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Your first trip to the Garden Isle

Planning tips and suggestions for kauai.

First trip or vacation to the island of Kauai? If you love the color green, you're going to be in a little slice of heaven. The very idea of enjoying an afternoon on the beach on a tropical island or exploring the verdant valleys of Na Pali coast, well it's enough to make anyone a little envious at home. But once you actually arrive on this beautiful island, only then do you fully understand just what's in store for you here. Aloha and welcome to the Garden Isle of Hawaii. You may soon become one of the thousands of us who find yourself suddenly addicted to Hawaii - it happens to the best of us. I think back to the first time I visited the lush island of Kauai... I was speechless, and exploring the cliffs above Na Pali in Kokee Park is still enough to take my breath away to this very day. These feelings are to be expected - Kauai is genuinely a slice of paradise and has earned its reputation as one of the most relaxing and laid back islands in the state.

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2024 Kauai Visitor Guides

Visiting Kauai soon? Be sure to grab your copy of one of our updated Kauai Visitor Guides .

~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~

By the time I was 20, I had traveled to 49 of the 50 United States before I ventured to Hawaii. I think back on my preparation for the trip; little did I know what was in store for me on so many levels. It was a life-changing event that has taken me on a decade-long ride of adventure and both amazingly rewarding experiences, discoveries, and relationships. Your journey is just about to begin... probably in a way you have never expected.

You’ll arrive at Kauai’s main airport – Lihue (LIH). Many flights fly directly to Kauai from the mainland, without a layover in Oahu, so try and catch one of those flights if you can. They can be difficult to find at times, but they are much better than having to switch planes on the last leg of your trip. Believe me, if you're flying from pretty much anywhere east of California, this is a long flight - you'll be more than ready to get to Kauai by that point. Accommodations wise, you’ll discover there is a wide selection of resorts, hotels, condos, b&b’s, and inn’s to fit nearly any size budget. You’ll probably end up staying in South, East, or North Kauai – or if you really want to get away from it all, consider staying in one of the cabins up in Kokee State Park. Check out our article on where to stay on Kauai . We personally love the area just north of Poipu, where we stay at a little place called Kauai Banyan Inn .

The vast majority of Kauai's roads are close to the coastline. Only in a few instances will you head inland on Kauai. In West Kauai, you will have the opportunity, and you should definitely take it, to drive north and up along the Waimea Canyon and through Kokee State Park, peaking out at a little over 4000 ft in elevation near the end of the road. This is our favorite area on the island since we're hikers, you can't find a better selection of hiking trails then up in Kokee. And even if you're not the hiking type, the overlooks are jaw-dropping. Kalalau Valley overlook is a sight you absolutely must see!

Once the bags you've brought with you (remember packing less is better) are unpacked and you’ve recovered from your long flight, get your exploring cap on and head out to discover all that is Kauai. There is a slew of beaches to discover around nearly the entire island - more beaches are easily accessible on Kauai than any other island in the chain. You can view our ranking of the best Kauai beaches . Be sure to be on the lookout for the many waterfalls that grace the island; though if you really want to see all the waterfalls - take a Kauai helicopter flight (TRUST us on this one, Kauai is THE island to take a helicopter flight on). Be sure to check out the Kalalau Trail 's first two miles, even if you're not the hiking type - this gorgeous stretch of the trail will more than please the eye. Even if it rains on your trip, and it probably will (hey, it's Kauai), then don't fret, there are plenty of things to do on Kauai when it rains .

As you’ve probably already figured out, there’s a lot to do on this little green island. Be prepared… plan ahead. Doing your research in advance will really pay off when the time comes for you to make your visit. And, not to rub it in, but sending a postcard to your co-workers and friends back home is always a nice gesture. Though some may be quite jealous when you return with that new tan; but hey… who can blame them?

Enjoy your Kauai visit... and Aloha!

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Your Trip to Kauai: The Complete Guide

Few places on earth compare to the island of Kauai. Its mighty sea cliffs, clear blue waters and verdant valleys are the stuff of daydreams. Those lucky enough to travel there will get to experience a five million-year-old island—the oldest geographically in the main Hawaiian island chain—and have the chance to explore the fascinating history and unique landscape that comes with it.

Kauai, also known as “The Garden Isle” due to its famously frequent rainfall, has a total area of over 562 square miles and it is the fourth-largest Hawaiian island. It is home to more than 70,000 permanent residents but welcomes more than 1.3 million visitors each year   .

Most people flock to Kauai to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Kauai offers an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the island’s one-of-a-kind tropical surroundings. Don't leave without taking advantage of nature-oriented activities such as hiking, surfing, and snorkeling, as it is some of the best in the world. What’s more, despite the smaller size and thanks to the abundance of unparalleled and high-quality ingredients grown and raised on the island, Kauai has a great foodie scene for fans of hole-in-the-wall eats and fine dining alike.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: Plan your trip from April to June right before summer to avoid peak crowds while still enjoying the warmest weather, and from September to November to beat the rainy season. It’s important to note that Kauai sees the most rain year-round than any other island in the chain.

Language: Hawaii is the only state with two official languages: English and Hawaiian.  

Currency: USD

Getting Around: Kauai’s public transportation system is called “The Kauai Bus,” which is pretty easy to remember. Use the online bus map and schedule to get around or Google Maps if you have service. Since the public bus doesn’t go everywhere and taxis are sparse, renting a car straight from the airport is the best option.

Travel Tip: Don’t expect to find much nightlife on Kauai. The island is better suited for travelers wanting a more laid back vacation focused on enjoying nature.

Things to Do

There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy on this small island, from kayaking to snorkeling to hiking . Above all else, hit the beach and savour in the local food. You’ll find some of the best restaurants in the Koloa and Lihue areas, and many offer free live entertainment from local musicians or live hula dancing. To get a feel of the rich history of Kauai island and the neighboring island of Ni'ihau, spend some time at the Kauai Museum just a few miles from the airport.

• Take a Helicopter Tour : If you’re going to shell out the money for a helicopter flight in Hawaii, do it on Kauai. The green rainforest landscape provides some of the most accessible, breathtaking views on earth. With local company Island Helicopters , you can even land at the base of the waterfall from the opening scene of Jurassic Park. 
• See the Na Pali Coast : Spend some time inside Kauai’s most adventurous and picturesque state park. Take a boat tour through sea caves and snorkel with tropical ocean life, tackle the strenuous Kalalau Trail, or take a short hike through the jungle to Hanakapiai Beach.
• Visit Waimea Canyon : The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” is a must on any Kauai travel itinerary. Hike to the top of a waterfall, do some camping, or just enjoy the unique canyon climate, which is unlike any other part of the island.

Get even more travel inspiration with our full-length guides to kid-friendly activities on Kauai, the 10 best beaches on Kauai and why Kauai deserves a spot on your bucket list .

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

What to Eat and Drink

Kauai is full of history, so naturally there are plenty of mom-and-pop spots to find delicious local favorites. Or experience a higher-end eatery that elevates island-grown ingredients and offers a special ambiance. Start with hitting a farmers market or two; you’ll find one somewhere on the island almost every day of the week. Try poke (raw fish cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated) at Koloa Fish Market on the south side. Stop by Duke’s or Keoki’s Paradise for happy hour tropical cocktails (mai tais, anyone?) and 'pupus' (shareable, appetizer-type dishes). To get your fill of comfort food, make time for handmade noodles at the legendary Hamura Saimin in Lihue, and to get a real feel for traditional Hawaiian food, book a luau at Luau Kalamaku in Lihue or the Smith Family Garden in Wailua. 

Explore even more foodie favorites with our guide to the best food on Kauai .

Where to Stay

You’ll find cheaper accommodations in Lihue due to the close proximity to the airport and the greater supply. Many travelers choose to stay on the east side in Lihue because of the accessibility to stores, places to eat, and cruise ships. Hotels are sparse on the west coast of the island near Waimea Canyon, so private rentals are a more realistic option on that side. Staying on the north shore has its pros and cons; there’s a larger chance of experiencing wet weather, but the results of the rain bring incredibly beautiful lush surroundings. On the south side of the island you’ll find popular tourist areas such as Poipu and Koloa, with plenty of resort-style accommodations, shopping, and restaurants.

Find the best area to stay on Kauai with our recommendations for the island’s best hotels.

Getting There

Short of a cruise ship, the Kauai Airport is the only gateway onto the island. It is located in the city of Lihue on the east side of Kauai. With more than 90 years of unbroken service, Hawaiian Airlines is the oldest airline that specializes in Kauai travel.   However, Southwest Airlines has recently been added to the mix, causing ticket prices to become more competitive. While Hawaiian Airlines provides daily flights both from the mainland and inter-island, Southwest is currently offering flights only on select days. 

Culture and Customs

As the oldest island in the state, Kauai is full of diverse cultures and historically significant areas. Make sure to show an incredible amount of respect for the land and sacred spots, take the time to learn about the island’s customs, learn a few phrases (such as “mahalo” and “a hui ho”) before traveling and above all, show aloha!

To learn more, read our introduction to Hawaiian culture .

Money Saving Tips

• If you purchase an admission ticket to the Kauai Museum , it’s good for up to seven days so that you can return during your vacation.
• Kauai (and all of the islands for that matter) are known for their food trucks. If you don’t mind grabbing your meal at the side of the road, you can find excellent food for under $10 at Porky’s on the east and west sides or Kikuchi’s in Nawiliwili.
• Renting a car is not only the most convenient way to travel around the island, it is also the most affordable. There are also places on Kauai that are more difficult (and expensive) to access by shuttle or taxi, so renting a car will absolutely save money for those who want to do more exploring.

Hawaiian Tourism Authority. "Hawai'i Visitor Statistics Released for 2019." Page 8. January 29, 2020.

Hawaii Tourism Authority. "Hawaiian Language."

Hawaiian Airlines. "About Us."

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The Perfect Kauai Itinerary – 3, 5, and 7 Day Kauai Itinerary Options (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Planning a getaway to the Garden Isle of Kauai? Check out our guide for how to plan the perfect 3-7 days in Kauai itinerary!

Beloved for its majestic natural beauty, Kauai is stocked full of impeccable landscapes, rich culture, ancient history, and hot attractions to hit up for your trip to Kauai! It is easily one of the best places to visit in Hawaii .

Notorious for its untouched landscapes, regal mountain backdrops, roaring waterfalls, world-famous beaches, and sprawling valleys have tagged the island the nickname “Garden Isle.”

Some of the most famous attractions on the island include the iconic Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu Beach. Its lush forests, clean air, untouched environment, and impeccable views make for an undeniably fulfilling trip that will highlight in your memories forever. 

Our Kauai itinerary is a masterfully organized list of the best things to do in Kauai for a core three-day trip. Plus, we’ve provided the option of small expansions to five-day and seven-day trips so that you can make the most out of your vacation to the naturally stunning Hawaiian Island of Kauai! 

Don’t forget to check out our complete list of the 21 Best Things To Do In Kauai !

Table of Contents

Day 1 Morning – Kokee State Park

Day 1 afternoon – kalalau beach, day 1 evening – na pali coast state wilderness park, day 2 morning – polihale state park, day 2 afternoon – kekaha lookout, day 2 evening – waimea canyon state park, day 3 morning – poipu beach, day 3 afternoon – maha’ulepu heritage trail, day 3 evening – shipwreck beach, day 4 morning – kalapaki beach, day 4 afternoon – wailua falls, day 4 evening – lu’au kalamaku, day 5 morning – hanalei valley lookout, day 5 afternoon – queen’s bath, day 5 evening – hanalei bay, day 6 morning – lumaha’i beach, day 6 afternoon – ke’e beach, day 6 evening – haena state park, day 7 morning – hanakapi’ai beach, day 7 afternoon – limahuli garden of the national tropical botanical garden, day 7 evening – tunnels beach, when is the best time to visit kauai, hawaii, getting around kauai, hawaii, best cheap hotel in kauai, best mid-range hotel in kauai, best luxury hotel in kauai, how to spend up to 7 days in kauai itinerary.

With this perfectly compiled 3 to 7 days in Kauai itinerary, you can guarantee you’ll hit the best attractions on the island for an unforgettable vacation. Our Kauai 7-day itinerary begins on the island’s northwest coast, traveling west to south to loop around to the island’s northern coast. 

The core three-day Kauai itinerary begins on the north shore and travels to the south shore.

However, if you want to spend more time on this beautiful island, you can easily adjust by adding the recommended five-day or seven-day itinerary to the core three days! 

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Core 3-Day Kauai Itinerary

Our 3 days in Kauai itinerary will serve as the core combination of things to do. It includes popular points of interest you don’t want to miss out on.

From the beautiful beaches of Kauai, including Kalalau Beach, to the top parks full of prosperous plant and animal life, like Polihale State Park, you can experience the best of the best on this unique and vibrant Hawaiian Island with our three-day Kauai itinerary! 

Read Next: Don’t plan your time in Hawaii without or Hawaiian itinerary guide.

Day 1 in Kauai

On your first day in Kauai, grab your rental car and start exploring! Hike through Koke’e State Park for opportunities to see unique animal and plant species.

If you dare, trek the dangerously rewarding hike of the Kalalau Trail to the remote and gorgeous Kalalau Beach. Wander where ancient Hawaiians once thrived in the valleys of Napali Coast State Wilderness Park for an amazing start to your trip to Kauai! 

Honing nearly 45 miles of hiking trails considered the most sought-after in Hawaii, Koke’e State Park is a land of natural wonder!

Thriving with the rich vegetation of dense jungles and native plants, the park is also home to endemic Hawaiian species of forest birds, including the moa, the ‘apapane, and ‘iwi.

A hike through Koke’e State Park’s trails presents a valued opportunity for trekkers to glimpse these rare species and achieve rewarding sights of the wilderness when they visit Waimea Canyon. 

Inside the park is the Koke’e Museum, which houses exhibits dedicated to showcasing educational information on the native species inside the park and Waimea Canyon. The museum offers assistance and information on weather and trail conditions that can be helpful before heading out into the park. 

Join an adventure on this Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Private Tour ! Experience the beauty of the Nā Pali Coast, the Waipo’o Falls, Waimea Canyon Lookout, and Koke’e State Park with informational highlights of the culture and history of these natural attractions provided by your local guide on this one-of-a-kind tour. 

Located on the north shore of Kauai, Kalalau Beach is the rewarding destination at the end of the Kalalau Trail .

Considered one of the most challenging trails on the Hawaiian Islands, the 11-mile Kalalau Trail is not for the inexperienced hiker, as it heads above towering sea cliffs, past roaring waterfalls, and through five valleys. Unfortunately, the only other way to reach Kalalau Beach is by kayaking.

Kalalau Beach rests at the base of Kalalau Valley on the Nā Pali Coast and features a rugged but serene escape many yearn to reach.

Many people camp at Kalalau Beach on the north coast to experience a remote getaway surrounded by lush forests, the gentle crash of the ocean’s waves, and the starry night sky. 

Full of hiking trails and opportunities to witness the glory of Kauai’s beauty firsthand, Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is one of the core activities to experience when visiting Kauai.

One of the most popular trails at the park is the Kalalau Trail, though there are plenty of other safe and beginner-friendly trail options to consider instead. 

The park has picturesque sceneries of rugged cliffs, towering mountains, rushing waterfalls, and thriving forests. Once upon a time, ancient Hawaiians lived in the valleys within the park, sustaining harvested items like taro and fishing in prosperous waters.

Numerous helicopter tours soar from above so visitors can view the breathtaking sights of the coastline. This air tour is one of them, traveling along the Na Pali Coast and through the Waimea Canyon!

Though you can visit the Na Pali Coast without a tour, a guided Na Pali Coast tour is the best way to see this rugged and remote area with ease. A boat tour is another alternative to a helicopter tour, and this one gets great reviews !

Day 2 in Kauai

Peer at towering sand dunes at the untamed beachside of Polihale State Park. Relish in picturesque viewpoints of the majesty of Kauai at the Kekaha Lookout. Then, witness the splendor of the sprawling Waimea Canyon at Waimea Canyon State Park!

A bit of a challenge to access but completely rewarding in the end, Polihale State Park is a seven-mile remote beach favored for its tranquil, untouched setting. The sand dunes at the beach are super impressive, some stretching up to 100 feet in the air. 

