The Best Kauai Activities and Ideas for What to Do on Your Kauai Honeymoon
Written by our rad team member, Kiersten Roy
Now that you’ve planned your Kauai elopement, decided where you’re going to stay, and untangled the weird, wonderful process of getting your Hawaii marriage license, you’re ready for the fun stuff – choosing your Kauai elopement activities! Honestly, there are so many incredible things to do on Kauai whether you’re there for your elopement, Kauai honeymoon, or just vacationing, so narrowing down which activities to do might just end up being the hardest part of planning your elopement in Kauai.
That’s where this blog post comes in. We put together this full on guide to the best Kauai things to do and see during your elopement. We tried to make it as easy (and fun) as possible by breaking the activities down by adventures that you should add to your elopement budget (aka activities that cost money), and adventures that are free. We’ve also include price ranges, activity levels, duration, and seasonality recommendations to help make your planning process that much easier! Ready to start dreaming up your best day ever in Kauai? Let’s go!
20 Kauai Activities That Make for an Epic Elopement Experiences
Top 10 Kauai Hawaii Activities for the Ultimate Adventure
- Tour Kauai by helicopter
- Get a Jeep as your rental car
- Cruise around the Kauai coast on a boat
- Watch (and listen to) whales (seasonal)
- Off-road through the jungle on an ATV
- Go on a romantic dinner date or attend a luau
- Kayak the Wailua River
- Kayak the Napali coast
- Rent Snorkeling Gear and swim with the fishies
- Cruise around on two wheels (aka rent a bike)
Insider Tip: Want to include these Kauai activities in your elopement? Many of our couples have set up gift registries or honeymoon funds so that their friends and family can gift them some of these Kauai best activities.
1: Tour Kauai by helicopter
We’re kicking this list of Kauai elopement activities off with one of our top recommendations – a helicopter tour! Not only will you get the most breathtaking, birds-eye views of the Nā Pali Coast, but since only about 30% of Kauai is accessible by car or foot, flying is a really great way to see the wildest parts of the island (aka the other 70% of the island). We’ve experienced a doors-off helicopter tour with Mauna Loa and it was absolutely epic, but you truly can’t go wrong with any of the helicopter tours on the island! During your flight you will fly over miles of lush green valleys, canyons, and massive waterfalls, and you may even get to see the iconic Manawaiopuna Falls, which is the waterfall that was featured in the movie Jurassic Park!
Cost: $344 – $459, depending on your tour
Activity level: Easy
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Seasonality: Year-round
Recommended Companies:
2: Get a Jeep for your car rental
Because there are so many Kauai things to do and see, you will want to rent a car for at least part, if not all of your elopement. Having a rental car will allow you to get almost anywhere on the island in a few hours, but for something a little special (and a lot of driving fun!), we recommend renting a Jeep. What could scream adventure more than riding in a Jeep with the top down, feeling that fresh Kauai sea breeze on your face?!
Insider Tip: Whether you go with the Jeep or a different rental vehicle, it’s a good idea to reserve the rental for your elopement dates sooner rather than later. During the busy season, rental companies often run out of rentals, especially Jeeps and convertibles.
Cost: varies depending on the time of year, but plan for around $150 a day or $700 a week
Activity level: Easy
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round
3: Cruise or sail around the Kauai coast
If you want a relaxing, magical experience with your loved ones, cruising around the Kauai coast on a boat will reward you with spectacular views of the island’s rugged shoreline. Soaking in the sound of crashing waves and fresh ocean air can be a relaxing and adventurous outing rolled into one! There are so many good options for different boat tours that include everything from food or drink cruises (we’re big fans of activities that involve food!) to private sunset sail options.
Carson and Gabbie chartered a private catamaran for all their loved ones during their 3-day micro wedding in Kauai and it was so much fun! Just keep in mind that the water off the Nā Pali Coast can get choppy, so this activity may not be for everyone. Thankfully, there are tons of other Kauai activities that allow you to see this side of the island, like hiking or the helicopter tour.
Cost: $197 – $2,646+ depending on the type of boat and what is included (some tours include food or drinks, others include activities like snorkeling)
Activity level: Easy
Duration: 3-5 hours
Seasonality: Year-round
Recommended Companies:
4: Watch (and listen to!!) whales
How cool would it be to make seeing humpback whales in their natural habitat part of your Kauai elopement adventure? Whales are seriously some of the most incredible animals out there. Did you know that the humpback whale is known for making an annual migration of nearly 6,000 miles, one of the longest migrations of any mammal (seriously, how cool is that!)?
