20 Fun Things to Do in Lihue Hawaii

If you’re visiting Kauai, you’ll need to know the best things to do in Lihue Hawaii. This is the hub of activity and travel on Kauai — it’s where you’ll fly into the island, stock up on essentials, and possibly even book your Kauai hotel. But it’s also a wonderful place to explore and sightsee. 

Looking for an insider’s guide to Lihue? You’re in the right place. At Hawaii Aloha Travel, our team of Hawaii-based travel agents have been designing custom vacations for more than 20 years. We’re here for first-time visitors and return travelers looking for something new. 

We live here in Hawaii and book travel every day. So we’re able to focus on details you won’t find on most travel sites – things like flight issues, travel secrets, and ideas that could elevate your entire trip. 

And, of course, we’ll help you discover the best things to do in Lihue, Hawaii. Read on to learn more. 

Lihue, Kauai: Know Before You Go

Lihue is the commercial and travel hub of the island of Kauai. If you’re vacationing on Kauai, you’ll fly into the Lihue airport. This doesn’t mean you need to stay in Lihue, but there are great hotel options nearby. 

However, you will find yourself traveling through Lihue, whether you’re looking for big adventures, inspiring sightseeing, or simple errands. 

Lihue is located on the southeast corner of Kauai. There is no road that runs across the island or goes all the way around the coast, so you’ll drive through Lihue anytime you need to go between the north and south shores. 

This will give you a chance to stock up on essentials, since there are big-name stores in town (like the Lihue Target and Lihue Walmart). And it gives you a chance to check out the many things to do in this scenic Hawaii town!

Things to do in Lihue

Some of the best things to do in all of Kauai are right in Lihue, so definitely take your time checking out this fantastic town. And if you need to kill some time in Lihue before a flight, you’ll have plenty of things to keep you entertained. 

Here we’ve curated our favorite things to do in Lihue Hawaii so you make the most out of your Kauai vacation. 

Tube Through Irrigation Ditches

You’ve maybe seen clips of Kauai tubing on Instagram or Facebook. A relaxing inner tube ride through the lush landscape of Kauai. It’s an adventure, but not strenuous. Family friendly but great for any kind of traveler. 

Kauai Backcountry Adventures operates out of Lihue, and it’s an awesome way to see the countryside of Kauai. 

Check Out Kalapaki Beach

There’s a little bit of everything at Kalapaki Beach, and it’s an excellent spot to enjoy a full beach day. Bring a picnic, snorkel gear, a surfboard, or your sunbathing gear to get the most out of this gorgeous local. 

The crescent-shaped shoreline typically has calm waters and soft sand, so it’s a great beach for families or couples who want to enjoy Hawaii’s beautiful waters. 

Have Breakfast at the Jammin’ Banana

Ok, we can be a little bit biased toward coffee shops and bakeries. It’s just a delightful way to spend a morning in Hawaii, and a lighter breakfast keeps us feeling fueled up but not weighed down. 

If you enjoy top-notch coffee, baked goods, or smoothies for breakfast, The Jammin’ Banana Bakery & Cafe is the place to go in Lihue. 

In the mood for a bigger breakfast spread? The Kauai Diner has a classic breakfast menu, complete with Hawaii and Filipino staples like the Loco Moco and Fried Rice. 

Go Whale Watching Off the Kauai Coast

The winter months are peak times to see whales in Hawaii. From November through March, you may see whales breaching in the warm waters off Kauai’s shoreline. An overlook or hotel balcony may afford you a good view, but for the ultimate experience you should book a boat tour. 

Catamarans and Zodiac rafts depart from Lihue’s Nawiliwili Harbor, making this one of the best things to do in the area if you’re visiting during Hawaii’s whale season. 

Shopping in Lihue, Hawaii

Lihue is a hotspot for Kauai shopping. Is it as diverse and glamorous as Waikiki? Definitely not. But there are lots of local spots to get Hawaii brands, along with stores to get essentials. 

And you can’t visit Hawaii without stopping by an ABC Store. You’ll find Lihue’s ABC Store near the harbor on Rice Street. 

Eat a Classic Hawaii Plate Lunch

When in Hawaii, eat like a local. It’s our best vacation advice for anyone who loves flavorful food, interesting options, and memorable combinations. 

And the plate lunch is always a great idea. A plate lunch typically includes a choice of meat, a scoop of rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad. You’ll typically get them to-go or sit outside and enjoy it with a can of local Hawaiian juice. 

Here are some favorite spots to get a plate lunch in Lihue:

• Mark’s Place at 1610 Haleukana St.
• Smiley’s Local Grinds at 4100 Rice St (they’ve got Laulau on the menu at this Lihue restaurant!)
• Paradise Grinds at 3630 Lala Rd. 
• L&L Hawaiian BBQ in the Kukui Grove Center

Book a stay in Lihue

If you don’t want to drive far after your travels, you’ll be happy to know that there are hotel options right in Lihue. Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club overlooks Kalapaki Beach in Lihue and offers convenience to the town’s top sightseeing and activities. 

