Are you planning a trip to Kauai and want to know some fun Kauai activities to add to your itinerary? Find out the best things to do in Lihue, the capital of Kauai.
This list of the best fun things to do in Lihue Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Most people think of Lihue as just the airport town, but let me tell you something.
I’ve been landing at Lihue Airport since I was 10 years old, and after 40+ visits to Kauai, I can promise you this little town is so much more than a quick stop on your way to somewhere else.
Sure, you could just grab your rental car from Discount Hawaii Car Rental and head straight to the North Shore.
But you’d be missing out on some seriously good food, a historic plantation that’s appeared in major movies, and one of the best family activities on the entire island.
As a professional tourist and certified Hawaii Destination Specialist, I’m going to share my honest favorite things to do in Lihue.
These are the places I actually take my family, not just the tourist traps everyone recommends.
Want more details on planning your whole Kauai trip? Grab my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Kauai or check out my complete Kauai travel guide for families.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed with planning, I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations where I can help you build the perfect itinerary based on your family’s specific needs.
Eat Your Way Through Lihue
Get the Best Malasadas on Kauai at Kauai Bakery
Listen, I’ve tried malasadas all over Hawaii. Leonard’s on Oahu is famous, but honestly? Kauai Bakery at Kukui Grove Center has them beat.
They’ve literally won awards for having the best malasadas in Hawaii, and one bite will tell you why.
I’m a classic cinnamon-sugar girl myself. There’s something about that crispy exterior with the pillowy soft inside, rolled in cinnamon and sugar while it’s still warm. Pure magic.
They do filled ones too (custard, coconut, guava, chocolate), but sometimes simple is better.
Get there early because they sell out. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 6am to 2pm, closed Sundays. And honestly, if you’re getting there right when they open, you’ll get them fresh out of the fryer.
Pro tip: Order a coffee to go with your malasadas and sit outside in the Kukui Grove courtyard. Perfect little breakfast.
You can find more local breakfast spots in my Kauai travel guide.
Grab a Plate Lunch at Mark’s Place
When I want authentic Hawaiian food on Kauai, I head to Mark’s Place in the Puhi industrial area.
It’s tucked away from the main road, so you have to know where you’re going. But locals line up here for a reason.
I always get the beef stew. Always. It’s the kind that’s been simmering for hours until the meat falls apart, served over two scoops of rice with that perfect mac salad.
They also do loco moco, chicken katsu, and you can get Spam musubi if you want the full Hawaiian experience.
This is takeout only, but they have picnic tables outside. Or you can take your food to Kalapaki Beach (my favorite move) and eat with an ocean view.
Check their hours before you go since they’re only open Monday through Friday, 10:30am to 7pm. Worth planning your day around.
Looking for more local food spots? My free 5-day email course on saving money in Hawaii includes tons of tips on where locals actually eat.
Virgin Lava Flows at Duke’s Kalapaki Beach
Okay, so Duke’s is technically a restaurant, but I’m putting it in here because my kids would never forgive me if I didn’t mention their virgin lava flows.
Duke’s sits right on Kalapaki Beach, and before we let the kids run into the water, we always grab drinks at the Barefoot Bar.
The virgin lava flow is basically a frozen strawberry and pineapple drink that tastes like vacation in a glass. My kids are obsessed.
While you’re there, get the Hula Pie if you have room. It’s macadamia nut ice cream on a chocolate cookie crust with hot fudge. Massive portions, so definitely share it.
Duke’s does reservations for the upstairs dining room, but the Barefoot Bar is walk-in only. We prefer downstairs anyway because it’s more casual and you’re literally steps from the sand.
Live music most evenings, too. Really good vibe.
Best Family Activities in Lihue
Ride the Kilohana Plantation Railway (My Kids’ #1 Pick)
If you have kids, you absolutely cannot skip the Kilohana Plantation Railway.
This is hands down one of our favorite Kauai activities, and we do it almost every trip.
My oldest son begged my mom to ride it over and over when he was younger. Thank goodness she had a kama’aina rate because we went on that train at least four times in one week.
It’s a 40-minute ride through this gorgeous historic plantation where you’ll see tropical fruit trees, learn about Hawaiian agriculture, and stop to feed farm animals.
The donkey (his name is Stiney) is super friendly, and there are pigs, goats, and sheep too. Kids go nuts for it.