If you’re eloping in Kauai between November and March, you might get lucky enough to see whales from the beach or while hiking along the Nā Pali Coast, but for the best chance to see whales up close and personal, we recommend booking a whale watching tour. Tours typically last around 2 hours and some even offer hydrophones which are tools that allow you to listen to the songs of the humpbacks!
Cost: ~$115 per person
Activity level: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
Seasonality: November – March, but in Kauai peak whale watching season is January and February
Recommended Companies:
5: Off-road through the jungle on an ATV
If you’re a couple that wants a little bit of fast-paced excitement thrown in to your beautiful Kauai elopement adventure, we recommend looking into an off-road tour through the Kauai jungle on ATVs! Kipu Ranch offers a variety of exciting outings including their most popular tour, the Ultimate Kauai Off-Road Ranch Tour as well as the Waterfall Triple Trail Expedition in Kauai. Regardless of which tour you choose, you’ll ride through spectacular scenery, you might even see some wildlife…and you’ll definitely have an adventure!
Cost: $187
Activity level: Easy
Duration: 3 hours
Seasonality: Year-round
Recommended Companies:
6: Go on a romantic honeymoon dinner date or to a luau
Nothing says just married like a romantic dinner for two, and Kauai has lots of great options to plan a nice post-elopement celebratory meal. If you are in love with the ocean, dinner aboard a sailboat is sure to deliver. But this is Kauai and if you want something that incorporates some tradition and fun, why not attend a garden luau!? The Smith family has been hosting garden luaus for 40 years and they definitely know how to cook a kalua pig! Luau Kalamaku is another super popular spot to go eat, be entertained, and have fun.
Cost: $-$$$ (varies!)
Activity level: Easy
Duration: Varies
Seasonality: Year-round
Recommended Companies:
For some of our other favorite places to eat in Kauai, check out our guide on how to elope in Kauai where we share a list of our favorite eats all around the island!
7: Kayak the Wailua River to Secret Falls
Another great adventure to try during your elopement in Kauai would be kayaking on the Wailua River. The Wailua is Kauai’s longest navigable river (20 miles!) and meanders along through lush scenery. This guided tour takes you on the most popular route: an easy, 2-mile paddle followed by a 1.5-mile hike to the 120-foot high Uluwehi Falls (aka Secret Falls). The local tour guides are the best and will provide you with everything that you need including food, dry-bags, and life vests. They also share interesting facts about the island and river and entertain you on the hike to the falls. If you’ve never kayaked before or are more of a beginner, this river is a *great* option because it’s a “Class 0” aka basically a lazy river, but with a 2 mile paddle you will still get a bit of a workout. It’s important to wear comfortable, close-toed shoes for both the paddle and the hike, and don’t forget your eco-friendly bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen for this adventure!
For those of you with a little bit of paddling experience and a desire for a solo adventure, you can rent your own kayak and do the trip without a guide.
Cost: $75-$130 per person, or private tours starting at $115
Activity level: moderate (2 mile paddle on class 0 river and 1.5 mile hike to the falls)
Duration: 4.5 hours total
Seasonality: Available daily, year-round, except Sundays
Recommended Companies:
- Ali’i Kayaks Tours
- Kayak Kauai (to rent your own)
8: Kayak the Nā Pali Coast
If you’ve read some of our other Kauai elopement blog posts and resources, you’ve seen photos of the stunning Nā Pali Coast but if you haven’t, go here and take a look right now! It’s one of the most spectacular places you could possibly go sea kayaking! There are lava-tube caves, world-class surf breaks, and soaring volcanic cliff faces covered in vibrant green vegetation rising up into the clouds. It’s paradise- full-stop!
Because you will be kayaking on the sea instead of a river (like the adventure above), this is definitely a bit more strenuous and it might not be ideal for absolute beginner paddlers. But if you are a strong swimmer and feel confident navigating the ocean waters, this would absolutely be one of those Kauai must do activities to experience during your adventure elopement or honeymoon.
The Napali-Polihale day trip is the most popular tour (and also the easiest option). It covers about 11 miles over the course of 10 hours and for newer paddlers, it’s on the lee of the island meaning the waters are much calmer there. If conditions are good you might get to do some snorkeling or paddle through a sea cave (sign us up!) If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, try the Napali-Haena tour which is 17 miles long. They even offer overnight camping trips if you want something next-level.
Insider Tip: wear closed-toed shoes and bring reef-safe sunscreen on this adventure (plus all of the other items the company recommends, of course)!