As the beach at Polihale State Park is wild, there are no lifeguards or protection from the open ocean, so taking precautions is advised. Many do not recommend swimming or surfing here as there is a rapid drop off into deep water, and the rip currents are infamously strong. 

Instead, for water-based activities, it is recommended to head over to the Queen’s Pond at Polihale State Park. It can be found on the southern point of the park and is one of the safer areas to swim in. 

• Address: Lower Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796
• Hours: 5:30 AM – 7:45 PM

Find more fun activities with our list of the 25 best things to do in Hawaii !

A quick but worthwhile stop, the Kekaha Lookout is found in Pu’u ka Pele Forest Reserve . The roadside vista opens up to views of the Hawaiian Island of Ni’hau, the ocean, and the Waimea Canyon. 

To reach the Kekaha Lookout, no trekking is required. Step out of your car, take a few steps, and you’re there! From the Kekaha Lookout, awe-inspiring sights of Kauai open up before you, making for a spectacular sightseeing and photo-taking spot to remember your trip by. 

• Address: Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI 96796
• Hours: Open 24 Hours

Notoriously known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, the Waimea Canyon is the most popular feature in Waimea Canyon State Park!

Nestled on the west coast of Kauai, Waimea Canyon State Park became much more famously known after the American explorer John Wesley Powell visited the island in 1869.

Many hiking trails reach some of the park’s top attractions, including the Waimea Canyon Trail, which heads to the canyon for rewarding viewpoints of the impressive landmark. Plus, there are convenient lookouts, like the Puu Hinahina Lookout, where visitors can relish the breathtaking sights of Waimea Canyon State Park.

This full-day Waimea Canyon & Wailua River tour is a memorable opportunity to cruise down the Wailua River with unique viewpoints of Waimea Canyon, Opaeka’a Falls, and the legendary Fern Grotto! 

Day 3 in Kauai

Sink into the luxurious tropical paradise of one of America’s best beaches at Poipu Beach. Bask in the refreshing air and views hiking the scenic Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.

And, of course, visit the iconic Shipwreck Beach, where rusted ships were once abandoned on its shores, for an impactful vacation in Kauai’s paradise!

Found on the south shore of Kauai, Poipu Beach is the perfect way to start the day in this tropical paradise!

Previously named America’s Best Beach by The Travel Channel, Poipu Beach is beloved for many reasons.

It is one of the most incredible beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, and it’s great for kids! This is a very family-friendly beach in Kauai due to its desirable shallow waters that are protected from strong rip currents and crashing waves.

The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is a rejuvenating coastal trek that traverses along the last stretch of undeveloped coastline along the south shore of Kauai. The two-mile trail, four miles out and back, is a quaint stroll with convenient access so that you can savor the natural beauty of the island with ease. 

Beginning at Shipwreck Beach, the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail winds along the scenic coastline to reach Maha’ulepu Beach. Both of these beach stops along the way are popular beaches for surfing, sunbathing, and sightseeing the stunning coastal ocean views of the island. 

Read next: The 21 Best Things To Do In Waikiki, Hawaii

On the south shore is the famous Shipwreck Beach , where abandoned ships once littered its shores. One such ship was the World War II Liberty Ship, a 1940s oil tanker that beached on the coral reef of Kaiolohia Bay. It became a famous landmark until it was later removed. 

This beach itself is not a recommended area for swimming or snorkeling. This is due to the intense rip currents and waves that power through the waters here, which can be a perilous safety risk.

Even with this, experienced surfers like to test their luck at Shipwreck Beach, though we highly advise not following suit. 

5 Days In Kauai Itinerary

If you want to extend your Kauai adventure, you need to check out our Kauai itinerary for 5 days vacation. We’ve made it simple to add these two extra days of recommended attractions and activities to our core three-day itinerary of the Garden Island! 

Day 4 in Kauai

Snorkel the waters or learn how to swim at Kalapaki Beach. Witness the brilliance of Wailua Falls from afar or up close and personal. Then, learn more about Kauai’s rich culture and history with a tour and performance at the Lu’au Kalamaku! Your exploration of Garden Island continues!

A great family-friendly attraction, Kalapaki Beach is settled on the east shore of Kauai with the Kauai Marriott Beach Resort at its back. 

Enjoy some beach time here are try some water sports! A sturdy break wall protects a portion of Kalapaki Beach, fending off the most violent waves that travel from the open ocean.

Due to this feature, water activities such as swimming, paddle boarding, and boogie boarding are popular at Kalapaki Beach, along with surfing lessons for beginners. 

Nearby are rental accommodations for water-based activities, plus shave ice to cool off from a hot day spent in the sun! Shave ice is a classic Kauai treat, so definitely grab one when you’ve finished up your beach time!

Featured on the hit television series Fantasy Island , the 173-foot Wailua Falls are found on the Wailua River. These dramatic falls are stunning as they cascade into the waters below. 

The Wailua Falls can be seen from the roadside if you’re content with sightseeing. If you’re more inclined to get up close and personal, a three-mile hike is required from Ma’alo Road.

One of the most rewarding sights can be gifted if you time it right in the morning when occasionally a rainbow trickles across the rushing waterfalls through the mist!

Full of culture and history, Lu’au Kalamaku is a dinner theater located on a plantation that combines native cuisine, hula dancing performances, and local crafts for a one-of-a-kind experience!

Visitors are welcome to book a guided tour of the plantation or a cultural demonstration of local arts as crafters construct enigmatic creations made from the island.

Afterward, guests can sit back and enjoy the show as fire and hula dancers perform to share Kauai’s story, history, and culture. 

• Address: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
• Phone Number: (877) 622-1780

Consider island hopping over to Maui next! Here is our list of the best things to do in Maui when you get there.

Day 5 in Kauai

Start day 5 of your ultimate Kauai itinerary with a quick stop at Hanalei Valley Lookout for impactful views of Hanalei Valley from above. Next, see one of the most iconic attractions on Kauai at the Queen’s Bath.

Then, go surfing or kayaking at Hanalei Bay for an active day spent savoring the impeccable environment of the tropical paradise of Kauai! 

The Hanalei Valley Lookout is a quick and popular spot for panoramic observational points of the sprawling valley.

As one of the most photographed spots in Hawaii, a visit to the north shore to reach this lookout can be extremely fruitful. 

The valley has taro fields, luscious forests, mountain peaks, and cascading waterfalls. Within Hanalei Valley are unique species like the Hawaiian coot that can be pictured above in their natural habitat. 

• Address : Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722

The Queen’s Bath is one of the most famous attractions on Kauai’s north shore. It only takes a short hike to reach the Queen’s Bath where natural tide pools, the open ocean, and lava rock combine for a spectacular sight. 

This natural attraction is a favorite summertime activity of tourists and locals, though it is important to proceed cautiously when visiting this spot.

Some individuals will try to swim in the rock pools, which may seem appealing initially, but sudden rip currents and dangerous crashing waves are infamous here, known to drag people out in the open ocean. 

Two miles long, Hanalei Bay is a crescent-shaped stretch that traverses from the Hanalei River to the Waipa Stream.

Named one of the best beaches in America, Hanalei Bay boasts breathtaking sparkling waters, a mountain backdrop, and access to nearby shopping and eating attractions. 

From Hanalei Bay is access to the Hanalei River, which many reach by paddling on rental kayaks. At the Bay, surfing is popular thanks to its impressive sought-out waves in the winter. 

Kauai Itinerary 7-Days

If you have the time to spend 7 days exploring Kauai, you won’t be disappointed! This seven-day itinerary can be added to the core three-day and five-day itinerary to help take your Kauai trip to the next level.

Day 6 in Kauai

Begin the day at the iconic Lumaha’i Beach to dip your toes in the soft white sand. Then, swim at Ke’e Beach, a safe and exceptional swimming and snorkeling spot. Finally, take your pick of attractions at Haena State Park, where ancient Hawaiian sea caves can be adventured firsthand! 

Settled on the north shore of Kauai, Lumaha’i Beach is wonderfully nestled at the mouth of the Lumaha’i River. This white sand beach’s scenic setting has been featured in many postcards, paintings, and photographs. 

Though Lumaha’i Beach offers a fantastic setting perfect for photography, sunbathing, and sightseeing, it is important to proceed with caution in the waters of this beach. The waters are exposed to the open ocean, meaning swimmers are exposed to strong rip currents. 

Read next: 21 Best Things To Do In Honolulu

The beloved Ke’e Beach on the north shore of Kauai is adored for its stunning white sands and sparkling blue waters. Its location is also conveniently near the legendary NaPali Coast, one of the most famous areas of Kauai and Hawaii for its breathtaking beauty. 

The swimming conditions at Ke’e Beach are ideal and safe for swimmers to savor the vibrant blue waters of Kauai. The crescent-shaped beach is not only excellent for swimmers but for snorkelers too, where visitors of Ke’e Beach can catch sightings of sea turtles in their natural habitat! 

Frequently referred to as the end of the road, Haena State Park is the final point of the Kuhio Highway on the north shore of Kauai.

From Haena State Park is access to ancient Hawaiian sites, such as a collection of sea caves that are calculated to be over 4,000 years old. 

There are other important attractions at Haena State Park to check out. Kee Lagoon is one such attraction, beloved for its dazzling scenery and ideal swimming conditions. And from Haena State Park, the wild and untouched expanse of the NaPali coast can be experienced firsthand! 

• Address: 6CC9+8R Wainiha, Hawaii, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
• Phone Number: (808) 274-3444
• Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Read Next: Check out our top recommendations for an itinerary for a trip to Maui !

Day 7 in Kauai

Sink into the sand and laze in the sun at Hanakapi’ai Beach for your last day in paradise on Kauai.

Next, scour the crafted exhibits of local species at the Limahuli Garden and Preserve to learn more about local plant life, culture, and history. Finally, snorkel in the waters with sea turtles at Tunnels Beach for a memorable way to end your trip to Kauai! 

A few miles from the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapi’ai Beach is a secluded hotspot on Kauai’s north shore!

The golden-sanded Hanakapi’ai Beach has plenty of space to settle down in the sand as the sun’s rays warm your skin and the crash of the waves lulls you to relax. Pack lunch for an energizing picnic at Hanakapi’ai Beach before exploring the nearby sea caves.

As a safety note, swimming at Hanakapi’ai Beach is not advised. It is infamous for its dangerous waters that have resulted in more than a few drownings. 

A nature preserve and botanical garden, the Limahuli Garden and Preserve on the north shore of Kauai is one of the five gardens included in the National Tropical Botanical Garden .

Limahuli Garden and Preserve is one of the top attractions on the island that has established itself on the footprint of its Hawaiian ancestors. 

A stroll through the Limahuli Garden and Preserve opens the doors to the diverse life that has made its home on Kauai. Limahuli Garden and Preserve is home to numerous native species that have played a significant role in Kauai’s culture and history! 

• Address : 5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
• Phone Number: (808) 826-1053
• Hours: 8:30 AM – 2:15 PM (Tuesday-Saturday), Closed (Sunday-Monday)

Tunnels Beach is the most sought-out spot for snorkeling in Kauai, which is the perfect way to end your trip to Kauai! 

Snorkel through the crystal-clear waters while basking in the vibrant diversity of the marine life that flourishes in its waters and the coral reef nestled near the shoreline.

One of the most common sightings at Tunnels Beach is Hawaiian green sea turtles, as they like to laze about on the beach’s sandy shores or hunt for food in its waters.

Stopping in Cali on your way to Hawaii? Check our our list of the 25 best things to do in California !

Kauai Hawaii Travel Guide

From a boat tour or a helicopter tour over the Na Pali Coast to exploring the beaches of Kauai’s south shore, you now know how to spend anywhere from 3 to 7 days on Kauai.

Now let’s discuss the best time to visit, how to get around the entire island, and where to stay when you visit the wildest and most rugged of all the Hawaiian Islands!

The best time to visit the Hawaiian island of Kauai is the months of April, May, August, September, and October.

These months are considered shoulder season, and they are ideal travel times as they have fewer crowds, more desirable weather for adventuring the outdoors, and the prices aren’t as excessively high as they are not “peak” tourist months. 

When it comes to getting around Kauai, you don’t necessarily need a vehicle for transportation. There are bike rentals, walking guides, shuttle service, rideshares, public transportation, and area shuttles to get around the island to reach the different top attractions in the area.

If you’re more inclined to be in control of transportation, rental cars are available on Kauai. Renting a car allows you full flexibility to explore the island however you choose!

Where to Stay in Kauai, Hawaii

If you’re wondering where to stay in Kauai, there are some great options for every budget scattered around the island. Here are our top recommendations!

Kauai Beach House Hostel used to be the best cheap accommodation on Kauai, but it has unfortunately closed. Kauai Palms Hotel is the next best option! It’s not a hostel, but it’s one of the most affordable hotels on the island. It’s located right next to Lihue Airport and has beautiful mountain views.

Only a four-minute walk to Nukoli’i Beach Park, Kauai Beach Villas is a beachfront stay serving desirable accommodations. On-site is a restaurant and bar serving refreshing drinks and American cuisine, an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, and a garden to unwind at. 

Where world-class service welcomes you, The Lodge at Kukui’ula offers guests classy celebrity treatment with unrivaled accommodations, features, and service. Sink into luxury at the spa center, savor chef-driven dishes at the hotel’s restaurant, burn excess calories in the gym, or sweat it all out at the sauna!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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Kauai Travel Tips: START HERE If You’re Planning a Trip to Kauai

Kauai…the Garden Isle…the island your Jurassic Park dreams are made of…she’s quite a beauty! 

I’ve got about 15 posts on Kauai on this site (not including the other islands or general Hawaii planning posts)…that’s a lot of good info! 

To help you round it all up, this page is going to serve as home base for all of my Kauai travel tips. 

Kauai Travel Tips

Here’s a quick “table of contents” for what’s in this post:

When to Go to Kauai

• How Many Days to Spend on Kauai

Flying to Kauai (Which Airport)

• Lay of the Is(land)

Where to Stay on Kauai

Things you can only do on kauai, kauai itineraries.

• Do You Need a Rental Car?
• When to Book Activities

What to Pack

There’s never a bad time to go to Kauai ; )

But here are a few notes: 

Summer vacation and winter break are peak season in Hawaii so expect higher prices and crowds. 

The weather is pretty temperate and more or less the same all year round. The major thing is that during the winter months it rains a LOT more on the north shore. But that’s why it’s so green and lush!

Whale season is December through April. 

Hurricane season is technically August through October, but they’re pretty uncommon in Hawaii. 

When the kids go back to school is the BEST time to visit (in my opinion). The crowds practically disappear and prices are about as cheap as you’ll ever find them. 

If you live in a cold weather climate, it’s pretty dreamy to be able to leave the cold and head to Hawaii during the winter ; ) 

How Many Days to Spend on Kauai?

I rarely ever suggest spending less than one full week on any one Hawaiian island and if you want the full Hawaiian vacation experience, I think that’s the best game plan for Kauai. Six full days is a good amount of time to really explore the island but still have plenty of down time to actually have a “vacation.” 

BUT if you’re on a mission to see and do a lot and you’re more of the go-go-go type, you can see a LOT on Kauai in 3-4 days. Now, that’s a pretty active 3-4 days, but if you’re wanting to tack on a few days before or after visiting another Hawaiian Island to experience what makes Kauai unique, then it’s definitely doable. 

Kauai is probably the most compact of the main Hawaiian Islands so if you only have a few days, you really can see a lot compared to Maui or the Big Island where I would definitely not recommend less than a full week. 

Kauai’s main airport is the Lihue Airport (LIH). This is where you’ll fly in coming from the mainland and on interisland flights. 

From Lihue, it’s about a 30 minute drive to the Poipu resort area (South side), and about a 50 minute drive to the Princeville resort area (North shore). 

Lay of the Is(land) South Shore vs North Shore?  

I’ve done a deep dive into that question here , but they’re very different. The north shore is lush, green, and a little more “local” feeling. But there aren’t as many resorts and hotels and it rains a LOT (especially in the winter). 

The south side is a lot more tourist friendly (more resorts, swimmable beaches, sunshine, etc.) but isn’t quite as dramatically stunning. Only moderately stunning ; ) Most people stay on the south side and make day trips up to the north shore when the weather looks good.

