What To Do In Kauai: Nāpali Coast, Chocolate Tour, Snorkeling & More
Kauai, nicknamed the Garden Isle, is the fourth-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and a dream destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. The Nāpali Coast is Kauai’s most famous natural wonder, offering endless ways to explore—whether on foot, by boat, or even by helicopter. But that’s not all this beautiful island has to offer: Kauai is also home to some of the best chocolate in the world, a vibrant canyon, excellent snorkeling, incredible wildlife, and more. In this article, I’ll help you find your own adventure on Kauai, sharing the island from the perspective of a fellow traveler who loves everything outdoors and connected to nature.
Settle in, grab a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever helps you get cozy, and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours, gear, or services I truly believe in and think you’ll love too. Thank you so much for supporting my blog!
Snorkeling
If you love swimming, a trip to Kauai, or any Hawaiian island, is not complete without snorkeling! To me, swimming is always so calming and relaxing, and exploring the underwater world while doing so is more than just the cherry on top! I was amazed to see all the life hidden beneath the surface—so many colorful fish, both small and big, passing by or feeding on the reef.
When & Where
The protected cove at Lydgate Beach Park is the perfect spot for snorkeling on your own if you’re looking for a calm experience.
Kauai has some amazing snorkeling and swimming beaches, but not every beach is suitable for snorkeling. Even at beaches that are generally good, conditions can vary depending on the time of year.
Seasonal Differences: Between May and October, the South and West Shores experience strong ocean currents and surf, while the North and East Shores are more mellow. Between November and April, it’s the other way around. So, plan your snorkeling spots according to the season!
Here are some popular and favorite choices:
Lydgate Beach Park (East Shore): In May, I loved snorkeling at this beach, which is well-protected by rocky barriers, so you'll feel safe while snorkeling.
Poipu Beach (South Shore): This is a very popular spot for snorkeling and turtle sightings. As mentioned above, it’s ideal for snorkeling between November and April, but may not be the best choice during the summer when the surf is typically higher on the South Shore. That was the case when we visited, so we didn't snorkel here (but we did enjoy other activities in the area—more on that below).
Ke’e Beach (North Shore): A beautiful, scenic beach located on the pristine North Shore at the Nāpali Coast! It was incredibly calm when we visited and looked perfect for snorkeling (note that in winter, this beach typically experiences big swells). Unfortunately, we didn’t get to snorkel here because we were just passing through on a hike and hadn’t thought to bring our snorkeling gear, but—being a bit dramatic—I’m still a little sad about missing out on that spot. It looked fantastic.
Note: Ke’e Beach is only accessible with a reservation. More on visiting the Nāpali Coast in the section below.
How
If you can swim, you can snorkel (not to be confused with diving). Snorkeling simply means you’ll keep your head closely below the water surface with a mask on so you can see while you breathe through your snorkel which is sticking out of the water.
To increase your chances of seeing many fish, head to the rocky areas; that's where they tend to feed!
You can snorkel directly from a suitable beach by yourself (but it’s always a good idea to go with a second person to ensure no one is alone in case of an emergency).
Gear: In addition to your regular swimwear, the only thing you really need is a mask with a snorkel. Optionally, you can also wear fins (for casual snorkeling from the beach, I didn’t use them and didn’t miss them).
Poipu Guided Snorkeling Tour: If you prefer a guided experience to learn about the wildlife and local ecosystem or you just want someone experienced with you, taking part in a tour is a great option.
—> Book a small group snorkeling tour with excellent reviews in Poipu, led by an experienced guide, here or below.
Leave No Trace
Even if rocks and corals appear dead because they lack color, they are alive! Avoid touching them with your hands, stepping on them, or brushing them with your fins or any other gear.
Opt for a non-nano mineral sunscreen to protect the reef.
Sunscreens containing because these ingredients harm the reef. They are very common in many sunscreens sold outside of Hawaii, so if you don’t live there, there’s a good chance your usual sunscreen contains them.
Maui goes even further and allows only mineral sunscreens made with non-nanotized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are natural mineral ingredients that don’t harm coral reefs. The reason is simple: Beyond the banned oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemical sunscreens contain even more substances that negatively affect marine life. While this stricter rule is specific to Maui, it’s worth following everywhere. What is harmful in Maui is just as harmful in Kauai and other parts of the world.
