Traveling to Hawaii can easily be a budget killer, but there are actually quite a few cheap or free things to do in Kauai!
If you want to skip out on the expensive luaus and pricey helicopter tours, don’t worry, you won’t be missing out on the beauty of Kauai. I’ve got a list of 18 cheap or free things to do in Kauai that will more than make up for missing out on that $300 boat tour.
Did you know you can attend a show-only luau on Kauai for less than 25 bucks? It’s true. (I’ll get into the details below.)
You don’t need to spend a lot of money in Kauai to enjoy and explore the island. I’ve visited Kauai twice and have a great list of things for you to do on a budget.
18 Cheap and Free Things to Do in Kauai
1. Stroll a Farmers Market
Cost: Free, except for any items you purchase
Kauai offers farmers markets in a few different locations several days a week. Here, local vendors sell fresh fruits like rambutans, mangoes, and coconuts, as well as fruit smoothies and local honey.
Check to see if there’s a farmers market on one of the days you’ll be in Kauai. This is a great way to support small, local businesses in Kauai.
I went to the farmers market at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center, in Lihue, which takes place in the parking lot on Monday afternoons. I had a blast walking around and trying different fruits and smoothies.
2. View Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls
Cost: Free
Take a drive to Wailua Falls and stop at the Wailua Falls Fruit Stand on the way. There is a small parking area on the side of the road near Wailua Falls. It’s a quick stop, so cars come and go often. We ran into a local selling delicious banana bread near the waterfalls, so be prepared with cash, just in case.
Then drive to Opaekaa Falls. There’s a small parking lot at the falls. (Parking is free.) Get out and walk over to see the falls and cross the street to see the Wailua River Lookout, you won’t regret it!
3. Walk on the Beach
Cost: Free
Kauai has some incredibly beautiful beaches, including Waipouli Beach (the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort is nearby). You can walk along the shore and might even come across a seal napping in the sand! Consider bringing your bathing suits and spending some time here.
Other beautiful beaches include:
- Shipwreck Beach
- Kalapaki Beach
- Lydgate Beach
- And more
Remember that all beaches in Hawaii are for public use, even if they’re near a resort. There are no private beaches in Hawaii, so enjoy to your heart’s content.
4. Explore Tropical Gardens
Cost: $10 a person
Smith’s Family Tropical Paradise has a large tropical garden where you can discover a Polynesian village, bamboo, roosters, peacocks, a lake, and many, many flowers and plants — all for only $10 a person! When we went, we were the only ones here for some reason, and yet it was a definite highlight.
5. Take a Boat Trip on the Wailua River and See Fern Grotto
Cost: $30 a person
The Smith family also runs Fern Grotto river tours down Wailua River for only $30 a person. I’ve taken the boat tour and found it to be a very fun trip — they teach you the hula and tell you stories of Kauai, plus you get to visit the Fern Grotto.
What is Fern Grotto? It’s a fern covered, lava rock grotto near the Wailua River, accessible by boat. It’s well worth the cost. You’re sure to make a good memory here.
6. Attend a Show-Only Luau
Cost: $25 an adult
Luaus can be very expensive (sometimes hundreds of dollars) as they usually include an elaborate buffet dinner.
For a more budget-friendly option, you can attend the show-only Smith family luau for $25 an adult and $12.50 per child.
I attended the show-only luau while in Kauai (because I’m vegetarian) and thought the performances were incredible and definitely worth the ticket price.
The Smith family is also very kind and friendly, so support their family business!
7. Watch a Free Hula Show at Coconut Marketplace
Cost: Free
There’s a FREE hula show with fire knife dancers in the outdoor amphitheater at the Coconut Marketplace in Kapa’a.
The hula show takes places most Wednesdays and Fridays from 5-5:45 p.m. and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m.
8. Make Your Own Lei at Coconut Marketplace
Cost: $25
The Coconut Marketplace in Kapa’a offers Lei making classes several times a week for $25/person.
They also offer other cultural classes, such as a ʻUkulele Class and Hula Class.
9. Take a Hike
Cost: Depends on the hike. Could be free or up to $5 a person, plus parking.
Kauai has some amazing hiking trails, including the Sleeping Giant East Trail and the Kuilau Ridge Trail.
I hiked the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, which starts at Shipwreck Beach. It’s great because you can see the amazing cliff-side views almost right when you start on this trail.
Of course, you can continue walking the rest of the two miles, but it’s definitely not necessary. After just a few minutes of hiking you’ll be walking alongside the jagged cliffs, treated to stunning vistas.
You can go back down to swim at Shipwreck Beach, but be warned that the waves can get pretty rough.