This is where it all starts when you’re planning your trip. Kauai isn’t a very large island (that’s relative because all of the Hawaiian Islands are actually pretty big compared to islands in the Caribbean or elsewhere), but it has several distinctive areas. 

Most people get hung up on whether to stay on the south side (dry and sunny) or the north shore (rainy but GORGEOUS). One of the most helpful posts on my site is this breakdown of where to stay on Kauai. It’s got pros and cons of each area, specific recommendations on hotels and resorts plus my picks for family friendly places, honeymoon resorts, and budget options. Read that post  here .

And read my review of staying at the Grand Hyatt Kauai here . 

***Want to save major $$$ on your trip to Hawaii? I get asked ALL the time how I’m able to travel so often to Hawaii and stay at really nice resorts. Well, my favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free airfare and free nights at some of Hawaii’s most high end resorts. Read my full guide on the exact system I use to max out credit card rewards here . Seriously, it’s going to save you soooo much money. 

I could give you a list of 100 things you absolutely don’t want to miss on Kauai (and believe me I have on this blog), but I’m going to keep it short and sweet here. 

You can go to ANY Hawaiian island and find beautiful beaches and fun adventures like snorkeling, surfing, paddleboarding, horseback riding, atv rides, tennis, golf, zipling, etc. 

There are a lot of things that are 100% amazing (and worth your time and money), but you’ll find some version of it on every island. But there are the things you absolutely don’t want to miss on Kauai whether or not you have 3-4 days or two weeks: 

Napali Coast Boat Tour: During the summer months (April to October), you HAVE to take a Napali Coast boat tour that leaves out of Hanalei. This is classic Hawaii…the Hawaii you see in movies, and it’s not to be missed. This coastline full of soaring green, jagged cliffs lined with white sand beaches is a sight that many choose to see on a helicopter tour but it’s best explored by ocean raft where you can zip in and out of sea caves and feel the ocean spray on your face. Read more about Napali Coast boat tours here . 

Hiking Kalalau Trail: This famed trail along the Napali Coast is 22 miles round trip and requires a permit, but the first two miles (four round trip) are open to day hikers. The trailhead is at Ke’e beach at the end of the road on the north shore (reservations for parking and entry are required). Even if you’re not an avid hiker, you really need to try this one. Read more about hiking the Kalalau Trail here . 

Waimea Canyon: Second only to the Napali Coast, the Waimea Canyon is Kauai’s biggest attraction. Called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” it’s pretty stunning. There are a handful of overlooks, each offering a different perspective of the canyon. Don’t miss the Kalalau overlook. This is a great glimpse of the Napali Coast. 

Read more in this post >> Things You Can ONLY Do on Kauai

I’ve put together a few different itineraries for Kauai here: 

3 Day Kauai Itinerary

4 Day Kauai Itinerary

5 Day Kauai Itinerary

Do You Need a Rental Car? 

You absolutely will need a rental car. Hawaii is not an all-inclusive destination where you’ll arrive by shuttle and never leave your resort (I mean you could do that…but it’s pretty expensive just to get to Hawaii so most people want to actually see Hawaii. If you want a cheaper resort only vacation, just go to Mexico). 

Also, even though Kauai is the smallest main island, it’s still pretty big. Driving from Poipu on the southside up to the north shore can easily take an hour. And public transportation isn’t very good. 

So you’ll most definitely want a rental car for your stay even if you’re staying in a resort area. I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rentals . They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

When to Book Activities?

One of the top questions I get asked is when the best time to book activities/tours/excursions is. Honestly, if there’s something you know you want to do for sure…you should book it as soon as you can. 

There’s no advantage to waiting until the last minute. You won’t find better deals and more than likely you’ll end up missing out because things sell out. In the post COVID landscape, so many activities and tours in Hawaii (luaus, snorkeling tours, ziplining, atv rides, even RESTAURANTS) are fully booked 2-4 months in advance. 

You’ll want the usual beach vacation clothes, but a trip to Kauai also means a lot of exploring and there are some odd/specialty things you won’t want to forget.

Read my full Hawaii packing list plus tips on what to wear here . 

More Posts about Kauai

Besides everything above, I’ve got even MORE info on Kauai. Check out these posts: 

Things to Do in Poipu

Best Restaurants in Poipu

Napali Coast Boat Tour vs Helicopter Ride

Maui vs Kauai

Hawaii Travel Tips

Here’s one more really important thing you need to know before your Hawaii trip…

Reservations You Need to Make BEFORE Your Hawaii Trip

You’ve got your airfare, hotel, rental car and your big activities booked, so you should be good to go, right? Wrong!

Travel is BOOMING in Hawaii so a lot of state and national parks used the closure and reopening to institute reservation systems at some of the island’s most popular spots to make things a little more sustainable.

That means that there are now over half a dozen sites (beaches, trailheads, etc.) that require advance reservations. And some sell out well before you arrive on the island so you really need to have some sort of a plan.

I recently saw somebody in a Hawaii travel group post in a panic that they didn’t know they had to make reservations for things in advance…they thought they could just show up and “go with the flow.” I was tempted to say, well, “as long as the flow doesn’t take you somewhere that requires reservations, you can!” ; )

But I don’t want YOU to be that person, so I’ve pulled together a list of all the places you need to reserve entry in advance (plus all the details on booking windows, price, links, etc.) and a handful of popular tourist hotspots that book out really far in advance too.

Haleakala National Park (Maui)

To visit Haleakala National Park for sunrise at the summit, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are required to enter the park gates between 3AM and 7AM (sunrise hours).

Online reservations are $1 per reservation/vehicle PLUS you’ll pay the park entrance fee of $30/vehicle when you arrive (National Park annual passes are also accepted at the gate).

The reservation booking window opens 60 days in advance at 7AM HST. There are also a limited number of tickets released two days before.

You can make one reservation every three days with the same account. So if you want to make reservations for back to back days (in case of weather/conditions), you’ll need to do so with separate accounts (email addresses).

If you can’t get reservations for sunrise, you can enter the park anytime after 7AM without reservations. The summit is spectacular during the day and you don’t need reservations for sunset.

I strongly recommend creating an account before and making sure you’re logged in at 7AM HST because it’s not uncommon for reservations to sell out quickly.

Waianapanapa State Park (Maui)

To visit Maui’s famous black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are required to visit the beach and are distributed in windows from 7AM-10AM, 10AM-12:30PM, 12:30PM-3PM, and 3PM-6PM. And they are pretty strict about exiting by the end of your window time (you can arrive anytime within your window).

It’s $5/person to enter plus $10/vehicle to park and those fees are paid when you book your time slot.

Reservations open up 30 days in advance.

Iao Valley State Park (Maui)

To visit the lush, green mountains and hike at Iao Valley State Park, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are offered for 90 minute time slots beginning at 7AM and ending at 6PM. They ask that you arrive within the first 30 minutes of your time slot.

Entry is $5/person plus $10/vehicle to park.

Diamond Head (Oahu)

To hike to the top of Waikiki’s famous Diamond Head, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are offered in two hour increments beginning at 6AM (6AM-8AM, 8AM-10AM, etc.) and ending at 6PM. If you’re parking onsite, they ask that you arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reservation window.

Tip: I recommend booking one of the first two time slots because there isn’t much shade on this hike and it gets pretty hot.

Hanauma Bay (Oahu)

To snorkel at Oahu’s pristine Hanauma Bay, you must make reservations in advance here.

Entry times are staggered in 10 minute increments from 7AM to 1:20PM with roughly 1000 slots being assigned in advance every day.

Reservations can be made two days in advance and they open at 7AM HST. They’re usually gone in minutes (if not seconds).

If you’re unable to get an advanced reservation, you can try for a day of, walk in ticket. They open at 6:45AM and they only have a limited number available. Everyone in your group needs to be present when you purchase your tickets in person.

There are no reservations for parking and it’s first come, first serve. $3/vehicle.

It’s $25/person to snorkel at Hanauma Bay (12 and under, active military, and locals with HI ID are free).

The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday (CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY) from 6:45AM-4PM. Last entry is at 1:30PM, the beach is cleared at 3:15PM and you have to leave the facility by 4PM.

Jellyfish patterns can also affect whether or not the bay is open so double check the day before/day of.

USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor (Oahu)

If you want to take the boat tour at Pearl Harbor out to the USS Arizona, it’s recommended to make advance reservations here.

Online reservations are guaranteed a specific boarding time to go out to the USS Arizona. If you’re unable to get an advance reservation, you can wait standby when you arrive. The line could be short (15 minutes or so) or long (hours) and it just depends on the day (if they’re having problems with the loading dock sometimes they don’t take many from the standby line) and the time of day.

Reservations are supposed to open up 60 days in advance, but keep an eye on your exact dates, because lately they’ve actually been opening up about 57ish days in advance???

They also release a small batch of tickets the day before.

The boat ride out to the USS Arizona is free, but it’s $1 to make the reservations online.

They recently started charging $7/vehicle for parking at Pearl Harbor.

Haena State Park / Kalalau Trail (Kauai)

If you want to hike Kauai’s famous Kalalau Trail, you must make advance reservations here. You’ve got three options here:

1) Parking & Entry: This is the most flexible option and also the most limited. THESE RESERVATIONS SELL OUT IN LESS THAN A MINUTE. There are three time slots available: 6:30AM-12:30PM, 12:30PM-5:30PM and 4:30PM to sunset. You can purchase multiple time slots if you want to stay longer. It’s $10/timeslot (parking) plus $5/person and you have to reserve every person when you initially book. Everybody has to arrive in the same car and your ID needs to match the reservation.

2) Shuttle & Entry: If you can’t get parking at the trailhead, there’s also a shuttle option. Shuttle reservations are $35/person (16+), $25/person (ages 4-15), 3 and under can ride free. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes 6:20AM to 6:40PM.

3) Entry Only: If you’re a Hawaiian resident (with HI ID) or someone WITH a Hawaiian resident, you can purchase entry only for $5/person with no advance reservations. Also, if you’re walking or biking to the trailhead you can do this option. But there is NOWHERE to park in the area to walk in. So this really only works for those with bikes or who are staying close enough to walk. They will tow your car if you park outside the designated areas.

The reservation window opens 30 days in advance at 12AM HST. The parking & entry option usually sells out in a minute, but the shuttle availability will last longer.

There are a TON of FAQs here including the possibility of snagging a canceled reservation.

Other Things to Book in Advance

Hawaii is a busy place these days! Besides the state and national parks above, here’s a handful of miscellaneous things you should make reservations for in advance (if they’re on your radar):

Mama’s Fish House (Maui) : The iconic spot is the most popular restaurant in Hawaii and dinner reservations usually start filling up about 6 months in advance (they open up bookings 18 months in advance). Make reservations through their website and if the dates you want are already booked, you can join a waitlist. Most people have pretty good success getting in on the waitlist (even if it’s for lunch).

Old Lahaina Luau (Maui) : Honestly, any luau you’re planning to attend you should book early, but most people are usually shocked how far out the Old Lahaina Luau books out. Book it as soon as you know your dates (I think they open at the six month window). They also have a waitlist.

Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour (Oahu) : Everybody loves Jurassic Park so getting to ride UTVs where they filmed the movies is very popular. The ranch offers a lot of different tours but the UTV tours usually book out a couple of months in advance.

Spa Reservations : If you’re staying at a resort with a spa (or planning on visiting one), don’t wait until you arrive to make your reservations. I’d make them at least a month in advance.

Tee Times : Same for golf, reserve your tee times well in advance.

Dining Reservations : Any “fancy” or resort restaurant is likely to be booked up these days so if you like having a nice dinner every night, make your plans in advance.

P.S. Thanks for sticking around and reading this whole post! If you have ANY questions about planning your trip to Hawaii, you can join my free Facebook group here . I’m there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share!

Also, if you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@ caitylincoln ). My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. And please share my account with your friends that are headed to Hawaii! Your support really helps me keep this blog running!

10 Must-Know Tips BEFORE You Plan a Trip to Kauai

Are you planning your first trip to hawaii and want some helpful hawaii travel tips find out things no one tells you before planning a trip to kauai , this post about how to plan a trip to kauai was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

My friends are constantly asking for advice on how to plan a trip to Hawaii . I think it’s because I’ve traveled there more than 40 times in the past 25 years, and I usually know where to get the best Hawaii vacation deals. Here, I will give you some tips you must know when you’re starting to plan a trip to Kauai.

If you want to plan an epic vacation in Hawaii, the hardest part is choosing which of the Hawaiian islands is best for your family.

While each island is pretty spectacular, nothing beats a Kauai family vacation, in my opinion. Also known as the Garden Isle, the place has so many scenic spots like the Waimea Canyon State Park (Hawaii’s Grand Canyon), Royal Coconut Coast, Na Pali Coastline, multiple hiking trails, and so much more.

There’s so much to do on Kauai with kids of all ages. I’ve got tons of Kauai tips for families looking for easy Kauai vacation ideas and logistics.

We’ve taken our kids to Kauai several times since they were babies, and we’ve figured out a lot of Kauai tips and tricks that we wish we had known before our trips.

Plus, my mom lives there, so we have lots of insider information!

Whether you are planning a Hawaiian vacation for the first time or it’s just your first trip to Kauai, you need to read this first!

Keep scrolling for my top must-know Kauai travel tips!

Find out the best 101 Things to do in Kauai with Kids !

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Kauai.

Popular Kauai Tours/Activities

• Na Pali Coast Snorkeling Tour (this one also goes to the forbidden island of Ni’ihau)
• Kauai Helicopter Tour (this is the BEST way to see waterfalls on Kauai)
• ATV Tour to a Private Waterfall (this is a romantic adventure that feels like a secret getaway)
• Mountain Tubing (this is a low-key adventure down an old sugar cane canal)
• Luau Kalamaku (you can do a little train ride and feed farm animals before the luau)
• Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)

Favorite Kauai Resorts/Hotels

• Grand Hyatt Kauai (this Poipu resort has a luxurious pool area, romantic restaurants, and a stunning ocean view)
• Koloa Landing Resort (this is a luxury resort with an amazing pool area and truly spacious rooms)
• Royal Sonesta Kauai (we LOVE the pool here because it’s the largest one in Hawaii)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii? One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Kauai Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Click here for step-by-step Kauai travel planning help

What to Know Before You Start Kauai Vacation Planning

1. ideal kauai vacation is 7-10 days.

If you really want to get the full Kauai vacation experience, you will want to stay at least a week .

That way, you’ll have time to drive up to the North Shore, explore the East Shore, and hang out on the South Shore.

You’ll be able to do a handful of tours and excursions, eat at a lot of tasty restaurants and food trucks, plus leave enough room for some beach days and time to relax by the pool.

The island of Kauai has a laid-back vibe, and you’ll want to soak it all in without rushing. It will make your vacation in Kauai much more memorable, too!

Find out what to pack for Kauai !

2. You Can Day Trip to Kauai

While it’s really best to plan a trip to Kauai in 7 days (or more), you can totally do a whirlwind tour by island hopping from another Hawaiian island.

If you’re visiting Kauai for a day trip, try to get one of the first flights in the morning and one of the last in the evening to maximize your time.

I suggest making your ultimate list of things to do in Kauai and then narrowing it down to just one or two items.

You won’t be able to do all the Kauai activities in just a day, especially if some are half-day or full-day adventures.

I recommend finding things you can only do in Kauai (like seeing Waimea Canyon, driving up to Hanalei , or going sugar cane tubing .)

Another idea is just to enjoy visiting a different island, tasting Wailua Shave Ice , going snorkeling , and eating at the popular Tahiti Nui .

3. The North Shore is Really Rainy

Many people assume that the North Shore is the best place to stay on Kauai because it’s so pretty.

It’s indeed absolutely stunning with all the lush, tropical plants and majestic coastline.

But it’s full of so much greenery because it rains a TON.

In fact, the amount of rain sometimes causes the road into Hanalei to close. So, if you’re staying up there, you might be stuck for several days until the road opens back up.

And if you are planning a day trip up there, make sure to check the weather first.

We usually head up to the North Shore the first day it looks clear and sunny, in case it rains the rest of the trip.