I can highly recommend Mad Hippie’s sunscreens (not sponsored), which are all formulated with non-nano mineral ingredients. Mineral sunscreen is often a little stickier than chemical versions, but I’ve found that Mad Hippie does a great job of avoiding that. Plus, it’s better for the environment—and for your health too!
Poipu Area
Watch the Turtles & Have A Hotdog At Sunset
Poipu Beach isn’t just for swimmers, snorkelers, and boogie boarders — it’s also where sea turtles and monk seals like to nap. Head there around sunset and you might see dozens of turtles lumbering up onto the sand for the night. Just be sure to give them a lot of space — they’re protected and don’t like being disturbed.
Then, walk over to Puka Dog and grab a hot dog Hawaiian-style — tucked into a soft bun with secret sauces and tropical relish. We went there many times and loved the flavors!
Every evening, sea turtles come ashore to rest at Poipu Beach.
Spouting Horn
This is a quick stop but well worth the visit. As the name suggests, the Spouting Horn is a blowhole that shoots seawater up to 50 feet into the air. Here, the ocean has carved a small opening in the lava rock, and each incoming wave forces water through it. The result? A dramatic burst of spray and a sharp hiss.
It’s just a 10-minute drive from Poipu Beach and can be viewed from the namesake Spouting Horn Park.
Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail: Shipwreck Beach to Punahoa Point
📍 Distance: 3.8 mi (6.1 km)
⛰ Elevation Gain: 400 ft (121.9 m)
🔙 Route Type: Out & Back
🔗 AllTrails: Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail: Shipwreck Beach to Punahoa Point
Hugging Kauai’s southern coastline, this trail takes you from Shipwreck’s Beach on Keoneloa Bay to the wild beauty of Mahaulepu Beach. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in diverse scenery: rugged cliffs giving way to quiet coves, windblown dunes, lava rocks carved into fascinating shapes, lush plants swaying in the breeze, and even historical structures and petroglyphs.
Mahaulepu Beach is a prime spot for whale watching in the winter and a favorite hangout for endangered monk seals.
Note: There are many side trails—most eventually reconnect—but it’s best to download a map before heading out.
Chocolate & Organic Farm Tour At Lydgate Farms
I never imagined I’d rave this much about a farm tour, but Lydgate Farms completely blew my mind! Educational, fun, and incredibly tasty, this experience changed the way I think about chocolate and offered fascinating insight into sustainable farming in the tropics. Yes, the tour isn’t cheap at first glance, but I promise—it’s money well spent.
Lydgate Farms is a working farm nestled among vanilla vines, tropical fruit trees, and cacao pods hanging straight from the trunks. The tour goes far beyond just sampling chocolate—it’s about understanding the entire process, from cacao pod to bar. You’ll also learn how tropical fruits and cacao are grown sustainably, how the beans are processed, how tasty the juice around the cacao beans is, and why chocolate is such a surprisingly complex product.
The tasting was truly eye-opening. Alongside their own chocolate, they included single-origin bars from other parts of the world and explained the differences. I was surprised by how many distinct flavors I could actually pick up. Their chocolate tastes completely different from supermarket chocolate—even the more expensive kinds—and that comes down to how the beans are processed. Large-scale production and small-batch methods create very different results.
They’ve won several international awards for their chocolate, and after tasting it, it’s easy to see why. Even though shipping from Hawaii can be a bit pricey if you don’t live on one of the islands, I still order their bars and chocolate-covered macadamias from time to time. The flavors are that unique, and I have a deep appreciation for the craft behind their chocolate.
The chocolate tour lasts three hours, but it flies by—you’re so immersed in learning and tasting that time just disappears.
They’re now also offering honey & bee tours, which I’m sure are just as incredible as the chocolate experience.
Book Chocolate Farm Tasting or Honey & Bee Tour
Don’t miss out on Kauai’s sweetest adventures! See more reviews and grab your spot below.
