Grove Farm Homestead (circa 1864) 4050 Nawiliwili Road, Lihue, HI 96766, 808-245-3202, One of the oldest plantations on Kauai, this historic 80 acre homestead was originally a sugar plantation and is now a living museum filled with turn-of-the-century memorabilia belonging to the famous missionary family who built it. The original family's mansion, worker's quarters, and extensive tropical gardens are on site. 

Waioli Mission House (circa 1837) Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, HI 96766, Located Behind the Waioli Huia Church, 808-245-3202, One of the first missionary houses on the island, this two story frame house was built of coral limestone blocks and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is filled with period furnishings and the grounds contain traditional Hawaiian horticulture.

Kilohana Plantation Estate (circa 1930s) 3-2087 Kaumualii Highway, Lihue, HI 96766, 808-245-5608, The site of the old Wilcox sugar plantation, this beautifully restored plantation is luxuriously furnished and depicts plantation life in the pre-World War II era. The plantation lies on 35 exquisite acres and features agricultural exhibits, local arts and crafts, specialty shops, and a garden courtyard restaurant. Twenty minute horse carriage tours pulled by Clydesdale horses are available daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  

Kauai Historical Society 4396 Rice Street, Suite 101, Lihue, HI 96766, 808-245-3373, Primarily a research facility, this society was established in 1914 and maintains the only general historical archive for Kauai. They are located in the oldest operating government facility in Hawaii and feature a collection which includes over 4,000 photographs, 3,200 maps, 4,500 books, plantation records, copies of the Garden Island newspaper from 1911 to the present, personal papers from local families and organizations, and much more. more... 

Lihue Public Library 4344 Hardy Street, Lihue, HI 96766, 808-241-3222, An extensive selection of books, magazines, newspapers, and reference materials are available at this library that also hosts storytelling hours, musical presentations, and arts and crafts events. 

Kauai Museum 4428 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766, 808-245-6864, Housed in two buildings, including the Albert Spencer Wilcox building which was built in 1922, this living history and art museum is dedicated to the preservation of the culture of Kauai and features galleries containing ancient Hawaiian artifacts, art work by local artists, changing exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational exhibits. An extensive gift shop is also on site. more... 

Kokee Natural History Museum P.O. Box 100, Kauai, HI 96752, Located at Kokee State Park in Kekaha, 808-335-9975, The only museum in Hawaii that is open every day of the year, this museum features an array of interpretive programs and exhibitions showcasing Kauai's ecology, geology, and climatology plus provides basic information on trail conditions in Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Parks. A gift shop is on site that carries maps, hiking guides, and books on Hawaiian history. more...

Allerton Garden 4425 Lāwa`i Road, Kauai, HI 96756, Kōloa, 808-742-2623, Managed by the National Tropical Botanical Garden for the Allerton Gardens Trust, Allerton Garden (Lāwa`i-kai) lies between the Pacific Ocean and the McBryde Garden in the Lāwa`i Valley, on the south shore of the Hawaiian Island of Kaua`i, along the banks of the Lāwa`i Stream. Allerton Garden includes open meadows, moist shady ravines, rugged cliff faces, and a wide selection of both native and exotic plants and trees. Reservations are required for its guided tours, which depart from the Visitors Center across from Spouting Horn in Po`ipū. more...

Limahuli Garden and Preserve 5-8291 Kūhiō Highway, Kauai, HI 96714, Located on the North Shore, 808-826-1053, One of four gardens and three preserves known as the National Tropical Botanical Garden, this lovely garden covers 1,000 acres and showcases Limahuli Stream, a plantation-era garden, and rare and endangered plants of Hawaii, especially those living in Limahuli Valley. Limahuli Garden was selected by the American Horticultural Society as the best natural botanical garden in the United States.  more...

Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens 4101 Wailapa Road, Kauai, HI 96754, Located on the North Shore of Kilauea, 808-828-0525, Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens is a not-for-profit organization which strives to ensure its future sustainability through investment in forestry, practice natural resource conservation based on sound scientific principles, provide educational and research opportunities in tropical horticulture, forestry, and agriculture, offer venues for private, special events, provide an array of natural wonders and human-crafted artistic creations, and preserve the land and natural resources for future generations.  more...

National Tropical Botanical Garden 3530 Papalina Road, Kalaheo, HI 96752, 808-332-7324, A wide range of diverse tropical plants including rare and endangered species and historically significant plants can be found at this botanical garden that is dedicated to plant conservation, scientific research, and public education.  more...

Salt Pond Beach Park Located on Lele Road off Highway 50, 808-241-6670, The only natural salt pond in Hawaii still used today by descendants of ancient Hawaiians to make sea salt is located at this park that has one of the best windsurfing beaches in Kauai and is a great place for windsurfing, snorkeling, body boarding, and swimming. A white sandy beach and a picnic area with pavilions and grills are on site.

Smith's Tropical Paradise 174 Wailua Road, Kapaa, HI 96746, 808-821-6887, A 30 acre natural and botanical garden that is filled with orchards, jungle paths, exotic foliage, tropical birds, ethnic village settings, and tranquil lagoons. An extensive luau buffet followed by a live international pageant in the lagoon amphitheater is featured on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and shuttle service is available from Wailua. Reservations are essential for the luau, shuttle, and show. 

Captain Sundown P.O. Box 697, Hanalei, HI, 808-826-5585, "Hanalei's only Sailing Catamaran," this tour company offers snorkeling, sightseeing, sailing, and whale watching cruises on the famous Na Pali Coast. Private charters are also available.  more...

Island Helicopters Kauai P.O. Box 831, Lihue, HI, 808-245-8588, "Kauai 's Premier Helicopter Tour Service," you'll experience the diverse beauty and splendor of the Hawaii islands on this wonderful helicopter tour. more...

Na Pali Catamaran P.O. Box 927, Hanalei, HI, Located at the Hanalei Center, 808-826-6853, 866-255-6853, Established in 1973, this company is "Hanalei's Original Boat Tour Company" and offers cruises down the Na Pali Coast aboard a 32 foot powercat boat where you'll see magnificent waterfalls, dolphins, turtles, fish, whales, and verdant mountains. The tour finishes with snorkeling on the finest North Shores reefs and island snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear are provided. more...

Na Pali Coast Hanalei P.O. Box 9, Kauai, HI 96714, 808-826-6114, Ride the U.F.O. which is a 1/2 airplane-1/2 boat. Explore, see, play, and thrill. A wet & wild adventure ride on a Power Catä boat from the romantic shores of Hanalei Bay to the incredible Na Pali Coast. See the full Na Pali Coast and snorkel the best reef in 3 1/2 - 4 hours; that’s because they are the closest and the fastest. Not for the timid.  more...