4. Highway Doesn’t Go All The Way Around

One big misconception about Kauai is that you can completely drive around the entire island.

There’s actually a big roadblock (aka the Na Pali Coast) that prevents the highway from connecting the North Shore to the West Shore.

While it might not seem like a big deal, you’ll definitely want to plan for traffic. See, there’s only one way up the coast and one way down the coast.

There are a couple of bypass roads you can take that will save you time during peak traffic, but otherwise, it will take you longer than you expect to get from the South Shore to the North Shore and vice-versa.

For example, if you are staying up in Princeville and want to visit Waimea Canyon, it can take up to 2 hours to get there without traffic.

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

5. Reserve a Kauai Rental Car

No matter where you stay in Kauai (or any island in Hawaii), you’re going to want to rent a car in Hawaii .

That’s because some of the best things to do in Kauai require driving, and Kauai doesn’t have amazing public transportation.

You won’t find as many Kauai tour companies that will pick you up at your resort (unlike if you’re staying in Waikiki on Oahu).

One of my biggest Kauai car rental tips for families is to bring your own car seat rather than renting one from the car rental company.

That way, you know it’s the right fit for your child and your child is already comfortable.

Driving a Hawaii rental car will also save you a lot of time. You can choose how long you’d like to spend anywhere, and you won’t have to plan ahead so much.

I really recommend downloading the Kauai Shaka App . It’s a GPS-oriented Hawaii travel app that will give you an audio tour of the places you are driving near. It’s affordable and packed with tons of information. DOWNLOAD THE APP .

One of the best places to rent a car on Kauai is through Discount Hawaii Car Rental . They get amazing deals on national brands like Avis, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget, Dollar, Alamo, and Payless. Check out the latest prices and more details.

If you don’t have a driver’s license, your best bet is to stay at a resort where you can walk to restaurants and attractions or one that has a shuttle. And book tours that pick you up.

6. South Shore is the Sunny Side

The most popular place to stay on Kauai is Poipu because it’s known for being on the sunny side of the island.

It can rain everywhere else on Kauai, but there’s a good chance the South Shore has at least a pocket of sun.

If you are heading to Kauai in winter, I strongly suggest you book your hotel/resort in Poipu to maximize your sunny days during the rainy season .

Keep the South Shore as a backup plan for the rest of the year in case it’s raining on the North or East Shore.

7. Kauai Has an Awesome Food Scene

Kauai has really stepped up in the culinary world in the past decade.

Here, you’ll find many tasty food trucks (many of which have now launched brick-and-mortar restaurants), snack shacks, and upscale dining.

Kauai is also known for having a variety of vegan/vegetarian restaurants, lots of organic food, and many farm-to-table restaurants. And in the summer, you’ll find many shave ice desserts sold around the entire island.

They also have a really cool series of Kauai Food Tours that take you to all the best spots to try some incredible food. Find the best prices here.

8. Need Reservations for Haena

Haena State Park, located at the end of the road on the North Shore, is a popular place to visit on Kauai.

People like visiting Ke’e Beach, seeing the hula mound, hiking to Hanakapiai or into the Kalalau Valley.

Parking has been an issue there for a long time, so a couple of years ago, they made it a reservation-only park.

They reserve 100 cars each day in their parking lot, but they also have a shuttle that can take you to the park. Both require advance reservations.

Make your Haena State Park reservations here

9. Check the Weather Before Visiting Waimea Canyon

I’ll never forget the time my friend and I woke up super early and drove up to Waimea Canyon, only to see a sea of thick fog covering the view.

It was SUCH a letdown.

But we were young and didn’t check the weather before heading out. Don’t make that mistake !

Since it’s a bit of a trek, consider spending a few hours hiking at Waimea Canyon or continuing up to Kokee State Park to explore.

It’s definitely one of the best things to do on Kauai under $10 !

10. Not All Kauai Luaus are the Same

A lot of times, I hear people say that you only need to do a luau once because it’s all the same.

As a professional hula dancer, I can emphatically say that most Kauai luaus are special in their own way.

One of our all-time favorite Kauai luau experiences is the Smith Family Luau . You can take a boat ride to Fern Grotto first, explore their amazing garden, and then head to the luau. Find the best prices and check availability .

And there’s Luau Kalamaku , where you can take a train ride around Kilohana Plantation and then experience a theatrical storytelling experience about how Polynesians came to Hawaii. Find the best prices here.

How to Plan a Trip to Kauai FAQ

If you are looking for the best Kauai travel deals, the best time to visit Kauai is during the shoulder season. This runs from mid- April to June in the Spring and September to mid-December in the Fall.

There are 3 main areas: North Shore (Princeville/Hanalei), East Shore (Kapaa/Lihue), and South Shore (Poipu). Most people prefer staying in Poipu because there are lots of Kauai resorts to choose from and the weather is typically sunny and dry.

While Oahu is the most popular Hawaiian island for a first trip to Hawaii, many people debate Maui vs. Kauai for a second trip. Maui is nice for families looking for the resort experience and who want to go on a couple of day trips (Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park). Kauai is great for families looking for a more low-key Hawaii vacation with outdoorsy adventures like hiking and snorkeling .

And there you have it! My top Kauai tips for newcomers who want to plan a trip to Kauai like a pro!

If you’re starting to plan a trip to Kauai, you might want to check out my other blogs!

• Kid-Friendly Guide to 22 Best Kauai Beaches
• Top 11 Cheap Places to Stay in Kauai
• 75 Best Things to Do on Kauai with Kids
• Awesome Kauai Farm Tours for Families

Looking for more Hawaii trip planning tips ? Find out how to rent a car in Hawaii, 50 places to visit in Hawaii , if you need travel insurance for Hawaii , best Hawaii travel apps , and 105 ways to save money in Hawaii !

5 Day Kauai Itinerary: the Perfect Plan for What to Do on the Garden Island

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: January 3, 2023  - Last updated: February 27, 2024

Kauai is so astonishingly beautiful and diverse. Whether you are island hopping or planning just to visit the Garden Island, this Kauai itinerary is ideal for having an unforgettable visit. We’ve picked some beautiful hikes, great beaches, unique food and wonderful sights to make your Kauai trip awesome .

As you go through this Kauai itinerary, remember that you can pick and choose from it to make your trip just what you want it to be. If you only have three days on the island, you can easily cut out the longer hikes so that you can cover more ground, or, dare I say it, just do what makes you happy and get in plenty of relaxation.

If you have suggestions to make this Kauai itinerary easier or to get in additional sights and activities, please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re always happy to share more!

Planning a Visit to Kauai

For those who haven’t been to Hawaii before, planning a trip is complicated and rather expensive. One of the things that, I think, prevents a lot of people from visiting Kauai initially is because it’s not the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands. Yes, it’s the most lush with the most astounding scenery, but it’s not as well known for American vacationers as Oahu or Maui.

Our goal with sharing our Kauai itinerary is to make the planning seamless and simple. Part of that is setting realistic expectations and giving tips to make things easy once you’re there.

Top Tips for Visiting Kauai

Since Kauai is a very different island than what you’ll experience on Oahu or the Big Island of Hawaii , planning your Kauai itinerary and stay details is a bit different. Here are our top tips to keep in mind when planning to visit Kauai.

First of all, yes, you do need a rental car while visiting Kauai unless your whole plan is only to relax at your hotel or resort and then maybe do a guided tour of the island . A car is necessary.

Fine dining or nicer sit-down dining DOES require reservations for many places in Koloa, Kapa’a or Hanalei.

Visiting the Na Pali Coast of Kauai takes ADVANCED planning. If you want to do the famous hike in Haena State Park, you’ll need reservations (more on that below).

When exploring Kauai, keep in mind that you CANNOT drive the complete circle of the island. You can drive all the way around the Big Island and through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , and on Oahu you can drive the Kamehameha Highway and North Shore to do a circle, but Kauai dead-ends on the north shore and on the east side of the mountains.

As long as you keep these tips in mind, your Kauai itinerary will be awesome and you should have a magical visit to the Garden Island!

Getting to Kauai

Most people flying to Kauai will be arriving after a layover in Honolulu (HNL). There are very few direct flights to Lihue (LIH) from the mainland USA or Canada. That’s not to say that you can’t get to Kauai easily, but you need to know that you will most likely have at least one layover, most likely two.

The direct flights to Kauai from the mainland include (as of 2023):

• Los Angeles, CA – LAX
• Seattle, WA – SEA
• Oakland, CA – OAK
• San Jose, CA – SJC
• Phoenix, AZ – PHX
• San Francisco, CA – SFO
• Denver, CO – DEN
• Las Vegas, NV – LAS
• San Diego, CA – SAN
• Portland, OR (very few) – PDX
• Vancouver, BC – YVR

If you’re already in Hawaii and visiting Kauai as part of an island hopping trip, you can fly into Lihue, Kauai from Honolulu, Oahu – HNL; Kahului, Maui – OGG; or from Kailua-Kona, Big Island – KOA. There isn’t currently a direct flight from Hilo, Big Island (ITO) to Lihue.

Where to Stay on Kauai

For our Kauai itinerary, we recommend staying on the eastern shore of the island, but you could also split your time between hotels. Staying on the eastern shore in Kapa’a allows you one home base that you can easily return to each day no matter what your activities have been. If you stay in Koloa or on the south shore, you’ll have up to a two hour drive to return home at the end of a day on the north shore, and visa versa.

Best plan for where to stay on Kauai is one of these, and it’s dependent on what YOU value most for your trip:

• Stay in Kapa’a or Lihue for the whole stay on Kauai – max 1 hr +/- drive from either end of the highway
• Split your time between south shore (Koloa, Waimea or Eleele) and north shore (Hanalei, Princeville, or Kilauea) – up to 2.5 hours between ends of the highway

We stayed at the Kauai Shores Hotel and loved the location, both for being between our activities on our Kauai itinerary AND for its convenient location with beaches and dining within a few steps of the hotel.

Another solid recommendation for where to stay on Kauai, if you choose to stay on the south shore, is the Waimea Plantation Cottages . We’ve had several friends stay there and they all have loved it, both for the resort itself and its great location near south shore beaches and the Waimea Canyon.

Find a Kauai stay here:

How Many Days Do You Need on Kauai?

So, how many days do you need on Kauai? While you could have a nice visit and see some beautiful sights in just three days, five days is ideal. This Kauai itinerary covers five days of activities, but doesn’t leave a lot of time for general relaxation. We don’t typically travel across the ocean to just lay by the pool or take naps on the beach, but for some people that is their absolute dream vacation.

5-7 days is perfect for any pace of trip to Kauai. At five days you can cover most of the island at a relaxed pace, have great hikes AND get plenty of beach time. At seven days you can do all that, take time to relax on lots of different beaches, and not feel rushed through exploring.

Kauai Itinerary: 5 Days of Fun and the Best Sights

Alright, time to get into the actual plan: five awesome days of beautiful sights and amazing adventures exploring Kauai. This itinerary can be easily flipped to start on the south shore instead of the north, or you can mix up the days. As you turn this into your own Kauai itinerary, move the days around to account for any tours or events you have planned, or if you have booked multiple hotels. Have fun!

Download our 5 Day Kauai Itinerary here!

Day 1: Arrival on Kauai and Exploring Kauai’s North Shore

Your first day on Kauai is a great time to get your bearings and get excited about the rest of your time here. When you land on Kauai in Lihue, get your rental car and either head to your hotel or hit the Kuhio Highway for some North Shore sightseeing and adventure. Day one in our Kauai itinerary is more mellow, just in case you flew in from the mainland the day before and are feeling the jet lag. Take care of yourself today and just enjoy the island. There are epic adventures to come…

Kilauea Lighthouse and Beaches

As you head to the North Shore of Kauai, the first stop for you is the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Here you’ll find beautiful trails, wildlife on the beaches and cliffs, and the Kilauea Lighthouse. This area is actually managed by the National Park Service in conjunction with US Fish and Wildlife Service . Because of that, if you would like to explore more than the general viewpoint, you do need to reserve your entry to the park space.

Tip: while you may be able to make a same-day reservation to visit the Kilauea Lighthouse and the wildlife refuge, don’t risk it. Make your advanced reservation here .

After you’ve done the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge and lighthouse, head to nearby Anini Beach for some snorkeling or relaxing on the sand. If you want to do a hike instead, try the Wai Koa Loop trail in Kilauea for tropical vegetation and a waterfall.

Hanalei for North Shore Eats and Art

The town of Hanalei is a great place to wander around, grab a bite and some shave ice, and enjoy the arts and beauty of the island. This Kauai itinerary will have you coming through Hanalei one more time, so if you don’t have a lot of time now or just want to explore the town on another day, that’s fine.

Highlights of the town of Hanalei include the easily walked shopping and restaurant area (we LOVED Hanalei Poke !), Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art , and the Hanalei Beach Park. We found that the town is a great place to chill out and enjoy the island vibes of the North Shore.

Tip: if you’re planning on visiting the beach in Hanalei, drive to the Beach Park as parking in town is well monitored and if you end up enjoying your beach time too much and lose track of the day, you don’t want to be towed or ticketed.

Limahuli Gardens and Preserve

Initially we didn’t included the Limahuli Gardens and Preserve in our Kauai itinerary, but I’m so glad we added. Besides the gardens being set against the towering, lush jagged mountains of the Na Pali Coast, the Limahuli Gardens are also an archaeological site. Something we loved about touring the Big Island of Hawaii was how many preserved and restored Hawaiian cultural sites there are, and on Kauai there aren’t many. The Limahuli terraced garden are one.

Dating back more than 700 years, the terraces at Limahuli were a structured agricultural area for the Hawaiian people. Today, they are well protected and the land surrounding the ancient gardens serves as a preserve for endangered Hawaiian plants, including some that now can only be found here.

Tip: due to extremely limited parking, online reservations are HIGHLY recommended, as you cannot park on the highway. Visit the Limahuli Gardens site and scroll far down for the bookable reservation link.

Day 2: Enjoying Kapa’a and Lihue

Today is all about the Eastern Shore of Kauai. This part of the itinerary is a great time to incorporate relaxation and beach time. Remember, we are approaching this trip by having a home base on the Eastern Shore, so there is very little driving involved with this day.

Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Kauai

Starting with, what I would call, the most epic sightseeing I’ve ever done, head to the Lihue airport helicopter row for a scenic flight around Kauai. We LOVED the doors-off Kauai helicopter experience and if you can book it, we highly recommend it! Book our exact tour here !

If you don’t feel comfortable doing a doors-off tour, there are several other options for helicopter tours on Kauai. The reasons we recommend this so highly are 1.) the scenery is mind-blowing, 2.) you get to circle the entire island of Kauai during a flight, and 3.) although a big-ticket tour helicopter flights on Kauai are the much more affordable than on the Big Island or Oahu.

Check out Kauai helicopter tours here!

Kapa’a and Lihue Relaxing

The town of Kapa’a is really cute and has lots of wonderful restaurants and cafes. It’s easy to walk around and parking isn’t a pain. Lihue isn’t as cute as Kapa’a, but it also has lots of dining choices. Between the two towns you’ll actually find some of the best beaches on Kauai. Here you’ll find a much more mellow surf than on the North Shore of the island, so it’s great for swimming with kids.

Our picks for easy beaches on the East Shore of Kauai include (from north to south):

• Anahola Beach (many access points)
• Donkey Beach
• Keālia Beach
• Kapa’a Beach (very long beach)
• Wailua Beach
• Lydgate Beach (has protected swimming area)
• Nukoli’i Beach Park

It’s really easy to add beach time to your Kauai itinerary when you stay on the East Shore. There is no shortage of access points and parking here is much easier than if you’re doing the beaches on Oahu .

Paddling at the Wailua River

Kauai isn’t a huge island and it’s loaded with rivers, but there are some beautiful places to paddle on the Garden Island , including the Wailua River. Just south of Kapa’a you’ll come to the mouth of the Wailua River at Wailua Beach. There are a few options for kayak and SUP rentals here, for either guided paddling or to venture out on your own. This is a very unique opportunity for a Kauai adventure, so be sure to make time for it today!

Book Wailua River Kayaking and Hiking here!

