Explore Kauai: Top Summer Activities
Kauai is one of the most stunning places in the world. Daily life here can feel like a movie, with picturesque mountain backdrops and immaculate beaches around every corner. During summer, when the tide is calm and the sun is shining, it’s the perfect time to visit the botanical gardens, go camping, tubing, or boating. This blog post builds upon ‘Discover Kauai’s Best: Top Spots & Beach Essentials,’ which includes even more bucket list items you’ll want to experience across the Garden Island.
4 Bucket List Summer Activities
Visit the Botanical Gardens
Kauai is home to many botanical gardens, each offering a unique experience. In this blog post, we'll focus on Limahuli Garden and Allerton Garden.
Limahuli Garden, located far north near the iconic Hanakapiai hike, is a true haven for native species. Here, workers and volunteers steward the land with the same dedication as the generations before them. They work diligently to conserve native plant life and provide educational experiences. This sacred plot of land, with cascading terraces and a peaceful river running through it, provides an enriching experience for all who visit.
There are two tour options at Limahuli Garden. The first is a self-guided tour, where you'll receive informational materials and have the opportunity to explore the garden at your own pace. The second option is a guided tour conducted in small groups, which weaves together stories of Hawaiian culture, biodiversity, and stewardship.
Allerton Garden, located on the south shore, is a living masterpiece. Named one of the '50 Places of a Lifetime' by National Geographic Traveler, it has a rich history deeply intertwined with Hawaiian culture.
The garden honors Queen Emma, who nourished and cherished this plot of land. Later, Robert and John Gregg Allerton transformed it into the stunning sanctuary it is today. It has also been a Hollywood film location for iconic movies such as Jurassic Park.
The garden showcases meticulously designed landscapes with water features, sculptures, and a diverse array of exotic and native plants.
There are numerous tour options for this popular botanical garden, including:
- Allerton Garden Guided Tour
- Allerton Garden at Sunset
- Best of Both Worlds (in partnership with McBryde Garden)
- Allerton by the Fire
- Twilight Garden Tour
- Private Tour
See their website for detailed descriptions of each.
Both Limahuli and Allerton Gardens offer visitors a chance to connect with nature, learn about conservation, and experience Kauai's rich cultural heritage. No matter where you decide to visit, you'll end the journey with a deeper appreciation of the island even more deeply.
Go on a Camping Trip
Indulge in the rich sensory experiences of camping in Kauai's popular locations. Picture yourself sleeping under a blanket of stars, waking up to the soothing sound of the ocean, or being enveloped by the earthy scent of the forest in Koke'e. These experiences are not just calming and revitalizing in the present; they offer memories that last a lifetime.
In our previous blog, 'Discover Kauai's Best: Top Spots & Beach Essentials!' we explored the otherworldly beauty of Koke'e State Park. Here, you'll find expansive canyons and postcard-ready hiking trails. It's a remote location without much cell service, so you can fully unplug while enjoying magical views unique to this part of the island.
Polihale, located on the west side, is the longest stretch of beach in the entire state of Hawaii. Positioned at the end of the Napali Coast and near the edge of Mānā Plains Forest Reserve, it offers spectacular sunsets and unpolluted skies. People often surf, fish, and hike nearby trails when camping here, promising an adventurous and exciting camping experience.
Anini, located on the north shore, is a safe and convenient camping spot. It boasts the longest and widest fringing reef in the Hawaiian Islands, providing excellent swimming conditions. This family-friendly beach is perfect for snorkeling and paddleboarding, offering a serene and laid-back atmosphere for your camping adventure.
Each of these destinations promises unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting impression! Whether you seek the otherworldly beauty of Koke'e with its towering pine forests and canyon vistas, the expansive beaches and adventure at Polihale, or the serene and laid-back atmosphere at Anini with its excellent swimming conditions, Kauai offers something special for every camper.
Embark on a Tubing Adventure
Looking for something the entire family will be excited about doing? Consider embarking on a guided tubing adventure. Before even arriving at the launch site, you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of Mt. Wai'ale'ale and her magnificent waterfalls.
Once you reach the river, you'll be given a headlamp and tube for the journey. It's a 2.5-mile run filled with views of the ocean, coastline, mountains, and valleys. Finally, you'll conclude with lunch and the opportunity to immerse yourself in a natural swimming hole.
As a bonus, this is not just a river tubing adventure, but also a historic tour. The canals and tunnels were originally engineered and hand-dug in 1870. Prior to 2000, the tunnels were used to irrigate sugar crops, and the tubing adventure has been offered since 2003. This unique experience, blending relaxing river tubing with a journey through Hawaii's past, offers a perfect blend of adventure and insight into the island's rich history.
Explore the Napali by Boat
Another must-do summer activity is exploring the island by boat. Witnessing the landscape from this fresh perspective is awe-inspiring. Even if you've been on a tour before, each experience is unique based on weather, changes in the tide, which animals are out, etc., so it's exciting every time.
On the ocean, you'll pass by hidden sea caves, remote beaches, cascading waterfalls, and towering rock formations. You might be lucky enough to spot people and goats hiking the ridge line high above, dolphins swimming in pods, or even a humpback whale breaching in the distance. The ocean offers a vastly different experience than exploring Kauai by land, and each moment on the boat is filled with excitement and wonder.
Whether you choose a daytime snorkel sail, a thrilling high-speed raft adventure, a relaxing whale-watching excursion, or a romantic evening dinner cruise, each offers a different but equally extraordinary experience.
Conclusion
Our goal with this blog post is to help you make the most of the second half of summer here on Kauai. Whether you're a resident seeking inspiration or a visitor researching island activities, we hope this guide helps you plan fun-filled days with your loved ones!
If you need some fuel for your adventures, stop by Trilogy for our legendary avo toast and premium coffee. And if you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, visit us at Hunter Gatherer. We'd love to hear if this blog inspired any adventures!