narrow the list — the pins follow along.

Waimea Canyon

4.9(7057)Scenic View~75 min from LIH

Plan Waimea Canyon on Kauai: scenic drive, fees, best lookouts, Kōkeʻe and Kalalau add-ons, hikes, weather, maps, and rental-car tips.

Fees / permits

Kilauea Lighthouse

4.6(3816)Scenic View~48 min from LIH

Kilauea Lighthouse is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. The lighthouse was built in 1913 with the largest hand blown clamshell l...

Fees / permits

Queen's Bath

4.5(3151)Scenic View~53 min from LIH

Heading north on Highway 56, the road moves more toward the west than north.Queen's Bath is located inside the high-class neighborhood of Princevil...

Waimea Swinging Bridge

4.3(2202)Historic & Cultural~35 min from LIH

The Waimea Swinging Bridge is a historic pedestrian suspension bridge in Waimea Town, Kauai. Get directions, photos, and visitor tips.

Kalalau Lookout

4.8(2035)Scenic View~94 min from LIH

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 Vall...

National Tropical Botanical Garden

4.6(1681)Garden~37 min from LIH

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 o...

Polihale State Park

4.8(1647)Park~77 min from LIH

Guide to Polihale State Park on Kauai's remote west side. 17-mile beach, camping permits, 4WD access road conditions, sunset views, and tips for vi...

Mokuaeae Island

4.8(1440)Scenic View~48 min from LIH

Moku'ae'ae Island is a speck of land just offshore near the Kilauea Lighthouse in North Kauai. Many birds like the Laysan albatross, the red and wh...

Hanalei Valley Overlook

4.8(1230)Scenic View~49 min from LIH

Hanalei Valley Overlook near Princeville, Kauai offers panoramic views of taro fields and waterfalls. Get directions, photos, and visit tips.

Ha'ena State Park

4.7(1152)Park~75 min from LIH

Haena State Park includes Ke'e Beach, the Kalalau & Hanakapiai Beach/Falls trailhead, two wet caves, and more. The park requires advance reservatio...

Fees / permits

Wailua Falls

4.5(1086)Waterfall~19 min from LIH

Wailua Falls on Kauai, one of Hawaii's most iconic waterfalls. How to get there, best time to visit, safety tips, and what to expect at this 80-foo...

Pu'u O Kila Lookout

4.9(1046)Scenic View~96 min from LIH

Puu o Kila Lookout at the end of Kokee Road offers sweeping views of Kalalau Valley on Kauai. Get directions, photos, and trail info.

Fern Grotto

4.4(890)Scenic View~18 min from LIH

The Wailua River is said to be the only navigable river in Hawaii (depending on how you define navigable). In the case of taking a boat a few miles...

Limahuli Garden & Preserve

4.7(810)Garden~74 min from LIH

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, Li...

Fees / permits

Kauai Museum

4.6(752)Historic & Cultural~9 min from LIH

The Kauai Museum is home to some of the most fascinating art and artifacts of the Hawaiian civilization. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the...

Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens

4.5(576)Garden~41 min from LIH

The beauty of a botanical garden draws many people at every point in the world, but the North of Kauai is home to some say the best. Na Aina Kai Bo...

Ninini Point Lighthouse

4.4(524)Scenic View~9 min from LIH

The 86-foot tall wood and concrete lighthouse overlooks Nawiliwili Bay. Built in 1906, the lighthouse was automated in 1953 and does not require a ...

Spouting Horn

4.5(459)Scenic View~37 min from LIH

Spouting Horn is a natural lava tube blowhole on Kauai's South Shore in Poipu that shoots ocean water high into the air. See photos and tips.

Keahua Forestry Arboretum

4.4(385)Garden~28 min from LIH

Keahua Forestry Arboretum near Kapaa, Kauai offers hiking trails through native and tropical trees. Get directions, trail info, and photos.

Ke Ala Hele Makalae (Kauai Bike Path)

4.8(317)Historic & Cultural~23 min from LIH

A great way to experience a beautiful part of Kauai's East Coast is to take a ride or a stroll along the Kauai Bike Path, or Ke Ala Hele Makalae, w...

Smith's Tropical Paradise

4.7(255)Historic & Cultural~16 min from LIH

Smith's Tropical Paradise in Kapaa, Kauai features lush gardens, a luau, and Wailua River boat tours. Get hours, photos, and visit tips.