Secret Falls or Sleeping Giant Hike

There aren’t a ton of hikes directly in the Kapa’a area, but if you’re going to do one, might as well make it magical. Either do the paddle on the Wailua River and continue onto Secret Falls via the Komokila Hawaiian Village OR do the epic Sleeping Giant Hike out of Kapa’a. Secret Falls is the easier option and it’s gorgeous, but if you want to challenge yourself today in preparation for the upcoming hikes on Kauai, the Sleeping Giant trail takes you up into the mountains for amazing views and lush (sometimes bizarre) junglescapes.

North Shore Kauai Podcast Episode

Want to hear more about the North Shore and hiking? We’ve got a podcast episode for you. Give a listen and keep on reading!

Day 3: Hiking the Na Pali Coast

Some element of hiking the Na Pali Coast needs to be on your Kauai itinerary. You don’t have to do the most epic, most challenging hike available (I’ll skip Crawler’s Ledge, thanks) but getting to see the North Shore from the jungle cliffs within Haena State Park is absolutely amazing. And if you can’t get a Haena reservation, do worry, we have back up plans!

The Kalalau Trail in Haena State Park

When you see pictures of the Na Pali Coast of Kauai you see the chiseled green mountains and perfect waterfalls spraying off towering cliffs. Yes, that’s all on the Na Pali Coast, but to hike to that is something most visitors aren’t prepared for. The Kalalau Trail in Haena State Park at the end of the Kuhio Highways gets you to the start of this epic landscape. Once there, you have anywhere from 2 to 22 miles of hiking ahead of you.

For the visitor who doesn’t have a whole day in their Kauai itinerary for doing 17 miles of cliff-side hiking, you can still enjoy and be challenged with a Na Pali Coast hike by just doing the start of the Kalalau Trail. Don’t worry, even just doing the first two miles to Hanakāpī‘Ai Beach will be plenty of a challenge and you’ll be sufficiently muddy. Even if it’s not directly raining during your hike, you’ll still have to cross creeks and muddy sections. It’s awesome!

Ending at Hanakāpī‘Ai Beach is a gorgeous reward and you won’t feel like you cheated yourself. There are caves, beautiful beaches, the stream… And if you do want to do more hiking, you can continue another 2 miles upstream for Hanakāpī‘Ai Falls . If you add this leg of the hike it’ll make the roundtrip from the parking area of Haena State Park (not the shuttle parking area) a 7.7 mile hike. You’ll love it!

Note: if you want to hike past Hanakāpī‘Ai Beach towards the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park you actually need a backcountry camping permit, as it’s a hike-through trail if you are going far enough. If you’re wanting to go as far as Crawler’s Ledge in a day, this does cross over into the zone where you need the additional permit , and I expect this is a well enforced policy

Okolehao Viewpoint Trail

The Okolehao Trail is just outside of the town of Hanalei and is a great, short option if you want to do some hiking on the North Shore but either don’t have a reservation for the Kalalau Trail or if you aren’t up for that intense of a hike. The Okolehao Trail is still challenging, but it’s much shorter and not as cliffy. I think this is a great option for beautiful views over the verdent hills and farms towards Hanalei Bay.

Day 4: Waimea Canyon and South Shore

While I loved each day in our Kauai itinerary, this is perhaps my favorite day. The Waimea Canyon is astonishingly beautiful and such a special place to visit and explore. This day includes hiking, viewpoints, a beach visit if you like, and ending with a relaxing meal. I think this’ll be your favorite day on Kauai too…

Waimea Canyon Viewpoints and Red Dirt Falls

The Waimea Canyon has been called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and rightfully so. Having been to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Waimea Canyon, I can attest that they are both stunning. I like Waimea more though. Waimea Canyon State Park is located on the South Shore of Kauai, about an hour from Kapa’a or Lihue. As you drive up into the hills away from the beaches, you’ll see the dirt turn more and more red. Eventually you’ll come to Red Dirt Falls, which isn’t huge, but is so cool and unusual. Stop to check it out, but don’t damage the area around the falls.

Continuing on, you’ll come to a variety of viewpoints overlooking the Waimea Canyon from the west. Stop at as many as you like, because the canyon looks different from different angles and in different light. I love it.

Tip: even if you visit Waimea Canyon in the morning, come back in the late afternoon to catch the rainbows. It rains a lot on Kauai, even if not consistently, and have the sun behind you as you look across the canyon will absolutely wow you.

Waimea Canyon Hiking

I love a hiking challenge as much as the next guy, but I think I love hiking at the Waimea Canyon more than most people. The rugged terrain and wild steep trails, climbing through overgrown hobbit tunnels that open up to remarkable views… I love it all.

Our top recommendation for hiking in Waimea Canyon State Park is the Canyon Rim Trail to Waipoo Falls , which goes between Waimea and Koke’e State Parks. This trail is quite challenging, despite being only two mile in. The trail is steep and there are times that your footing is quite iffy. Also, the most incredible views along this trail leave little to no room for error, as you’ll go along the top of thousand foot cliffs. It’s amazing though and totally worth the adventure!

There are a variety of hiking trails at Waimea Canyon State Park, and even more if you also want to explore Kōkeʻe State Park or hike into the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, those are just northwest of Waimea Canyon State Park. Day hiking options range from breathtaking viewpoints to valley hikes. If you want to hike through from the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park to Haena State Park on the Kalalau Trail, you’ll need to get the camping permit , because it’s a far and treacherous hike.

Barking Sands Beach

After spending a good portion of your day hiking and lovin’ on Waimea Canyon, head to the west coast of Kauai to enjoy Barking Sands Beach. At 12 miles long, it’s one of the longest stretches of beach in the Hawaiian Islands. If you don’t want to make this half hour long drive to Barking Sands Beach, you can also just drive back down the mountain from Waimea Canyon and hit up Pakala Beach or head east towards Hanapep for Glass Beach . So many options.

And remember, you want to head back up to one of the Waimea Canyon viewpoints in the afternoon to see rainbows. Don’t forget!

Day 5: Last Beach Day and Kauai Sightseeing

To round out this awesome Kauai itinerary, we’re going to spend our last day in Koloa and just enjoying the mellow vibe of the South Shore. Drive through the gorgeous eucalyptus tree tunnel to Old Town Koloa. Here you’ll find quite a few restaurants and shops, so it’s a good place to grab a meal before or during a break from your beach day.

Makauwahi Cave Reserve and Ezra’s Beach

OMG, this is the first dirt road we’re sending you down on the island. Who knew we could make it through a whole Kauai itinerary and it take five days to end up on a dirt road. The road to the Makauwahi Cave Reserve is not too bad though. There is plenty of parking here, so lock your car and hit the trail. There are two options for getting to the cave, which is so unique, by either hiking through the low forest or along the rocky Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.

Once at the Makauwahi Cave, you can either view it from above or enter through a very small hole in the rock wall. This cave was the setting for a variety of films, including Pirates of the Caribbean when Jack is lowered off a cliff, and this is where Indiana Jones escapes the crumbling temple in the Amazon with the gold idol.

After visiting the cave and learning about the history of the Hawaiian people who considered the cave a sacred place, continue onto the sulcata tortoise area. These huge turtles are kept within the Reserve space to help control invasive weeds. So cool! After thanking the tortoises for their hard work, relax at Ezra’s Beach where the waves roll in gently and the water is perfect.

Kāneiʻolouma Heiau Historic Site

If you have time, do the easy walk around the old Hawaiian village archaeological site at Kāneiʻolouma Heiau Historic Site . Here you’ll see the remnants of what’s thought to be one of the most comprehensive village sites on Kauai. There are also tiki (or ki’i) carvings here to go along with exhibits all about this archaeological site and potential restoration.

Note: as of 2023 the tiki carvings have been redistributed around Kāneiʻolouma Heiau. If you look at photos online it looks like a singular installation but they are now spread out around the ruins.

Poipu Beach

You can’t have a trip to Kauai’s South Shore without a visit to Poipu Beach. This beach is beautiful, has plenty of parking and is the perfect way to end your visit to Kauai. There are picnic tables, bathrooms for changing, life guards and honu. Yes! There is a small reef island just off the beach and the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle love to make their afternoon pitstops there.

If you need any food or drinks while you’re hanging out at Poipu Beach, just across the street is Puka Dog (the best filled hot dogs ever) and Brennecke’s Beach Broiler , which has really good cocktails. Stay until sunset or move onto another beach, it’s up to you, but why leave someplace so perfect?

I hope you’re excited to visit the Garden Island and that you enjoy our Kauai itinerary. If you have any questions about planning your visit to Kauai, just let us know. Please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re happy to help!

And please take a look at our other Kauai and Hawaii articles . We really enjoy our time in the Hawaiian Islands and love to see others do the same.

Royal Kona Resort: a Fun Family Stay on the Big Island of Hawaii

UnCruise Hawaii on the Safari Explorer: Incredible Island Hopping

UnCruise Adventures: What to Expect and Why It’s Unique

How to Plan a Trip to Kauai: 10 Things to Know

Do you need some advice on planning your first trip to hawaii before you plan a trip to kauai , find out information that nobody will let you know, this post about how to plan a trip to kauai was written by marcie cheung (a hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

My friends frequently ask me for suggestions on how to plan a trip to Hawaii. Because I’ve been to more than 40 times in the last 25 years and am generally aware of where to find the finest Hawaii holiday deals, I believe this is the case.

The hardest part of organizing an unforgettable trip to Hawaii is deciding which Hawaiian island is right for your trip.

Despite the beauty of each island, I believe that a vacation on Kauai is the best.

This is true because there are so many activities on Kauai with kids of every age. For visitors seeking simple Kauai vacation ideas and logistics, I have a ton of Kauai recommendations.

Since our children were infants, we have taken them to Kauai very often. As a result, we have learned many insider secrets about the Hawaiian island that we wish we had known beforehand.

We also have a lot of insider knowledge because my mom lives there!

You should read this before your trip, whether it’s your first time to Kauai or planning a Hawaiian vacation for the first time .

For my top travel advice for Kauai, keep reading!

Kauai Vacation Planning Tips

1. 7-10 days is the typical kauai vacation length.

You should stay at least a week if you truly want to experience the best of Kauai.

In this manner, you’ll have enough time to see the North Shore , the East Shore, and the South Shore.

You can take part in several tours and excursions, eat at a variety of tasty restaurants and food trucks, and yet have time for some beach days and poolside relaxation.

You’ll want to be able to fully enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Kauai without feeling rushed.

2. It’s Easy to Day Trip to Kauai

Although a journey to Kauai should ideally last seven days or longer, island hopping from another Hawaiian island will allow you to see the island in a hurry.

To make the most of your time if you’re taking a day trip to Kauai, attempt to book one of the morning’s first flights and one of the evening’s final flights.

I advise you to create your ultimate list of things to do in Kauai and then reduce it to just one or two items.

Even if some of the Kauai activities are half-day or full-day excursions, you won’t be able to complete them all in a single day.

I suggest looking for activities unique to Kauai (like seeing Waimea Canyon, driving up to Hanalei , or going sugar cane tubing .)

Another option is to simply take in the experience of visiting a different island, indulging in shave ice , going snorkeling, and checking out Kauai’s food scene.

3. The North Shore is the Rainy Side

Because it’s so beautiful up there, many people believe that the North Shore is the greatest spot to stay on Kauai.

The lush, tropical vegetation and gorgeous coastline indeed make it very stunning.

But because it rains so often, there is a lot of greenery.

The road leading to Hanalei may occasionally close depending on how much rain falls. Therefore, if you decide to stay there, you can be detained there for a few days while the route is closed.

Also, check the weather before organizing a day trip there.

In case it decides to rain the rest of the vacation, we normally travel up to the North Shore on the first day that it is sunny and clear.

4. Highway Doesn’t Go All The Way Around

It’s a common myth that you can drive all the way around Kauai.

The Na Pali Coast , a significant impediment, stands in the way of the highway’s ability to connect the North Shore and West Shore.

Even though it might not seem important, you should nonetheless make plans for traffic. You see, there is only one way to travel both up and down the shore.

You can use a few bypass roads to speed up your journey during times of heavy traffic, but generally, it will take longer than you anticipate to get from the South Shore to the North Shore and vice versa.

For instance, a trip to Waimea Canyon could take up to two hours if you were staying in Princeville and there wasn’t any traffic.

Book a Hawaii Photo Shoot

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5. Reserve a Kauai Rental Car

Wondering how to get around Kauai ? You should rent a car in Hawaii in Hawaii regardless of where you stay in Kauai (or any other island).

This is because some of the best things to do in Kauai necessitate driving, and the island lacks excellent public transit.

In addition, fewer tour operators on Kauai will pick you up at your hotel (as opposed to those on Oahu’s Waikiki Beach).

Bringing your own car seat rather than renting one from the rental car agency is one of my top recommendations for families renting a car in Kauai.

In this manner, you can be certain that it fits your child properly and that they are already at ease wearing it.

Driving a rental car in Hawaii can save you a good amount of time because you won’t need to make as much advance planning and may decide how long you want to spend anywhere.

I strongly advise getting the Kauai Shaka App . You can get an audio tour of your driving locations by using this GPS-based Hawaii travel app. It’s inexpensive and jam-packed with knowledge. DOWNLOAD THE APP .

Discount Hawaii Car Rental is among the top places to rent a car on Kauai. They receive incredible discounts on well-known national companies, including Payless, Alamo, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, and Avis. Check out the latest prices and more details .

If you don’t have a driver’s license, the best option is to stay at a resort with a shuttle or one where you can stroll to restaurants and activities and reserve tours that include pickup.

6. South Shore is the Sunny Side

Due to its reputation of being on the sunny side of the island, Poipu is the most popular area to stay in Kauai.

On Kauai, it might be pouring outside, but there’s a decent chance you’ll find at least a little sunshine on the South Shore.

Booking a hotel or resort in Poipu if you’re visiting Kauai in the winter will help you make the most of the bright days during the rainy season . There are also lots of cool Poipu vacation rental options .

Keep the South Shore on hand the rest of the year in case it rains on the North or East Shore.

7. Kauai is a Foodie Island

About ten years ago, Kauai truly advanced in the culinary world.

You can discover a ton of delectable food trucks here (several of which have now opened brick-and-mortar restaurants), as well as casual and fine dining.

In addition, Kauai is renowned for its abundance of organic food, vegan and vegetarian eateries, and farm-to-table establishments.

They also provide some really fantastic Kauai Food Tours that take you to all the top locations to sample some amazing cuisine. Check the latest rates and availability.

8. Can’t go to Haena Without a Reservation

Haena State Park is a well-liked attraction on the island of Kauai. On the North Shore, here is where the road comes to an end.

The hula mound, Ke’e Beach, and trekking trips to Hanakapiai and the Kalalau Valley are popular draws for visitors.

There has long been a parking problem there, so a few years ago they turned it into a park that accepts reservations only.

Each day, they have 100 parking spaces reserved in their lot. However, a shuttle is also available to transport you to the park. Both call for reservations in advance.

Make your Haena State Park reservations here

9. Waimea Canyon Has Fickle Weather

I’ll never forget the time my friend and I went up to the Waimea Canyon very early in the morning only to discover that a sea of dense fog had obscured the vista.

Such a letdown, I tell you.

However, because we were inexperienced, we didn’t consider checking the weather before we left. Don’t make that mistake !

Due to the distance, you might want to spend a few hours hiking at Waimea Canyon or continue on to Kokee State Park to explore.

Undoubtedly, it’s among the top things to do on Kauai under $10!

10. Kauai Luaus are Unique

I frequently hear individuals claim that you only need to do a luau once because it is all the same.

I can categorically state that most Kauai luaus are unique in their own unique way because I am a professional hula dancer.

Smith Family Luau is one of our all-time favorite luau experiences on Kauai. You can first take a boat ride to Fern Grotto, then wander through their magnificent garden before going to the luau.   Find best prices and check availability .

Additionally, there is Luau Kalamaku , which offers a train tour through the Kilohana Plantation followed by a theatrical storytelling performance about the arrival of the Polynesians in Hawaii. Find the best prices here.

How to Plan a Trip to Kauai FAQ

If Kauai is the only Hawaiian island you plan to visit, you should plan on staying there for at least 7 to 10 days. That will leave you with plenty of time to take a couple of day trips, go on a few tours, check out the beaches, and chill.