If you need help booking a Kauai hotel, we’d love to match you to the ideal place. Local travel agents like Hawaii Aloha Travel are the best way to get personalized recommendations based on your unique vacation vision. 

Visit the Kauai Museum

I love Hawaii’s historic buildings, and learning about the islands’ culture and history is an essential part of any Hawaii vacation. That’s why we always recommend a visit to the Kauai Museum. 

Join a guided tour or a weekly class, or simply explore the many exhibits. There is also a gift shop with unique finds and local treasures. 

Marvel at Wailua Falls

Is there a waterfall in Lihue, Hawaii? Yes, Wailua Falls is just outside of Lihue, and it’s a great place to admire these natural wonders. 

Getting to Wailua Falls involves a serene drive that leads right to a handy parking area. Enjoy the overlook and take some photos, and then continue with the rest of your Kauai sightseeing. 

Swim at Lydgate Beach Park

Lihue’s Lydgate Beach is a popular spot for swimming. When conditions are right, the waters are protected by a strong rockwall, creating ideal swimming conditions. This is a fun but busy spot, so come ready to enjoy this Kauai beach with other families and vacationers. 

Golfing in Lihue Hawaii

One of the world’s most beautiful golf courses is located in Lihue. The Ocean Course At Hokuala is a Jack Nicklaus Signature course and boasts the longest stretch of oceanfront golfing in all of Hawaii. 

If you like a more laid-back atmosphere to practice your swing in paradise, check out Wailua Golf Course, the municipal golf course just north of Lihue. 

Trek across the Kapaia Swinging Bridge

Here’s a free thing to do in Lihue Hawaii: take a walk across a historic suspension bridge. The Kapaia Swinging Bridge is well-maintained and surrounded by serene natural beauty. A visit here feels so secluded and special, and it’s one of our top recommendations for sightseeing in Lihue. 

This Kauai suspension bridge is located on Laukini Road in Lihue, not far off of Kuhio Highway. There is also a swinging bridge in Hanapepe, Kauai.

Go Off-Roading in an ATV

Kipu Ranch Adventures offers 4×4 ATV tours of Kauai’s ranchlands and jungles. Tour options include waterfalls, rainforests, and rugged countrysides. 

Rappel Down a Waterfall

How about this for an adrenaline rush: rappelling down a towering Hawaii waterfall. Join this Kauai waterfall rappel tour to access secret falls and get up close to one of Hawaii’s most beloved wonders. This is a fun thing to do in Lihue if you’re a repeat Kauai adventure looking for something new. 

Taste Local Rum

The Kōloa Rum Tasting Room & Company Store is a fun place to visit, whether you’re a rum enthusiast or simply enjoy shopping and sightseeing. Tastings are $5 per group and must be booked online. The shop has ready-to-drink cocktails, local rums, and other unique gifts. 

Koloa Rum is located at the Kilohana Plantation in Lihue. 

Book a Luau in Lihue, Hawaii

There’s more than just rum at Kilohana Plantation. It’s also the site of an exciting Lihue luau, complete with an open bar, Hawaiian buffet, and beautiful entertainment. Add on a train tour of the plantation to get the complete experience. 

Join Pau Hana Happy Hour

There’s nothing like pau hana in Hawaii. That’s what we call happy hour, the time after work when we gather for drinks and socializing. Most bars in Lihue will feature pau hana specials, and you may even be able to catch some live music. 

Looking for something to do in the afternoon in Lihue, Hawaii? Check out these spots for happy hour specials:

• Lilikoi Bar & Grill on Rice Street. 
• Hualani’s at Timber’s Ocean Club
• The Naughty Rooster Irish Pub
• Kai’s Bar at the Royal Sonesta

Indulge in a Dinner at Duke’s

Duke’s is an iconic Hawaiian restaurant, and Kauai visitors will be happy to know there’s a location right in Lihue. There is Hula Pie, Mai Tais, live music, and amazing views — exactly what you expect when you visit a Duke’s restaurant. 

Never ate at a Duke’s before? Try the Kauai location and let us know what you think! The macadamia nut crusted fish is my go-to. 

Take a Helicopter Tour of Kauai

If you want a truly unique sightseeing experience in Kauai, a helicopter will take you to new heights! Kauai helicopter tours leave from the Lihue airport and will take you over the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.

These two spots are especially exciting to see from a helicopter. After all, no roads go along the Na Pali Coast, and Waimea Canyon is so vast it’s been named the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

Or… Take a Driving Tour

If a helicopter isn’t on your bucket list, you can still get incredible views of Kauai. The coastal road that hugs much of Kauai’s coast will take you through a range of sights, including small towns, scenic beaches, and inspired overlooks. Be sure to stop by Spouting Horn in Poipu and the Kilauea Lighthouse on Kauai’s north shore. 

From Lihue, you can drive north or south to access more of Kauai and find exciting adventures.