Cost: $270 – $530
Activity level: Strenuous
Duration: Full day and overnight options available
Seasonality: Yes. April 15- October 15
Recommended Companies:
9: Rent snorkeling gear and swim with the fish
Renting snorkel gear is one of those Kauai Hawaii activities that you simply have to try during your elopement on the island! One of our favorite places to go for snorkeling gear is Kapa’a Beach Shop and we love it for a few reasons
- It’s owned by a wonderful local couple who always give great recommendations of where to go snorkeling.
- They also have the most beautiful rescued German Shepherd and you know we are big pup fans here at Between the Pine! (and if it wasn’t clear before, well, then just know that your pets are always welcome to join us on your elopement adventures!)
Another great place to rent gear is Snorkel Bobs. They have a few locations on Kauai (Kapa’a and Poipu), and even have locations on Maui, too. And, if you prefer a guided snorkeling tour where an expert can show you where all the super cool sea creatures are, definitely check out Kauai snorkeling tours.
Cost: Approx $15 a day, $30 per week
Activity level: Easy/moderate
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round
Recommended Companies:
10: Cruise around on two wheels (aka rent a bike)
For those of you who want to explore Kauai at a more relaxed pace and seek out adventures down dirt roads and on remote beaches, you can always rent some beach cruiser bikes! There are several bike rental companies that offer a range of bikes from cruisers, e-bikes, and even tandem beach cruisers so you and your love can ride along the beach together (um how cute would those photos be?!). If you want a little more excitement, you can also rent some mountain bikes. Either way, there are tons of walking and biking paths on the island to explore, all while getting some exercise and fresh ocean air.
Cost: $23-$100+ (completely depends on the bike and length of time)
Activity level: Easy, Moderate, Strenuous
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round
Recommended Companies:
Top 10 Things To Do on Kauai During Your Elopement (That are Totally Free)
Who said fun has to be expensive? One of the best things about planning an elopement on Kauai is that there are literally tons of activities to do that are completely free! Trust us, you’re going to make incredible memories in Kauai with your partner, even if you’re on a budget. Here are some ideas to get you started, and the best part is that all you need is a sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks!!):
- Head to the locals’ favorite beaches
- Hike around Waimea Canyon
- Chase all the waterfalls
- Explore the rainforest
- Hike the famous Kalalau Trail
- Explore Queen’s Bath
- Catch a sunrise
- Watch a romantic sunset
- Tour the Kauai Coffee Estate
- Wander the farmer’s markets
1: Head to the locals’ favorite beaches
Life’s a beach, right? Seriously though, Kauai beaches are incredible and they make for some of the most gorgeous backdrops for an elopement ceremony (click here to see what we are talking about!). And, the good thing is that there is no shortage of beaches on the island. We happen to know a few of the local spots to go where you can elope and avoid the crowds, but here is a list of some our favorite, well-known beaches:
- Tunnels Beach
- Poipu Beach
- Ele’ele Beach
- Shipwreck Beach
Want more elopement location ideas? Click here for our guide to the all the best places to elope on Kauai!
Activity level: Easy
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round
2: Hike around Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon is known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ and it would be an amazing and breathtaking place to explore during your Kauai adventure elopement! Cruising along Waimea Canyon Drive will yield amazing views. And there are so many different trails of all different levels that you can hike from a mellow nature loop that has interpretive signs with information about the local flora and fauna (aka plants – aka yes please!) to longer, more challenging hikes with a lot of elevation gain. It’s worth doing a little bit of research ahead of time to make sure that your visit to this state park goes smoothly, but as your Kauai elopement photographers, we’ll help you handle these logistics so you can sit back and enjoy your Kauai adventure.
Insider Tip: Bring your hiking boots! The trails in Waimea Canyon get muddy and slippery, and some sections can be a bit steep.