To see and do everything on Kauai, you’ll need a car or other motorized vehicle unless you have a reasonably flexible schedule. One major highway goes almost around the whole island (with the Na Pali Coast as the exception).

On Kauai Island, it rains all year long. With an average rainfall of 5.2 inches, January is the wettest month on Kauai Island. With an average rainfall of 1.0 inches, June is the month that rains the least on Kauai Island.

Planning a Trip to Kauai Wrap Up

There you have it, then! My best advice for first-time visitors who wish to organize a trip to Kauai like an expert! With these Kauai travel tips, you’re sure to have a memorable Kauai vacation!

Looking for more Kauai travel resources? Find out how to plan a trip to Kauai , cheap hotels on Kauai , romantic Kauai honeymoon resorts , Big Island vs Kauai , kid-friendly Kauai resorts , cheap and free things to do on Kauai , best things to do on Kauai with kids , and my Kauai packing list .

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Home » Blog » Kauai Hawaii Travel Guide: Plan The Ultimate Kauai Trip

Kauai Hawaii Travel Guide: Plan The Ultimate Kauai Trip

Of all the Hawaiian islands, Kauai might just be the most scenic. This island, which happens to be Hawaii’s fourth-largest, makes for the perfect vacation destination due to its beautiful landscapes, lush waterfalls, and rich cultural history! Whether you decide to explore Kauai’s beautiful shorelines or hike the Kalalau trail, there’s something on this magical island for everyone. Keep on scrolling below to check up my top recommendations for where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and what to pack in this detailed Kauai travel guide.

Disclaimer : This blog post may feature some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers. Learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

My husband, Matt, and I were fortunate enough to visit the three other main islands for our honeymoon back in 2014 (Oahu, The Big Island of Hawaii & Maui). It was an amazing trip but while we were there many people told us “you have to visit Kauai, it’s the gem of all the islands!” Having visited the island now, I can tell you it certainly did not disappoint!

Kauai is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain. It boasts 90 miles of spectacular coastline and has more beaches per mile than any other Hawaiian Island. Ninety-seven percent of Kauai is covered by forests or mountain ranges, making it the greenest of all the Hawaiian Islands! Needless to say, no matter what side of the island you visit, you’re guaranteed to find adventure around every corner when you use this Kauai travel guide to plan your next getaway!

Fun Facts About Kauai

To kick off my Kauai travel guide, I have included some fun and important facts about the island. Approximately 5.1 million years ago, Kauai was formed, making it the oldest Hawaii island! Its prehistoric beauty has attracted many filmmakers to the island to film blockbusters like Outbreak and Jurassic Park. This tour takes you around the movie locations on the island.

Year-round, Kauai has notably stable weather patterns. During the winter, you’ll experience highs in the mid-70s °F (23-24°C). While summer temperatures usually get into the mid-80s °F (28-30°C). Kauai’s Waialeale is one of the wettest spots on the planet, but this lush atmosphere is what makes it the “Garden Isle.” English is the official language spoken in Hawaii, however many folks also speak Hawaiian as well. The Hawaiian alphabet has only 12 letters: the five regular vowels (a, e, i, o, and u) and seven consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, and w).

If you’re looking to fly directly to Kauai, you’re in luck! Many airlines now offer direct service to Kauai’s main airport, Lihue Airport (LIH), located in Southeastern Lihue. On the other hand, you can fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu, then travel to Kauai. To get around the island, I recommend you rent a vehicle for the duration of your stay to make sure you get to see everything you want to! Although there is public transportation, it is limited, and many of the attractions on the island are far apart from one another. Use  Skyscanner to compare flight price and Kayak for rental cars from the airport when you arrive. I always recommend visitors take a self guided driving tour to really explore the best parts of the island at your own pace.

Where to Go in Kauai

Although it’s only a small island, choosing what parts of Kauai to stay on will greatly impact your trip experience! The island of Kauai has four major geographic areas to select from when choosing where to stay. The South Shore is the most popular, followed by the North Shore, the East Coast, and the West Side. In this Kauai travel guide, I have outlined a detailed summary of what each part of the island has to offer. I’ll also share what to keep in mind when choosing where to stay.

Lihue is the government/commercial center of the island and also a cultural and historical area. It’s located on the East Side of Kauai. You’ll also most likely be arriving in Lihue since it is home to Kauai’s main airport and Nawiliwili Harbor , the island’s major cruise ship port. It is a beautiful arrival point and to make it extra special you can book a traditional Hawaiian greeting at the airport ! Lihue is home to the Alekoko Fishpond , which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. According to legend, the mythical Menehune built Alekoko Fishpond on Kauai’s southeast shore in one night.

While you’re in Lihue, make sure to check out Wailua Falls ! This stunning 80-foot waterfall is easily accessible and located north of Lihue. I would also recommend paying a visit to Kauai Museum while in Lihue as well. I always find that learning more about a place’s history makes my stay that much more meaningful.

East Side – Coconut Coast

Kauai’s East Side is sometimes referred to as the Royal Coconut Coast because of the abundance of coconut palms that grow in its resort areas. This area of Kauai is the most populated on the island and for a good reason! The Coconut Coast has many historic sites, picture-perfect beaches, and popular attractions. This part of the island includes the towns of Kapaa , Wailua , and Lihue which are all popular for their many restaurants and shops.

The Coconut Coast is also a great home base for kayaking, tubing, and other outdoor activities! This part of the island is ideal for families or people staying for a short period since there is something to do for everyone, and the attractions are relatively close to one another. Some of Hawaii’s longest, most beautiful & empty beaches are found here, and it happens to be the sunniest part of the island.

North Shore

Adventure lovers – you will definitely want to spend a good chunk of your time on Kauai’s North Shore! The North Shore is home to a quintessential jungle paradise filled with luscious valleys, rugged mountains, and countless waterfalls. It will have you feeling like a true explorer! This part of the island is home to the timeless town of Hanalei , nestled in Hanalei Bay, and it’s also the closest region to the famous and dramatic Nā Pali Coast .

While the North Shore is certainly beautiful, the weather is also unpredictable, so pack accordingly for any trips out here (don’t worry, I’ve included a packing list at the end of this Kauai travel guide). I highly recommend taking a Na Pali Sunset Boat Tour (it’s hard to beat a sunset cruise!) or Grande Deluxe Air Tour of the Nā Pali Coast. A similarly great spot on the North Shore is the Kilauea Point Lighthouse for some amazing photo opportunities!

The old saying “West is best” still holds for all you hiking lovers! Kauai’s West Side is about an hour’s drove from Lihue, but it feels like it is an entirely different world. The island’s West Side is most known for natural wonders and historic towns with rich history mainly seen by the island’s locals.

While you’re visiting the west side of the island, definitely pay a visit to Waimea Canyon , often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Make sure to bring your reusable water bottles and sturdy hiking shoes as you won’t want to miss out on the scenic hikes in Kokee State Park . The park has more than 45 miles of trails overlooking stunning valleys dipping more than 3,600 feet into the earth. There’s no place on earth quite like here! Book a hiking tour in Kokee State Park for the best experience.

South Shore

If you choose to stay on the South Side of Kauai, you will have pristine beaches and many amenities at your fingertips. Many people choose this part of the island for a relaxing getaway or romantic trip because the Southern Shore is where you will find the best weather, along with world-class golf, tennis, walking trails, designer shops, and excellent dining locations.

The main towns on Kauai’s South Shore include Poipu , Old Koloa Town, Kalaheo , Lawai, and Omao . It’s no easy feat deciding which side of Kauai is the best to stay on, but spending a lot of time in a rental car might not be ideal if you’re looking to kick back, which is why being able to walk to different places in the South Shore is a definite plus! Kauai’s South Shore offers plenty of amenities within a leisurely stroll, especially around Poipu.

The beaches along this part of the island are more populated and established than many other of Kauai’s beaches, which can make for a fun, family-filled activity day! There are even full-service condominiums and resort villas large enough to be affordable for families. Surfing, scuba diving, horseback riding, kayaking, golf, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing are just a few of Kauai’s South Shore favorites.

Book surf lessons on Poipu beach to learn how to ride the waves or if you are looking for something calmer a standup paddle and yoga session is a recommended alternative. If you want to step back from the beach and stay dry this ziplining tour in Poipu is great fun.

What To Do in Kauai

The island of Kauai is so incredibly beautiful and it’s vital that we do our best to keep it that way! I suggest you read up on Leave No Trace principles and tips on how to be a responsible traveler before arriving on the island.

With that being said, if you love the outdoors, you’ll enjoy every second of Kauai! There are many exciting and adventurous things to do in Kauai, from whale watching on a boat tour, to snorkeling over some beautiful coral reefs , to hiking hidden waterfalls ! But where do you start? Planning your Kauai itinerary can be overwhelming, so I have included some top activity recommendations in the next part of this Kauai travel guide.

Go On a Hike

No Kauai travel guide would be complete without hiking recommendations! The island of Kauai is home to some of the best hiking trails in the entire state of Hawaii, so read on for my favorites. If you like challenging yourself on hikes to be rewarded with epic views, Kauai will certainly not disappoint. To make the most out of these hikes, make sure you wake up early so that you can avoid large crowds, bring your own food and a reusable water bottle , and check beforehand to see if you need a permit for the trail.

Disclaimer : None of these trails should be hiked without adequate preparation beforehand.

No matter which hikes you choose to try out, you’re sure to experience Kauai intimately! The Nualolo Trail is not for the faint of heart and requires a lot of endurance but is an excellent option for experienced hikers looking for views of the Nā Pali Coast. The Canyon Trail is excellent if you want to head inland a bit at Waimea Canyon. Kuilau Ridge Trail is a great option if you want an easier family-friendly hike surrounded by a lush jungle setting. The Kalalau Trail is one of my all-time favorites located in the Na Pali Region. Parts of the Kalalau trail require a permit so be sure to read up before you go .

Always follow local hiking etiquette and most importantly, do your best to leave as minimal of an impact as possible on the areas you are exploring. Make sure to check out my other blog post, 9 Must-Do Kauai Outdoor Activities and Packing Guide , to see more hiking information and a list of what to bring!

If you prefer a guide there are some great guided tour options like this private guided hike , the Jungle and Eucalyptus Hike , Nounou Mountain Hike and a waterfalls hike .

Take a Helicopter Tour

If there is only one activity you choose to do in Kauai then I would definitely recommend a helicopter tour. It is hard to describe just how incredible this experience was for me… so hopefully the photos do it justice! Because Kauai’s infrastructure does not have a road circling the entire island, many of Kauai’s most stunning sights are inaccessible by land, including the famous Nā Pali Coast . With so much to explore, a Kauai helicopter tour is truly the best way to experience all of Kauai’s epic scenery.

Even though it was a few years ago now, I still remember the surreal feeling of the helicopter tour. Flying over  Waimea Canyon , the  Nā Pali Coast ,  Manawaiopuna Falls , and the  ‘Weeping Wall’ left me totally speechless. It seriously felt like we had been transported to another planet! There are a few companies to choose from when it comes to selecting a Kauai helicopter tour:

• Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours
• Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours
• Sunshine Helicopters
• Safari Helicopters
• Jack Harter Helicopters

Helicopter tours on Kauai can become pretty expensive. So, it’s essential to take the time to choose the best experience for you! Firstly, you’ll want to consider the number of passengers and the length of the tour. Similarly, you should decide whether you want the doors on or the more adventurous doors off experience. You don’t  have  to select a doors-off helicopter BUT I would highly recommend it because it makes the whole experience even more epic… and thrilling! Most importantly, be sure to dress warmly as it’ll be colder when you’re going over 100km/h in the air. Another good tip is to dress in darker colors to avoid reflections if you choose the doors-on experience.

Tours we recommend are:

• Island Highlights Helicopter tour : This tour gives incredible birds eye views of all the Kauai highlights: the Na Pali coast cliffs, Waimea Canyon, and Jurassic Falls a few of the highlights! The staff and service on this tour is really exceptional which makes booking quite easy. All you have to do is arrive and have fun!
• Wings Over Kauai 65-Minute Tour : This is a more budget friendly option that takes you on a scenic flight in semi-private plane. These pilots are amazing tour guides and provide lots of knowledgeable commentary. They also give you a 2 way radio so you can ask questions throughout the whole tour.
• Private luxury tour : You can also book the same tour with Air Ventures but as a private tour for a little extra expense.
• Doors Off Tour : If you do decide to go for a doors off tour this one is a really great option, just be aware that there are a lot of extra safety requirements for a doors off tour, but they are totally worth it for the epic views and the exhilarating experience.
• Romantic helicopter flight : If your trip to Kauai is for a special occasion you should definitely book this tour for your special person. The flight takes you on the same beautiful tour of the island but you will also touch down in a private valley for champagne and Wailua chocolates. Of course this isn’t a cheap option but makes for an unforgettable opportunity for a beautiful moment with your loved one.

Visit Kauai’s Beaches

There are about 30 accessible beaches in Kauai, so you have plenty of options to switch it up throughout your stay. Roughly 50 of the 90 miles of Kauai’s coastlines are mainly white sand beaches, which makes for easy ocean access. Top that off with lots of family-friendly spots, opportunities for snorkeling and surfing, and you may never want to return home. If you do choose to spend time in the water, look for reef-safe sunscreen without these coral-damaging ingredients: Oxybenzone, Butylparaben, Octinoxate, 4-Methylbenzylidine Camphor. Instead, opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Some of my favorite beaches on the island are Tunnels Beach (beautiful for pictures), Shipwreck Beach (known for cliff jumping), Poipu Beach   (great for snorkeling),  Lawa’i Beach  (perfect for sunset), Ke’e Beach (calm waters for swimming) and  Anini Beach  (best for sunrise).

Explore The Nā Pali Coast By Boat

I have already recommended that you see the Nā Pali Coast   by foot and air… but yes, you should  also  consider experiencing it by boat!  We were feeling adventurous so chose the raft-style tour… and we had an absolute blast! The Nā Pali Coast is a 17-mile stretch of coastline lined with cliffs that measure 3,000 feet, accented with lush green valleys, towering waterfalls, and hidden sea caves. Inaccessible by car, you can take a boat tour to see this breathtaking natural wonder, up close and personal. While there, I definitely recommend taking a dip in the water!

Boat tours of the Nā Pali Coast typically leave from the southwest side of the island and have options for half or full-day excursions. Here are some great options to choose from:

• Blue Ocean Adventures Tours
• Makana Charters and Tours
• Na Pali Odyssey Boat Tours
• Kauai Sea Tours : They offer an amazing half day raft tour with lunch that guides you along the coastline and into sea caves where you can have the opportunity to snorkel in the reefs and the clear waters.

Nā Pali boat tours offer the easiest way to explore this stunning coast. With calmer waters, summer is the best time to take a boat tour. That said, you can book catamarans and rigid hull rafts year-round, depending on the daily weather!

Insider Tip: I recommend booking a tour during the beginning half of your trip in case there’s a chance the weather may need you to reschedule. This gives you the most flexibility!

This snorkel sailing tour on board a deluxe catamaran is a wonderful tour to book. You’ll even have the opportunity to stop off to snorkel, swim, and explore among the tropical fish in the waters. Most importantly you will have breakfast, lunch, and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) all included and the hosts are incredibly knowledgeable. I certainly think it’s worth getting a group together to take this tour.

Go Mountain Tubing

Experience Kauai’s historic waterways in a mountain tube and discover a unique way to access the island’s tropical interior. Kauai has a unique mountain tubing experience through historic irrigation systems. These were built in 1870 to bring water down from the mountains to sugar crops. The tour floats through lush forest with views of the mountains and Waialeale Crater .

This tubing adventure is perfect for people ages 5 and over and in generally good physical condition. The gently flowing waters, beautiful scenery, and tunnels create a relaxing, fun, and fascinating experience. Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen , bug repellent , water-friendly shoes , and clothes you don’t mind getting wet.

Visit Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls , just north of Lihue, is definitely worth the detour. Located at the south end of the Wailua River, it stems into two streams, dropping 80 feet below. If it looks familiar, it should! The show “Fantasy Island” features these falls in the opening credits. You can even access these cascading falls from the road! I suggest visiting in the mornings as there will be fewer crowds. You might even be lucky enough to see a rainbow as the sunlight meets the mist of the falls, which makes for some beautiful pictures!

