WATERFALLS

Drive-Up / Easy Access Waterfalls

Wailua Falls
One of the most famous waterfalls on Kauai and super easy to access. You can drive right to the lookout point. If you're lucky, you will meet the REAL Banana bread lady!
 
ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls
Beautiful roadside waterfall with a large viewing area. Very easy stop while exploring the east side. ( dont forget to drive to Wailua Country store for snacks! 

Wai Koa Loop Trail, aka Stone dam
4.5-mile scenic loop accessed from the North Shore Dog Park. About a 2-hour round trip with uneven dirt and muddy sections. Open daily from dawn to dusk. No restrooms or food available.

Waipoʻo Falls
You can partially view these falls from overlooks in Waimea Canyon State Park without hiking far. Better views come from hiking PLEASE DO NOT PULL OVER ON THE ROAD TO VIEW THE FALLS! THERE ARE DESIGNATED AREAS PROVIDED TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE!! 

Manawaiopuna Falls
Also known as “Jurassic Falls” from the movie Jurassic Park. Accessible only by helicopter tour.

Waterfalls You Hike To

Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls)
Popular waterfall reached by kayaking the Wailua River and then hiking. Family-friendly adventure for many visitors.

Hanakāpīʻai Falls
About an 8-mile round-trip hike off the famous Kalalau Trail. Stunning 300-foot waterfall but can be muddy and challenging
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Waipoʻo Falls
Can be reached via the Canyon Trail in Waimea Canyon. Incredible canyon views along the way.

BEACHES

North Shore
Hanalei Bay — Iconic crescent-shaped bay with mountain views, swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and incredible sunsets
Tunnels Beach — One of Kauai’s most popular snorkeling beaches with beautiful reef and sunset views
Keʻe Beach — Stunning Nā Pali Coast scenery and calm summer snorkeling
Hāʻena Beach Park — Wide sandy beach with dramatic jungle and mountain backdrops
Anini Beach — Calm reef-protected water perfect for families and beginner snorkelers
Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach) — Secluded beach known for cliffs, golden sand, and breathtaking scenery

East Side
Lydgate Beach Park — Family-friendly beach with protected swimming lagoons

South Shore
Poʻipū Beach — One of Kauai’s most visited beaches with snorkeling, swimming, and frequent monk seal sightings
Shipwreck Beach — Rugged coastline with cliffs, adventure vibes, and great sunrise views
Lawai Beach — Excellent snorkeling spot with easy access
Brennecke’s Beach — Popular for bodyboarding and swimming

West Side
Salt Pond Beach — Calm water, local favorite, and beautiful sunsets
Polihale State Park — Massive remote beach with incredible Nā Pali Coast views **** The road Polihale is not paved, which is against most car rental policies. Please check with your car rental provider before entering. 
Kekaha Beach — Long stretch of rugged coastline and sunset views
Glass Beach — Unique beach area known for sea glass and lava rock shoreline This Glass Beach was created from an old sugar plantation-era dump site, where years of waves smoothed broken glass into colorful sea glass along the shore. Sadly, as the beach became more popular, visitors slowly took pieces home, and now very little glass remains — please help preserve it by leaving the glass where it belongs.

Important Note for Visitors
Kauai’s ocean conditions can change quickly depending on the season, surf, tides, and weather. Some beaches that are calm in summer can become dangerous in winter. Always pay attention to posted warning signs, lifeguard recommendations, and local conditions before entering the water.

Important Camping Information for Visitors
Camping on Kauai is only allowed in designated campgrounds with a valid permit or reservation. Tent camping is permitted only in approved camping areas. Under Hawaiʻi state and county law, sleeping or camping in vehicles is not allowed anywhere on Kauai. This includes cars, vans, camper vans, RVs, rooftop campers, and other overnight camping vehicles — even at beaches, trailheads, parking lots, or roadside pull-offs. Visitors should always secure proper campground reservations before planning any overnight camping on the island.

North Shore Hikes
Kalalau Trail
One of the most famous hikes in Hawaiʻi, featuring breathtaking Nā Pali Coast views, lush valleys, and dramatic cliffs. Even hiking the first 2 miles to Hanakāpīʻai Beach is unforgettable.
Hanakāpīʻai Falls
A beautiful jungle hike leading to a towering waterfall and swimming hole. Expect muddy trails, stream crossings, and incredible scenery.
Okolehao Trail
A steep but rewarding hike above Hanalei with panoramic mountain and ocean views.

East Side
Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain)
A fun and popular hike with sweeping views of Wailua, Kapaa, and the coastline from the summit.
Kuilau Ridge Trail
An easier scenic ridge hike with gorgeous mountain views, especially after rain when waterfalls appear across the cliffs.

South Side
Māhāʻulepū Heritage Trail
A scenic coastal walk along rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and limestone formations near Poʻipū.
West Side
Waimea Canyon Trails
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this area offers multiple hikes with dramatic canyon views, waterfalls, and red dirt cliffs.
Canyon Trail to Waipoʻo Falls
One of the most popular canyon hikes, leading to incredible views overlooking Waipoʻo Falls and Waimea Canyon.
Awaʻawapuhi Trail
A stunning cliffside hike ending with jaw-dropping Nā Pali Coast views high above the ocean.
Nuʻalolo Trail
A challenging but rewarding trail through forest and cliffs with incredible coastline views.
Alakaʻi Swamp Trail
A unique boardwalk hike through a high-elevation rainforest and native swamp ecosystem, often ending with views of the Nā Pali Coast on clear days.
Pihea Trail
A beautiful forest and ridge hike often combined with the Alakaʻi Swamp Trail, featuring misty mountain scenery and native plants.

HIKES

   Kauaʻi’s trails are incredibly beautiful, but they can also be unpredictable and dangerous. In recent years, the Kauaʻi Fire Department has averaged roughly 60–75 rescues a year on the Kalalau Trail alone, many involving visitors who underestimated the difficulty, weather, terrain, heat, stream crossings, or distance.
Please know your limits before attempting any hike on Kauaʻi. Conditions can change very quickly here, and even experienced hikers can get into trouble. Do your research, bring plenty of water, proper footwear, and never hike beyond your comfort or ability level. Every rescue puts local first responders, helicopter crews, and search teams at risk — often in dangerous weather and terrain. Many rescues are preventable and happen simply because hikers were unprepared or attempted more than they could safely handle. Respect the land, respect the conditions, and hike responsibly so everyone can safely enjoy these incredible places.