What are the Best Non-Hiking Things to Do in Kauai?

There are lots of things to do in Kauai, and deciding which ones to do can be tough. Hiking is very popular, but it can be hard when you have little ones or just don’t like it. Luckily, there are many non-hiking things to do in Kauai, and most are kid-friendly and enjoyable for everyone.

If you only plan on visiting Kauai once, don’t leave without seeing the Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon. Both are popular places to visit, and you’ll find out why when you go. In this post, I’ll explain how to visit these spectacular attractions without hiking. If you’re interested in hiking, hop over here for more information.

There are also a lot of other fun and easy things to do that don’t take much time so that you can visit more than one place in a day.

Table of Contents

Wailua Falls

This is one of the best waterfalls you will see without having to hike. We usually visit Wailua Falls when we’re looking for something easy to do that won’t take up a lot of time.

It’s an easy drive and not far from Kapa’a. There’s not a lot of parking, but we’ve never had an issue finding a spot.

When you walk over to see the falls, there’s a large barrier, which makes it nice and safe for the kiddos and the adults (or most of them). The last time we went, there was a woman standing on top of the barrier, which I wouldn’t try personally, but to each their own.

Along the way, there are a few viewpoints where you can stop to see smaller waterfalls and the Wailua River.

Viewpoint of Wailua River on the way to Wailua Falls in Kauai

Kilohana Plantation

Rum tasting, train rides, animals, exotic plants, and shopping. What more could you ask for?!

All aboard

We’ve rode the Kilohana Plantation train in Lihue twice, and I’d go again, even without my son.

This ride is awesome for all ages and lasts 40 minutes. It includes beautiful views of the property, mountains, and animals, and the conductor will tell you all about the plantation.

Kilohana Plantation Train in Lihue, Kauai

You also get to feed the donkey, pigs, goats, and sheep. Watching the little pigs start running alongside the train when it leaves is the cutest.

Adorable pigs running alongside the train at the Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, Kauai

Crafted cocktails

After the train ride, we head to the Mahiko Lounge and use the coupons they gave us to enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail or two. Then we like to wander around the shops, which include a delicious chocolate store.

Where there is rum, there is fun

The Koloa Rum Co. tastings run out of space quickly and don’t take advanced reservations.

Koloa Rum Co. at the Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, Kauai

If you want to do this, try to stop by early in the day and get your name on the list. It’s a fun-filled hour learning about rum and tasting various flavors.

Lions, tigers, and rum

So you won’t see any lions or tigers, but for those of you who visit the plantation without your wild animals (aka kids😂), look into the Rum Safari. It looks like a blast, and we can’t wait to try it sometime. Stay tuned.

Smith’s Fern Grotto Tour

The Smith’s Fern Grotto Tour in Kapa’a was a cute and easy way to see the Wailua River and Fern Grotto. We were able to snag tickets the same day and head there from Princeville, which only took about 35 minutes.

Smith's Fern Grotto boat tour on the Wailua River in Kapa'a, Kauai

The Captain and his crew were funny and entertaining. They also provided some interesting information about the river and the fern grotto.

View of the Wailua River from Smith's Fern Grotto boat in Kapa'a, Kauai

Once you arrive at the dock, it’s a short and gorgeous walk to the fern grotto, with lots of tropical plants along the way.

Tropical Plants on the way Smith's Fern Grotto in Kauai

Kauai Coffee Company Tour

If you’re on the island’s south side, this is a laid-back and informative tour for all coffee lovers.

We went when I was pregnant, so we haven’t actually taken our son. It’s kid-friendly, but I would bet money that my son would complain about being bored the whole time. It wasn’t a long tour, but something to consider if you’re trying to take your kids.

Kilauea Lighthouse

The Kilauea Lighthouse is a great place to check out if you haven’t been. It’s another quick and easy activity, and the views are amazing.

Look, Boobies! Now I bet some of you really want to go here!! 🤣 Don’t get too excited. Kilauea Point is also a wildlife refuge where you can spot Red-footed Boobies, Kauai’s state bird, the Nene, and other wildlife. We also saw a few sea turtles during our last visit.

View of sea turtles from the Kilauea Lighthouse in Kauai

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

We love to visit the Grand Hyatt for Breakfast. It’s a really cool place to check out from the moment you walk up. In front of the hotel are ponds with swans, turtles, and Koi fish.

Pond in front of the Grand Hyatt Resort in Poipu, Kauai

Black Swans at the Grand Hyatt Resort in Poipu, Kauai

As you walk through the lobby, you’ll see beautiful, exotic birds, some of which even interact with the kids. Our son loves it!

Bird inside the Grand Hyatt Resort Poipu, Kauai

The view from breakfast is incredible, and there are usually more swans swimming around right outside.

View from breakfast at the Grand Hyatt Resort in Poipu, Kauai

After breakfast, we like to explore the paths and the beach behind the hotel. The landscape, pools, koi ponds, and beach are fantastic.

McBryde & Allerton Gardens

The McBryde & Allerton Gardens are beautiful and ideal for kids to run around. It’s a great place to pack snacks or a lunch and hang out.

If you’re a member of your local (or any U.S.) botanical garden, you should be able to enter for free. We’re members of the San Diego Botanic Garden and didn’t have to pay the entrance fee when we visited back in 2018. To confirm, just check the website or call before you go.

Waimea Canyon

The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Waimea Canyon, with endless trails to explore. We went on a few hikes here before we had our son, but it hasn’t been an option for a while since we love our little daredevil too much to watch him fly off a cliff.

Lookouts are the best way to view the canyon with young kids or if you don’t want to hike.

The primary lookouts in Waimea are Waimea Canyon, Pu’u Hinahina, Kalalau, and Pu’u o Kila.

When we visit, we start at the last lookout, Pu’u o Kila, approximately 45 minutes from Waimea. This lookout offers breathtaking views of the Napali Coast from the west side. From there, we stop at each lookout on the way back.

Aside from the lookouts, there are also spots to stop along the road that are usually less crowded. You can park on the roadside and walk to the viewing point.

Napali Coast

Napali is one of the best sights you will ever see, and there are many ways to experience it.

Hikeless ways to see Napali

If hiking isn’t your thing or you’re traveling with kids, you can see the north side of Napali from Ke’e Beach. To visit Ke’e Beach, you need reservations and a parking permit or shuttle pass.

View of Napai Coast from Ke'e Beach in Kauai

For views of the Napali coast from the west side of Kauai, drive to the last lookout, Pu’u o Kila, by the Waimea Canyon.

View of Napali from the Pu'u o Kila lookout in Kauai

This is about 45 minutes from Waimea. Click here for more details.

Ready, set, go!

You really can’t go wrong with any of these options or anything else you find to do on Kauai.

When it rains a lot, head to the drier side of the island to check out Waimea Canyon or the Grand Hyatt. Then, on days with less rain, head north to Napali.

Waimea and Napali will generally take at least half a day to visit. All of my other recommendations are less time-consuming so that you can do multiple things in one day, depending on the area.

To make your trip planning easier, I suggest downloading my Kauai Recommendations by Location. This will help you make an efficient plan based on your desired locations on the island.