Explore Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon , on Kauai’s West Side, has been called “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Although it is not as big or old as its Arizona sister, it’s equally stunning! This canyon is 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep! The best place to take in this canyon’s beauty is from the Waimea Canyon Lookout . But for more of an adventure, I highly recommend one of the numerous hiking trails in Kokee State Park. Book a private tour for Waimea Canyon or a hiking tour in Kokee State Park .

Where To Stay in Kauai

There are many accommodation options in Kauai that are suited for families, couples, and adventure seekers alike. In this Kauai travel guide, I have included some excellent accommodation choices broken down by the island’s different areas. Keep on scrolling to check them out! I have listed budget options as well as luxury and vacation rental options. It’s hard to make a bad choice when the island is so beautiful!

Lihue Accommodation

• Budget Hotel : Tip Top Hotel
• Luxury Hotel : Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
• Vacation Rental : Kalapaki Cliff Condo

Coconut Coast Accommodation

• Budget Hotel : Kreller’s Islanders Getaway
• Luxury Hotel : Kauai Coast at the Beachboy
• Vacation Rental : Oceanfront Condo

North Shore Accommodation

• Budget Hotel : Makai Club Resort
• Luxury Hotel : Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas
• Vacation Rental : Beachfront private villa

West Side Accommodation

• Budget Hotel : The West Inn Kauai
• Luxury Hotel : Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas
• Vacation Rental : The Nene Nest

South Shore Accommodation

• Budget Hotel : Kauai Manualoha
• Vacation Rental : Hale Minoaka

Where To Eat In Kauai

We’ve talked about all the things to do and see in this Kauai travel guide, so now let’s dive into what to eat! The food on this island is often overlooked. But the truth is that Kauai has some amazing and unique dishes you can’t find anywhere else. The island has some of the best seafood in the world, with local eateries knowing how to cook it to perfection. There’s also incredible sushi prepared fresh from local fish markets! The variety in flavors, the freshness of the fish, and the appreciation of culture demonstrated through the food will leave your stomach full and heart happy! Hungry yet? Book this food tour which can be booked depending on your location so covers the whole island of eating!

Best Places To Eat In Lihue

As the busiest town on the island of Kauai, Lihue is home to a delightful selection of restaurants. Here on the East Side is where you’ll find many upscale eateries, many in the large resorts. If you’re looking for a romantic date night, Gaylord’s at Kilohana is one of the top restaurants for a romantic ambiance and locally sourced ingredients. Craving something a little more modern? At Kauai Pasta , you’ll find a blend of top-notch traditional Italian food with a bit of after nightlife fun. Want to eat somewhere with a view? I recommend checking out Duke’s Canoe Club , a local staple serving Pacific Rim dishes and tropical cocktails!

Best Places To Eat On The Coconut Coast

Shave Ice is a must-try if you are visiting the island. Hawaii does shave ice better than anyone, and as a huge fan of ice cream, this gives even the best ice cream a run for its money. After a fun day in the sun, Wailua Shave Ice in Kapa’a is the perfect treat. If you’re searching for the perfect cup of coffee in the morning to kickstart your day, I recommend giving Java Kai a visit! When visiting Kauai, one does not indulge in a poke bowl, one of the most beloved traditional foods. I recommend checking out the poke bowls at Pono Market , and you won’t be disappointed! And to fuel your adventures throughout the day, Kauai Juice Co makes some delicious juices from Kauai-grown ingredients!

Best Places To Eat On The North Shore

When you think of Hawaii, pizza might not be the first thing that pops up in your head, but trust me on this one! Piazza located in Princeville makes some of the best pizza you can get on the island. If you’re looking for some tasty avo toast or bowls, check out Hanalei Bread Company for a great breakfast or lunch! I also loved dining at AMA Restaurant because of the gorgeous views that made for a perfect lunch. For all my donut lovers out there with a sweet tooth, stop by Holy Grail Donuts once, and you just might come straight back the next day for more. Lastly, stock up on some juice at Akamai Juice Company to start off the morning right with their juices and wellness shots.

Best Places To Eat On The West Side

Although the West Side isn’t as popular, it manages to fit quite a few great places to eat into such a small area. You can find delicious food from the mountains to the ocean. The Shrimp Station and Island Taco are always tasty places to grab a bite. The best part is that you can take these to go and enjoy your food on nearby beautiful beaches. I also recommend checking out Hawaii’s favorite ice cream, Lappert’s . They use all of Kauai’s local island fruits, along with nuts, chocolate, and even coffee, to make some genuinely delicious ice cream!

Best Places To Eat On The South Shore

There is no shortage of delicious food on Kauai’s South Shore! Dining on this side of the island can range from elegant gourmet to extra casual. If you do end up staying on this side of the Island, Kauai Juice Co has another similar location where you can stock up on your juices. Of all the food trucks you’ll encounter on the South Shore, the best are on Koloa Road in Lawai . The best poolside restaurant is hidden inside Koloa Landing Resort . Looking for a fancier date night out? Then I recommend checking out Tidepools at the Hyatt for a romantic evening with fresh seafood. Keoki’s Paradise is on the more casual side with some incredibly savory fish! Craving Mexican on a budget? Da Crack is a seriously underrated hole-in-the-wall, delicious Mexican take-out place that I’m dying to go back to visit!

What To Pack For A Trip To Kauai

The island of Kauai is filled with so many different types of terrain and activities! That can make it difficult to know exactly everything you’ll need to bring to be prepared. With so many choices, it can be difficult to remember what to pack for Kauai trips. To make this the complete travel guide to Kauai, I’ve included the ultimate packing list! You can alter this list depending on what types of activities you plan to do.

• Rain Jacket
• Travel document holder
• Bathing suits
• Reef Safe Sunscreen
• Sandals / beach shoes with closed toes
• Water shoes
• Comfy walking shoes
• Camera / underwater housing/ underwater disposable cameras
• Rashguard top
• Warm jacket to layer
• Nicer outfit for dinner
• Book to read
• Beach towels
• Light and breathable shorts and tops
• Reusable water bottle
• Bug repellent / first aid kit
• Hiking gear accessories

Check out this blog post for more Kauai packing suggestions.

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Final Thoughts On Using This Kauai Travel Guide

I hope this Kauai travel guide was able to inspire you to plan a trip of your own or add this beautiful island to your bucket list! If you’ve been to Kauai I would love to hear about your experience in the comments! What are your can’t-miss spots and activities when visiting this incredible island? And if you’re thinking about traveling to Oahu or the Big Island, I have guides for them too!

• 5 Best Things To Do On Oahu, Hawaii
• Plan An Incredible Trip To The Big Island of Hawaii

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I thoroughly enjoyed reading your travel guide on Kauai, Hawaii. Your passion for exploring new places is evident in your writing, and your detailed insights and tips have made me eager to visit the island myself.

Your description of the Na Pali Coastline is particularly fascinating. The idea of hiking to remote beaches and waterfalls surrounded by dramatic cliffs sounds like an adventure I wouldn’t want to miss. Your tips on the different trails and tour options will certainly come in handy when planning my trip.

I also appreciate your recommendation for Waimea Canyon, as I am a nature enthusiast myself. The scenic views you captured in your photos are breathtaking, and I can only imagine how much more stunning they must be in person. Your suggestions for other outdoor activities, such as kayaking and snorkeling, are also great additions to the itinerary.

Finally, your advice on local food and accommodations is very helpful. As a traveler, I always love to try new cuisines and stay in unique accommodations that offer a more authentic experience. Your suggestions for food trucks, restaurants, and Airbnbs will definitely be added to my list.

Thank you for sharing your travel experiences and insights on Kauai. Your guide has been both informative and inspiring, and I cannot wait to explore this beautiful island myself.

Awesome content and travel guide that everyone can refer through on their next tour adventure.

This guide makes me want to go to Hawaii! I really hope I can get there one day 🙂 Brianna | https://briannamarielifestyle.com/

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3-Day Kauai Itinerary: How to Make 3-Days Enough on Kauai

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A visit to Kauai is a trip of a lifetime where you can explore the rugged shore, view stunning waterfalls, and feel like you’ve taken a step onto the set of Jurrasic Park. And while there is so much to explore, your visit will probably be limited in time. 

That’s why we’ve put together the perfect three-day Kauai itinerary. Whether you’re staying for three days or three weeks, this perfect itinerary will help you enjoy three action-packed days on the Garden Isle. 

Day 1: Enjoy the Lush Landscape of the North Shore

• Day 2: See the Stunning Vistas at Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast

Day 3: Explore Koloa Town, Poipu, and Waterfalls

Ready to plan your perfect trip? Let’s dive into the three-day Kauai itinerary. 

The Lay of the Land: Parts of Kauai

Before we get into the itinerary, it’s important to know the lay of the land. There are four main regions of Kauai: North Shore, South Shore, East Side (Coconut Coast), and West Side. The main towns include:

• North Shore: Hanalei, Princeville, and Kilauea
• South Shore: Poipu and Koloa
• East Side: Lihue and Kapa’a
• West Side: Waimea and Hanapepe

The airport is located in Lihue, on the east side. From the centrally located airport, in no traffic you’re approximately the following travel times to these popular Kauai locations:

• 1-hour to Hanalei (or 45-minutes to Princeville)
• 25-minutes to Poipu
• 1-hour to Waimea Canyon

If you’re trying to figure out where to stay on Kauai, we have an article that goes into detail to help you choose an area and our pick for accommodations. 

Related reads:

• Where to Stay on Kauai
• What to Pack for 3-Days on Kauai
• 9 Best Kauai Beaches for Swimming

3-Day Kauai Itinerary

Here’s an itinerary for an action-packed three days of sightseeing on Kauai. Of course, if you want to enjoy some of the Kauai beaches and slow down a little, this itinerary would also be a perfect five-day to one-week itinerary. Just use these three days as your action days and use the remaining days to enjoy the best beaches. 

Coming with kids? We have a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Kauai .

Before you head out and explore the north shore of Kauai, check the weather. While the north shore has stunning, lush scenery, it does get more rain than any other part of the island. Plan to head up on a day that isn’t too rainy (though you can expect a quick shower here or there most days).

If you’re staying in Poipu on the south shore, plan to get up and hit the road early. It’s a long drive up to Hanalei (approximately 1.5 hours), but it’s scenic and so worth it. 

Your first stop is at the Hanalei Valley Lookout . A quick stop off the side of the road to get a picturesque view of the valley below. Continue your drive and after a couple of one-lane bridges (yield to oncoming traffic), you’ll enter the charming town of Hanalei. You’ll be back to explore this afternoon, but if you’re hungry make a quick stop at Hanalei Bread Company for coffee and breakfast. 

If the weather is nice and you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll head to Tunnels Beach . This is the place to snorkel on Kauai but it’s popular. You may have to park at Haena Beach and walk to Tunnels. This massive snorkeling area isn’t just great when you’re in the water. The beach is also sprawling with soft white sand. It’s a great place to relax for a few hours. 

If the waves are too big to safely spend time at the beach, there are still plenty of other things to do. Visit the Limahuli Tropical Botanical Garden and stroll through their beautifully landscaped botanical gardens and ancient Hawaiian taro ponds.

Two other quick stops you can make on the north shore are at the Maniniholo Dry Cave and take a dip in a roadside stream. Watch our video on the north shore for details on where to find these. 

Once you’ve enjoyed this part of the north shore, it’s time to head back to Hanalei town for lunch. In town, you have so many fantastic options for food. One of our favorites: Fredrico’s Fresh Mex Cuisine for fish tacos. 

After lunch, take some time to walkthrough Hanalei town, visiting the shops and the Hanalei Pier. If you’re visiting in the summer and want to try your hand at stand up paddle, this is the place to do that. There are plenty of rental shops and in the summer, Hanalei Bay is calm and offers the perfect spot for beginners to get in the water. 

If you’re really eager to hit up one more beach before dinner, head to Hideaways beach in Princeville. Note: if you’re traveling with young children, getting to this beach can be tricky. It’s down a steep bluff and you work your way down the steep hills using ropes. But once you get down, it is worth it. This was hands down our favorite beach that we found on Kauai. 

Now that it’s getting into the evening, head to AMA , an outdoor restaurant with an unbeatable view and fantastic food. 

Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the kauai itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Kauai.

Day 2: See the Stunning Vistas of Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast

Today you’re heading to the west side of the island to view the spectacular nature that Kauai offers. You have two choices here: Waimea Canyon in the morning and a sunset Napali Coast boat ride, or Napali Coast snorkeling in the morning and Waimea Canyon in the afternoon. 

We’re planning the day with Waimea Canyon first, but just reverse the activities if you prefer.

Your first stop today is for some coffee at the Kauai Coffee Company . Here you can do a self-guided tour of the plantation, sample coffee, or buy your own cup (or bag). It’s a fun, quick stop to start your day of adventure. 

Next, you’ll head to Hanapepe , Kauai’s Biggest Little Town. This charming small town is full of art shops, coffee shops and bakeries, and their famous swinging bridge. If you skipped breakfast this morning, you can pick something up at Midnight Bear Breads .

From here you’ll make the drive up to Waimea Canyon . This stunning canyon is called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The canyon is approximately ten miles long and 3,000 feet deep. Here, there are plenty of scenic overlooks so you can get a great view of the canyon. There are also plenty of hiking options, ranging from very short and easy to hikes that take the better part of the day. 

If you’re up for more scenic views, you can continue driving to the Kalalau Lookout, which has stunning ocean views, on a clear day. 

Depending on how much time you spend in Waimea canyon, you might have some extra time before your Na Pali Coast sunset sail departs. If you do, head to Waimea Plantation Cottages and grab a snack from Chicken in a Barrel. The cottages are set on a 43-acre ocean-front property that is beautifully landscaped. Grab a drink and sip it while sitting on a rocking chair on the hotel’s back porch. 

Finally, it’s time to head on your Na Pali Coast sail. This is an iconic mountain shoreline that you won’t be able to explore by car. The only way to see it is by boat, by helicopter, or on foot by hiking in. This rugged terrain might be the most spectacular view on the entire island (possibly on any of the islands). 

Finally, a day filled with beautiful waterfalls!

Start your morning off with a hearty breakfast at Little Fish Coffee in Poipu . This is one of our favorite coffee shops on the island. Grab a coffee, acai bowl, smoothie, or breakfast bagel and relax at one of the picnic tables in the garden. 

Once you are ready to start the day, you’re off on a drive! Head out on the 30-minute drive to ‘Opaeka’a Falls . Here, you can stop off at the lookout point and get a view of the waterfalls, without any hike needed. Get your pictures and hop back in the car. We’re going to head out on a hike for some up close and personal waterfall viewing.

From here you’ll drive to Ho’opi’i Falls. Take note when parking and starting the hike: the hike begins in a residential area. Stay quiet to respect the neighbors here. If there are no street parking spots, head to Wailua Falls as an alternative. You can also kayak the Wailua River, either with a guided tour or on your own. 

On this hike, you’ll be able to visit not one, but three waterfalls. The second fall features a swimming pond with a rope swing. The hike itself isn’t too strenuous (we did it with a two-year-old), but the trail can get muddy at parts. 

After seeing your fill of waterfalls, it’s time to get back in the car and head back south. Head through the Tree Tunnel , a stretch of the road lined with 500 eucalyptus trees over 100 years old. Stop off in the charming and historic Koloa Town. Stroll the streets, visit the boutiques, and pick up lunch. We love the Koloa Fish Market , but there are plenty of other food truck and restaurant options in town.

Close out the day by spending the afternoon on Poipu beach . This beach was once named America’s best beach by the Travel Channel and it’s easy to see why. We have it listed in our favorite kid-friendly beaches on Kauai and the best beaches on Kauai for swimming .

Two calm, golden sand crescents come together to form a beach that is shielded from rough seas. It’s kid-friendly and an easy place to swim and relax. Bonus if you’re coming with small kids: there’s a playground on the beach that our son Henry played on for hours. 

Your day is winding down. If you’re ready for one last adventure, head to Shipwreck beach to do walk the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail , a coastal hiking trail that delivers stunning views and is relatively easy to do (though I recommend wearing real shoes!). 

