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Planning your trip to Lihue can feel like a puzzle with so many options to explore. As the main gateway to Kauai, Lihue welcomes visitors with its perfect mix of beaches, waterfalls, and rich Hawaiian culture.
This guide walks you through the top spots and hidden gems in Lihue, from relaxing at Kalapaki Beach to soaring over the Na Pali Coast. Get ready to discover the best of Kauai’s commercial center.
Key Takeaways
- Lihue serves as Kauai’s main gateway and offers diverse activities from beaches to museums. Kalapaki Beach provides calm waters perfect for swimming and surfing.
- The Kauai Museum charges $15 for adults and showcases Hawaiian heritage through artifacts and art. Kids under 7 enter free, and it opens Monday-Friday 9-4 and Saturdays 9-2.
- Visitors can explore Grove Farm’s 100-acre sugar plantation site from 1849. The stunning Wailua Falls drops 173 feet and gained fame from “Fantasy Island” TV show.
- Koloa Rum Company, Kauai’s first distillery since 1835, offers daily tastings from 10-4 Monday-Saturday. The Na Pali Coast helicopter tours last 50 minutes and depart from Lihue Airport.
- Kilohana Plantation Railways provides 40-minute train rides through 105 acres of farmland. Kauai Backcountry Adventures combines kayaking on Wailua River with hiking to Uluwehi Falls.
1. Relax at Kalapaki Beach
Kalapaki Beach offers a perfect crescent-shaped shoreline for your island getaway. This sheltered bay creates gentle waves that make swimming and surfing a breeze for all skill levels.
The soft sand welcomes you to spread out your beach towel and soak up the Hawaiian sun.
The beach sits right next to several oceanfront restaurants and shops, making it easy to grab a quick bite or cold drink. You’ll spot both locals and tourists enjoying water activities like stand-up paddleboarding and bodyboarding in the calm waters.
The beach provides plenty of shady spots under swaying palm trees, plus clean restrooms and outdoor showers for your comfort.
2. Visit the Kauai Museum
The Kauai Museum preserves Hawaiian culture in Lihue. This historic building showcases the rich heritage of Kauai’s people through ancient artifacts, royal collections, and local artwork.
You’ll pay $15 for adult admission to explore two floors filled with exhibits about the island’s first settlers, sugar plantation era, and monarchy period. The museum opens Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm.
Local guides tell fascinating stories about the Menehune – legendary small people who built fishponds and temples across the Garden Isle. The museum’s gift shop offers authentic Hawaiian crafts, books, and jewelry made by island artisans.
Kids under 7 get in free, making this spot ideal for family visits during hot afternoons or rainy days. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and spend time learning about Kauai’s fascinating past.
3. Explore the Grove Farm Sugar Plantation Museum
Grove Farm Sugar Plantation Museum stands as a living piece of Kauai’s rich sugar history since 1849. This 100-acre historic site shows you how German immigrants shaped Lihue’s sugar industry through original buildings, artifacts, and working machinery.
You’ll step back in time as you walk through preserved worker homes, a sugar mill, and lush gardens that tell stories of plantation life.
Inside this national historic landmark, guides share tales about daily plantation routines and cultural traditions. Each room displays authentic furniture, tools, and photos from sugar plantation days.
Your visit includes a peek at restored steam locomotives that once hauled sugar cane across Kauai’s fields. Kids love watching these massive engines roar to life during special demonstration days.
4. Take in the Views at Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls stands as a stunning 173-foot twin waterfall that you’ll spot right from the roadside. These majestic falls tumble side-by-side into a sparkling pool below, creating a picture-perfect scene straight out of a tropical postcard.
The falls gained fame as the opening sequence backdrop in the TV show “Fantasy Island.”.
Early morning visits offer the best views of these spectacular falls, with fewer crowds and better lighting for photos. The morning sun often creates rainbows in the mist, adding extra magic to your viewing experience.
A short walk from the parking area leads to several vantage points where you can snap amazing shots of these picturesque falls without breaking a sweat.
5. Enjoy Rum Tasting at Koloa Rum Company
Koloa Rum Company stands as the first distillery on Kauai, crafting smooth spirits since 1835. You’ll find this rum paradise at the beautiful Kilohana Plantation, where expert staff guide you through tastings of their award-winning rums.
The tasting room opens daily from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, making it easy to fit into your Kauai trip schedule.
Stop by to sample premium Hawaiian rums while learning about the island’s rich sugarcane history. The company uses pure Hawaiian cane sugar and pristine mountain water to create their spirits.
