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10 free things to do on Kauai

When you think of “things to do on Kauai,” the word “free” isn’t usually attached to them. While you won’t want to miss a Kauai helicopter tour or sunset dinner sail along the Na Pali coast, there are also plenty of free things to do on Kauai.

10 free things to do on Kauai is the second installment of my “free things to do in Hawaii” series. If you want to check out the rest of the series, check out 15 free things to do on Maui, 15 free things to do on the Big Island, and 10 free things to do on Oahu.

By the way, if you’re planning a Hawaii vacation and feeling overwhelmed, I get it! I’m here to help! I’m one of the top Hawaii Travel Agents, and I would love to help you plan a trip to Maui, Oahu, the Big Island, or Kauai! Contact me today to see if we’re a good fit.

guide to the Road to Hana

Do I need a rental car in Hawaii?

You’ll find this later on the list, but it’s so important that I want to mention it here first. One of the things you should never do in Hawaii is to forget about a rental car!

I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. My #1 recommendation is to get a rental car to explore the islands! They have the best rates and free cancellation.

Now, let’s get to the best free things to do in Kauai!

The best free things to do in Kauai

Here are the best free things to do in Kauai and cheap things to do in Kauai, listed in no particular order.

1. Take a tour of Kauai Coffee Company

If you know anything about me, you know that I love coffee! I particularly love Hawaiian coffee, and the Kauai Coffee Company is one of my favorites. The Kauai Coffee Company offers free tastings and free walking tours.

2. Check out Waimea Canyon

I have more hikes listed below, but I had to include Waimea Canyon on this list. Even if you aren’t a hiker, you have to check it out. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long and 3,600 feet deep, with two lookout points and many hikes.

One update here: as of 2021, Hawaii’s state park system charges a non-resident day use fee to enter Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks, currently around $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle, covering both parks for the day (see the official DLNR page for current rates).

It’s no longer technically free, but it’s still one of the best things you can do on Kauai for the price. If you can, I also recommend doing a helicopter tour in Kauai and seeing Waimea Canyon from the air!

free things to do on Kauai

3. Walk or bike the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Bike Path

The Ke Ala Hele Makalae (“the path that goes by the coast”) bike path is a must-see in Kapa’a. Whether you walk or bike this path, you’ll love checking out the views.

We even saw a whale on our last trip to Kauai! It’s completely free to walk to the path, and some resorts like The ISO Kauai have free bikes that you can use if you are a resort guest.

4. Tour Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

Located in Kapa’a, Kauai’s Hindu Monastery welcomes visitors. Visitors are welcome to take self-guided tours, but guided tours are also available. Make sure to check out the guide for visiting the monastery for the dress code and other guidelines.

5. Take a shelter dog on a field trip*

Okay, so this isn’t one of the free things to do in Kauai, but it’s very inexpensive, and the money goes to a good cause! For a $20* (subject to change) donation, you can visit the Kauai Humane Society and take a shelter dog on a field trip. The Shelter Dogs on Field Trips program is one of my favorite things to do on Kauai.

7 day Kauai itineray

I am hiking with our shelter dog, Ellen.

If you are a dog lover or missing your dog back home, this is a great way to spend some time with a shelter dog. It’s a great program because the shelter dogs get to get out and practice their manners. They also wear harnesses letting other visitors know that they are available for adoption.

We took our shelter dog for a hike at Wailua Arboretum, but Kalapaki Beach, Sleeping Giant, Koke’e State Park and many other places are great options for your dog. Ask the Kauai Humane Society or suggestion if you aren’t sure where to go. You should also check out Wailua Shave Ice to get a special treat for your shelter dog.

6. Walk or bike the Koloa Heritage Trail

The Koloa Heritage Trail is a 10-mile self-guided trail that you can walk or bike. Most of the stops are also accessible by car if you don’t feel like walking or biking. Stops include Spouting Horn, Koloa Landing, Poipu Beach Park, Koloa Joda Mission (A Buddhist Temple), Koloa Missionary Church, and more.

7. Take a sunrise hike up Sleeping Giant

One of the best sunrise hikes in Kauai is Sleeping Giant. It’s an excellent hike for a family, with only a couple of steeper, narrower sections near the summit where you’ll want to keep a close eye on kids.

hike sleeping giant at sunrise

Sleeping Giant (or officially Nounou East Trail) at sunrise.

8. Check out Wailua Falls

Kauai is full of beautiful waterfalls, many of which are not accessible by car. Fortunately, there are several that are easy to access, including Wailua Falls. You can drive right up to the falls and take photos on the overlook.

free things to do on Kauai

9. Hike one of Kauai’s amazing trails

When you think of the best free things to do in Kauai, hiking might come to mind. I’ve already mentioned Waimea Canyon and my favorite sunrise hike, but Kauai hikes deserve a spot on this list of their own. You can check out my 10 best hikes in Kauai post for more of my favorite hikes.

I’ve seen some online misinformation listing the Kalalau Trail as one of the free things to do in Kauai. This information is outdated, and you will need either a permit or advanced reservations to access any part of the Kalalau Trail. Check out Go Ha’ena for more details.

10. Visit some of Kauai’s beaches

Beaches on Kauai are free and accessible to the public, even the resort beaches. There are great beaches for spotting sea turtles or Hawaiian monk seals, beaches for snorkeling, beaches for sunbathing, and more. Some of my favorite beaches on Kauai are:

Polihale State Park
Hanalei Bay
Glass Beach in Lihue
Tunnels Beach
Poipu Beach

Polihale State Park | things to do on Kauai

Beautiful (and secluded) Polihale State Park.

Frequently asked questions about free things to do on Kauai

Is Waimea Canyon really free to visit?
Not entirely anymore. Since 2021, Hawaii’s state park system has charged non-residents a day use fee, currently around $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle, to enter Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks.

One payment covers both parks the same day. Check the official DLNR page for current rates before you go.

What is the best truly free thing to do on Kauai?
Kauai’s beaches are the best answer here; they’re all free and open to the public, even in front of resorts. Polihale State Park and Hanalei Bay are two of my personal favorites.

Do I need a car to do these free activities on Kauai?
For most of them, yes. Kauai has very limited public transportation, so a rental car is essential for reaching the beaches, trails, and the bike path on your own schedule.

The best free things to do on Kauai

I hope this list was helpful! If you’re planning a Kauai vacation, check out some of my other Kauai blog posts:

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10 free things to do on Kauai