8 Interesting Things for Senior Citizens To Do in Kauai

Many tourists visiting Kauai are senior citizens, probably on the trip of their lifetime. 

It is a known fact that Kauai is a hotspot for hikers, surfers, and adventure lovers. But that’s not all you can do on Hawaii’s oldest island.

In this blog post, we will explore the lesser-known, leisurely side of Kauai. By the end of the post, you will have 8 activities you can do as a senior and experience one of the best vacations of your lifetime. 

8 Best Things for Senior Citizens To Do in Kauai

1. Visit One of Kauai’s Oldest Plantations

The booming sugar industry during Kauai’s early days saw the mushrooming of many plantations on the island. One such prominent place is the Kilohana plantation. A perfect blend of history and modernization, Kilohana still has the old buildings, now revamped into restaurants and gift shops. 

One trip on the plantation railway covers the entire 104-acre property, the orchards, animal farms, and other interesting things inside. Also, this is where Kauai’s only theatrical luau, the Luau Kalamaku, takes place. 

If you have a keen interest in plantations, a coffee plantation tour at the Kauai Coffee Company is highly recommended. 

2. Take a Botanical Garden Tour 

Kauai is called “The Garden Isle” for a reason- There’s plenty of greenery on the island. While this is clear from the lush rainforests, the humanly nurtured botanical gardens also add to the definition. 

We recommend that you explore the Limahuli garden when you are on the north shore. This 1000-acre valley witnessed one of the earliest settlements in Kauai. The antique setting boasts of a wide variety of exotic plants and is a perfect location for seniors to explore.  

Allerton Garden on the south shore is similar to its northern sibling, but you will love it more if you have a keen eye for architecture.

3. Relax on a Beach

Regardless of age, beaches are an integral part of a Kauai vacation. Seniors can have a great time doing sunset walks, beachcombing, and sunbathing on the crescent-shaped shores of Kauai’s beaches. 

There’s no need to refrain from water activities as long as you are careful, have prior experience, or have someone to accompany you.

Most Kauai beaches have resorts and condos located nearby. You can visit Poipu on the south and Princeville on the north shore for some of the best luxurious resorts on the island. 

4. Drive to Waimea Canyon Lookout

Also called the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, Waimea Canyon is a nature lover’s paradise. It is characterized by marshy soil, lush foliage, intriguing valleys, and waterfalls. It is a sight to behold. 

The vast expanse of Waimea Canyon can be seen from the Waimea Canyon lookout located past mile marker 10 on Waimea Canyon Drive. The lookout is neatly paved and guarded and provides unblocked panoramic views of the canyon for a truly blissful experience. 

5. Whale Watching

Whale watching is the perfect senior-thing to do in Kauai during winter. This is when humpback whales migrate to the Hawaiian island for mating, breeding, and nursing their young ones. Whale watching has become a popular tourist activity as many tourists flock to see the playful whales do acrobatics. 

So, where can you spot these whales? Almost anywhere on the island. Some popular whale-watching spots are Kilauea lighthouse (north shore), Kalalau Trail (north-west), Poipu beach (south shore) and the Kapaa overlook. 

For an even better experience, check out our ultimate guide to Napali coast whale watching tour. 

6. Fern Grotto Tour

A boat ride along Kauai’s only navigable river (Wailua river), followed by a simple hike to fern grotto is a perfect mix of leisure and physical activity for senior citizens. 

Fern Grotto is a cave beneath a high hill that’s completely covered with ferns. This beautiful setting has been the place of choice for many destination weddings. 

You can club your visit to fern grotto with Smith’s family luau and make the most of your experience at Wailua State Park.  

7. Explore Your Favorite Movie Locations

Did you know that the Jurassic Park series was shot in Kauai? The Garden Isle has been the preferred location for many Hollywood movies since decades. The list probably includes your favorite movies too!

If you are a movie buff, wouldn’t it be great to see all these movie locations for real? 

Book a tour, hop on the tour bus and relax as you explore the iconic locations and backdrops that have graced the big screens. 

8. Summer Napali Coast Boat Tour

Anyone traveling to Kauai wouldn’t want to miss the Napali Coast Boat Tour. This is the best way to closely explore the awe-inspiring 11-mile Napali coastline, razor-sharp cliffs, and its intriguing sea caves. 

With a senior in your group, you’d want to consider two things before booking a boat tour: 

1) Boat size: Large boats are more stable and better equipped to deal with the waves. Moreover, our boats have restrooms and ample space onboard. 

2) Ocean conditions: If the weather is hostile, there is very little the boat can do. We always keep a tab on the weather so that our customers, especially the pregnant and seniors, have a safe and enjoyable experience. 

At Makana Charters, the boats are compatible with all age groups. Our boats depart from Port Allen and are much larger compared to those that depart from the north shore. Moreover, the south shore is much calmer throughout the year compared to the rough northern conditions. 

Summary and Infographic

We have barely scraped the surface of the list of things you can do on the island as a senior. 

To get the most of your trip, make sure you are carrying your senior card with you. The Government of Kauai helps senior citizens by offering special privileges. So you might even get a 10% discount at some restaurants. All you have to do is show them a valid senior card. 

Hope you enjoyed the post. Do share your Kauai experience with us. 

Aloha!