Kauai, the Garden Island of Hawaii, offers some of the most stunning vantage points in the Hawaiian Islands. Lush valleys and rugged cliffs reveal different sides of the island’s natural beauty.
The best scenic lookouts in Kauai give you sweeping views of mountains, coastline, and waterfalls all in one trip.
Travelers can stand at the edge of Waimea Canyon and see a colorful gorge stretching for miles. The Hanalei Valley offers a green expanse from a roadside stop.
Some spots, like the Kalalau Valley Lookout, appear in films and have become iconic. Other lookouts are quiet pull-offs along scenic drives with memorable views.
Exploring the coast, driving along Kuhio Highway, or hiking to a hidden viewpoint gives you a chance to slow down and enjoy Kauai’s unique landscapes. Each lookout connects travelers to the island’s beauty, history, and culture.
Iconic Scenic Lookouts on Kauai
Kauai features high points where you can see deep valleys, rugged cliffs, and wide ocean views. Some lookouts sit right by the road, while others require a short walk from parking.
Each location offers its own scenery and experience.
Waimea Canyon Lookout
The Waimea Canyon Lookout gives a clear view of the canyon’s red and brown cliffs, green valleys, and winding river below. People often call Waimea Canyon the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Waimea Canyon stretches about 14 miles long and reaches up to 3,600 feet deep. The lookout sits along Waimea Canyon Drive on Kauai’s west side.
You can reach it easily by car, though the road is winding. Several pullouts before and after the main lookout offer different angles.
Facilities include parking, restrooms, and informational signs. Early mornings bring cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
The lookout is a good starting point for nearby hikes in Kokeʻe State Park. Find more details in this Waimea Canyon guide.
Hanalei Valley Lookout
The Hanalei Valley Lookout sits just off Kuhio Highway near Princeville. From here, you can see taro fields, the Hanalei River, and green mountains.
The view changes with the light and weather. On clear days, the colors appear vivid, while misty mornings create a softer look.
The valley is part of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, which protects native birds and wetlands. Parking is limited, but the lookout is close to the road.
It makes a quick stop for anyone driving between Princeville and Hanalei town. Learn more about this spot in Kauai’s best scenic lookouts.
Kalalau Valley Lookout
The Kalalau Valley Lookout offers one of Kauai’s most famous views. Located in Kokeʻe State Park, it overlooks the Na Pali Coast and the lush Kalalau Valley.
The valley spans about two miles wide and opens to the Pacific Ocean. Steep cliffs drop from the rim, and drifting clouds often fill the scene.
The lookout sits at about 4,000 feet elevation, so temperatures can be cooler than at the coast. A paved road leads to parking near the viewpoint.
Trails nearby let visitors explore further. See a helpful overview in this list of Kauai’s best views.
Kilauea Lighthouse
The Kilauea Lighthouse stands on a narrow peninsula at the northernmost point of Kauai. It is part of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, which protects seabird nesting areas and native plants.
The lighthouse was built in 1913 and is no longer active, but it remains a historic landmark. From the viewing area, you might see red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and humpback whales in winter.
A small entry fee allows access to the refuge. Parking is available near the visitor center, and short paths lead to the best viewing spots.
For more details, see this guide to Kauai’s scenic drives and viewpoints.
Breathtaking Coastal and Ocean Views
Kauai’s ocean lookouts offer steep cliffs, turquoise water, and long, quiet beaches. Visitors often find unique spots where natural features, wildlife, and panoramic views meet.
Na Pali Coast Vistas
The Na Pali Coast is one of Kauai’s most photographed shorelines. Its cliffs rise over 4,000 feet above the Pacific, with deep valleys and ridges shaped by erosion.
Many people see the coast by boat or helicopter, but hiking the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach offers ground-level views. The first two miles to Hanakapi’ai Beach are popular for day hikes.
Boat tours from Port Allen pass sea caves and waterfalls, and dolphins often appear along the way. Calm summer seas bring smoother rides and clearer water for snorkeling.
Photography is best in the morning when sunlight hits the cliffs directly. The coast has no roads, so plan ahead for tours or permits.
Spouting Horn
Spouting Horn is a natural blowhole on Kauai’s south shore. Waves push water through a lava tube, sending a spray into the air.
The sound of rushing water and hissing air sets this spot apart. You can find it near Poipu, and it’s easy to reach by car.
A viewing platform keeps visitors safe while providing a clear view. The spray can reach 50 feet during high surf.
Nearby craft stalls sell souvenirs. The area is a common stop on south shore sightseeing routes.
Sunset visits add warm light to the scene, while midday offers the brightest view of the water plume.
Polihale State Park
Polihale State Park sits at the western end of Kauai and features a long, remote beach. The shoreline stretches for about 17 miles, making it the island’s largest sandy beach.
A rough dirt road leads to the park, so four-wheel drive is best. Visitors should bring all supplies, as there are no shops or restaurants nearby.
