Top 8 Things to Do in Kauai

The beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii’s fourth largest island, is known as the “Garden Island”. When you stop here during your cruise to Hawaii, you’ll quickly understand why. With a full palette of lush, green scenery, as well as many natural wonders such as volcanic slopes, serene rivers, stunning grottos, and incredible beaches, you’ll think you’ve ended up in a paradise that you’ll never want to leave!

There’s also plenty of activities to partake in to further enhance your cruise vacation. If you’re on a family cruise, there are lots of fun activities for the whole family, or if you have planned a romantic Hawaii cruise with your significant other, there’s plenty of opportunities to make special lasting memories. Finding fun activities in Kauai isn’t going to be a problem–it’s deciding what to do first!

For the Adventure Seeker

1. Explore the Island on an Off-Road Adventure

Travel along dirt roads through the lush greenery of Kauai on your own 4X4, and discover the island’s most beautiful hidden gems. Sights to see include an old sugar mill, a refreshing mountain pool, and a hidden waterfall. In fact, breathtaking and wonderful sights lie around every bend in the road and your camera is bound to be filled with hundreds of amazing pictures.

2. Go Horseback Riding on the South Shore

Kauai’s south shore offers the most gorgeous scenery you’ll ever see, and you’ll get to experience it all on horseback. Ride through this island paradise where you’ll be rewarded with views of spectacular beaches and stunning mountain vistas. You’ll be guided by experts who’ll treat you to fantastic tales of local legends and history.

3. Kayak on a Jungle Stream

Paddle your own kayak down a historic jungle stream filled with beautiful scenery and greenery. You’ll also get the chance to enjoy a relaxing nature walk through a lush rainforest where you’ll be led to discover a hidden tropical waterfall. After stopping to relax briefly at this charming swimming hole, you’ll be treated to snacks and drinks as you journey along the river in a double-hulled canoe.

Exciting Island Tours

4. Take a Tour to an Amazing Canyon

Take a guided tour to the breathtaking canyon nearly 3,000 feet deep. Along the way, you’ll be treated to historic sights and charming vistas, including a sugarcane plantation, a historic fort, and tranquil valleys. It’s a great opportunity to see a good number of attractions in Kauai, but the canyon is truly an unforgettable sight. Featuring a multitude of bright and colorful gem-like hues sparkling in the sun along the canyon walls, there is a great sense of peace and tranquility within the canyon that will leave lasting memories.

5. Take a Helicopter Tour Over Kauai

Enjoy an exciting first-class tour of Kauai in a state-of-the-art helicopter! You’ll be treated to amazing views of valleys, breathtaking canyons, lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and much more! It’s a great way to share unique memories with your loved ones on a family cruise.

6. Explore Spectacular Gardens and a Botanical Research Center

The Garden Island certainly doesn’t disappoint on this excursion! Witness firsthand the art and beauty of nature on this extensive tour of the Allerton & McBryde Garden, as well as the astounding landscape architecture on a private estate. You’ll also be treated to guided tours through green valleys and magical garden trails, as well as a short walk through an enchanting rainforest. If you love nature, this tour is not be missed!

7. Discover the Settings for Many Hollywood Movies

Much of Kauai has the distinction of being the setting for many of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters. On this fun excursion, you’ll be guided to many of these sites while an entertaining and informative tour guide points out the interesting places and shows movie clips related to each site. You’ll probably recognize many locations made famous in popular movies and TV shows. Along the way, you’ll also stop at one of Kauai’s most stunningly beautiful waterfalls as well as fantastic beaches.

Seaside Activities

8. Snorkel at a Beautiful Beach

Visit one of Kauai’s many beaches and snorkel along the reef. This snorkel adventure is ideal for beginners and experienced snorkelers, making it a great choice for everyone on your family cruise. After a scenic drive to the beach, you’ll get a brief introduction on how to snorkel and what you might see, and then you’ll be free to swim in the water and experience the wonderful marine life all around you.

The gorgeous island of Kauai certainly has a lot to offer and many thrilling and enjoyable activities to suit everyone’s taste. With an entire range of natural wonders, from rainforests to cliffs and waterfalls to sandy beaches, a cruise to Kauai is more than just a cruise to a tropical island–it’s a must-see destination you’ll be glad you had the chance to visit!

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.