10 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii

Dubbed “the Garden Isle” thanks to the tropical rainforest that envelopes large swathes of its landmass, the Hawaiian island of Kauai brims with both natural and man-made attractions.

Indeed, so dramatic are the cliffs and pinnacles of its Na Pali Coast that the island – said to be the oldest of the entire Hawaiian chain – has served as a backdrop for a number of notable Hollywood films down the years. But you don’t need to be a movie buff to appreciate the unbridled beauty of Kauai – you simply need to see it with your own eyes. We’ve picked out 12 of the island’s best landmarks, activities and attractions, with a focus on free or cheap things to do.

Hike through a majestic state park

No trip to Kauai is complete without visiting one of its magnificent state parks. Situated just beyond Waimea Canyon in the island’s northeastern reaches, Kokeʻe State Park is a mecca for hikers who come to enjoy its 45 miles of world class hiking trails, many of which wind through wet forests with sweeping views of valleys opening up to the North Shore. Covered in forest and wild flowers, the park is also abundant with native plants and colourful forest birds including the ʻapapane, ‘iwi and moa, all contributing to making this one of Hawaii’s great natural wonders.

Hanapepe

Discover Kauai’s missionary heritage

Perched in the small town of Hanalei along Kauai’s north shore, the Waiʻoli Mission District offers a fascinating insight into the town’s long history of missionary and community-based endeavours Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, the district, which was once a place of worship, today serves as a museum where visitors can explore several notable buildings, including the reconstructed mission house, where the décor, furnishings, and artifacts remain almost as they were back in the 19^th century.

Visit a fascinating museum

Originally a library when it opened in 1924, the Albert Spencer Wilcox Building today houses the Kauaʻi Museum which features a huge assortment of exhibits and artefacts relating to the history of the island. Visitors can learn all about the geological formation of the Hawaiian Islands, early Native Hawaiian life, Captain Cook’s arrival on Kauaʻi’s shores, and the Hawaiian Monarchy, as well as view galleries showcasing works by a diverse mix of artists. Guided tours are available on request.

4428 Rice Street, Lihue / Mon-Fri 9am-4pm Sat 9am-2pm Closed  Sun

If the above venue hasn’t satisfied your geological cravings, then Koke‘e Natural History Museum should surely do the job. Located at the base of the Waimea Canyon on the western side of Kauaʻi, the museum offers several interpretive exhibits that tell the story of the island’s unique geology, ecology and climatology. Highlights include displays on the devastating Hurricane Iniki that hit the island in 1992, Woods of the Hawaiian Forest, and Native Hawaiian Birds. The museum also hosts regular guided hikes and forest workdays in the local area.

3600 Kokee Road, Kekaha / Mon-Fri 11am-3pm Sat-Sun 10.30am-4pm

Go turtle and seal spotting

Among the assortment of wildlife that you’ll find roaming freely across Kauai are sizeable populations of turtles and seals. Anyone keen to spot either, or both, will want to head to Poipu Beach, widely considered one of the island’s most beautiful stretches of shoreline. Here, turtle and seal spotting opportunities are routine, with hundreds of large green sea turtles regularly seen in the vicinity while monk seals tend to enjoy taking naps on the soft sand. Be aware, the seals are protected by law to being on the endangered species list, so it is requested to stay a healthy distance from them at all times.

Embark on a scenic road trip

If you’re going to set off on one road trip during your Kauai adventure, then driving the Waimea Canyon won’t disappoint. Located in the southwest of the island, and often referred to as the “Grand “Canyon of the Pacific”, the huge canyon is easily navigable by road, with various viewpoints along the way that offer majestic views of its awe-inspiring 3,600 feet depth. For the best viewing spot, head to Waimea Canyon Lookout, where you can see the vast expanse of the canyon as well as a dazzling waterfall down below.

Pick up some local produce at a farmers market

There’s no better way of getting to know a place than by taking in the sights, sounds and aromas of a local market. On Kauai, there are severally excellent farmers markets selling locally grown produce ranging from ready-to-eat hot food through to macadamia nuts, fruit pies, honey, and jams. Visiting one of these markets is a great introduction to the island’s food culture and heritage and there are several to pick from. Among the best is Hale Halawai Farmers Market in Hanalei, a large Saturday market with market with beautiful mountain views selling mix of food, crafts and clothing.

5, 5299C Kuhio Highway, Hanalei / Saturdays 9am-12pm

Beach hop along the south shore

There’s little debate that Kauai’s best beaches are clustered around the south shore, which raises the question – which to chose? Well, instead of picking one, why not spend the day beach hopping, so you can get a taste of all of their varying amenities, vibes and backdrops? From the well-equipped shoreline of Poipu with its subline snorkelling and calm kid-friendly waters to shipwreck Beach (named after an old shipwreck) where local surfers and bodyboarders congregate, you can easily experience a full compliment of the area’s idyllic stretches of sand over the course of a day. Just be sure to pack lightly.

Watch a show-stopping natural wonder

On Kauai’s South Shore is one of the island’s most unique attractions – and certainly one of it’s most photographed, appearing on many postcards and tourism billboards. Here, in the aptly named Spouting Horn Park, is a spectacular blowhole of water that gushes out from the rocks in the ocean, reaching up to 50 feet in the air. As it does so, onlookers are treated to the otherworldly din of hissing and roaring that legend has it are the emissions of a furious Hawaiian god.

Lawai Road, Koloa

Explore a charming small town

If you can drag yourself away from its picture-perfect beach, then the inland environs of the small laid-back surfer town of Hanalei makes for a great morning or afternoon’s stroll. Refreshingly free of hotel chains or resorts, the town is dotted with cute shops, enticing food trucks and the previously mentioned Saturday farmers market. Back on the beach, people watching is almost a sport in itself, as surfers, paddlers, bodyboarders strut their stuff to the delight of spectators.

Enjoy coastal views from a historic lighthouse

Perched on a rocky peninsula within a wildlife refuge on Kauai’s northern coastline, Kilauea Lighthouse has been a beacon on the island’s landscape since its construction in  1913. Part of the Kīlauea Point Light Station, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the lighthouse draws large numbers of visitors throughout the year thanks to the incredible views afforded from its elevated position atop a 180-foot ocean bluff. As well as the vistas out to sea, it also offers a prime spot for catching sight of the many seabirds that frequent the area, including the red-footed booby, red-tailed tropicbird and great frigatebird. Inside the lighthouse are also exhibits and displays that chronicle the tower’s history.

Go on a kayaking adventure

Adventure sports enthusiasts visiting Kauai may want to test their paddling skills during a Wailua River kayak trip. There are a number of organised small-group tours that normally run over half a day and include your kayak, all necessary gear and equipment, and an expert local guide. As you paddle down the river valley, your guide will stay in close proximity so they can regale you with interesting titbits about Hawaiian plants, wildlife, and the history of the area. Most tours also conclude with a 45-minute hike through the rainforest to the sublime Uluwehi Falls, where you can go for a drip and take in the stunning surroundings. Private tours are also available.

 

By Paul Joseph