—> Chocolate Farm Tasting Tour
Kōke'e State Park
Waimea Canyon: Hiking & Scenic Road Trip
When driving up from Waimea to Kōkeʻe State Park, take your time and enjoy the views along the way. Several viewpoints offer different perspectives of Waimea Canyon, so be sure to stop often.
Waipo'o Falls via Pu'u Hinahina and Canyon Trail
📍 Distance: 2.6 mi (4.2 km)
⛰ Elevation Gain: 1,122 ft (342.0 m)
🔙 Route Type: Out & Back
🔗 AllTrails: Waipo'o Falls via Pu'u Hinahina and Canyon Trail
While you’ll already have incredible views along the road, immersing yourself in the scenery on a hike will let you experience and appreciate the beauty of Waimea Canyon even more. The trail to Waipo’o Falls is an amazing hike to explore the canyon. The waterfall at the end is a nice reward, but the real highlight comes earlier—an awe-inspiring view of the canyon’s cliffs, lush valleys, and even the ocean in the distance, all in one sweeping panorama!
Waimea Canyon instantly reminded me of the Grand Canyon: just smaller, lusher, and bursting with vibrant colors. The waterfall makes a perfect turnaround point, though water flow can vary depending on the season.
Glimpses of the Nāpali Coast
Although the Nāpali Coast trails are a long drive away, the distance by air from Kōkeʻe State Park is short! From high up in the mountains, there are several ways to catch a glimpse of the Nāpali Coast:
Kalalau & Pu’u O Kila Lookout
The fog was semi-cooperative, but we could still make out the dramatic cliffs and lush valley from the Kalalau Lookout.
Two great viewpoints in Kōkeʻe State Park—weather permitting—are the Kalalau and Pu’u O Kīla Lookouts, just a five-minute drive apart on Kōkeʻe Road. It’s often foggy or rainy up there, so be prepared. But if the fog lifts even briefly, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the lush cliffs of the Nāpali Coast.
As the name suggests, the Kalalau Lookout offers views into the Kalalau Valley, which also gives its name to the essential trail for exploring the Nāpali Coast (more on this hike in the next section).
Awa'awapuhi Trail
📍 Distance: 5.8 mi (9.3 km)
⛰ Elevation Gain: 1,863 ft (568 m)
🔙 Route Type: Out & Back
From the Kalalau Lookout, the Awaʻawapuhi Trailhead is just a three-minute drive away. The trail winds through the lush forest before opening up to breathtaking views of the Nāpali Coast. It’s one of the best hikes to experience the coastline’s dramatic cliffs from land. The trail descends on the way out and climbs back on the return, so be prepared for a good workout.
Like the Kalalau Lookout, the Awaʻawapuhi Trailhead sits high in the mountains, where rain and mist are more common than in the lower elevations around Waimea Canyon. The moisture keeps the forest beautifully green, but it can also create muddy conditions and limit visibility—so it’s best to hike on a clear or low-fog day.
Explore The Nāpali Coast: Hike, Helicopter, or Boat
We touched upon it already above: If you’re heading to Kauai, don’t miss the Nāpali Coast! There are many ways to experience it, each offering a different perspective:
Hike or backpack the rugged Kalalau Trail (go as far as Hanakāpī‘ai Beach or Hanakapi'ai Falls for a day hike).
Fly above the emerald cliffs and hidden waterfalls on a helicopter tour.
Sail or raft along the coast to explore sea caves, snorkel in remote coves, and maybe even spot spinner dolphins.
Each way shows a different side of this untouched coast!
Essential Nāpali Coast Hike: Hanakapi'ai Beach via the Kalalau Trail
📍 Distance: 3.5 mi (5.6 km)
⛰ Elevation Gain: 1,135 ft (346 m)
🔙 Route Type: Out & Back
The Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiʻai Beach is one of Kauai’s most essential hikes, offering an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of the Nāpali Coast on the ground. The trail begins with steady climbs through lush valleys and passes Ke’e Beach, a favorite snorkeling spot during the calmer summer months, before quickly rewarding you with sweeping views of the coastline. Along the way, you’ll encounter freshwater streams, a jungle of twisted vines, wild orchids, turquoise ocean views, and glimpses of the dramatic cliffs and coastline.
