Are you traveling to Hawaii and looking for FREE things to do in Kauai? Kauai is my absolute favorite place in the world, and as a frequent traveler, I have a ton of recommendations! There are SO many free and cheap things to do around the garden isle. This list is full guide of things around Kauai including a ton of FREE things to do in Kauai for your next vacation, including beaches, cultural experiences, best sunrise spots, best sunset spots and more!
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Free Things To Do In Kauai
Where To Stay In Kauai
Best Beaches In Kauai
Best Sunrise Spots In Kauai
Best Sunset Spots In Kauai
Farmers Markets
Free Things To Do In Kauai
List ideas of free things to do around the island of Kauai, Hawaii
A FREE full guide of my favorite things to do in Kauai for FREE (and free download for a Hawaii Hidden Gems + Packing List)!
15 BEST Things To Do In Kauai For Free (By An Expert!) 2025
Plan to spend at least a day strolling through Hanalei. Don't sleep on The Dolphin Restaurant!
Visit Hanalei Town
Kauai is the most beautiful island. Make your drive around the island part of your itinerary by taking it all in each time you're in the car!
Enjoy The Drive
Wailua Falls is the gorgeous, beloved twin falls on the south side near Lihue. It's a great stop if you have a late flight on your departure date!
Visit Wailua Falls
Spend a day at Anini Beach - it's a favorite snorkeling spot and there are restrooms, shade & grills so that you can be comfortable for a picnic!
Snorkel at Anini Beach
A GORGEOUS part drive on the way to Poipu will take you through the tree tunnel!
Drive Through The Tree Tunnel
A must-visit every trip to Kauai when you're on the south side! It can get a little busy, but crowds come and go pretty quickly.
Visit The Spouting Horn
EVERY Friday night locals love to gather at this wonderful art night
Attend Hanapepe Art Night
The swinging bridge is a favorite at any age. Walk across it if you stop at Hanapepe art night!
Walk Across The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge
Every Monday and Thursday evening the Poipu Shopping Village has free traditional entertainment
Catch Hula & Live Hawaiian Music For FREE
We love to stop in to Kapaʻa Town on the way to the North Shore! Mermaids Cafe is a GREAT spot for massive portions of fresh delicious food for a great deal.
Walk Around Kapaʻa Town
It's a beginner-friendly trail that has stunning views and cascading waterfalls!
Hike The Stunning Wai Koa Loop Trail
Where To Stay In Kauai
These are some of the best places to stay in Kauai - we've stayed in them all and LOVED our experiences here, so much!
LOVED our stay at Grand Hyatt Kauai - they have the best pool area for the whole family (my son wanted to swim there all day), and every detail at this hotel is above and beyond. The ROBES!
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
If you're looking for the quintessential Hawaii hotel experience with a resort that prioritizes your wellbeing, look no more than 1 Hanalei Bay. Situated in a gorgeous setting just above Hawaii's favorite town, Hanalei - you'll be immersed in Hawaiian culture and healing throughout your stay.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
This is a place you will love to return to again and again. I love its private residences and the ability to really feel like you're getting away from it all when staying here.
The Lodge at Kukui’ula
Best Beaches In Kauai
The best beaches in Kauai, Hawaii
This is where we got engaged, eloped and renewed our vows! My favorite beach on the planet.
Tunnels Beach Kauai
Anini Beach in Kauai is a wonderful snorkeling spot!
Anini Beach - Great Snorkeling Spot!
Lydgate Beach Park has enclosed saltwater pools, it’s considered one of the safest swimming spots on the island.
Lydgate Beach Park
Poipu is super popular with its wading pool and the buzz of the beachy town steps away.
