Photograph by: Brigitte

Best Things to Do in Kauai

Featured Kauai Travel Tips
  • Walk the pier and take in mountain views at Hanalei Bay Beach
  • Wander to Shipwreck Beach on the South Shore
  • Take in the sunset at Moloa'a Bay
  • Experience the cliffs of Maha'Ulepu Beach
  • Visit the coral reef in the North Shore at Anini Beach
  • Capture memories on a Flytographer photoshoot

Since 2013, Flytographer has captured millions of vacation photos all around the globe and know our customers have the best travel tips to share! Explore their favourite things to do in Kauai, best restaurants in Kauai, and general travel tips to get fresh inspiration and start planning your trip to Kauai.

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Cora's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

I had a lovely and delicious birthday dinner at Tidepools - it was worth the splurge to celebrate a special occasion.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Hiking to Ho’opi falls was an overall family favorite. Anini beach was also great for our kiddo. After a couple nights at a big resort, Waimea Plantation Cottages was the perfect change of pace and we loved our time on the west coast and having Waimea Canyon and the lookouts practically to ourselves early in the day.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kauai?

We usually planned one big activity per day. If we got to do more, great, but we didn’t put pressure on ourselves to see and do everything. Coming from the west coast of the mainland, we scheduled our Flytographer shoot early in our trip when we were all waking up early anyway - sunrise pics meant gorgeous pictures AND and empty beach! We also brought lots of sunscreen.

Visited Kauai in May

Photo Shoot Location: Shipwreck Beach

Michael in Kauai for Flytographer


Emilee's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Tahiti Nui in Hanalei. Fantastic mai tais, friendly service, live music, delicious food, and charming tiki atmosphere.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Wailua Kayak & Canoe self guided tour to Secret Falls Hike Kalalua trail to Hanakapai’i Falls

Visited Kauai in February

Photo Shoot Location: Hanalei Bay Beach

Taggart in Kauai for Flytographer


Pamela's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company - a delicious breakfast stop! Puka Dog - it’s a Kauai favorite and a must do.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Kayak the Wailua river and hike to secret falls - we went with Cole from Wailua Kayak Adventure and it was awesome! Visit Hanalei - walk the pier and spend some time in town, be sure to get a mai tai at Tahiti Nui.

Visited Kauai in February

Photo Shoot Location: Maha'Ulepu Beach, South Shore

Elana in Kauai for Flytographer


Sean's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Little Fish in Poipu. Bar Acuda in Hanalei. Hanalei Poke. Sleeping Giant Grill in Kapa'a.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Helicopter tour. Hiking up to Hanakapi'ai Falls. Kayaking down Waipu River and hiking to waterfalls.

Visited Kauai in February

Photo Shoot Location: Hanalei Bay Beach

Elana in Kauai for Flytographer


Tracey's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

We loved visiting the Cabana in Poipu for happy hour and Pats Taqueria at Hanalei Beach for fresh fish tacos!

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Paddle Board at Kalapaki Beach and kayak Hanalei River

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kauai?

Lydgate beach is great for families with young kids

Visited Kauai in January

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Taggart in Kauai for Flytographer


Betty's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Loved Little Fish Coffee for coffee and Açai bowls in the morning. Wait can be long but well worth it! Koloa Pizza was also very good. Such great flavour and variety!

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Shipwreck beach is beautiful! There’s a great hike along the coastline there. Also recommend the Nepali Coast hike to the waterfall! Kids loved boogie boarding at Brennecke’s Beach and turtle/seal watching at Poipu Beach.

Visited Kauai in January

Photo Shoot Location: Shipwreck Beach

Elizabeth in Kauai for Flytographer


Aly's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Puka Dog for some Hawaiian style hot dogs!

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Visiting Poipu Beach and seeing the sea turtles rest on the sand was definitely a highlight

Visited Kauai in December

Photo Shoot Location: Shipwreck Beach

Elizabeth in Kauai for Flytographer


Woody's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Kauai Juice, Kilauea Fish Market, Java Kai, Leong's Meat House

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Polehale Beach

Visited Kauai in August

Photo Shoot Location: Hanalei Bay Beach

Elizabeth in Kauai for Flytographer


Michelle's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Dukes was great! awesome view and good menu options.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Landmarks, hikes and the small shops and places to eat.