Fun fact: Kilohana Plantation was featured in the 2021 Disney movie Jungle Cruise, so if your kids have seen it, they’ll recognize some of the scenery.
The train runs every day at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm, plus Tuesday and Friday at 4:30pm and 5:30pm. Get there 15 minutes early.
They also have a longer tour that includes an orchard walk and lunch, which looks amazing but we haven’t tried it yet because my kids just want to ride the train on repeat.
You can just show up and buy tickets at the depot.
For more kid-friendly Kauai activities, check out my Kauai travel guide for families.
Go Mountain Tubing Through Old Sugar Plantation Canals
This is one of those experiences you can only do on Kauai, and it’s genuinely one of the coolest things we’ve ever done.
Kauai Backcountry Adventures takes you mountain tubing through the old Lihue Sugar Plantation irrigation ditches. You float down these historic canals on inner tubes, through tunnels, past waterfalls.
It’s like a lazy river but way better because you’re seeing parts of Kauai most people never get to see.
Kids as young as 5 can do it (as long as they’re at least 43 inches tall and can swim). The guides are fantastic about making everyone feel comfortable.
Big heads up: This sells out weeks in advance, especially during peak season. Book as soon as you know your Kauai dates.
We talk about this experience (and other must-do Kauai activities) in our Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast. Give it a listen while you’re planning your trip.
Spend a Morning at Kalapaki Beach
Out of all the beaches in Lihue, Kalapaki is my favorite.
The water is protected by the bay, so the waves are gentle enough for kids but still fun. Sandy bottom, clear water, beautiful mountain views.
My usual move: Stop at Duke’s for virgin lava flows, let the kids play in the water for an hour or two, then grab lunch.
There are volleyball nets set up if you’re into that. You can rent surfboards, paddleboards, or take surf lessons right from the beach.
Parking can be tricky. Your best bet is the upper lot at the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort (formerly the Marriott). It’s public beach access, so you don’t have to be a hotel guest.
If you want to book a nice hotel right on this beach, check rates at the Royal Sonesta on Expedia or consider Timbers Kauai Ocean Club if you need more space.
Pro tip: Go in the morning before it gets too hot. The beach faces east, so you get gorgeous morning light for photos.
Speaking of photos, we always book Flytographer when we travel to Hawaii so I actually end up in some pictures. You can save $20 using that link.
Natural Wonders You Can’t Miss
See Wailua Falls (5 Minutes from Your Car)
If you’ve only got a short time in Lihue, you can still see one of Kauai’s most famous waterfalls without breaking a sweat.
Wailua Falls is the waterfall from the old Fantasy Island TV show opening credits. It’s 80 feet tall, and you can see it from the parking lot.
No hiking required. Literally just drive up Maalo Road (Highway 583) for about 3-4 miles from Lihue, and boom. Waterfall.
The parking lot is small though, so get there early (before 9am) or late (after 3pm) to avoid the crowds. Midday it can take 30 minutes just to find a spot.
Morning is also when you might catch a rainbow in the mist if the light hits right. Super pretty.
I’ve seen people hike down to the bottom of the falls, but the county advises against it. The trail is steep, muddy, and dangerous. The view from the top is honestly perfect, so just enjoy it from there.
Wailua Falls is one of several amazing Kauai waterfalls you can visit. For a complete waterfall guide, check out my Kauai travel guide.
Take a Helicopter Tour Over Kauai
Look, helicopter tours aren’t cheap. But if there’s one splurge worth making on Kauai, this is it.
70% of Kauai is inaccessible by car or foot. The only way to see it is from the air.
You’ll fly over the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Mount Waialeale (one of the wettest spots on earth), and hidden waterfalls that most people never see.
The doors-off tours are incredible if you’re into photography, but the enclosed helicopters are great too and feel more secure if you’re nervous about flying.
We’ve flown with several companies over the years. Book a helicopter tour here through Viator to compare options and read reviews.
Most tours are 50-60 minutes and leave from Lihue Airport. Book early in your trip in case weather cancels it (then you can reschedule).
Cultural Experiences
Go to a Luau
If you’re going to do a luau on Kauai, there are two good options in the Lihue area.
Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau is in Wailua (just north of Lihue) and it’s been around forever.
