Kaua'i is one of the most beautiful spots on Earth. It can also get very costly for the average tourist, and for many, those costs add up to a vacation that is both stressful and out of reach. So, we compiled our top 10 adventure spots that won't cost you an arm, leg, or any of that vacation juju you came here for!
And, to make it easy to plan your excursions, we've included estimated out of pocket costs and also split them into regions: West, South, East, and North
Waimea has some of the most breathtaking views of the whole island. It also has some of the best, most accessible hikes. There are 3 spots we recommend you visit and another you'll want to get some selfies at.
Polihale is one of our favorite spots on the island. However, it's not super easy to get to. The road that leads to it is extremely unkempt, and it's not recommended for cars or rentals. If you DO find a ride, you'll want to stick to the campgrounds because driving on the sand isn't recommended for visitors. It's extremely soft, and even the most experienced sand-riders get stuck.
Not only do they have amazing campgrounds, but the beach stretches on for MILES. For the kids, there's Queen's Pond, a reefed in area a 15-minute walk to the south of the campgrounds. And the surf can be quite amazing.
Also known as "Targets Beach," Barking Sands offers a beautiful beaching experience without a ton of other people to crowd you out. You'll want to park in the dirt make-shift lot and hoof it to your day spot. It's highly recommended that you leave the heavy coolers at home and only take what you can get on your back. For surfers, this is one of the best spots on the island. Note, there are no bathrooms, so either get that done before you arrive or be willing to go behind a bush (or in the ocean).
If you're staying in Poipu, this is an absolute MUST-DO hike, as it doesn't require a long drive (or one at all), and boasts the most spectacular views of the South side. If you're lucky enough to be staying on the Green Belt (The Regency, for example - check out our listing), you can walk to it by heading toward the Hyatt. The entrance starts where the Hyatt ends. Just follow the trail toward and up the cliffs, and keep going until your legs can't walk anymore. The trail is a "choose-your-own-adventure" with passages through the rain forest or along the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Keep going up the side of Poipu Bay Golf course, and take it as far as the Makauwahi caves. Or, keep going until you hit secret beach!
Poipu boasts some of the most diverse ocean adventures on the entire island, and all three of these beaches offer something spectacular within walking distance of one another. Brennecke's has amazing body boarding, but it does get crowded, so try to get their early. If you swim past the break, you'll find some amazing snorkeling with beautiful reefs and wildlife, including sea turtles. Poipu Beach is super relaxing and has a playground for the kids. Kiahuna Beach has awesome waves for beginner surfers and playing around. You can also snorkel there and find some beautiful sights.
No adventure trip to Kaua'i is complete without a hike up Sleeping Giant in the Nounou Forest. It's a intermediate hike for those with an appetite for a workout. Our 4 year-old is usually the first to the top and the bottom, but it's not for every kid. There are 2 separate spots that require a climb up a rock wall. The West trail's first wall is easier than the East's, but the trails converge before the last wall climb, which can be a little too challenging for some. If you make it to the top, go left to the chin for a freaky view on or below the chin. If you go ON it, be extremely careful, as the platform is small and is surrounded by sheer drops on all sides. The forehead is much safer, but not quite as breathtaking. We recommend finding your way to both.
If you take the Jurassic Park trail to the end, you'll find the North Fork Wailua River. You'll cross the river to find a trail that leads through a lush bamboo forest which will take you to 2 of the most exciting (and challenging) hikes on the island. If you don't have a 4x4 (or if you're driving a rental), you'll want to park at the lot at the Power Line Trailhead (also known as Jurassic Park). This adds several miles to the hike, so plan on getting there extremely early if you want to make it to Weeping Wall. Bring LOTS of water. And wear shoes that work well on slippery rocks. Much of the hike goes back and forth over the river with lots of rock hopping.
Warning: This hike is for expert adventurers only. There is no cell reception, and even though most apps show 5.5 miles round trip from the river head, expect it to go twice as long because of the elevation gains and drops along the way.
This is another one of our favorite hikes, accessible from the Keahua Arboretum parking lot. It's challenging, but not too difficult for the kids. However, it can be stressful when traversing up the narrow ridge if the kiddos aren't paying attention. Get beautiful views of both sides of the island a great workout. When you're done, you can cool off in the Keahua Stream.
This location is one of our favorites because it has a beautiful isolated beach and a fun little hike to get you there through rain forest and a little bit of boulder hopping. Don't expect to see a lot of people, get great phone reception, or find a bathroom though... It's an adventure + chill unlike most spots you'll ever find.
The Na Pali Coast is one of the most challenging, spectacular hikes you'll ever go on. It's also impossible to do without a reservation, and you should expect to camp once you arrive to the end of the trail before heading back. It's 11 miles each way, so, like the Weeping Wall, only expert hikers should do it.
The weather changes often and quickly in Kaua'i, so make sure you look at the latest before you set out on your adventure. We also recommend that you download an app that shows tides, because they can make or break your beaching experience.
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