You can also hike or at least do a scenic drive through Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park. There are several awesome trails and lookouts (with plenty of signage to show you the way); here are just a few:
- Waimea Canyon Lookout (Waimea Canyon State Park)
- Waipo’o Falls Lookout (Waimea Canyon State Park)
- Pu’u Hinahina Lookout (Waimea Canyon State Park)
- Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls (Koke’e State Park)
- Awa’awapuhi Trail (Koke’e State Park)
Note that all non-Hawaiian residents will need to pay an entrance fee ($5 per person) AND a $10 parking fee per vehicle (covering both parks, NOT per park). We were able to pay ours upon parking (there are kiosks at the major parking lots). More information on these fees can be found on the state park website.
10. Snorkel at Lydgate Beach Park
Cost: Free, if you already have a snorkel set
There is an amazing (and free) snorkel spot located at Lydgate Beach Park. What makes this spot so perfect for snorkeling is that there’s a lava rock wall enclosure in the water, keeping the waves out. You’re able to snorkel easily without getting tossed around in the ocean. Great for kids and beginners!
Not only that, but this beach also features clear blue water and tons of tropical fish! It was incredible.
Bring some snacks and plan to spend a few hours here. I’m sure you’ll love it.
Where to Rent Snorkel Gear: If you didn’t bring your own snorkel gear, you can rent some at a few places in Kauai. Beach Boys rentals is pretty close by and it’s where we rented our gear from. You can also try Kapaa Beach Rentals for $15/day or $30/set weekly.
11. Bike the 4-Mile Ke Ala Hele Makalae
Cost: $20 per bike
Ke Ala Hele Makalae is Hawaiian for “The Path that Goes by the Coast,” and it’s a bike and walking road that, well, goes by the coast. There are two sections that are 4 miles long, and there are plans to expand the road a few more miles.
Rent a beach cruiser for $20/2 hours at Holo Holo Bike rentals or Kauai Bike Rentals.
12. Eat Shaved Ice
Cost: About $8 a person
You can get some delicious shaved ice for less than $8. It’s too good to miss. Why not grab some after a long day at the beach?
- Wailua Shave Ice (East Side)
- Wishing Well Shave Ice (North Shore)
- Island Treats and Gift Shop (Lihue)
I loved the shaved ice we got from Island Treats and Gift Shop off Rice Street in Lihue and would definitely recommend it.
13. Explore a Coffee Farm
Cost: Free
The Kauai Coffee Company is the largest coffee farm in the United States! The farm offers free coffee tastings and free self-guided walking tours.
You’ll be able to explore the coffee trees and learn more about the coffee-making process along the way. Don’t forget to grab a bag of coffee on your way out — they will grind it for you, as well, filling the gift shop with that heavenly coffee smell.
14. Walk on the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge
Cost: Free
The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge is free to cross and just an interesting local landmark. The bridge is nestled in the small town of Hanapepe, and the street is lined with a few shops and cafes.
The bridge really swings as you walk across, but you’re not supposed to jump around on it. Be safe and courteous to others who are also trying to cross the bridge.
15. Stock up on Chocolate at the Kauai Chocolate Company
Cost: Free samples. Single Opihis start at $2. Boxes start at $12 (for 6).
This could get decidedly not cheap, but be sure to stop by the Kauai Chocolate Company! Their original Opihis (layers of shortbread cookie, caramel, and macadamia nut dipped in chocolate) are incredible. I’ve bought boxes of these on each trip, so definitely stock up.
16. Drive through a Tree Tunnel
Cost: Free
More than 500 eucalyptus trees line Maluhia Road in Koloa. They create a canopy as you drive through toward Old Koloa Town. There’s not really space to stop, so be ready as you drive under the beautiful trees.
17. Explore Old Koloa Town
Cost: Free, except for any items you purchase
For some great souvenir shopping, don’t miss Old Koloa Town. On a hot day, the macadamia nut ice cream at Koloa Mill Ice Cream & Coffee is a life saver. Overall this town is full of charm and a great place to spend an hour or two.
18. Spot a Few Sea Turtles at Poipu Beach
Cost: Free
The very popular Poipu Beach is also the sleeping spot for several sea turtles. They come up onto the sand at sunset almost every night. You’ll know where they are by the orange cones that are set up around their habitat.
Volunteers will also be there to ensure people keep back and don’t use any white lights or flash once the sun goes down. Get there before sunset because once it’s dark, you won’t be able to see much (again, flashlights are prohibited in order to not disturb the turtles). Please follow all rules and respect the wildlife.
Map of Cheap and Free Things to Do in Kauai
Why Visit Kauai?
You want to visit a Hawaiian island that is not as crowded as others. Kauai is the least visited Hawaiian island of the main four, and you’ll find things are slower and chiller here.
You want to hike or enjoy beautiful nature. Kauai has so much untouched nature to explore — from its mountains to its rain forests to its beaches.
