Planning a family trip to Kauai with teens? This lush, adventure-filled island offers the perfect mix of excitement, natural beauty, and cultural experiences to keep older kids engaged and entertained. From ziplining above tropical valleys to snorkeling with sea turtles, here are 15 unforgettable things to do in Kauai that teens will love.
Kauai Mountain Tubing Adventure – Jungle Float Through Tunnels & Canals
Ready to vibe in a jungle float like no other? Kauai Mountain Tubing is a wildly fun, all-ages adventure where you drift through lush rainforest, hand-dug tunnels, and historic sugar plantation canals—only accessible through this tour. It books up fast, so if you’re down for epic views, cool history, and water-fed tunnels from one of the wettest places on Earth, this is your sign.
Wailua River Kayak & Secret Falls Hike
Kayak the only navigable river in Hawaii and hike through a lush jungle to a secret 100-foot waterfall—yes, it’s as epic as it sounds. This 5-hour Wailua River & Secret Falls adventure blends paddling, hiking, swimming, and local legends, all led by certified guides. No experience needed, just bring your sense of adventure and get ready to vibe with Kauai’s wild side.
Luau Kalamaku – Dinner Show with Fire Knife Dance
Get ready for one of Kauai’s most epic nights at Luau Kalamaku—a next-level luau set on the lush, historic Kilohana Plantation. Feast on a killer Hawaiian buffet, sip endless Mai Tais, and catch a fire-filled, Broadway-style show that brings ancient legends to life.
Smith’s Fern Grotto River Cruise
Hop on a breezy river cruise to Kauai’s lush Fern Grotto — where legends, live hula, and tropical vibes await. Cruise past waterfalls and sacred sites, soak up stories and Hawaiian music from a local crew, and snap pics in a jungle grotto that was once royalty-only. It’s a chill, feel-good experience that’s equal parts nature, culture, and straight-up island magic.
Kipu Ranch Off-Road Expedition – Kauai ATV Waterfall Tour
Go full throttle through Kauai’s wild side on this 3-hour off-road ATV adventure at Kipu Ranch! Splash through jungle trails, cruise past epic movie spots, and dive into a private waterfall only accessible on this tour. It’s the ultimate ride—with muddy turns, tropical views, and good vibes all around.
Mauna Loa Helicopter - Private Na Pali Coast Air Tour (Doors On/Off)
Soar above the Garden Isle in your own private helicopter with panoramic views of Kauai’s wildest wonders—Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and the iconic Jurassic Falls. Choose your vibe: doors on for comfort and A/C, or doors off for that wind-in-your-hair, no-window-glare shot. With guaranteed window seats, local pilots, and major main-character energy, this is the aerial adventure you can’t miss.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Kauai Eco Adventure Flight
Glide past Hanapepe Valley, the epic Manawaiopuna Falls (yes, Jurassic Park vibes), and the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. You’ll dip into Waimea Canyon and, if weather’s chill, fly through Mt. Waialeale’s misty crater—aka the wettest place on Earth. With luxe interiors, 180° views, and next-level noise-cancelling headsets, this flight is peak island magic.
Liko Kauai: 5-Hour Na Pali Coast Sea Caves & Snorkel Tour with Lunch
Cruise the Na Pali Coast in style on a spacious catamaran with epic views, sea caves, and top-tier snorkeling. You’ll explore secret beaches like Nualolo Kai, swim with tropical fish and turtles, and maybe even spot dolphins or whales (in season). With limited passengers, forward-facing seats, and departures from the closest harbor to the coast, this tour keeps it scenic, comfy, and fast—plus, deli lunch and sunshine vibes included.
Holo Holo Catamaran 3.5-Hour Na Pali Sunset Dinner Cruise
Hop aboard a 65-foot power catamaran and cruise along Kauai’s jaw-dropping Na Pali Coast during golden hour—aka the most Instagrammable time of day. With an open bar, buffet dinner, epic sea cliffs, wild dolphins, and a sparkling sunset toast, this 3.5-hour adventure is giving romance, chill vibes, and main-character energy all in one unforgettable night.
Kayak Kauai: Hanalei River & Blue Lagoon Snorkel Tour
Glide through Hanalei Bay and up the river on a chill morning kayak tour, complete with beach stops, tide pool exploring, and epic snorkel breaks. Catch dreamy views of Bali Hai (yep, that Bali Hai), lush mountain peaks, and maybe even spot turtles, dolphins, and seabirds along the way. Plus, there’s a tasty deli lunch waiting for you—vibes all day.
Smiths Family Garden Luau
Get ready for a night straight out of a dream: Smith Family Garden Luau is Kauai’s OG luau — family-run for 4 generations and still serving major aloha vibes. Wander through lush gardens, watch a whole pig roast in a traditional imu, then feast under the stars with hula, fire knife dancing, and flavors that slap. It’s tropical, it’s authentic, it’s giving core memory.
Shaka Zipline: Kauai Zipline Tour & Poipu Outdoor Eco-Adventure
Shaka Zipline delivers high-flying vibes with 5 or 8 epic lines soaring over jungle valleys and mountain views—plus local guides who keep it real with island stories and history. Safety’s a top priority, the gear’s legit, and it’s all wrapped in aloha energy—just show up, gear up, and zip into adventure.
Hidden Valleys, Waterfall Swim, Kayak & Hike
Paddle through paradise on the Hule‘ia River—yep, the one from Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Cruise past ancient Hawaiian fishponds, hike to dreamy Hidden Valley Falls, then ride back in a chill, powered canoe. It’s part nature escape, part movie set, and 100% unforgettable.
Na Pali Catamaran Snorkel Cruise – Port Allen Departure
Ready for the ultimate ocean flex? Hop aboard the Amelia K and cruise Kauai’s iconic Na Pali Coast in style—think sea caves, wild cliffs, private beaches, and next-level snorkeling, all only accessible by boat. With Makana Charters, it’s high vibes, dolphins, sea turtles, and serious views, plus lunch, drinks, and all the gear you need—just show up and vibe out.
Snuba Tours of Kauai: Small-Group SNUBA Diving at Lawai Beach
Cruise the iconic shores of Kualoa Ranch—filming site of Jurassic Park and Lost—and soak in unreal views of the Koolau Mountains, Chinaman’s Hat, and Hokuleʻa Beach. It’s the ultimate chill Hawaiian afternoon with movie vibes and major scenery goals.
Kualoa Grown Farm & Fishpond Tour – 90 Minutes
Check out the Kualoa Grown Tour — a chill 90-minute trolley ride through dreamy tropical orchards, Insta-worthy flower gardens, and the super tranquil 800-year-old Moli’i Fishpond. You’ll snack on seasonal Hawaiian treats like fresh pineapple, poi, and local chocolate while learning about ancient farming traditions and eco-history (yes, even Hollywood has a role here).
With everything from adrenaline-pumping zipline adventures to awe-inspiring hikes and beach days filled with snorkeling, Kauai is packed with unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Start planning today and let every moment on the Garden Isle become a memory your teens will never forget!
