Vacation rentals in Kauai

1. Lydgate Park

This beach is popular with families thanks to its two safe beach swimming pools, lifeguard, and fantastic playground just across the road.

2. Mountain tubing

Go tubing through an old sugar plantation's irrigation canals on a guided tour. Have fun and learn about the history of the island at the same time.

3. Kamokila Hawaiian Village

Built on the site of an ancient village, this modern equivalent is designed to teach visitors about Hawaii before Western contact. Learn about cloth-making, poi-making, and early religion.

4. Koke'e State Park

A 4345-acre park with hiking trails, a museum, and visitors' center. There are short trails that are ideal for small children to explore the natural beauty of the mountains.

5. Zip lining

Do a tour with Koloa Ziplines to see Kauai from above, including from a half-mile long option.

6. Kilauea Lighthouse

The area around this lighthouse is a designated whale-watching sanctuary. Bring binoculars!

7. Wailua Falls

The whole family will love seeing this beautiful double waterfall.

Located on the South Shore of Kauai, Hanapepe Town is home to several great art galleries. Every Friday night local art galleries stay open late, so why not make an evening of it and peruse some local art as part of an after-dinner stroll through town?

1. Kauai Museum - explore the history and culture of Kauai through exhibits on Hawaiian artifacts, artwork, and traditional crafts.
2. Kauai Art Tour: Take a self-guided tour or visit local galleries to discover the work of Kauai's artists, including paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.
3. Hawaiian Music and Hula Shows: Attend live performances showcasing traditional Hawaiian music and dance, often held at resorts, cultural centers, and luau events.
4. Kauai Heritage Center: Learn about the island's indigenous culture and customs through educational programs, workshops, and demonstrations offered at this cultural center.

At the northernmost tip of the island you'll find the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse. Although it's no longer working, the lighthouse remains one of Kauai's iconic landmarks. It's located in Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for seabirds and a fantastic place for a peaceful nature walk.

Hanalei Bay on the North Shore is the perfect spot for surfing. You'll find Hawaiian Surfing Adventures here, offering lessons that will get you up on your board and feeling the cool ocean spray in no time. Try kite surfing and stand up paddle boarding too, or simply sunbathe and sip on a refreshing cocktail at one of the many gorgeous beaches around Kauai. Kahili Beach is a great spot for advanced surfers with a good swell and occasional beach breaks in the winter months. Pakala Beach can be a bit crowded, but it offers one of the longest left shore breaks on the island.

Aside from the beaches, make sure to visit the waterfalls. One you won't want to miss is Opaeka'a Falls, a 151-foot waterfall that is situated on the eastern side of the island and is easily accessible by car. For a thrilling and unique experience, try tubing through tunnels and down natural water slides with Kauai Backcountry adventures.

1. Turtles on Kauai

The best time to see endangered green sea turtles is between May and September. At all times of the year, you have a good chance of seeing Hawksback and Leatherbill turtles. The best beaches for seeing turtles on the sand or in the water are Whaler's Cove, Brennecke's Beach, Lawa'i Beach, and Turtle Cove.

2. Snorkeling

The best places to go snorkeling are Keiki Pond for children, Poipu Beach Park, Kee Beach, and Nualolo Kai. For the best snorkeling, head out on a boat to Napali and Niihau on guided tours of the reef. Expect to see a wide variety of marine life and corals.