35 Things to Do On Kaua'i

Dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation this summer, but not sure where to start? Here are 35 reasons why Kaua'i might be the perfect choice for your next tropical getaway.

The first commercially successful sugar plantation was founded here in 1835, and the remains of some 1840 factory structures remain standing across the street from the shopping center that occupies the plantation era support buildings. Stroll through the vintage buildings, shopping and dining away an afternoon or evening.

On the grounds of Kilohana Plantation near Lihue, this is a popular stop for rum lovers on the Garden Isle. Free tastings happen every 15 minutes-be sure to visit on a day when the newest flavors Kaua'i Coffee and Barrel-aged variants are on offer.

Part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, which works to preserve American tropical plants from extinction through research and propagation, these two spectacular gardens offer frequent docent and self-guided tours at the end of Lawai Road just past the Spouting Horn.

This beach is one of the island's most secluded, with stunning vistas of the Na Pali coast on one end, and the endless Pacific on the other. It's at the end of a long sugar cane haul road which necessitates a hardy rental vehicle (check your company's liability exclusions) and the high surf keeps the water unswimmable, but visitors will have it mostly to themselves.

The Forbidden Isle, with only 150 mostly Native Hawaiian residents is privately owned and has been generally off-limits to visitors for over a century. However, helicopter tours and snorkeling excursions with a strict no-contact policy with the island's residents are available for those willing to foot the expensive bill.

Speaking of helicopter tours, they're a popular activity with departures available from most sides of the island. Some say the soaring cliffs and mysterious verdant valleys can only truly be appreciated from the air, and many of the tours reenact the famous helicopter arrival scene from the film Jurassic Park.

Every other week at Waipa Foundation, guests who book through the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas can join a food tour of the traditionally managed land division known as ahupua'a. Following the tour, guests will sit down to a meal prepared by the resort's culinary team.

This lighthouse, which fronts a National Wildlife Refuge and is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday, offers stunning views from the cliff top, and plenty of chances to observe endangered bird life, including the state bird nene, or Hawaiian goose.

From Ke'e Beach, hikers can go as far as Hanakapi'ai (2 miles) without a permit, making this a popular day hike. Permits are available for hiking past that point or camping. The payoff is soaring cliff views and secluded (mostly not swimmable) beaches and fresh mountain streams.

Another one of the island's most iconic views, this beach has good snorkeling, generally placid surf conditions, and star appeal: fans of the 1958 film South Pacific will recognize this beach as setting for the fictional Bali Hai.

A landmark dating back to the 19th century, the pier was heavily damaged during Hurricane 'Iniki in 1992. Restored in 2012, this enduring landmark of the island's history is the distinguishing feature of Hanalei Bay on the North Shore.

On the makai (ocean) side of the Hanalei Valley, where staple crop taro has been grown for centuries, this strip of plantation-era buildings offers plenty of places for shopping, outfitting, and dining. Try the generous seafood portions at Bouchon's Hanalei.

Pounding surf hits this hollowed lava tube just right and shoots it high into the air at this spot near the Kukui'ula small boat harbor. Artisan outdoor shops (which offer good buys on Ni'ihau shell lei) jostle with feral chickens for space and visitor attention.

In a bizarre chapter in the island's history, a deployment from the Russian Navy began construction on this fort near Waimea in support of the island's ruling chief's power struggle with Kamehameha I. The ruins of the fort make for a picturesque pit stop on journeys to the west side.

Built by early union organizers who were barred from residing at the sugar plantations, this town today is brimming with local artists and quirky shops. Known as the "Biggest Little Town" on Kaua'i, it hosts a weekly Art Night on Fridays.

The Bloody Mary is integral to the St. Regis brand, with each property offering their own recipe, but only the Aloha Mary at the St. Regis Princeville can be sipped overlooking the same view that viewers of the film South Pacific enjoyed while watching Juanita Hall's character Bloody Mary sing about the idyll of Bali Hai.

While not quite as fancy as the much newer shopping center in neighboring Kukui'ula, open-air shopping center in Po'ipu has a fine collection of boutiques, art galleries, convenience stores, and a free hula show on Monday and Thursday afternoons.