Poipu Beach
Salt Pond Beach Park is a quiet locals favorite spot with stunning sunsets
Salt Pond Beach Park
Best Sunrise Spots In Kauai
The best sunrise spots in Kauai, Hawaii
GREAT Sunrise Spot in Kauai
Keālia Beach
GREAT Sunrise Spot in Kauai
Poipu Beach
GREAT Sunrise Spot in Kauai
Hanalei Bay
Best Sunset Spots In Kauai
The best sunset spots in Kauai, Hawaii
GREAT Sunset Spot In Kauai
Tunnels Beach
GREAT Sunset Spot In Kauai
Polihale State Park
GREAT Sunset Spot In Kauai
Poipu Beach
Farmers Markets
The best FREE farmers markets around Kauai, Hawaii
Anaina Hou Free Farmers Market, Kauai
Anaina Hou
The Coconut Marketplace FREE Farmers Market in Kauai
The Coconut Marketplace Farmers' Market
Grove Farm FREE Farmers Market in Kauai
Grove Farm Market
Hale Puna FREE Farmers Market in Kauai
Hale Puna
Hanalei FREE Farmers Market in Kauai - one of the best!
Hanalei FARMERS' MARKET
List of Kauai Sunshine Markets
Kauai Sunshine Markets
Princeville Farmers Market FREE Farmers Market in Kauai
Princeville Farmers Market
Waipu FREE Farmers Market in Kauai
Waipa Farmers Market
Ways To Volunteer In Kauai
Volunteering in Kauai often leads to incredible experiences where you can take in the beauty of the island while making a difference.
Do a beach cleanup with Surfrider Foundation
Surfrider Foundation
Hang with a pup for the day through the Kauai Humane Society
Kaua’i Humane Society
Assist at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens
National Tropical Botanical Garden
Help build affordable homes with Habitat For Humanity
Kauai Habitat for Humanity
Best Hikes in Kauai
Kauai has STUNNING hiking trails, it's a wonderful way to take in the island for free.
Kuilau Ridge Trail
Kuilau Ridge Trailhead
Ho’opi’i Falls Trail (see 2 waterfalls!)
Ho'opi'i Falls Trailhead
Sleeping Giant Trail
Sleeping Giant
Hike Wyllie Beach Hike for beautiful sunsets
Wyllie's Beach
Queens Bath Trail (closed in winter due to strong ocean conditions)
Queens Bath Trailhead - Google Maps
Kauaʻi Trails & Access
Kauaʻi Trails & Access
Hawaii By The Seasons
These various guides cover EVERYTHING you need to know about visiting Hawaii each month of the year. From tips to costs to weather to pricing to events & activities - check out the guide during the month you're traveling to Kauai for the best insider information!
Everything you need to know about visiting Hawaii in March - Full Guide including weather, tips, costs, crowds, things to do and more!
Visit Hawaii in March Guide : Weather, Best Things To Do + More
Everything you need to know about visiting Hawaii in April - Full Guide including weather, tips, costs, crowds, things to do and more!
Visit Hawaii in April : Weather, Best Things to Know + Trip Tips (2025)
Everything you need to know about visiting Hawaii in May - Full Guide including weather, tips, costs, crowds, things to do and more!
Hawaii in May: A Full Guide to One of the Best Times to Visit (2025)
Everything you need to know about visiting Hawaii in June - Full Guide including weather, tips, costs, crowds, things to do and more!
Hawaii in June Guide: Is It the Best Time to Visit? (2025)
Everything you need to know about visiting Hawaii in July - Full Guide including weather, tips, costs, crowds, things to do and more!
Visiting Hawaii in July: Best Things to Do, Weather, Costs & More
Hawaii Travel Tips
Planning your trip to Kauai and looking for the best travel tips? As a frequent Hawaii visitor, these are some of my favorite ways to travel to the islands.
8 real tips on how to actually unwind on your beach vacation - because girl you deserve that break!
8 Simple Ways to Actually Unwind On Your Beach Vacation
Tips on how my husband flies free with me on EVERY trip we take - this is how we fly to Hawaii BOGO!
How My Husband Flies For Free With Me
If you're trying to decide between Oahu and Kauai, this full guide breaks down the differences between the islands to help make your decision easier!
Oahu vs Kauai : Comparing Hawaii’s Favorite Islands 2025
My Favorite Vegan Food In Kauai
Looking for the best vegan food spots around Kauai? These are some favorites of mine that I return to again and again!
Mermaids Cafe in Kapaa is a MUST for my family and I each visit. HUGE portions, incredible prices and a huge delicious fresh menu (soooo many vegan options!)