Pu'u Hinahina Lookout

4.8(227)Scenic View~83 min from LIH

Pu`u Hinahina Lookout provides one of the most dramatic ways to view Waimea Canyon. The canyon is ten miles long, a mile wide, and more than 3,500 ...

Koke'e State Park & Museum

4.4(220)Park~87 min from LIH

Koke'e State Park is located at 4,000 feet atop Waimea Canyon ridge. The park encompasses 4,345 acres of land and has over 45 miles of trails. A 20...

Fees / permits

Opaeka'a Falls

4.3(200)Waterfall~17 min from LIH

Mauka on Highway 56, right around mile marker 6, you'll cross over Wailua River. If you're heading north, make sure you're in the left lane as the ...

Fees / permits

Grove Farm Homestead Museum

4.8(110)Historic & Cultural~11 min from LIH

Take a trip back in time to a traditional Kauai sugar plantation at the Grove Farm Homestead Museum. This museum is in the plantations main home wh...

Pu'u Ka Pele Lookout

4.8(91)Scenic View~80 min from LIH

Pu'u Ka Pele lookout, which is a very small pullout near mile marker 13 on Highway 550, provides an interesting angle into Waimea Canyon through a ...

Hanakapiai Falls

4.9(90)Waterfall~75 min from LIH

Hanakapi'ai Falls isn't a waterfall most visitors will ever see. Nestled deep inside Hanakapi'ai Valley on the Na Pali coast, it'll take some effor...

Poliahu Heiau

4.5(79)Historic & Cultural~16 min from LIH

Poli'ahu Heiau is one of Kaua'i's most legendary structures located just across the road from beautiful Opaeka'a Falls. Here you'll find an ancient...

Wailua River Cultural Sites

4.5(79)Historic & Cultural~16 min from LIH

Wailua means 'two waters,' and the Wailua River area was known to be one of the largest ahupu'a (land divisions) on Kauai. It was very much one of ...

Fees / permits

The Great Sacred Wailua

4.6(75)Historic & Cultural~18 min from LIH

The Great Sacred Wailua often called the Wailua Complex, is a National Historic Landmark and is situated on the east side of the island of Kauai al...

Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls)

4.6(75)Waterfall~18 min from LIH

How to reach Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls) on Kauai. Kayak the Wailua River, hike through the jungle, and swim under a 100-foot waterfall. Tours, pe...

Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain)

4.8(66)Scenic View~17 min from LIH

The Nounou Mountain ridge between Wailua and Kapa'a has a unique feature - it looks just like a slumbering giant. Legends and tall tales abound abo...

Menehune Ditch (Kiki a Ola)

4.2(61)Historic & Cultural~48 min from LIH

Menehune Ditch (Kiki a Ola) in Waimea, Kauai is an ancient Hawaiian aqueduct shrouded in legend. Get directions, history, and photos.

Captain Cook Monument

3.7(49)Historic & Cultural~45 min from LIH

The Captain Cook Monument in Waimea, Kauai marks where Captain James Cook first landed in Hawaii in 1778. Get history, directions, and photos.

Lawai International Center

4.8(45)Historic & Cultural~26 min from LIH

Hawaii is a place of multicultural diversity, where people from many nations gather to share their gifts on these beautiful islands in the middle o...

Christ Memorial Episcopal Church

4.9(34)Historic & Cultural~41 min from LIH

Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Kilauea, Kauai is a charming lava rock church with beautiful stained glass. See photos and visit info.

Maniniholo Dry Cave

4.2(34)Scenic View~72 min from LIH

The Manini-holo dry cave is located along the North Shore on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. It is a great place to stop and explore.

Wailua River

4.8(31)Scenic View~15 min from LIH

The Wailua River is the only navigable river in the islands. It begins at Kauai's heart and the wettest place on earth, Mt. Waialeale, and flows al...

Fees / permits

Kalihiwai Falls

2.5(30)Waterfall~43 min from LIH

Kalihiwai Falls near Kilauea on Kauai is a beautiful roadside waterfall visible from the highway. Get directions, photos, and viewing tips.

Menehune Fishpond (Alekoko)

4.1(22)Historic & Cultural~13 min from LIH

Alekoko is the Hawaiian name for this fish pond. In ancient times, indigenous Hawaiians farmed fish by building rock walls along the edge of the ri...

Prince Kuhio Park

4.3(22)Historic & Cultural~33 min from LIH

Prince Kuhio Park in Koloa, Kauai honors the birthplace of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole. Get directions, history, and visitor info.

