Did you know that 80% of Kauai is inaccessible by car? Its towering sea cliffs, gorgeous deep canyon, and rugged backcountry terrain make this island a bucket list destination. But how do you enjoy all of this lush landscape if you can't drive to it? Here are the best ways to take in the majesty of the Garden Isle.
But first, have you downloaded our Hawaii Travel Planning Guide? If you're thinking about a trip to Hawaii, you don't want to miss this one. It's where we've put our best advice and tips for planning your trip. You can get it here:
1. Take a helicopter ride
The best way to see the lush green sea cliffs of the Na Pali coast is to get a bird's eye view on a helicopter ride. Soar over the Waimea Canyon, past Jurassic Falls (and countless other waterfalls), fly in between the sea cliffs, and over Kauai's beautiful countryside. This unforgettable adventure will leave you speechless as you marvel at the beauty of Earth's best landscape. It's best to take your ride at the beginning of your trip to get a good idea of the lay of the land. And if the weather causes your tour to be delayed, you'll have plenty of opportunity to reschedule later in your trip.
2. See the Na Pali coast by boat
A sunset cruise of the Na Pali coast of Kauai is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in life. Watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean with a backdrop of those famous lush green mountains- I'm sure I don't have to convince you that this is a must-do experience! There are plenty of options to choose from when planning your sailing adventure.
3. ATV Tour
Prepare to get muddy on an off-road adventure deep in the unspoiled backcountry of Kauai’s south shore. Drive through 22,000 acres of historic Grove Farm terrain on an ATV adventure that takes you through historic plantation lands. Experience 23 miles of diverse off-road trails, including amazing panoramic views, famous movie sites, lush Hawaiian jungle, and a hidden tunnel.
4. Horseback
The Hawaiian word for cowboy is paniolo. In this adventure, you'll get to see Kauai like a true paniolo. You'll ride along cliffs, across foothills, past secluded beaches and waterfalls, across streams, and by sugar cane fields. Several companies offer guided tours ranging from 90 minutes to five hours. You will be able to stop for snacks, photos, picnics, swimming, and time to soak in the views. Some of the companies take you to their private land, with views only seen by their guests.
5. Hiking
Hike Kauai with a local guide for a truly memorable experience. Offering hikes for all experience levels, a good local guide is an invaluable resource for learning about the history of the land while you see it. Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park offer some of the best hiking trails on the island. Spread over 4,325 acres, Kokee State Park features trails leading to scenic lookouts and hikes for the family.
There is something truly special about the Kauai landscape. These 5 unique and memorable experiences will have you talking about it for years. You will want to make sure you bring a good camera with you, so you can show off your beautiful photos to your friends!
Ready to plan your trip to Hawaii? As Hawaii Destination Experts, we'd love to present you with a personalized itinerary and provide you with best-in-class service. Our first step is to connect on a Zoom call. Then we'll present you with a detailed itinerary that will include flights, transportation, quality accommodations, tours and activities, and sightseeing and restaurant recommendations. You'll depart for your trip knowing your trip was expertly planned and curated just for you.
Not quite ready to plan? Download our Hawaii Planning Guide to discover which island is right for you and learn valuable planning tips for this timeless destination.
