Top Natural Wonders to See on Kauai, Hawaii

There are so many breathtaking sights to take in on a Kauai, Hawaii vacation that it’s hard to pinpoint just a few; we’ll focus on the top natural wonders you’ll experience during your stay.

From the Kauai Fern Grotto to the Waimea Canyon, you will have the opportunity to explore these wonders in the mountains, valleys, and waters of this lush island, many not far from Kauai resorts. Once you’re checked into one of many beautiful Kauai vacation rentals, make it a point to set up a couple of days to visit the natural wonders of this incomparable island in addition to the many other memorable things to do on your Kauai vacation.

Kauai Fern Grotto

You come to Kauai for the tropical setting, and it doesn’t get more tropical than the popular Fern Grotto. Accessible by riverboat up the Wailua River, this hanging fern-covered lava rock cave is surrounded by other tropical foliage. Its acoustics are displayed by musicians playing Hawaiian music. It’s no small wonder that this natural wonder is among the top attractions on Kauai.

Tree Tunnel

Driving under a canopy of Eucalyptus trees is a tropical experience not to be missed! As you travel to the south shore of Kauai, be sure to take this wonderous two-minute route. The sun reflecting off of the more than 500 trees offers a picturesque scene that guides you to the southern part of the island. There are several stops along the way where you can learn more about the island, from ancient worship sites to its long sugar plantation history.

Spouting Horn

Once you reach Po’ipu on the South Shore, you’ll find what is known as “one of the most photographed spots on Kauai”: Spouting Horn. This blowhole among the crashing waves releases water as high as 50 fifty into the air! Stand on a guard-railed small hill overlooking the blowhole and join the countless others who have taken pictures of this grand sight. The blowhole results from the waters traveling through a natural lava tube below the surface, with compressed air forcing it upwards. The roar and hiss of the air accompanying the spraying waters make for an overall spectacular experience.

Waimea Canyon

The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon is truly a “scenic treasure” as the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Hawaii webpage about its state parks so accurately states. Multi-colored rock walls provide a sight you won’t soon forget. Once you’ve astonished yourself with the views, you can picnic in the wildlands and walk a short nature trail (there’s a longer, more difficult trail in the forest reserve adjacent to the canyon), where you can see waterfalls and may even come across a goat!  

Land and Sea Caves

If you’re the exploring type and want to take in more natural sights of Kauai, you’ll find a few other land and sea caves not to be missed.

Take the Nā Pali Raft Tour to transport you to sea caves that you can explore when wave conditions allow (typically June through most of September). 

The Maniniholo Dry Cave at the mountain’s base has a large opening you can easily walk into (with a flashlight, of course). It’s found across from Haena Beach Park and is 100-150-ft. deep and allows for a lot of standing room.