You like seeing roosters cross the road (and wake you up bright and early). There are thousands of roosters running wild in Kauai. Why? Well, they have no natural predators in Kauai, and they’ve just been expanding their population rapidly. Some say the chickens escaped their coops during the hurricanes in 1982 and 1992 and have been roaming freely ever since.
Interesting Facts About Kauai
- Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island at about 5.1 million years old.
- 90% of Kauai’s land is undeveloped. The mountains in Kauai surround the rain forests, creating a lush, wild landscape that is a bit unreachable. Most of the developed parts of Kauai are on the coast lines.
- Several famous TV shows and movies were filmed in Kauai, such as Gilligan’s Island, Baywatch, and Jurassic Park.
- Kauai grows the most taro in the U.S. with somewhere around 3,300 pounds of taro grown each year.
- Buildings in Kauai are limited to four stories as they can’t be taller than a palm tree.
- Kauai’s Mt. Waialeale is one of the rainiest places on earth.
What to Know Before Traveling to Kauai
There are four main islands where people live and visit in Hawaii — the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. I’ve heard the wonders of Hawaii all my life but never understood it until I visited for myself.
Every island is unique and beautiful in its own right. No matter which one you visit, you will leave inspired and in awe. Here are some things to know before you go in order to be a respectful traveler.
Is Hawaii Suffering from Overtourism?
Yes, quite simply. There’s been numerous articles recently about how Hawaii is suffering from overtourism due to a post-pandemic travel boom, affecting its residents.
Some ways to help are to postpone your travel plans to Hawaii, visit one of the less-visited islands (such as the Big Island or Kauai), and/or visit during the low season (avoiding the summer and any school breaks).
You can also help by supporting local Hawaiian businesses (not corporations) and taking part in cultural classes or activities while in Hawaii.
How Do I Respect Hawaii as a Visitor?
Hawaii is a beautiful place — and the Hawaiian government and citizens do an amazing job at preserving the beauty. Did you know billboards are banned in the state of Hawaii in order to maintain natural beauty? As a visitor, please help contribute to these preservation efforts.
- Before traveling to any Hawaiian island, become familiar with how to be a respectful and responsible traveler to the islands and be sure to take the Aloha Pledge before coming to Kauai! Here are a few more tips on how to travel with aloha.
- Learn about the Hawaiian history and culture.
- Protect the oceans by not littering, reducing plastic use, and wearing reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii is the first U.S. state to ban coral-harming chemicals in sunscreen).
- If hiking, don’t go off the trail and follow all signs and rules in place.
- And most importantly, be kind! Have your best attitude when interacting with other people on the island, both locals and travelers alike. It’s actually a law in Hawaii — the law of aloha “is the coordination of mind and heart” and each person must “think and emote good feelings to others.” So while in Hawaii, do as the locals do, and live aloha.
What’s the Weather Like in Hawaii?
Pack your summer clothes as Hawaii’s temperatures are around 80 degrees year-round. The only exceptions are in the higher elevation areas, such as Volcano, HI on the Big Island and Haleakala in Maui, where it does get chilly. Otherwise, there isn’t a need for a jacket. Rain comes in and out but usually doesn’t last long. Still, try to check your weather app before arrival for more specific information.
Will I Need to Rent a Car?
Yes, definitely. There are buses in Hawaii but public transportation overall isn’t very effective, especially if you’re trying to go as many places as possible in a limited amount of time. Book a rental car as far in advance as possible as each of the islands are fairly small and many rental car companies had to consolidate during the pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap and Free Things to Do in Kauai
What are some free things to do in Kauai with kids?
If you have kids, I think they’d enjoy snorkeling in Lydgate Beach, spotting sea turtles at Poipu Beach, seeing Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls, watching the free hula show at Coconut Marketplace, walking across Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, and exploring the Kauai Coffee Farm.
What not to do in Kauai?
I’d skip Glass Beach as it’s in a more industrial / fishing area of Kauai and is just not very scenic. We were also underwhelmed by Spouting Horn.
Why is Kauai famous?
Kauai is famous as being one of the Hawaiian islands. It’s known as the Garden Island because of its lush greenery. I also can’t forget to mention the thousands of roosters running amok. I think those are pretty famous as well.
What is the least touristy part of Kauai?
When you get away from the beaches and resorts, Kauai overall feels more residential. There’s even a Wal-Mart and Costco in Lihue, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Hawaii
7 Day Kauai Itinerary: Explore All of Kauai in a Week
3 Day Maui Itinerary: What to Do in Maui, Hawaii
7-Day Big Island Itinerary: How to Spend a Week on the Big Island of Hawaii
Ultimate 2 Weeks in Hawaii Itinerary: Visit Multiple Islands
5-Day Oahu Itinerary: What to Do on the Most Popular Hawaiian Island