Waipo'o Falls

4.8(19)Waterfall~83 min from LIH

Waipoo Falls in Waimea Canyon, Kauai drops 800 feet into the canyon below. Get hiking trail details, photos, and directions to this waterfall.

Waikanaloa Wet Cave

4.9(10)Scenic View~77 min from LIH

Waikanaloa Wet Cave is one of two wet caves in the area; Waikapalae Wet Cave is the other. Located just off the highway it is the most easily acces...

Waikapalae Wet Cave (Blue Room)

4.9(10)Scenic View~77 min from LIH

The three caves in this area were formed when sea levels were much higher and sand and surf carved them out.Waikapala'e is one of two wet caves her...

Makawehi Lithified Cliffs

4.8(8)Scenic View~31 min from LIH

Kauai's Makawehi Lithified Cliffs are stunning sea cliffs filled with fossils and petroglyphs. The location is a sacred Hawaiian area and a must-se...

Ni'ihau Lookout

2.3(8)Scenic View~83 min from LIH

Ni'ihau Lookout on Kokee Road in Kauai. See the Forbidden Island of Ni'ihau and Lehua Rock from this easy roadside viewpoint. Directions, photos, a...

Nualolo Kai

4.9(8)Historic & Cultural~93 min from LIH

Nu'alolo Kai is one of the most incredible places I have ever visited. In one small enclave along the Na Pali Coast; you will experience a beautifu...

Old Koloa Sugar Mill

5(2)Historic & Cultural~24 min from LIH

Sugar used to reign supreme in the islands until world trade opened up the market to cheaper sources. The Koloa Sugar Mill which was built in 1898 ...

Knudsen Gap

Scenic View~25 min from LIH

Wedged between two mountains, the Knudsen Gap was a scary place indeed in the 1800s. This trip through the narrow passage was a dangerous one as ro...

Kauai sights map

Kauai Sights Map

Kauai map with spot markers

Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide

2026 Edition Updated June 2026

HawaiiGuide's Best Sights & Attractions on Kauaʻi

Our editorial ranking of the must-see sights and attractions on Kauaʻi — chosen by our team, not crowdsourced.

BEST SIGHTS 2026

How We Rank Kauaʻi's Sights

Every sight is judged on the things that shape a visit: the experience itself, scenery and “wow” factor, ease of access, the time and cost it takes, crowd levels, and whether it rewards the drive. Rankings are editorial — we don't accept payment for placement. See how we earn money.

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.

1

Na Pali Coast State Park

North/West (remote)
#1 Rated Sight 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.

Region
North/West (remote)
Type
Sea-cliff coastline (boat/hike/air)
Fee
Free (access varies)
Best time
Summer (calm seas)
Plan for
Half to full day
2

Waimea Canyon

West Side
#2 Rated Sight on Kauai

Nicknamed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," 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. 

Region
West Side
Type
Canyon & lookouts
Fee
$5/person + $10 parking
Best time
Morning (clear)
Plan for
Half day
3

Kalalau Lookout

West Side (Kōkeʻe)
#3 Rated Sight 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.

Region
West Side (Kōkeʻe)
Type
Na Pali valley overlook
Fee
$5/person + $10 parking
Best time
Mid-morning (before clouds)
Plan for
20–30 min
Hanalei Valley Lookout
4

Hanalei Valley Lookout

North Shore (Hanalei)
#4 Rated Sight on Kauai

The single best roadside view on Kauaʻi. Pull off Kūhiō Highway just before it drops into Hanalei town and the whole valley opens below you — a patchwork of taro fields (loʻi kalo) along the Hanalei River, backed by waterfall-streaked green mountains.

It's a quick stop — a few minutes at the railing — but it's the postcard that defines the North Shore. Best in morning light or after rain, when the waterfalls run hardest. The taro fields below are a working national wildlife refuge.

Region
North Shore (Hanalei)
Type
Valley overlook
Fee
Free
Best time
Morning / after rain
Plan for
10–15 min

5

Limahuli Garden & Preserve

North Shore (Hāʻena)
#5 Rated Sight 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.

Region
North Shore (Hāʻena)
Type
Native botanical garden (NTBG)
Fee
$20 self-guided
Best time
Morning
Plan for
1.5–2 hours
6

Kilauea Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge

North Shore (Kīlauea)
#6 Rated Sight 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.

