When I visit Kauai, I always feel amazed by how much beauty I can see just by driving around.
Scenic drives let me enjoy the island’s lush landscapes, mountain views, and ocean glimpses from my car.
Exploring the best scenic drives on Kauai gives me a simple way to experience the island’s natural wonders at my own pace.
Whether I want quiet valleys, dramatic cliffs, or peaceful beaches, these drives show me what makes Kauai special.
Waimea Canyon Lookout
The first time I saw Waimea Canyon, I felt amazed.
The lookout gives an incredible view of deep red rocks, bright greenery, and sometimes even waterfalls.
People call it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” but it has a beauty all its own.
Getting here is simple.
The scenic drive winds through the mountains and offers several places to stop for photos.
At the main viewing area, I could see for miles in every direction.
Three viewing platforms make it easy to find a great spot.
Nearby, hiking trails let you explore more.
The Iliau Nature Loop is short, and the Kukui Trail is longer if you want more adventure.
I liked the picnic areas, where I could relax and enjoy lunch with a view.
Non-residents pay a small fee for entry and parking.
The park opens every day during daylight hours, so it’s perfect for a day trip.
Stay on designated paths to help protect the native trees.
Rating: 4.9 (3941 reviews)
Location: Waimea Canyon Lookout
Contact: (808) 274-3444
Website: Visit Website
Waimea Canyon State Park
When I drove to Waimea Canyon State Park, the colors and size of the canyon impressed me.
It really does look like a mini Grand Canyon, surrounded by green hills and deep drops.
The lookout spots are easy to find, and each view feels different and stunning.
I enjoyed stopping at the main viewpoints and taking photos.
The drive up is winding with many turns, but the scenery at the top makes it worth it.
On a clear day, I could even see Ni‘ihau Island in the distance.
A few walking trails like the Iliau Nature Loop let you stretch your legs or get a closer look at the plants and wildlife.
I saw people having a picnic at the lookout, and there were plenty of places to park.
The park charges a small fee if you aren’t a Hawaii resident.
Bring some cash for the fee and parking if needed.
Rating: 4.9 (6410 reviews)
Location: Waimea Canyon State Park
Contact: (808) 274-3444
Website: Visit Website
Red Dirt Waterfall
I stopped at Red Dirt Waterfall while driving through west Kauai, and it looked unlike any other waterfall I had seen.
The water runs down bright red hills, colored by Kauai’s unique iron-rich soil.
The deep red and orange earth makes the falls stand out against the green surroundings.
Getting there is easy since it’s right next to the highway.
I didn’t have to hike far or pay an entrance fee.
There’s a spot to pull over, so I could get out, walk around, and take photos.
The setting is quiet.
When I visited, a few other people were there taking pictures, but it never felt crowded.
The waterfall isn’t huge, but the view is different from the more famous falls on the island.
Kids loved playing by the stream, and I saw red streaks on my shoes after walking around.
It’s a quick, fun stop if you have extra time during your drive.
Rating: 4.6 (1224 reviews)
Location: Red Dirt Waterfall, Kauai
Hanalei Valley Lookout
When I stopped at Hanalei Valley Lookout, the views took my breath away.
From the lookout, I could see lush green fields, tall mountains with waterfalls, and patches of taro farms below.
The viewpoint is easy to find along the main road and has signs explaining what you see.
The area is part of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, which protects rare Hawaiian birds and plants.
I learned from the signs about endangered birds living in the valley, like the nēnē and Hawaiian stilt.
The lookout is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., so I planned my stop during those hours.
Even though you can’t walk into the refuge, the view from up top is stunning and peaceful.
Parking was easy when I visited, and I loved watching the clouds move over the mountains.
Rating: 4.8 (1081 reviews)
Location: Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722
Contact: (808) 828-1413
Website: Visit Website
Pu’u O Kila Lookout
When I drove up to Pu’u O Kila Lookout, I saw lush green trees lining the road and felt the air get cooler as I climbed higher.
At the top, the view opens up to a huge green valley and the deep blue ocean.
I could see layers of jagged mountains stretching out in front of me.
There’s a platform where I stood and took in the scene.
Clouds roll by quickly here, sometimes blocking the view, then clearing up to reveal cliffs and valleys.
It’s easy to see why many people say this is one of the best lookouts on Kauai.
A trail starts right at the lookout, so I decided to walk a little.
Even a short walk gives you different angles of the valley and ocean.
The place feels peaceful, and the wind carries the scent of wild plants.
Rating: 4.9 (946 reviews)
Location: Pihea Trail, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Website: Visit Website
Polihale State Park
When I drove out to Polihale State Park, it felt like I reached the edge of the island.
The drive is long and bumpy, partly on a dirt road, but seeing the wide open white sand beach made it worth it.
The beach stretches for miles, and I saw hardly any other people when I visited.
The ocean is strong here, so I stayed out of the water, but it was nice to sit on the sand and watch the waves and cliffs in the distance.
There aren’t any restrooms or shops, so I packed everything I needed.
The area is peaceful, and it’s a great place to relax, take photos, or have a quiet picnic with a view.
Rating: 4.8 (1547 reviews)
Location: Lower Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796
Website: Visit Website
Hanapepe Valley Lookout
When I pulled over at Hanapepe Valley Lookout, I felt surprised by how peaceful it was.
The view stretched over a wide, green valley that looked untouched.
I stood quietly for a moment and listened to the birds and the wind.
Getting here is easy since it’s just a quick stop along the highway.
There’s a small parking area where I could get out and take pictures.