Visited Kauai in October

Photo Shoot Location: Maha'Ulepu Beach, South Shore

Elana in Kauai for Flytographer


Michelle's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

La Spezia - great homestyle Italian food with large portions.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Our family loved the Kauai Plantation Railway train ride.

Visited Kauai in September

Photo Shoot Location: Shipwreck Beach

Elana in Kauai for Flytographer


Rose's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Avalon Gastropub in Kilauea! The Kauai Mojito was best I’ve mojito I’ve ever had! Caramelized pork chops and duck with corn polenta was exceptionally prepared!

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Na Pali Catamaran tour of Na Pali Coast and snorkel at Tunnels.

What is the best tip for a romantic getaway in Kauai?

Stay at Kai Honu, a private tree top bungalow Airbnb for two in Wainiha! Experience the real Hawaii.

Visited Kauai in September

Photo Shoot Location: Hanalei Bay Beach

Michaela in Kauai for Flytographer


Michelle's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

There are so many wonderful places to choose from! For breakfast the Ube French Toast from Kountry Kitchen was delicious. The Mai Thai’s from Tahiti Nui are a must. Hanalei bread company had delicious açaí bowls and pastries (as well as coffee). Lastly, Wishing Well was such a cute spot for a shaved ice treat as well as their coffee. Loved their slogan “slow yourself down”!

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

The Hanalei Pier is a beautiful sunset spot. The Waimea Canyon was absolutely stunning.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kauai?

Beaches that we visited that were amazing for our almost 2 year old kiddo were Anini beach and baby beach (the name says it all!).

Visited Kauai in August

Photo Shoot Location: Hanalei Bay Beach

Elana in Kauai for Flytographer


Melanie's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Tahiti Nui. The mai tais are strong. The food is delicious. And the history is rich. Family owned for over 60 years.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Boat charter to see the Napali Coast.

What is the best tip for celebrating your anniversary in Kauai?

Go slow. Enjoy sunrise and sunset. Spend a day at the beach. Enjoy a Mai tai or two. Enjoy an excursion.

Visited Kauai in August

Photo Shoot Location: Hanalei Bay Beach

Elana in Kauai for Flytographer


Nick's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Kayaking the Wailua River, Hiking through the Waimea Canyon, Catamaran cruise on the Ne'pali Coast. Hiking through the first parts of the Koloaloa trail

Visited Kauai in August

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Michaela in Kauai for Flytographer


Kristen's Travel Tips for Kauai

What is the best tip for going on your honeymoon to Kauai?

Definitely recommend doing a photoshoot!

Visited Kauai in August

Photo Shoot Location: Shipwreck Beach

Elana in Kauai for Flytographer


Abra's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Happy Talk Lounge Restaurant! Amazing food, delicious drinks and unbelievable sunset views.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Queens bath is unbelievable to see. The Sunset Golf Car Tour at Princeville Makai Golf Club.

What is the best tip for celebrating your anniversary in Kauai?

Keep it low key, relaxing and do something memorable with your loved one.

Visited Kauai in August

Photo Shoot Location: Moloa'a Bay

Michaela in Kauai for Flytographer


Heather's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Brennecke's Beach Broiler for a casual lunch or dinner in a great spot overlooking Poipu Beach with great sunset views and wonderful tropical drinks!! Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt in Popui for a wonderful dinner in a romantic setting sitting in open air huts over tidepools filled with koi fish.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Captain Andy's BBQ Catamaran Napali Coast sail. We have done it now 5 times and worth every penny. Great crew and sites you can only see by boat. Snorkeling stop as well

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kauai?

Find a hotel that has both pool and beach access. Grand Hyatt in Popui is our favorite as it also has a salt water lagoon as another option along with beach and pool.

Visited Kauai in August

Photo Shoot Location: Shipwreck Beach

Elana in Kauai for Flytographer


SEJIN's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Wishing well coffee and tea- had trucks for my 4 yo to play with

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Beaches, boat trip to Na Pali Coast, train ride at the plantation.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kauai?

