When you’re overdue for a delightful vacation, heading to the lush and inviting destination of Kauai is sure to thrill. While this is a locale loved for its adventure, flavor, and entertainment, it’s also a place packed with pristine views to take in and savor. The following are the top five spots for gorgeous Kauai views that are well worth enjoying when you’re looking to take your vacation to the next level of excellence.
Waimea Canyon Lookout
Visitors to Kauai looking for an awe-inspiring place to take in the sights can head over to Waimea Canyon Lookout and find exactly what they’ve been searching for. This popular and scenic stop is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and boasts dimensions of nearly 10 miles wide with some areas plunging as deep as 3,000 feet. Easy to spot thanks to its bright red terrain and collection of captivating waterfalls, visitors who make the most of time at Waimea Canyon Lookout are treated to views of exposed lava rock and basalt in abundance. If you’re the type of traveler that likes to keep the scenery going, try out one of the many trails that runs from the lookout through the canyon and make sure you have your camera with you for the adventure.
Kilauea Lighthouse
Dating back to 1912, the Kilauea Lighthouse is an iconic and historic landmark on the north end of the island that makes for a beautiful place to savor some of the best views in Kauai while you’re in the area. It stands in tandem with the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge which sprawls across 200 acres of protected land and works as a thriving oasis and habitat for a variety of rare and indigenous bird species. Many visitors find Kilauea Lighthouse to be a prime place to enjoy dolphin spotting from the shoreline, but even if they don’t happen to be jumping, this vantage point promises to inspire. Colorful, captivating, and panoramic—a trip to Kilauea Lighthouse is one that shouldn’t be missed during your time on Kauai.
Manawaiopuna Falls
Situated in the heart of Hanapepe Valley on the southern portion of Kauai, Manawaiopuna Falls are a sensational sight that promises to be a highlight of your scenic journey. The Manawaiopuna Falls are often referred to as the Jurassic Park Falls. Many visitors pursue this vista simply to get a closer look at the cascades that made their way into the movie in 1993! Making the view even better is the fact that you’ll take it in from an aerial perspective. These 400-foot falls sit on privately owned land, so they have to be viewed via a helicopter tour. Fortunately, there are several trusted companies across Kauai more than willing to charter guests up and away over Manawaiopuna Falls for a look at what promises to be an unforgettable natural scene.
Hanakapi’ai Falls Trail
For travelers to Kauai who can’t imagine a trip this way without plenty of hiking involved, The Hanakapi’ai Falls Trail is one of the most scenic starting points imaginable. It’s a trail that only a small section of the Kalalau Trail which spans 11 miles and winds its way up to the Na Pali Coastline. The trailhead to Hanakapi’ai Falls Trail is found at Ke’e Beach. From here, hikers can begin traversing the trail along the coast. The Na Pali Coast is one of the most stunning natural features to witness on all of Kauai thanks the colorful and dynamic terrain it encompasses. The trail takes hikers to Hanakapi’ai Beach and of course, is capped off with an encounter with the cascades the trail is name for! While this trail is brimming over with beautiful Kauai views to enjoy, travelers should not that it’s a trail well-positioned for more experienced trekkers.
Hanalei Valley Lookout
If you find yourself in the northern portion of Kauai near Princeville, keep your eyes open for a small turnout where you can pull over in your vehicle and savor some sights that promise to be unforgettable. Those who make the stop to take in the scenery here will find themselves soaking up visions of the Hanalei Valley in all its glory. The valley hosts the Hanalei River, lush fields, and towering mountains too. The combination is a sensational sight to behold. If you’re up for even more scenic fun, continue on the north from the lookout towards Hanalei and you’ll soon encounter a steel truss bridge that’s graced the terrain here for more than a century. Turning right off the bridge towards the Okolehao Trail gives you another view of the valley and Hanalei Bay that you won’t want to miss.
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