Their signature products include white, gold, and dark rums, plus special varieties like coffee, coconut, and spice rum. The friendly staff shares fun stories about rum-making traditions and local culture during your visit.
Pro tip: grab a bottle or two as perfect souvenirs from your Kauai adventure.
6. Go on a Na Pali Coast Helicopter Tour
A helicopter tour from Lihue Airport gives you the best ocean views of Kauai’s famous Na Pali Coast. The 50-minute flight soars past towering sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and lush valleys that most visitors never get to see.
Your pilot points out secret waterfalls and tells stories about ancient Hawaiian settlements along the coastline.
Flying over Kauai offers thrilling aerial views you can’t experience any other way. The helicopter zips through valleys and hovers near cascading waterfalls for perfect photo chances.
Your tour takes off right from the main airport in Lihue, making it easy to add this adventure to your island schedule. The skilled pilots know exactly where to find the most stunning spots that showcase the raw beauty of the Na Pali Coast.
7. Ride the Train at Kilohana Plantation Railways
Take a trip back to the 1930s at Kilohana Plantation Railways. The scenic train ride winds through 105 acres of lush farmland, tropical fruit orchards, and working fields. You’ll spot bananas, pineapples, and sugar cane growing along the tracks while learning about Kauai’s farming history.
The 40-minute journey brings the island’s plantation era to life. Your guide shares stories about life on the sugar plantations while the train chugs past historic buildings. Kids love feeding the farm animals at scheduled stops, making this railway adventure perfect for families.
The train departs several times daily from the restored manor house, which now serves tasty local food and hosts craft shops.
8. Adventure with Kauai Backcountry Adventures
Kauai Backcountry Adventures offers thrilling outdoor activities on the lush island of Kauai. You’ll paddle down the scenic Wailua River during their popular half-day kayak tours. The gentle river current guides you past tropical forests and ancient Hawaiian sites.
Your expert guide shares stories about the area’s rich history and culture along the way.
The adventure continues with a guided hike to the stunning Uluwehi Falls. This moderate trail leads through dense jungle terrain to reach the cascading waterfall. The crystal-clear pool at the base invites you to cool off with a refreshing swim.
Many visitors say this combination kayak-and-hike tour ranks as their favorite Kauai activity. The guides provide all necessary equipment and safety gear, plus interesting facts about local plants and wildlife throughout your journey.
Conclusion
Lihue offers endless fun for every type of traveler. Your days can fill up fast with beach trips, museum visits, and thrilling helicopter rides over the Na Pali Coast. From tasting local rum to riding plantation trains, this special spot on Kauai’s east side packs tons of activities into one area.
Pack your bags and head to this amazing Hawaiian town – adventure waits around every corner.
FAQs
1. What’s the best way to explore Lihue, Kauai?
Rent a car to visit top attractions like Waimea Canyon and Hanalei Bay. The commercial center of Kauai offers lots to see, from hiking trails to boat tours. Go early to avoid crowds at popular spots like the Kauai Community Market.
2. Which beaches near Lihue are worth visiting?
Nawiliwili Beach is perfect for family-friendly activities like snorkel and kayaking. Head north to Hanalei Bay for scenic views and water fun. Many boat tours offer trips to hidden beach spots around the Hawaiian islands.
3. What activities can I do in and around Lihue?
Try ATV tours, play at Puakea Golf Course, or take a cruise on the Huleia River. The town on the island serves as a great base for exploring Kauai’s natural wonders. You’ll find plenty of attractions in Lihue to fill your days.
4. Where can I learn about Kauai’s history?
Visit the Grove Farm Homestead Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Lihue Sugar Plantation offers visitors a glimpse into Kauai’s rich past. The Kauai community keeps these historic parts of the island alive.
5. What are some good day trips from Lihue?
Go past Waimea Canyon, called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Visit the National Wildlife Refuge, or take a day trip to explore Oahu. The island’s best places are within easy reach when you base yourself in Lihue.
6. Where can I find good food in Lihue?
The best restaurants are located near the center of Lihue. The Kauai Community Market offers local treats. Travel guides often point to spots where you’ll find authentic Hawaiian flavors.
Bryan Murphy, owner of Hawaii’s Best Travel, is a certified Hawaii destination expert from the Hawaii Visitors Bureau. He actively participates in the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau as a member and has a strong educational background focused on local culture and sustainability. As the host of "Hawaii’s Best Travel," a top-30 US travel podcast, Bryan combines his years of experience with valuable insights. He connects with a broad online community, reaching nearly half a million people, and offers a richer, more responsible way to experience Hawaii.