Planning a vacation usually involves everyone getting very excited about what there is to do while on vacation. So chances are, if you’re traveling to Kauai with your family, you can be sure that mom, dad, and every kid traveling will be searching the internet for different activities that are appropriate for the family, as well as for kids or adults, respectively. However, you don’t need to spend a lot of time looking for these types of activities because they are all included here. Just take a look at the ones that are the hottest and put them on your “to watch” list. Before you know it, you’ll practically have your vacation days planned out before you get to Kauai!
Kauai Activity #1 Squirting Horn
On the south shore of Kauai there is a blowhole where the waves hit the shore with such power and force that the waves shoot up to 10 feet into the air, sometimes even more. During the winter months, the impact causes the water to shoot up to 6 stories high! This is an amazing site that exists naturally and is something you should not miss out on. There is an additional hole here which results in a loud groan as the waves hit. It’s truly an experience and you’ll get some great photos too, so be sure to put Spouting Horn on your list of Kauai activities.
Kauai Activity #2 Na Aina Kai Botanical Garden
It may be hard to imagine a magical 240-acre garden, but that’s exactly what you get from Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens. When you enter the gardens, you will be overwhelmed with the beauty and the many bronze statues that dot the landscape. There are approximately 70 life-size statues that adorn the gardens and some of them are even larger! The Na Kai Botanical Gardens are located on the north shore of Kauai and whether you like gardens or not, you will love the Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens. The reason is that these gardens are not what you probably have in mind. There are waterfalls, topiaries, pools, gazebos, pergolas, a lagoon complete with fountains, not to mention a maze! There is also a special tropical children’s garden that has many amazing things to do and see. These gardens are not open 7 days a week, so book a tour before you arrive to ensure you get to see the Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, this is an activity not to be missed!
Kauai Activity #3 Jack Harter Helicopter Tour
Another great Kauai activity is the Jack Harter Helicopter Tour, which allows tourists to get a great view of the entire island and many sites that are definitely not to be missed. Jack Harter offers 60 and 90 minute tours, so depending on your budget and the amount of time you want to spend on the helicopter tour will determine which tour is best for you. There are other helicopter tours besides Jack Harter, but Jack Harter is truly the best.
Kauai Activity #4 Captain Andy’s Sailing Adventures
Captain Andy offers a great sailing adventure. There are two different 55-foot liners that carry 49 passengers and depart from the south shore of Kauai. There is a snorkeling and picnic cruise that lasts about 5 1/2 hours and goes to the Na Pali coast. This tour is from May to October, so if you are vacationing on Kauai during this time period, you should consider this tour. Additionally, Captain Andy offers a sunset dinner cruise that is also off the Na Pali Coast, as well as a shorter cocktail cruise. Each cruise has drink and food specials with the cocktail cruise being the shortest at 2 hours and the snorkeling cruise being the longest at 5 ½ hours. Pick one or pick all because this is a great experience when you visit Kauai!
Kauai Activity #5 Waialua Falls
When you think of Hawaii, you definitely think of great waterfalls. And while you can certainly do some hiking and find some amazing waterfalls, many people really don’t want to spend their entire vacation hiking through nature looking for waterfalls. Fortunately, Waialua Falls is a great way to get up close and personal with some waterfalls without having to walk a long distance. In fact, Waialua Falls is about 5 miles outside of town, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to enjoy the two waterfalls that cascade 80 feet into a pool below.
Kauai Activity #6 Princeville Golf Club
The Princeville Golf Club is simply a beautiful golf course even though it can be incredibly challenging for the regular golfer. However, Hawaiian tourists choose to play the course because there is an ocean view from every hole, waterfalls, and it was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. If the ladies on vacation don’t want to play golf, there is also a health club, spa and restaurant where they can enjoy the time that the men play golf.
There are so many activities on Kauai that are simply out of this world that it’s impossible to do them all in one vacation. As a result, when you visit Kauai, you should make sure to visit the places suggested above and then, if you still have time, check out other great activities, from whale watching to hula dancing. When your vacation is over, there will still be so many things you’ll want to do that you’ll be planning to visit Kauai for your next vacation as soon as possible.