Kauai

Free Activities on Kaua‘i

Who says you can’t get something for nothing? Our guide to Free Things will help you keep cash in your pocket and discover the true splendor of Hawai‘i. Caution: Some of our ideas may even lead you in offbeat directions.

• Arts • Culture & History • Parks & Nature • Back to Kauai Attractions

Arts

KAUA‘I HERITAGE CENTER OF HAWAIIAN CULTURE & ARTS
Featuring artwork by Hawaiian artists and Hawaiian cultural demonstrations such as lei-making.
Where: 4-831 Kuhio Hwy, Ste 308
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday
Info: (808) 821-2070

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Culture & History

HULA SHOW AT COCONUT MARKETPLACE
A free 30-minute performance of both kahiko(ancient) and auwana(modern) hula. Keiki(children) perform as well.
Where: Kapa’a, on Highway 56 (Kuhio Highway)
Hours: 5 p.m., daily

KAUA‘I COFFEE COMPANY VISITOR CENTER
Featuring information on Kaua‘i’s growing coffee industry.
Where: 1 Numila Road, ‘Ele‘ele
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily
Info: (808) 335-0813

KILOHANA PLANTATION
Restored plantation mansion and grounds featuring boutique shops, a country store, galleries and tours of the 35-acre property in horse-drawn carriages.
Where: Lihu‘e
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday
Info: (808) 245-5608

KOLOA TOWN
Restored plantation town featuring quaint shops, a history center and some of the oldest buildings in Hawai’i.
Where: Junction of Highways 530 and 520 (both branch off Highway 50).

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Parks & Nature

CAPTAIN COOK’S LANDING
Revered by some and reviled by others, British captain James Cook first landed at this spot in 1778 with his ships, Resolution and Discovery. He is reportedly the first westerner to set foot in the Hawaiian Islands.
Where: Waimea, along the roadside in Hofgaard Park (also known as Tamago, or “egg-shaped,” Park)

HANALEI VALLEY LOOKOUT
One of the most famous views on Kaua‘i, an island famous for its views. The valley - a mile wide and six miles long - is home to the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. The majority of Hawai‘i’s taro is grown here, hence the patchwork pattern of fields on the valley floor.
Where: Off Highway 56 on the North Shore, just beyond Princeville

HANAPEPE
The name of this quaint seaside town means “bay crushed by landslides,” and its main street may look familiar to some: It was used for the filming of The Thornbirds. When you’re done browsing the shops and art galleries in town, head up the valley and explore the heiau and Hawaiian homesteads scattered about.
Where: On Highway 50, southwest coast

HANAPEPE VALLEY LOOKOUT
Feast your eyes on rolling hills, picturesque farms and lush vegetation from this lookout point in Jurassic Park’s neck of the woods.
Where: Halfway between Kalaheo and Port Allen on Highway 50, just after mile marker 14

KALALAU LOOKOUT
One of several lookout points offering a spectacular view of Waimea Canyon. Mist and clouds can obscure the view, so call the Koke‘e Natural History Museum for conditions before you head out.
Where: At the top of Waimea Canyon Road, continue on to Kalalau Lookout.
Info: (808) 335-9975 (weather conditions)

LYDGATE PARK
A great beach park for kids, with picnic grounds, safe swimming and an adjacent playground designed by local schoolchildren. Of historical interest: The coconut grove, Hikina‘akala Heiau, was once a place of refuge for Hawaiians accused of committing a crime.
Where: Off Highway 56, south of the Wailua River

MANINIHOLO DRY CAVE
The interior of this cave (the name means “swimming Manini fish”) used to be larger than its current depth of 300 yards, before a 1957 tsunami partially filled it with sand.
Where: North Shore; go to Ha‘ena Beach Park on Highway 560. Look for the cave on your left.

NAPALI COAST
The only free way to take in the breathtaking Napali Coast is by hiking it. If you decide to explore the Kalalau Trail beware the fact that the Napali spirits have been known to play tricks on visitors to the region, which some historians believe was the first area settled on Kaua‘i.
Where: Northeast Shore
Info: Permits are required to hike and camp; they are free. Since the state hiking office regulates the number of hikers on the trail, you must call (808) 587-0300 to reserve a date.

OPAEKA‘A FALLS
The best view of these delicate falls - which flow year-round into the Wailua River - is from the path along the highway.
Where: Up Highway 581 from Kapa‘a

SALT POND BEACH PARK
The only natural salt pond in the state still used to make salt, an art practiced by families descendent from the ancient Hawaiian saltmakers. Enter the salt-making area only if permission is granted by saltmakers, but feel free to hit the beach. Also one of Kaua‘i’s best windsurfing spots.
Where: On Lokokai Road, southwest of Hanapepe

SPROUTING HORN
Undersea lava tubes ferry powerful waves up through a hole in the shoreline rocks, shooting spectacular plumes of ocean spray into the air.
Where: Spouting Horn Beach Park, near Kalaheo

WAILUA FALLS
Majestic, 80-foot tiered waterfall close to a roadside lookout. A tricky hike; exercise caution.
Where: End of Highway 583 (originating in Hanama’ulu). Can also be seen from the end of Ma’alo Road (Hwy 583), beyond Kapaia at mile marker 3.

WAILUA RIVER
Home to the only fresh-water waterskiing and river tours in Hawai’i. Tour boats take sightseers miles upstream.
Where: Mouth of the river near Wailua Town

WAIMEA TOWN
Featuring several historical sites, including a monument to Capt. James Cook, whose first Hawai’i landing was near Waimea in late 1778.
Where: West on Highway 50

WAIMEA CANYON LOOKOUT
Fabulous view of Waimea Canyon, dubbed by Mark Twain the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The canyon stretches 10 miles wide and is nearly 3,600 feet deep.
Where: On Highway 550 (Waimea Canyon Drive)

WHALE WATCH AT MAHAULEPU BEACH
While whale-watching tours are memorable, many visitors don’t realize that these gentle behemoths can often be seen at play from the shore, even without binoculars. Look for them between December and April, when they’re most active.
Where: East end of Po‘ipu. Drive past the Hyatt Hotel, continue east on the dirt road until the T junction, turn right and head toward the ocean until you encounter a guard booth staffed by a sugar plantation company. Guard will ask you to sign in and sign a waiver.