They do a traditional imu ceremony, good buffet, and the show covers different Pacific island cultures including a fire knife dance.
Luau Kalamaku is at Kilohana Plantation and it’s a more theatrical production telling the story of Polynesian voyaging. Really well done, and you can combine it with the train ride if you time it right.
Both are good. Smith’s is more traditional, Luau Kalamaku is more of a show. Pick based on what sounds better to you.
Luaus book up fast, especially during peak season. Reserve at least a few weeks ahead.
Want to learn more about Hawaiian culture beyond the luau? I’ve danced hula for over 20 years, and I share cultural insights in my Kauai travel guide for families.
Kayak the Wailua River
The Wailua River is the only navigable river in Hawaii, and it’s beautiful.
You can book a guided kayak tour that takes you upriver to Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls). It’s about a 2-mile paddle each way, then a short hike to the waterfall where you can swim.
The river is calm and easy to paddle, so it’s doable for beginners. Just know that you’re actively kayaking for several hours, so you need a basic level of fitness.
Kids need to be at least 5 years old for most tours.
Fun fact: The Wailua River was used as a filming location for Disney’s Jungle Cruise movie.
If you’re not into kayaking, you can also do a Fern Grotto boat cruise on the Wailua River. Much more relaxed, good for families with younger kids or grandparents who don’t want to paddle.
Shopping & Browse
Kukui Grove Center
Okay, this is just a mall. But when you’ve been on vacation for a few days and you need sunscreen, forgot your kid’s favorite snack, or want to grab matching Hawaiian shirts for a family photo, Kukui Grove is where you go.
It’s the biggest shopping center on Kauai. There’s a Target, Ross Dress for Less, Times Supermarket, and Longs Drugs as the anchor stores.
Kauai Bakery is here too (the malasada place I mentioned earlier), so you can grab breakfast and do any shopping you need in one stop.
If you’re looking for local souvenirs, Hilo Hattie in the Kukui Grove area has a huge selection of Hawaiian shirts, dresses, and gifts. Way better prices than resort shops.
Small Local Shops
For families with kids, definitely check out Small Fry Kauai if you’re near Kukui Grove. They have the cutest locally made wooden toys and kids’ books about Hawaii.
If you have train enthusiasts in the family, Beachrail is this awesome independent toy shop with model trains, airplane kits, and animal figurines. We always end up spending way too much time (and money) here.
Where to Stay in Lihue
If you’re basing yourself in Lihue, the Royal Sonesta Kauai (formerly Kauai Marriott) is the best option. It’s right on Kalapaki Beach with a massive pool complex, multiple restaurants, and rooms with ocean views.
Timbers Kauai Ocean Club is the luxury option if you need multi-bedroom suites or want more of a residential feel.
Kauai Beach Resort is a bit north of Lihue near Lydgate Beach Park (another great family beach) and has four pools.
Book your Lihue hotel on Expedia to compare rates and read reviews.
Personally, I think Lihue is a great home base for your first or last night on Kauai since you’re so close to the airport. Then you can explore different parts of the island without rushing.
Make the Most of Your Lihue Visit
Here’s what I’d do if I had one perfect day in Lihue:
- Start with malasadas at Kauai Bakery right when they open at 6am.
- Head to Wailua Falls by 7:30am to beat the crowds.
- Spend late morning at Kalapaki Beach (grab those virgin lava flows at Duke’s).
- Grab takeout from Mark’s Place for lunch.
- Ride the Kilohana Plantation Railway in the afternoon.
- If you have time, swing by Kukui Grove for any shopping or souvenirs.
- End with sunset dinner at Duke’s or one of the other Lihue restaurants.
That’s a solid day hitting all the highlights without feeling rushed.
Of course, there’s way more to see and do on Kauai beyond Lihue. My complete Kauai travel guide covers the North Shore, South Shore, and everything in between with daily itineraries and insider tips.
And if you’re planning a bigger Hawaii trip, check out my Hawaii island hopping guide to see if you should add another island.
Ready to start planning? Download my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Kauai, listen to our How to Plan a Trip to Kauai podcast episode, or schedule a consultation with me directly.
Lihue might be small, but it’s packed with genuinely great experiences.
Don’t just drive through on your way somewhere else. Stay awhile, eat the malasadas, ride the train, and thank me later.
Aloha!