The final descent into Hanakapiʻai Valley brings you to the cool, refreshing waters of Hanakapiʻai Stream. From there, you’ll need to cross the stream, either by hopping across boulders or wading if the water level allows. On the other side lies Hanakapiʻai Beach, where golden sand meets dramatic cliffs and moss-covered rocks. While it’s a breathtaking spot, swimming here is never recommended due to powerful rip currents and unpredictable surf.
If you are up for a longer adventure, you can also continue on to Hanakapi'ai Falls beyond Hanakapiʻai Beach.
Know Before You Go
Parking at the trailhead is very limited and must be reserved in advance. There’s also a shuttle system (reservation required too), which we used and found to work perfectly. The shuttle can be booked from Princeville (walk-up from nearby accommodations) or Waipa (park & ride, which is what we used). Shuttle reservations are generally easier to secure than trailhead parking since more spots are available. Reservations can be made on here.
If you plan to backpack the full Kalalau Trail, a camping permit is required. These are highly competitive and must be reserved in advance. Please find more info on the Department of Land And Natural Resources website.
The trail involves river crossings, including the Hanakapiʻai Stream near the beach and smaller streams along the way. These crossings can become impassable during heavy rains, which may trigger flash floods, so it’s important to check the weather forecast before heading out.
Helicopter Tour
If you’d like not only to immerse yourself in the scenery of the Nāpali Coast on foot, but also to truly grasp the scale of its dramatic cliffs from a perspective you can’t get on land, a helicopter tour is one of the best ways to experience Kauai’s lush, towering coastline. Here’s a highly rated option to check out:
Boat Tour
Seeing the Nāpali Coast from the water offers a completely different perspective, with towering cliffs rising directly from the ocean and hidden sea caves peeking out from the rocks. A variety of boat tours allow you to experience these dramatic landscapes up close. Some tours include dinner during a sunset cruise, while others focus on exploring sea caves and snorkeling, on either smaller vessels or larger boats.
How To Get Around
Public transit is great, but on Kauai, renting a car is hands down the way to go!
I like rentalcars.com (search box below) because you can easily compare providers at your chosen location, check reviews, choose car types, select extras, and feel confident you’re booking the right car for your trip. Plus, the cancellation policy is quite flexible (typically free up to 48 hours before your trip), but keep in mind that policies can change, so always double-check the details before booking.
Where To Stay
Kauai is not very large, so it’s generally possible to choose one base for the entire trip and still explore all parts of the island! Keep in mind that you can’t drive a full loop around the island, which means that traveling from the Nāpali Coast in the north to the western shore requires a long drive along the eastern and southern shores.
- East Shore | Lihué — Best Single Base Location: If you want one base without changing hotels, this is my top pick. We based ourselves in Lihué for the most part (also where the airport is), giving us a short 20-minute drive to Poipu, about 1 hour to the North Shore, and a similar distance to Waimea Canyon. Everything was easily reachable without much hassle.
- Koke’e State Park | Camping: We also camped at Koke’e State Park because we love camping and wanted to be close to hiking trails in the morning. The campground was the only option inside the park and worked fine.
Note: This spot is high in the mountains, so temperatures are cooler and it is rainier than other locations. When we visited, there was constant rain even when it was dry just a short drive down. Also, sleeping was tricky due to a very active herd of boars nearby! Reservations and more info on the campground can be found here. - South Shore | Poipu & North Shore | Princeville: Dividing your stay between the north and south shores is also a great option. Poipu (South Shore) and Princeville (North Shore) have the most options but are typically more expensive than Lihué.
Check available accommodations here:
Follow the Adventure
Latest on the Blog
Search
If you enjoy my content, please consider supporting my work
Your support helps me to pour my time and soul into Venture Beyond The Picture while keeping it clutter free. Every little bit means a lot to me — monetarily, but also as an appreciation of my work. I am grateful for every contribution.
I’m the face, writer, and photographer behind Venture Beyond the Picture.
You’re in the right place if you’re looking for nature-focused travel guides, real tales from the trails, and photography that celebrates wild landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and the quiet beauty of nature.
I hope what you find here helps you plan your adventures across the Western U.S., capture the outdoors through your own lens, and spark new inspiration.