Activity level: Easy to strenuous
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round
3: Chase all the waterfalls
Kauai gets 300 to 600 inches of rain per year…crazy, we know! When you combine this much rain with the steep volcanic topography you get tons of waterfalls. And while TLC said, ‘don’t go chasin’ waterfalls,’ we beg to differ! We say, chase ALL of the waterfalls and here are a few of our favorite:
- Wailua Falls
- Red Dirt Falls
- Hanakapiai Falls
- Ho’opii Falls
- Makaleha Falls
Activity level: Easy to strenuous
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round
4: Explore the rainforest
Hiking through the rainforest is one of our favorite Kauai activities, and one we highly recommend for your elopement in Kauai. There’s almost endless hiking on the island, and the landscape is so diverse – there’s something new and exciting around every bend in the trail. Here’s a list of our favorite rainiforest hikes in Kauai:
- Pu’u O Kila Lookout
- Kuilau Ridge Trail
- Sleeping Giant
Activity level: Easy to strenuous
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round
5: Hike the famous Kalalau Trail
For couples craving a big Kauai Hawaii adventure, the Kalalau Trail is an epic 22-mile (round-trip) hike along Kauai’s iconic Nā Pali Coast. Starting at Ke’e Beach, the trail winds past Hanakapi’ai Beach, five lush valleys, and Hanakoa Falls, ending at the secluded Kalalau Beach – complete with a waterfall that spills right onto the sand (seriously, magical!). The trail is often steep, slippery, and exposed in sections, but the views (and the reward) are so worth it.
Note: If you plan to camp overnight, you will need a permit.
If you’re not up for the full hike and overnight experience, a day hike is just as stunning! The two most popular are Ke’e to Hanakapi’ai Beach (4 miles roundtrip), or Ke’e to Hanakapi’ai Falls (8 miles roundtrip). Even a short walk along the first mile offers jaw-dropping views (and maybe even whale sightings in season)!
Keep in mind that even if you’re only doing a day hike, you will need a day-use reservation (not an overnight permit) for any of these shorter hikes. They’re up to $10, available online 14 days in advance, and they sell out fast – so don’t wait too long to grab one!
Activity level: Strenuous
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round
6: Explore Queen’s Bath
Queen’s Bath is one of the most beautiful tide pools in Kauai and definitely a must visit during your trip to the island! Located on Kauai’s North shore near Princeville, you can watch the ocean waves crash over the rocks, spilling into Queen’s Bath. When the tide goes out it gives way to a salt water spa filled with fish and other sea creatures! This is a great area to enjoy some snacks and watch the sun go down during your Kauai honeymoon.
Activity level: Moderate, but dangerous with the wrong tide!
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round, but recommended from October through March
7: Catch a sunrise
We know getting up early can be a challenge, but trust us, eloping at sunrise in Kauai is totally worth it (plus, you’ll get even more privacy on your best day ever and we are all for that!) If a sunrise elopement is something you are considering, here are a few of our favorite spots:
- Larsen’s Beach
- Moloa’a Beach
- Kilauea Lighthouse
- Kalalau Lookout
Activity level: Easy
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round
8: Watch a romantic sunset on the beach
If sunrises aren’t your thing (or even if they are), you can’t pass up the opportunity to hold your partner tightly while watching a classic Kauai sunset. Sunsets are our other favorite time of day to elope because you don’t need to get up early and you can still witness the incredible colors light up the sky. If a sunset wedding is more your vibe, definitely check out these locations!
- Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Ke’e Beach
- Salt Pond Beach Park
- Hanalei Bay
Activity level: Easy
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round
9: Tour the Kauai Coffee Estate
Coffee? Yes, please! We’ve visited the Kauai coffee estate during one of our many trips to the island and not only is the tour so educational, but it’s also free! Fun fact: Did you know that this estate is the largest coffee farm in the United States with over 4 million coffee plants, holy moly! If you love coffee, this is one of those Kauai activities that you have to experience at least once!
Activity level: Easy
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round
10: Wander the farmer’s markets
If wandering your local farmer’s market is an activity you love, then Kauai’s got you covered! With warm tropical weather and a healthy amount of rainfall, there is an abundance of plants that grow on Kauai which means tons of local fruits and veggies at the farmers markets! You can find a farmers market on almost any given day across the island, but if you have a limited amount of time, here are top three we recommended checking out:
- Hanalei farmers market on Kauai’s North Shore
- Kapa’a farmers market on the East Side
- Koloa on Kauai’s South Shore
Activity level: Easy
Duration: Totally up to you!
Seasonality: Year-round
Final Thoughts About Choosing Your Activities for Your Kauai Hawaii Elopement
Whether you are traveling to Kauai to get married or spending a few days here for your Kauai honeymoon, there are so many activities to enjoy on the island! No matter what you decide to do, I just know that you’re going to have the most epic time celebrating your love in one of the most beautiful places in the world!
We hope this guide of Kauai activities inspired you to dream about what’s possible and, if you’re ready to start bringing your Kauai wedding vision to life, reach out! We would love to help you dream up your best day ever!
Still planning your Kauai elopement?
Check out these other resources to make your Kauai elopement planning process go that much smoother! (So you can get back to the fun stuff… like planning your favorite Kauai activities and adventures!)
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