A One-Day Journey Through the Best Kauai Landmarks

Top Kauai Landmarks Waimea Canyon
Hawaii Aloha Travel > Blog > A One-Day Journey Through the Best Kauai Landmarks

Kauai is a small, quiet island, but there are plenty of things to do. In fact, Kauai landmarks are some of the most unique and exclusive sights in all of Hawaii (maybe the world!).

So today we wanted to guide you through a journey through the Garden Isle. This journey takes you from the dry canyons of Kauai’s west side to the lush waterfalls and lookouts of the North Shore.

Of course, you can also go the other way, and start at the North Shore…  or scramble everything up and embark on this adventure in your own way!

However you choose to travel through it all, this journey through Kauai landmarks will undoubtedly leave you satisfyingly exhausted, your camera kaput, and the image of Kauai pressed firmly in your memories. This is an island to absolutely explore – from the mountains to the sea. And this journey will have you feeling like you’ve discovered what makes Kauai so incredibly enticing.

Top Kauai Landmarks & Restaurants

1. Kalaheo Café

Nothing beats starting off your day with some ritualistic Kauai coffee and a hearty breakfast made with fresh ingredients. 

We suggest Kalaheo Café for its menu array, cappuccinos, and mouth-watering baked goodies. (Their blueberry muffins are seriously beyond this world!) 

Plus, the walls are adorned with local artwork, seating is plentiful (and outdoors if you so choose), service is friendly and fast, and you really can’t beat the food or the atmosphere. 

Be sure to check out their daily specials, as their omelets are usually the way to go: Portuguese sausage, green onions, pineapple, and macadamia nuts — the goods are always uniquely Hawaiian! 

Just make sure to grab a menu at the front and order at the bar, because many make the mistake of thinking you receive tableside service here.

This is a great way to fuel up before seeing top Kauai landmarks today!

2. Swinging Bridge

Hanapepe swinging bridge

Next stop: Hanapepe. This iconic west-side town has a quaint and precious reputation, and you’ll want to spend a little time here.  

And definitely don’t miss Hanapepe’s swinging bridge, one of the most quaint Kauai landmarks. 

Park near the Banana Patch Studio along the main road. You won’t walk very far before you see this rickety old footbridge. 

It lies across the Hanapepe River and is supported by thick cables that swing loosely under weight. Although it has a natural sway on its own, many like to give it a boost to really get it swinging! 

Built in the 1900s as a way for residents to cross the river, it was damaged by Hurricane Iniki, and then restored soon thereafter in 1992.

As a popular historical point of interest for many, the swinging bridge is a great Kauai landmark. Just make sure to keep your footing!

3. Koke‘e State Park

The drive alone to this wondrous park is worth the visit, with views and lookout points that rival the Grand Canyon. The iron-rich red dirt here makes the landscaping stand out amongst the green valleys, and you’re sure to spot steep waterfalls carving down into pools of fresh water. 

Stop by the visitors center, explore the various roads, snap some photos, or plan a hike. 

 Koke‘e State Park is home to Waimea Canyon, one of the most iconic Kauai landmarks. It’s a canyon so massive and awe-inspiring it’s been called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. 

Koke‘e is a multi-faceted state park that is both fascinating and beautiful. This is a fun place to toss the tour map aside and get a little lost, as chances are, whatever you come across will be an adventure.

4. Spouting Horn: A Top Kauai Landmark

Spouting Horn Kauai

This place will seriously astonish you with its grand performance. Spouting Horn is a blowhole ticked within the natural lava tubes along the coast. 

Ocean swells force water through the opening, shooting white water up to fifty feet into the air. You’ll also hear the hiss and moan of the crevice, a feature that gave birth to the ancient Hawaiian legend of the giant moo (lizard) named Kaikapu, who is said to be trapped in the hole after being outsmarted by a local boy. 

There is also a small outdoor marketplace here as well, where you can find unique Kauai treasures like black pearls, bamboo wind chimes, shells, and other nifty trinkets. 

This is one of the landmarks I come to every time I’m on Kauai; browsing through the stands and marveling at Spouting Horn just never gets old.

5. Old Koloa Town

This cute little shopping town holds onto its old-fashioned charm through its funky shops, small history museum, old restaurants, and wooden boardwalk that runs from one end to the other. 

We recommend stopping here for lunch, either at Koloa Pizza Kitchen for some pizza, pasta, or fresh salads, or Kenji Burger for some burgers, sandwiches, or some other filling options. 

You can walk through this small town in a matter of minutes, but we like it because it traces the history of Koloa Town and its roots in the sugar cane industry. Plus, some of the buildings are so historic that they deserve a spot on our list of top Kauai landmarks. 

6. Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls

This landmark is Kauai’s most popular waterfall, mainly because of its inspiring beauty, but also because of its easy access. You can literally drive to the top of the falls and have a breathtaking view of the tons of water dumping into the natural pool below. 

You can also hike to the base of this waterfall, but we prefer going by car to the top for an incredible vantage point and some seriously good photos. 

Although this waterfall tumbles year round, after a heavy rain it is most impressive. You’re so close that the sound of cracking water rings throughout your ears as freshwater spray refreshes your face.

7. (Duane’s) Ono Char Burger

Our other recommendation for lunch is what the locals refer to simply as Ono Char. Duane’s has been serving up great burgers and fries since 1988. This small roadside stand is located in Anahola, right along the highway. Order up at the small red and white shack and make sure to secure a seat outside, because they go quickly. 

Make friends with the wild chickens and hungry geckos and you’re sure to feel warmly welcomed.

8. Kauai Landmark: Kilauea Lighthouse

This is one of Kauai’s most popular landmarks, due to its picturesque beauty and historical significance. Built in 1913, this lighthouse acted as a beacon for ships traveling to and from the East. 

The visitor center is very cool, with friendly docents, interesting displays, and a plethora of information on the National Wildlife Refuge, which is located nearby on Kilauea Point. 

This point of interest offers sweeping views of the Pacific for great photo ops, not to mention some high winds that allow for gravity-defying tricks.

You’ll also see frigate birds, boobies, and albatross, with the occasional monk seal lounging around as well. How’s that for a Kauai Landmark?

9. Hanalei Pier

Hanalei Pier at sunset: one of the best Kauai landmarks

One of my favorite landmarks on Kauai’s North Shore, the Hanalei Pier is a much-loved spot for locals. This stretch of concrete leads out to a pavilion above the waters of Hanalei Bay, offering incredible views of the surf breaks, boats, and lush mountains with waterfalls tumbling down from the peaks. 

It’s widely considered safe to jump off the pier, as the ocean bottom is sand throughout this entire bay. The beach that surrounds the pier is sandy and wide, and there is also an open grassy terrace with picnic tables, public restrooms, and fresh showers. We recommend using the showers, as the sand out here is extremely fine and will get into your swimsuit quicker than you can get it out! 

This is a remarkable location during sunset hours, as the sun’s rays splash over the mountains and water in the most striking way.

10. Ke‘e Beach Aerial View

This beach and Kauai landmark is the farthest north you can possibly drive on the island. It takes some planning, since you have to reserve your access to Haena State Park (home of Ke‘e Beach), and you may even have to reserve a shuttle ride instead of parking. 

But the quick walk up the Hanakapiai Falls trail is well worth it. Although the trail is 4 miles one-way in length, if you walk for only about 5 minutes, you will see the aerial view of Ke‘e Beach, which is a very popular photograph that depicts Kauai’s lush north shore and its many natural landmarks. 

After the walk, we recommend taking some time to swim through the underwater playground off the coast of this beach- the snorkeling here is absolutely fantastic.

We love this spot because it’s an idyllic relaxing Kauai landmark that is impressively tropical. Oh, and the drive here is through a dense, lush rainforest, over freshwater streams and past sugar shacks lining the beach. Just precious.

If you can’t get reservations for Haena State Park, you can instead stop by Ha’ena Beach Park, a nearby beach that doesn’t require reservations. 

11. Kintaro Japanese Restaurant

The most popular sushi spot on the island, Kintaro Japanese Restaurant can be treated as either a fancy outing or a casual dining experience.

For many locals, this restaurant is a gathering place for social events, due to its fun bar scene, delicious fresh fish, and teppanyaki-style cooking (where the chef cooks right in front of you). 

It’s a fun place to bring a group of people, but also a great date spot as well. 

The hamachi chunks wrapped in tin foil are to die for, but save room for their green tea ice cream. It’s the perfect palate cleanser after a savory meal. 

We recommend having a cocktail in the front bar upon entering, because you are almost guaranteed at least a 15-minute wait for your table, even if you have reservations.

Planning Your Kauai Landmark Tour

What do you think of this fun-filled day on Kauai? There is so much to see and do on this beautiful island, and we’ve only just touched the surface. Don’t forget to have a relaxed beach day, take in the beautiful farms and wilderness, and eat lots of delicious food throughout your vacation. 

And if you need help planning a Kaui vacation, contact Hawaii Aloha Travel. We’ll help with flights, hotels, activities, and recommendations for elevating your entire trip – no matter your budget!

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