The lookout isn’t crowded, so I didn’t have to wait to enjoy the scenery.
I saw the valley below filled with farms and lush plants.
The viewpoint gives a clear look to the mountains in the distance.
It’s a good spot to stretch your legs, enjoy fresh air, and see a different side of Kauai away from the busy beaches.
Rating: 4.6 (349 reviews)
Location: Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo, HI 96741
Contact: (951) 712-5069
Wailua Falls
When I drove up to Wailua Falls, I could hear the water before I saw it.
The falls are easy to reach, and the drive there is full of pretty sights, including lush trees and streams on both sides of the road.
There’s a viewing area that gives a great view of the waterfall.
The mist from the falls felt cool, and I enjoyed watching the water pour down the cliff.
It’s a great spot for photos, but parking is a bit limited.
I didn’t hike down to the bottom because the path looked steep and slippery, but I could still see Wailua Falls clearly from the main spot.
The breeze, the sound of the water, and the green valley made it a memorable stop on my drive.
Rating: 4.5 (559 reviews)
Location: Hawaii 96746
Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
When I drove along the north shore of Kauai, I could see why so many people talk about Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. The coastline has tall, jagged cliffs that drop sharply into the ocean.
I watched waterfalls spill down into deep valleys. Flashes of green from all the tropical plants caught my eye.
To access the park or hike the famous Kalalau Trail, I had to go through Hāʻena State Park. I reserved my spot ahead of time, especially for camping.
Once inside, I saw breathtaking views and stone terraces in the valleys. These terraces show where Native Hawaiians grew taro.
The whole area feels wild and peaceful at the same time. Hiking here can be tough, but standing and looking out over the ocean makes it worth the effort.
If camping or hiking isn’t your thing, you can stop and enjoy the scenery from your car.
Rating: 4.8 (1968 reviews)
Location: Hawaii
Contact: (808) 274-3444
Website: Visit Website
Sleeping Giant’s Chin Lookout
When I drove up to the Sleeping Giant trailhead, I noticed how green and vibrant everything looked. The hike up was not very long, but I found it rewarding.
The lookout at the “chin” gave me a wide view over the eastern side of Kauai. As I stood at the top, I could see the coastline, hills, and small towns below.
The wind felt cool, and everything was peaceful. Only a few other people were there, so it was easy to enjoy the quiet and take some photos.
Getting to the lookout offers a nice break from the busier roads. Along the drive and hike, I saw native plants and heard birds singing.
I appreciated Kauai’s nature even more after this hike. I recommend packing water and sunscreen, since there isn’t much shade at the top.
Rating: 4.8 (229 reviews)
Location: Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Website: Visit Website
Scenic Drive Tips for Kauai
I always want to make the most out of every scenic drive on Kauai. Timing and safety make a big difference along the winding roads.
Knowing the traffic habits and weather patterns helps me plan a smoother trip. This makes my drive more enjoyable.
Best Times of Year for Sightseeing
Kauai is beautiful all year. I find that spring (April to early June) and fall (September to early December) are the best for sightseeing.
The weather is pleasant, there are fewer crowds, and the roads are less busy. During summer, traffic gets heavier because more tourists visit, especially in popular areas like Waimea Canyon or Hanalei Valley.
In the winter, rain is more common. This can limit some views and sometimes cause local flooding or slippery roads.
I suggest driving in the morning when the sun is rising or late in the afternoon for golden hour lighting. Midday sun can make it hard to enjoy views and take clear pictures.
Some overlooks, like the famous Waimea Canyon Drive, look best in the early morning when the skies are clear.
Driving Safety and Etiquette
Kauai’s roads can be narrow and winding, with many one-lane bridges on the north shore. I always slow down around curves and drive carefully, especially when the road is wet.
If I’m driving slower to enjoy the scenery, I let local drivers pass. Yield signs appear often, and at one-lane bridges, I follow the “5-7 cars at a time” custom by waiting my turn and allowing several cars across before I go.
I never stop in the middle of the road for photos. I only pull over in safe, designated spots.
I respect posted speed limits and avoid honking, since loud noises can startle wildlife. Car break-ins sometimes happen at popular lookout spots, so I never leave valuables visible in my car.
Must-See Landmarks and Views
When I drive around Kauai, I look for the best spots for photos and want to learn about the island’s culture. Some places are famous for their natural beauty, while others share local stories and history.
Photo Opportunities Along the Way
One of my favorite photo stops is the Hanalei Valley Lookout. From here, I see sweeping views of green taro fields and mountains rising in the distance.
This spot is easy to find along the Kuhio Highway. I always pull over to take pictures when I pass by.
The Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is another must-see. The colorful, deep canyon changes with the time of day.
Early morning or late afternoon gives the best lighting for photos. Other popular stops include the Tree Tunnel on Maluhia Road, where tall eucalyptus trees make a natural green archway.
On the north shore, the road past Princeville has views of the ocean and steep cliffs. These spots are perfect for snapping pictures, so I always keep my camera ready.
Cultural and Historical Highlights
As I explore Kauai, I look for places that tell the island’s story.
The Wailua Heritage Trail features sacred Hawaiian sites and old temples called heiau.
I also see ancient rock carvings along the trail.
These stops help me learn about Kauai’s spiritual past and local traditions.
When I drive through Waimea town, I notice old sugar plantation buildings.
Signs in town share stories about early settlers.
Each landmark shows how people have lived on Kauai for hundreds of years.
The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge is another interesting stop.
I walk across the bridge and read about Hanapepe’s past as a busy plantation town.
