Lihue adventures and activities in Kauai

Lihue Activities & Adventures

From beaches and waterfalls to thrilling off-road adventures

Written by a Local Expert

Your Lihue Adventure Guide: In-Depth Activities

Now that you know the stories behind the town, it's time to explore. Lihue is packed with things to do, from relaxing on a sheltered beach to embarking on a thrilling off-road adventure. Here's how to experience the best of it.

1 Kalapaki Beach & Nawiliwili Harbor: Lihue's Saltwater Soul

This is Lihue's front yard, a vibrant area where the beach and the harbor blend into one beautiful scene. Kalapaki Beach is a stunning, crescent-shaped bay protected by a large breakwater, making its waters much calmer than many other spots on the island. This makes it an absolute dream for families and anyone new to ocean sports. The gentle waves are perfect for learning to surf or stand-up paddleboard, and it's a fantastic spot for a relaxing swim. You'll find volleyball nets set up on the sand, inviting a friendly pickup game, and you can rent everything you need—surfboards, SUPs, even beach catamarans—right there on the shore.

Right next to the beach is Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai's main port and your first glimpse of the island if you arrive by cruise ship. It's a bustling hub of activity, and one of my favorite things to do is simply watch the massive cruise ships and container vessels navigate the channel. For the best views, grab a coffee and find a spot on the grassy lawn at Nawiliwili Park. If you want a great photo of your own ship docked against the backdrop of the mountains, head over to the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor. For cruise passengers and curious onlookers, knowing the ship schedule can help you plan your day.

2 Wailua Falls: The Island's Most Famous Cascade

This is arguably one of the most photographed spots on the island—an iconic, 80-foot twin waterfall made famous in the opening credits of the old TV show Fantasy Island. What makes Wailua Falls so special is its incredible accessibility. This is one of Hawaii's most stunning waterfalls, and you don't even have to hike to see it. The parking lot is the viewpoint, offering a breathtaking vista right from your car.

For the best photos and a chance to see a rainbow forming in the mist, go early in the morning. The light is perfect, and you'll beat the crowds that gather later in the day. The falls' appearance changes dramatically with the rainfall. Sometimes you'll see two distinct, graceful streams, and other times, after a good rain, it becomes one single, powerful cascade.

⚠️ Important Safety Warning

When you visit, you'll likely see signs warning against hiking down and maybe even a makeshift rope trail leading over the edge. Trust me on this—do not attempt the hike. The path is unmaintained, incredibly steep, muddy, and treacherous. It is officially closed for a reason, and people get seriously injured here every year. Enjoy the magnificent view safely from the top.

3 Menehune Fishpond Overlook (Alekoko)

Circling back to the history section, a visit to the Menehune Fishpond overlook connects you with Kauai's ancient, legendary past. This isn't just a pond—it's a 1,000-year-old engineering marvel. From the overlook, you can appreciate the scale of the 900-foot stone wall and imagine the mythical Menehune building it in one night. It's a quick but fascinating stop, easily accessible from the harbor area. Just be aware that if you decide to walk, part of the route is along a busy road that lacks a proper sidewalk, so please be cautious.

4 Kipu Ranch Adventures: Off-Road Movie Magic

For the ultimate off-road experience, look no further than Kipu Ranch. This isn't some generic tourist track—it's a historic, 3,000-acre private cattle ranch, established way back in 1872. The landscape is breathtaking, with lush pastures, dense rainforest, and dramatic valleys. It's so cinematic, in fact, that it has been used as a filming location for blockbuster movies like Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and The Descendants. Riding an ATV through this scenery feels like you're on a movie set.

Waterfall Trail Expedition

Perfect for families and anyone who wants the thrill of off-roading combined with a chance to cool off with a swim in a beautiful, secluded spot. This three-hour adventure explores all three of the ranch's trail systems, crosses streams and bamboo jungles, and features an extended stop at a beautiful private waterfall where you can go for a swim.

Ultimate Ranch Tour

For movie buffs and more experienced riders, this tour offers more challenging terrain and more elevation gain, ascending to a stunning panoramic pass with views down to Kipu Kai. This tour offers more drive time and less downtime for stops, featuring the famous viewpoint from The Descendants.

5 Kauai Backcountry Mountain Tubing

Lihue is also the hub for other unique thrills. Kauai Backcountry Adventures offers an experience you won't find anywhere else: mountain tubing. You get to float down a series of historic sugar plantation irrigation canals and through hand-dug tunnels—a fun and refreshing way to see the island's interior. It's a unique blend of history and adventure that perfectly captures the spirit of Kauai.

6 Helicopter Tours from Lihue Airport

Many of Kauai's premier helicopter tours depart from Lihue Airport, offering jaw-dropping aerial views of Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, and countless waterfalls that are otherwise inaccessible. There's something magical about seeing the island from above, watching the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast emerge from the clouds, or getting a bird's-eye view of the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."