If you have a baby and a toddler, don't do it.

Visited Kauai in August

Photo Shoot Location: Hanalei Bay Beach

Michaela in Kauai for Flytographer


Vincent's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Eating House 1849 - So unexpectedly wonderful! We loved their mai tais and the service was pretty exceptional (we were seated at the bar and blown away!) Little Fish Poipu - Their acai bowls are an absolute MUST. Russel's - Great breakfast spot in Kapaa. Banana pancakes were a star for us. Merriman's - Quintessentially wonderful. The emphasis on Hawaiian ingredients is just so lovely.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

The Na Pali Coast is truly so wonderful - a great way to see it is by boat, but we enjoyed the (moderately challenging) 2 mile hike of the Kalalau trailhead. Buy access passes in advance! Waimea Canyon is stunningly gorgeous and features some relatively easy hiking trails.

Visited Kauai in July

Photo Shoot Location: Maha'Ulepu Beach, South Shore

Elizabeth in Kauai for Flytographer


Kristina's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Sunrise cafe for their açaí bowl and avocado toast for bruch was our favorite on all of the islands we went to. We also loved the Fillos Mexican food truck on our last day of our honeymoon.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Driving up and seeing the Waimea Canyon and then doing a helicopter ride over the coast. Both amazing views!

What is the best tip for going on your honeymoon to Kauai?

Enjoy every moment. It will fly by!! And then you’ll be dreaming about going back.

Visited Kauai in November

Photo Shoot Location: Hanalei Bay Beach

Elizabeth in Kauai for Flytographer


Dona's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Opakapaka Grill - loved the location. Away for the crowds, nice open seating (many of the local places have only outdoor picnic table options or cram in tables to accommodate the busy season), food was delicious and great service.

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Queen's Bath, all the beaches, Kaapa local shopping, Sunset Napali Boat Tour, Best Food Tour, Mini Golf and Botanical Garden, Kipu Atv Adventure, loved all the fresh fish, and our rental in Princeville was an oasis away from the masses.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kauai?

Plan and book a few fun things to do that your kids will enjoy ahead of time. Fill the rest of the time with beach time, making sure to bring umbrellas and some fun stuff to do age appropriate. Driving time is three times as long so know that when you planning your day. Make stops along the way! Pack a cooler, and always have a bathing suit, beach towel, and footwear (sand is HOT) in the back of the car for spontaneous stops.

Visited Kauai in July

Photo Shoot Location: Hanalei Bay Beach

Elana in Kauai for Flytographer


Jessica's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Tahiti Nui - excellent food and atmosphere and the best Mai Tais

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Anini beach

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kauai?

There are many beaches on the north shore that have no or very small waves (in the summertime at least), some of the ones we enjoyed were Ke’e beach, Tunnels beach, Hanalei Bay, and Anini beach

Visited Kauai in June

Photo Shoot Location: Hanalei Bay Beach

Michaela in Kauai for Flytographer


Angela's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

Tahiti Nui at Hanelei Bay was amazing! Great pizza!

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Ziplining, ATVs, surfing and boat cruise are musts in Hawaii. Queen’s bath is also magical!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kauai?

Wait until they are old enough to remember:)

Visited Kauai in June

Photo Shoot Location: Shipwreck Beach

Elizabeth in Kauai for Flytographer


Allison's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Queens bath is a must!

Visited Kauai in June

Photo Shoot Location: Hanalei Bay Beach

Michaela in Kauai for Flytographer


Hailey's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kauai?

All the shaved ice!!

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

Hiking the Na Pali coast

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kauai?

Take the kids!! They make the trip so much better!! We brought them on every hike with us.

Visited Kauai in June

Photo Shoot Location: Hanalei Bay Beach

Michaela in Kauai for Flytographer


Tanya's Travel Tips for Kauai

What are the best things to do in Kauai?

We liked the boat ride up the Napoli Coast. So beautiful. Great snorkeling on the way as well.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kauai?

Bring sand toys!

Visited Kauai in April

Photo Shoot Location: Shipwreck Beach

Elizabeth in Kauai for Flytographer


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