Region
North Shore (Kīlauea)
Type
Lighthouse & seabird refuge
Fee
~$10 (refuge)
Best time
Morning
Plan for
~1 hour
7

Puu o Kila Lookout

West Side (Kōkeʻe)
#7 Rated Sight 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

Region
West Side (Kōkeʻe)
Type
Kalalau Valley overlook
Fee
$5/person + $10 parking
Best time
Mid-morning
Plan for
~20 min
Spouting Horn
8

Spouting Horn

South Shore (Pōʻipu)
#8 Rated Sight on Kauai

On Lawaʻi Road in Pōʻipu, Spouting Horn is Kauaʻi's famous blowhole — surf surges through a lava tube and erupts in a geyser of spray, often 30+ feet high, with a low moan that legend ties to a giant moʻo (lizard) trapped beneath.

It puts on the best show at higher tide and bigger south swells. There's a guard-railed viewing area and a small craft-vendor row alongside. A quick, free stop — stay behind the rail, the rocks are slick and the blast is unpredictable.

Region
South Shore (Pōʻipu)
Type
Blowhole
Fee
Free
Best time
Rising tide / south swell
Plan for
15–20 min

9

Wailua Falls

East Side (Līhuʻe)
#9 Rated Sight 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. 

Region
East Side (Līhuʻe)
Type
Roadside double waterfall
Fee
Free
Best time
Morning (rainbows)
Plan for
15–20 min
Fern Grotto & Wailua River
10

Fern Grotto & Wailua River

East Side (Wailua)
#10 Rated Sight on Kauai

The Wailua River is Hawaiʻi's only navigable river, and a boat ride a couple of miles upstream lands you at the Fern Grotto — a natural lava-rock amphitheater draped in hanging ferns, long a favorite spot for Hawaiian weddings.

The classic way in is the Smith's riverboat tour, with live Hawaiian music and hula on the way; you can also kayak the river yourself. It's a gentle, scenic half-day that's especially good with kids or on a rainy afternoon.

Region
East Side (Wailua)
Type
River & fern grotto
Fee
River-boat tour
Best time
Morning
Plan for
Half day

11

Opaekaa Falls

East Side (Wailua)
#11 Rated Sight 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.

Region
East Side (Wailua)
Type
Roadside waterfall
Fee
Free
Best time
Morning
Plan for
~15 min
Kōkeʻe State Park
12

Kōkeʻe State Park

West Side (uplands)
#12 Rated Sight on Kauai

At 4,000 feet atop the Waimea Canyon ridge, Kōkeʻe State Park spreads across 4,345 acres of cool upland forest with 45+ miles of trails — a different Kauaʻi entirely, all misty ʻōhiʻa woods, native birds, and canyon-rim lookouts.

A small natural-history museum makes a good orientation stop, and the road continues to the Kalalau and Puʻu o Kila lookouts at the end. Bring a jacket — it's 15–20 degrees cooler than the coast, and often wet.

Region
West Side (uplands)
Type
Mountain state park
Fee
$5/person + $10 parking
Best time
Morning (clear views)
Plan for
Half day

13

Allerton & McBryde Gardens

South Shore (Lāwaʻi)
#13 Rated Sight 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.

Region
South Shore (Lāwaʻi)
Type
Botanical gardens (NTBG)
Fee
From ~$30
Best time
Morning
Plan for
2–3 hours
Nā ʻĀina Kai Botanical Garden
14

Nā ʻĀina Kai Botanical Garden

North Shore (Kīlauea)
#14 Rated Sight on Kauai

On the North Shore near Kīlauea, Nā ʻĀina Kai is a sprawling 240-acre botanical garden and sculpture park — formal gardens, a hardwood plantation, meadows, lagoons, a beach, and dozens of life-size bronze sculptures tucked among the plantings.

It's seen by guided tour only, on a limited schedule, so reserve ahead. The range of themed gardens — including a whimsical children's garden — makes it one of the most ambitious gardens in the islands. Plan a couple of hours.

Region
North Shore (Kīlauea)
Type
Botanical & sculpture garden
Fee
Guided tour (reserve)
Best time
By reservation
Plan for
2–3 hours

Russian Fort Elisabeth
15

Russian Fort Elisabeth

West Side (Waimea)
#15 Rated Sight on Kauai

On the West Side in Waimea town, the ruins of Fort Elisabeth date to 1816–17 — an oddity of Hawaiian history, built under Kauaʻi's King Kaumualiʻi during a brief, failed scheme by a German agent of the Russian-American Company to gain a foothold in the islands.

