Kauaʻi is the island of superlatives: the oldest of the main islands, the wettest mountain, the most dramatic sea cliffs. It is also the island that Hurricane Lowell hit hardest in September 2026. Most of Kauaʻi is open and welcoming, but some of its famous places are still closed. This list is built around what you can do now.
The best things to do on Kauaʻi
1. Sail the Nā Pali Coast
Boats from Port Allen pass sea caves, waterfalls and hanging valleys; spinner dolphins often ride the bow.
2. Fly over the island
A helicopter flight reveals Waimea Canyon, the Nā Pali valleys and Mount Waiʻaleʻale's crater, places no road reaches.
3. Hāʻena and Kēʻē Beach
The end of the road, where the Nā Pali cliffs begin. Reservation required; reopened 15 October 2026.
4. Hike to Hanakāpīʻai
The first two miles of the Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, and on to the falls. Never swim at the beach.
5. Hanalei Bay
A wide bay beneath waterfall-streaked mountains, with a historic pier and a small surf town.
6. Poʻipū Beach Park
Sunny south-shore swimming, with resident monk seals and a sheltered pool.
7. Spouting Horn
A blowhole that roars through the lava; legend says it is the breath of a giant lizard.
8. Old Kōloa Town
Hawaii's first sugar plantation town, from 1835, with shops in old wooden buildings.
9. Kayak the Wailua River
Paddle Hawaii's only navigable river; in October 2026 individual kayakers could not land at Fern Grotto and Secret Falls was closed.
10. Kīlauea Point
A lighthouse on a cliff with nesting seabirds; check opening and reservation requirements.
11. Kapaʻa and the coastal path
Food trucks, shops and a seaside bike path on the Coconut Coast.
12. Hanapēpē
"Kauaʻi's biggest little town", with a swinging bridge and Friday art night.
13. Gardens
Several of Kauaʻi's famous botanical gardens were repairing storm damage in autumn 2026; Limahuli Garden on the North Shore reopened.
14. Waimea Canyon, when it reopens
The "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" was closed until further notice in October 2026.
Kauaʻi in autumn 2026
Kauaʻi after Hurricane Lowell: by mid-October 2026 about 95% of visitor businesses were open and Hāʻena State Park reopened on 15 October with reservations, but Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon State Parks, most other state parks, Salt Pond Beach Park and the Kalalau Trail beyond two miles remained closed until further notice. Check DLNR notices before each day out; see our Kauaʻi itinerary.
Visiting now helps the island recover: book local tours, eat at local restaurants and be patient with crews clearing roads.
When to go
Summer brings calmer seas on the North Shore and the best conditions for Nā Pali boat tours and Kēʻē Beach. In winter, big swells close many North Shore beaches to swimming, and Poʻipū is the better base. Kauaʻi is the wettest island, but showers are usually short.
Where to stay
Poʻipū for sunshine, Princeville and Hanalei for scenery, Kapaʻa for a central base. See where to stay on Kauaʻi.
Why Kauaʻi?
Kauaʻi is about five million years old, the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Time and rain have carved it into a sculpture: the 3,000-foot Nā Pali cliffs, the red gorges of Waimea Canyon and the wet, waterfall-streaked crater of Mount Waiʻaleʻale. Kauaʻi is also the only main island Kamehameha I never conquered by force; its ruler joined the kingdom peacefully in 1810. Today it remains rural, with no building taller than a coconut palm, and visitors come for nature, not nightlife.
Why Kauaʻi?
Kauaʻi is about five million years old, the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Time and rain have carved it into a sculpture: the 3,000-foot Nā Pali cliffs, the red gorges of Waimea Canyon and the wet, waterfall-streaked crater of Mount Waiʻaleʻale. Kauaʻi is also the only main island Kamehameha I never conquered by force; its ruler joined the kingdom peacefully in 1810. Today it remains rural, with no building taller than a coconut palm, and visitors come for nature, not nightlife.
Quick answers
What is the best thing to do on Kauaʻi?
Seeing the Nā Pali Coast, by boat, helicopter or from Hāʻena on foot. In October 2026 boat tours and helicopter flights were operating.
Is Waimea Canyon open?
Not in October 2026. Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon State Parks were closed until further notice after Hurricane Lowell.
Is the Kalalau Trail open?
Day hiking to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Falls reopened with Hāʻena State Park on 15 October 2026; beyond the two-mile point and overnight camping remain closed.
Is it a good time to visit Kauaʻi?
Yes, with flexibility. Most businesses are open, crowds are thin and visiting supports the island's recovery.
Keep exploring: Kauaʻi with kids, free things on Kauaʻi, Kauaʻi when it rains.
Facts checked October 2026. Opening days, prices and closures change, so check with each attraction before you go.