Started in Hanapepe by a retired California restauranteur in 1983, the ice cream brand has become a Hawai'i icon. There a handful of locations on Kaua'i and throughout the islands, but the original storefront on the side of the highway soldiers on.

Wailua Falls is one of the island's most visited natural landmarks, and for good reason. The views of the towering falls make for magnificent photos; lucky visitors might even see a rainbow in the mists of the falls.

At the end of the highway in Ha'ena is an expansive beach with gentle surf, plenty of shade, and good parking. Less expansive is the parking lot, which is shared with visitors hiking the Kalalau Trail, so go early to avoid disappointment.

Lydgate Beach Park is popular with families, and for good reason. With a swimming area enclosed by a sea wall and fantastic snorkeling, it's prime real estate with consistently swimmable conditions (which can be unpredictable at many of the island's beaches).

Many visitors take a tour boat up the Wailua River to visit the Fern Grotto, but a more relaxed way to spend time on the river is via a kayaking excursion, for which there are several outfitters operating in Wailua.

For those bent on seeing the fern grotto, where the plants grow upside down from the top of an ancient lava tube, several outfitters offer boat tours up the river. Smith's offers trips in combination with their luau, which include onboard entertainment to and from the grotto.

The blink-and-you-miss-it Kaua'i Museum is located on Rice Street in Lihue, and a more comprehensive history of the pre-contact Native Hawaiians and the growth of Kaua'i's economy with the sugar trade won't be found. The museum is closed Sundays.

With eucalyptus trees planted in a twin rows more than a century ago for a multitude of reasons, but primarily to prevent soil erosion, this is another only-on-Kaua'i landmark that's worth a visit. There's not much room for stopping along the road, but be sure to open the windows and take in the fragrance of the trees.

Po'ipu Beach is one of the island's most famous, for calm surf, good snorkeling, and stretches of soft sand. It's also a favorite for endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals, who often haul out on the beaches warm, sunny shores.

Adjacent to Po'ipu Beach, this treasured Hawaiian heritage site (collectively known as wahi pana) was covered with overgrown brush until recently when it was rediscovered and unearthed. The site is only viewable from the viewing platform while the interior is closed for restoration, and it's of the utmost importance to maintain a respectful demeanor and distance.

Across the street from Prince Kuhio Park is a small sheltered bay with good snorkeling. It's also one of the best places on the island to watch for sea turtles, which hunt for small fish in the protected cove.

The birthplace of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole is another wahi pana marked today by a manicured lawn and a grove of coconut palms and plumeria trees. A fine place for quiet reflection or picnicking, it's important to dispose of all trash and not take any rocks, flowers or plants from the site.

Ni'ihau Shell Leis (kahelelani) are a souvenir unique to the islands of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau, where the tiny shells that make them up are found. Prized for their brilliant color and shiny luster, the shells can be certified and insured as gems.

Often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, here is another geographical feature unique to Kaua'i. The road to Koke'e has several pullouts for scenic views and they're certainly impressive.

There are several companies offering cruises of the Na Pali Coast, many of which stop for snorkeling or zodiac boat excursions. Whether seen from the Kalalau trail, lookout, helicopter or on the sea, the ancient water carved coast is one of the planet's most stupefying sights.

With Kaua'i Marriott on one side and Nawilili Harbor on the other, this protected bay and wide, sandy beach is a fine destination for family beachgoers. There are several oceanfront bars and restaurants surrounding the shore for leisurely relaxation.

Taking place in the second half of the year and sponsored by Sheraton Kaua'i and Koloa Rum, the best bartenders on the island compete weekly for the title of island's best bartender. Their cocktail creations can be tasted at RumFire or at the bars and restaurants around the island from which they hail.

Dog lovers can spend a day with a shelter dog from Kaua'i Humane Society during their visit to Kaua'i. They'll be provided with a leash, snacks and a water bowl, as well as a list of dog-friendly spots to walk, run or play with their new friend. Adoptions, both local and mainland-bound, can be arranged.