The beach faces west and gives clear views of the Na Pali Coast cliffs in the distance. Many people come here to watch the sunset over the ocean.
Strong currents make swimming dangerous, so most visitors walk the shore or relax on the sand.
Hanalei Bay Overlook
The Hanalei Bay Overlook offers a wide view of the bay, taro fields, and surrounding mountains. It sits along Kuhio Highway before the descent into Hanalei town.
From the viewpoint, you can spot the curve of the bay and the pier. On clear days, surfers and anchored boats are easy to see.
The overlook is a quick stop and is one of the most photographed roadside views on the island. Morning light brings out the greens of the valley, while late afternoon adds golden tones to the water.
Many travelers pair this stop with a visit to Hanalei town for food and beach access.
Scenic Drives and Roadside Stops
You can see much of Kauai’s natural beauty without long hikes. Several routes and pull-offs offer clear views of waterfalls, mountains, and coastline.
Many of these spots are right along the road, making them easy to visit during a day of exploring.
Kuhio Highway Lookouts
The Kuhio Highway (Route 56/560) runs along Kauai’s east and north shores, connecting Lihue to Hanalei. Drivers pass small towns like Kapaʻa, Anahola, and Kilauea, each with places to stop for food or photos.
Notable stops include Kilauea Lighthouse, Hanalei Valley Lookout, and several ocean pull-offs. These areas offer views of taro fields, mountain ridges, and the Pacific Ocean.
The Kuhio Highway is the main access to many beaches and trailheads. Parking is often limited at popular spots, so arriving early helps avoid crowds.
Wailua Falls Overlook
Wailua Falls is a twin waterfall that drops about 80 feet into a pool below. It sits a short drive from Lihue, near the south end of the Wailua River.
The overlook is next to the parking area, so you can see the falls without hiking. Morning visits often bring softer light and fewer people.
From the viewing area, it’s easy to notice how rainfall changes the flow—after heavy rain, the falls become wider and more powerful. The Wailua Falls overlook is a quick stop that pairs well with other east side attractions.
Opaeka’a Falls
Opaeka’a Falls is another waterfall in the Wailua River area, visible from a roadside lookout. It cascades in two main streams down a lush cliff.
The viewing platform sits across the road from a small parking lot. From here, you can also see the Wailua River winding through the valley.
This stop is close to other points of interest, such as Wailua River State Park and nearby heiau (Hawaiian temple) sites. The Opaeka’a Falls lookout is easy to reach and works well as part of a short driving loop.
Sleeping Giant Viewpoints
The Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) is a ridge that looks like a person lying down. You can see it from several spots along the east side of Kauai, especially near Kapaʻa and Wailua.
Roadside pull-offs provide views of the mountain’s profile without hiking the Nounou trails. Early morning or late afternoon light highlights the shape more clearly.
From certain points along the Kuhio Highway, the Sleeping Giant appears behind fields and coconut groves. These viewpoints show the island’s varied terrain, from coastal plains to forested ridges.
Outdoor Adventures and Activities Near Lookouts
Kauai’s scenic lookouts offer more than just views. Many of these spots give visitors access to hiking trails, picnic areas, and places to watch the sunset or take photos.
These lookouts make great stops during a day of exploring the island.
Hiking Trails with Spectacular Views
Several lookouts connect directly to hiking paths that highlight Kauai’s natural beauty. In Koke’e State Park, the Pihea Trail gives hikers sweeping views of the Kalalau Valley and the Alakai Swamp.
For a coastal trek, hikers can start the Hanakapi’ai Falls trail near the Na Pali Coast. This route leads to a tall waterfall surrounded by lush forest.
Some trails are short and good for families. Others take more time and require stamina.
Travelers should bring water, snacks, and sturdy shoes.
Popular options include:
- Cliff Trail – a short walk with canyon views
- Awa’awapuhi Trail – a ridge hike with ocean vistas
- Hanakapi’ai Falls Trail – an 8-mile round trip to a waterfall
These trails let travelers see more of Kauai beyond the lookout platforms.
Sunset and Photography Spots
Kauai’s lookouts often offer excellent light for photography, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. The Pu’u O Kila Lookout in Koke’e State Park gives dramatic views of light over Kalalau Valley.
On the south shore, Poipu Beach has a flat horizon for sunset shots. Calm water and palm trees make the scene even more beautiful.
Photographers should check the weather because clouds can add texture but may block the sun. Using a tripod helps in low light, and a wide-angle lens can capture more of the landscape.
Best Picnic Areas
Many lookouts offer picnic tables or grassy spots that are perfect for a meal. In Koke’e State Park, several roadside pullouts provide shaded areas with cool mountain air.
Near the ocean, Poipu features picnic-friendly beaches. Restrooms and nearby shops make it easy to grab snacks.
Packing a picnic helps visitors enjoy the scenery and avoid the need to find a restaurant. Simple foods like sandwiches, fresh fruit, and cold drinks are great for an outdoor meal.
If you plan a longer day, you can combine a hike with a picnic stop for extra comfort.