What survives is the low star-shaped outline of lava-rock walls above the Waimea River mouth. There's little signage and not much shade, but it's a free, quick stop with real historical weight and a good view across to Waimea town.

Region
West Side (Waimea)
Type
Historic fort ruins (1816–17)
Fee
Free
Best time
Morning (cooler)
Plan for
20–30 min

Grove Farm Homestead Museum
16

Grove Farm Homestead Museum

Līhuʻe
#16 Rated Sight on Kauai

A remarkably intact 1860s sugar-plantation homestead in Līhuʻe, Grove Farm preserves the main house, outbuildings, and grounds of the Wilcox family just as they were — koa furniture, books, tools, and gardens that bring plantation-era Kauaʻi to life.

It's seen by guided tour only (about three hours), led by knowledgeable docents, with reservations required and the schedule sometimes limited, so confirm before you go. For anyone curious how 19th-century Hawaiʻi actually worked, it's the best history stop on the island.

Region
Līhuʻe
Type
Plantation-era museum
Fee
Guided tour (reserve ahead)
Best time
By reservation
Plan for
~3 hours

Poliʻahu Heiau
17

Poliʻahu Heiau

East Side (Wailua)
#17 Rated Sight on Kauai

Just across the road from ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, Poliʻahu Heiau is one of Kauaʻi's most significant ancient temples — a large stone platform overlooking the sacred Wailua River, part of a complex of heiau that made this valley the island's spiritual and royal center.

The walls and terraces are still clearly defined, and the river-valley setting is genuinely atmospheric. Stay on the marked paths and treat it as the active sacred site it remains — no climbing on the stonework, and leave any offerings undisturbed.

Region
East Side (Wailua)
Type
Ancient heiau
Fee
Free
Best time
Morning
Plan for
20–30 min

Menehune Fishpond
18

Menehune Fishpond

Līhuʻe
#18 Rated Sight on Kauai

An overlook above Līhuʻe takes in Alekoko, the Menehune Fishpond — an ingenious ancient aquaculture pond formed by a long, smoothly built rock wall cutting off a bend of the Hūleʻia River. Legend credits its overnight construction to the Menehune, Kauaʻi's mythical little people.

You view it from a roadside pull-off rather than up close (it sits on private land within a wildlife refuge), but the engineering and the setting are striking. A quick, free photo stop on the way to or from Līhuʻe.

Region
Līhuʻe
Type
Ancient fishpond (overlook)
Fee
Free
Best time
Morning light
Plan for
10–15 min

Kauaʻi Museum
19

Kauaʻi Museum

Līhuʻe
#19 Rated Sight on Kauai

On Rice Street in downtown Līhuʻe, the Kauaʻi Museum packs the island's whole story into two historic buildings — Native Hawaiian artifacts, the geology of the oldest main island, the plantation and missionary eras, and rotating local-art shows.

It's compact and well-curated, the right first stop to get your bearings on Kauaʻi's history before you head out exploring — or a good rainy-day plan. The gift shop is one of the better spots for genuine island-made crafts.

Region
Līhuʻe
Type
History & art museum
Fee
~$15 adult
Best time
Anytime
Plan for
1–2 hours

Christ Memorial Episcopal Church
20

Christ Memorial Episcopal Church

North Shore (Kīlauea)
#20 Rated Sight on Kauai

A small lava-rock chapel on Kolo Road in Kīlauea, Christ Memorial was consecrated in 1941, built with stone and land donated by the Kīlauea Sugar Company. It's one of the North Shore's quiet, photogenic surprises.

The reason to slow down is the stained glass — made in England and since restored, with detail that holds up to a close look even from outside. A peaceful, free few minutes off the Kīlauea Lighthouse route; mind that it's an active church.

Region
North Shore (Kīlauea)
Type
Historic church (1941)
Fee
Free (donation)
Best time
Anytime
Plan for
~15 min

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Kauai 50+ Top Sights & Attractions

Categorized by Region

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Na Pali Kauai Sights

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.

East Kauai Sights

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.

South Kauai Sights

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.

North Kauai Sights

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.

West Kauai Sights

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.

Lihue Kauai Sights

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.

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.  

Complete Kauai Sights & Attractions Directory

52 sights — A to Z

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