Are 3 Days Enough in Kauai?

You might be wondering if we think that three days is enough for a Kauai vacation. I mean, I did just write an entire article on the perfect three-day itinerary. 

No, three days isn’t enough in Kauai.

Honestly, we just returned from a week on Kauai and that felt a few days too short. If you want to fully explore the island and have some days to relax on the beach, ten days would be the perfect stay length. 

So why did we create a three-day itinerary? A couple of reasons:

• According to Hawaii Tourism Authority data, nearly two-thirds of the people who visit Kauai also visit another island . And the average length of stay for a trip to Hawaii is nine days, so a three or four day trip to Kauai is common.
• We created a three day Kauai itinerary based on exploration. If you include beach and pool days, this could easily be a six or seven-day itinerary, with a nice vacation pace. 

If you can only stay for three days, this is the itinerary to help you see it all. But I hope you can take a longer trip. Kauai is worth it. 

When Should You Visit Kauai?

Just like the other Hawaiian island, Kauai has months that are cooler and rainier and months that are warmer and drier. That said, Kauai does get more rain than the other islands, giving it its lush garden landscape. Therefore, April to October is the drier period on the island. But read our article below for details on the weather as it depends on where you stay on Kauai!

Related read: Where to Stay on Kauai. It’s Complicated

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kauai, Hawaii

Out of all of Hawaii’s breathtaking islands, Kauai is perhaps the most magical, and this travel guide to Kauai is going to share everything you need to plan an incredible trip here.

Nicknamed the “Garden Island” thanks to its dense rainforest, Kauai has had a long list of adventure movies shot amongst its lush tropical jungle and epic coastlines—movies like Jurassic Park , Raiders of the Lost Ark , Avatar and Pirates of the Caribbean .

Starting to sense a theme here?

I first went to Kauai as a middle-schooler, but was really itching to go back and experience the island once again as an adult. But this latest trip to Kauai came about quite spur of the moment.

My boyfriend and I were looking for a last minute trip to take in December that would feel far away from city life in LA—and Kauai seemed to be the perfect pick.

It felt romantic and wild, adventurous and relaxing all in one. Plus, all of the Hawaiian islands are quite accessible from Los Angeles and there are really easy (and usually affordable) direct flights to get there! Needless to say, it didn’t take us long to click ‘book’!

In this travel guide to Kauai, I’m excited to share more about Hawaii’s most tropical island and why I think it has so much to offer for so many different types of travelers.

Whether you’re a waterfall chaser, a dedicated hiker, looking to sit on a beach chair all day, or in search of the best poke bowls, you’ll find something to satisfy on Kauai.

From the famous Nāpali Coast to the stellar surf on the North Shore, Kauai is home to an endless array of activities for every kind of traveler. That said, the hardest part is narrowing down everything you want to do on Kauai.

That’s where I’m here to help. Keep reading for the ultimate travel guide to Kauai!

A Few Quick Tips Before You Go

• Hawaiians have a deep sense of pride about their home. Always respect the locals and the island and if you are told you shouldn’t do something or go somewhere, don’t.
• Leave no trace . This goes without saying anywhere you travel, but if we want Kauai to be here for years to come, please do your part to leave the land how you found it.
• Rent a car! Renting a car is a must in Kauai. Since everyone wants to rent Jeeps here, they sell out pretty quick, so try your best to book as far in advance as possible. I always love renting with Rentalcars.com as they make it super easy to compare prices across many brands.
• Plan your activities based on which side of the island you are staying on . I cover this more in the “Getting Around” section below, but in short: there is one main road that circles the island and there is no way to cut across it, so driving between different sections can be time consuming. Group your itinerary based on what side of the island you plan on exploring for this reason.
• Be prepared for a lot of walking and hiking . 80% of the island is undriveable, and the Nāpali Coast makes it impossible to drive straight through the North Shore to the West. To see some of the most epic views and beautiful places on Kauai, you’re going to have to hike to some of them.
• Follow the local driving rules when crossing one-lane bridges! They can be pretty stressful and I found that the locals can be a little aggressive going across, but as long as you wait your turn, you’ll be good. Don’t make my mistake and get stuck having to back up off one 🙃
• Prepare to get wet . Kauai is one of the top 10 wettest places on earth, and averages 451 inches of rain per year. If it doesn’t rain while you’re there, consider yourself one of the lucky few.
• Plan weather-dependent tours early on in the trip as they often can get rescheduled due to weather. This especially goes for any helicopter or boats tour you might be booking.

Read more: 17 Kauai travel tips you need to know

What to Pack for Kauai 

I’m including the packing section at the top of this travel guide to Kauai because packing appropriately can literally make or break your trip. Kauai is one of the wettest places on Earth and you need to be prepared! Below are the items I highly recommend bringing on any Kauai trip.

• Swimsuits – This one is obvious…That said, if you’re going to overpack anything, overpack swimsuits!
• Rain Jackets – We ran into quite a bit of rain during our trip, and if you’re planning on exploring the more rural parts of the North Shore, this is a must. Or at least water resistant clothing to keep you semi-dry.
• Hiking Boots – Kauai is home to some amazing hiking, but the hikes can typically be very muddy and very wet, which doesn’t make regular tennis shoes a great choice. I highly recommend bringing quality hiking boots with excellent grip. These are my favorite hiking boots that are actually cute too !
• Hiking poles  – If you want to do a decent amount of hiking or any of the longer hikes, it’s 100% worth it to bring hiking poles. This was honestly the #1 thing I was thankful we packed and prevented me from being on my ass in mud on every hike. These are the exact hiking poles we brought , or if you want something more affordable, these ones have over 40,000 positive ratings on Amazon .
• Bug spray – The mosquitos can get really bad, especially in the mountains. I love these mosquito wipes that are all natural and easily packable.
• Windbreaker – Again, the weather can be unpredictable on the island, especially up in the mountains, so a windbreaker ensures that you’re warm/protected while still being light and easy to carry.
• Tote bag – A spacious tote bag that folds/packs easily is perfect to have in Kauai for beach days or day trips to throw extra needed items in the car.
• Extra plastic or trash bags – Having extra bags for muddy boots or wet clothes is a must when traveling in Kauai so you don’t destroy the rest of the items in your luggage—trust me on this one!
• Foldable cooler bag  – If you’re looking to enjoy lunch or have a picnic on the beach, an easy-to-transport foldable cooler is great. If you don’t want to pack one, there is also a large Costco near the Lihue airport where you can make a stop to grab one of these.
• Light beach towels  – If you just plan on hanging at the hotel pool, obviously your accommodation will provide these, but there are so many gorgeous public beaches on the island you don’t want to miss—and you’ll need your own towel. These turkish towels are super light and packable so they don’t take a lot of room in your suitcase.
• Reef-safe sunscreen   – Protecting your skin should be a huge priority, but protecting the magical reefs of Kauai is also necessary, so be mindful when choosing which sunscreen you bring to the island.

Where to Stay in Kauai

Wondering where to stay in Kauai ?

There are four main sections of Kauai that you might want to stay in: The North Shore, East Side, South Shore and West Side. Each side has something unique and special to offer.

If you’re staying in Kauai for more than three nights, I recommend splitting your time between two or more areas of the island so you can get a taste of different sections of the island.

For example, staying on the South Shore for a few nights and then the North Shore for a few will allow you to explore the best of the different parts of Kauai without spending all your time in the car driving between them all—there’s only one main road that goes around the island and no major highways like you have in US cities, so especially if you get stuck in traffic, it can take a while.

But how do you pick which areas of Kauai to stay in?

This was probably the biggest question mark we had when planning our trip.

If you want my honest opinion, I would say definitely stay in Hanalei (North Shore) which is home to some of the most epic hikes and beaches and feels more local, and then if you have more time, book a few nights in the South Shore, which is considered the sunniest part of the island.

If you didn’t want to move hotels at all, you could choose to stay in Kapa’a on the East Side which would at least split your distance between the North and South shores and give you access to both, though it would still be at least 40 minutes to get to either destination.

Here’s a more thorough breakdown for you below!

North Shore

The North Shore is probably the most beautiful side of the island. It is incredibly lush and vibrant. This is also where a majority of the original Jurassic Park movie was filmed, and it looks exactly as it does in the movie.

I swear one day we were driving here around Hanalei and looked out the car window to see at least 15 waterfalls coming down the side of a mountain in the distance. You start to lose track of all the waterfalls you’ve seen in Kauai—it’s nuts!

That said, the North Shore is prone to a lot of rain, so definitely expect to experience some cloudy and rainy spurts during your visit. We experienced mostly rain during our 3 nights on the North Shore and for this reason, I wish we would have booked more time up there to ensure we caught some sunny days.

Where to Stay on the North Shore

The two main places to stay on the North Shore are Princeville and Hanalei . Princeville is situated up on a bluff, offering stunning views of the Pacific. It is a fairly residential area with lots of vacation rentals and a few resorts like the Westin Princeville .

Hanalei is also a beautiful place to find accommodations, and it’s only about 10 minutes away from Princeville. Hanalei Bay is stunning, and stretches for more than two miles, making beach days easy and abundant.

That said, while Hanalei has lots of great restaurants, there aren’t too many big resorts, so you’ll mostly find small inns or vacation rentals.

We stayed at this affordable vacation rental for a few nights and LOVED it. Super clean, spacious, and well-designed.

The most exciting hotel opening on the North Shore is the 1 Hotel in Hanalei Bay and it looks ABSOLUTELY FREAKING GORGEOUS. They’ve now started taking reservations and I literally want to go back to Kauai just to stay here.

Also referred to as the “Coconut Coast,” the East Side of Kauai is centrally located and very budget-friendly. It is the most densely populated part of the island, meaning there are plenty of hotels and accommodation options.

Also, it is pretty easy to get from the East Side to both the South Shore and North Shore, so if you’re looking to explore as much as possible, this might be the best place for you to call home base if you don’t want to move around.

Where to Stay on the East Side

On the East Side, Kapaʻa is a great option because it’s home to tons of great restaurants, shops, and businesses, and Lihue is where the airport is located.

We personally stayed at the Marriott Kauai Beach Club in Lihue for the first few nights of our trip because it was super close to the airport and also close by to where the doors-off helicopter tours take off. Our helicopter tour canceled the second day of our trip due to weather and rescheduled for the next day, so we were thankful to be based in Lihue for that.

From the Hilton Garden Inn Wailua Bay to the Marriott Kauai Lagoons , finding a place to stay won’t be an issue on the East Side. That said, expect to find busier beaches and restaurants since it is a more crowded part of Kauai.

South Shore

The South Shore is definitely one of the more popular areas for tourists to stay when they travel to Kauai. The weather on this side of the island stays pretty sunny year-round, so if you’re craving some sun and pool vibes, the South Shore is probably for you if you don’t mind the plethora of big resorts.

Where to Stay on the South Shore

Poipu is definitely the most popular part of the South Shore for visitors, and it’s home to some of the most beloved beaches and restaurants on the island. However, keep in mind you’re mostly going to find big resorts and condo rentals here.

Some solid hotel options on the South Shore include the Sheraton Kauai and the Grand Hyatt Kauai (which is where we stayed). I highly recommend the Grand Hyatt which is stunning, right on the ocean and has really wonderful restaurants right on site—make sure to book reservations for dining well in advance!

The West Side of Kauai is the most remote part of the island, which may be exactly what you’re looking for. Staying here means truly immersing yourself in nature and getting away from the crowds and tourists, which can be truly magical in a place like Kauai.

That said, much of the West Side is not accessible by car, meaning you’ll have to boat or hike your way around to see the most beautiful parts.

There is also no direct connecting road from the West Side to the North Shore, so in order to get between the two you have to travel around the entire island through the South Shore and East Side first, making day trips to more distant sections of the island cumbersome.

Where to Stay on the West Side

If you’re seeking remote adventure and exploration you will love the West Side and its highlights like Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park .

However, accommodations are very limited. In fact, the Waimea Plantation Cottages is pretty much the main place to book for extended periods of time on the West Side.

The West Inn or West Kauai Lodging are other options if you’re OK with something a bit more basic.

Read more: best luxury hotels in kauai

How to Get Around the Island

Out of all of the advice on this travel guide for Kauai, renting a car and getting around smartly is perhaps the most important. Kauai is not the place to rely on public transport when traveling.

Jeeps are a great rental choice for Kauai (and a top pick by just about everyone, of course), because they’re great in rugged conditions. With that said, they go quickly with the demand.

A Note About Booking Rental Cars:

I personally use and recommend Rentalcars.com because they offer a simple solution for comparing rates across all the top brands, they’ll price match if you find a lower rate, AND they offer free cancellations on most bookings!

We had trouble finding any Jeeps at all when we were searching for rental cars in Kauai or an affordable rental car since we booked our trip last minute.

In the end, we booked a large SUV with Turo , which is basically like the Airbnb of cars; it’s a car-sharing marketplace that allows you to find rides and rentals from locals so that you can skip the rental car booking process altogether. It worked great for us and I would definitely do it again!

Something else to keep in mind is the fact that the island takes a while to explore by car. There are no roads that cut through the island, so you have to drive all the way around the coast to reach each shore and there’s really only one main road.

If any road construction or blockages happen, it can cause a lot of traffic, so we found it’s really helpful to give yourself extra time to get everywhere.

Explore More Tropical Travel

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If you love fresh seafood like me, then the culinary scene in Kauai is gonna be good to you! That said, making your reservations at least a month in advance is super important if you’re visiting during a busy season.

We tried booking out a couple of weeks ahead of time in December and couldn’t get reservations at quite a few of our top picks. Here are some of the best restaurants in Kauai you won’t want to miss!

Koloa Rum Tasting Room

Koloa Rum Tasting Room is the perfect place to hit up between activities for a fun and FREE rum tasting. The tasting room is located on an old plantation, and tastings occur every 60 minutes (starting at 10:15 AM).

The Fish Express

I know this is a pretty big statement, but The Fish Express definitely has the best poke on the island! Even better, it’s located right near the airport, so it should be your first stop right after you pick up your rental car. The poke here is seriously SO fresh and really is the best way to start any trip in Kauai.

Jo2 is a more upscale spot that combines French and Japanese cooking with locally sourced and fresh ingredients. This was without a doubt the most artful and unique meal we had in Kauai.

Bar Acuda is a cool and modern spot that serves up delicious tapas. For 15 years, Bar Acuda has prioritized using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to create tasty and innovative shareable plates. This is definitely one you need to book ahead!

Puka Dog is a classic Hawaiian spot that is sure to cure your craving for a hearty hot dog. These Hawaiian-style dogs are beyond tasty, but what makes them unique are all the different relish options to choose from like mango, banana, and coconut.

Kauai Island Brewing Co.

If you’re looking to grab a cold beer after the beach, Kauai Island Brewing Co. is the place to go. It is the oldest brewery and pub on the island, and it doubles as a full-service restaurant so that you can grab a bite while enjoying your beer.

Mark’s Place

Mark’s Place is a casual and local hot spot that serves affordable and authentic Hawaiian-style plates. It’s been around since 1998, and it is most popular for lunch. The mixed plate with chicken katsu, teriyaki beef, and beef stew is super filling, and the potato macaroni salad is out of this world.

Also, if you dare I highly recommend trying a spam musubi—I was initially grossed out honestly, but came to love these little Hawaiian snacks during our trip!

Beach House Restaurant 

The Beach House Restaurant in Koloa is probably one of the most famous restaurants on the island. We didn’t end up eating here, but it’s a super romantic spot that pairs breathtaking ocean views with elevated coastal cuisine. A great pick for sunset!

Eating House

Eating House is a historic concept by Roy Yamaguchi located in the heart of Poipu. This is definitely the kind of spot that requires a reservation, so be sure to book ahead. The menu puts a modern twist on traditional Hawaiian cuisine, and dinner here is definitely a worthwhile experience.

Japanese Grandma

I’m so happy my friend recommended Japanese Grandma before our trip! This is an amazing sushi spot on the island that sets the vibe with live music and delicious dishes that are plated beautifully. We really loved this spot.

When it comes to grabbing a solid cup of coffee, Java Kai is my top pick. This charming coffee shop with surfer vibes can be recognized by its bright teal exterior, plus the coffee is high-quality.

Hanelei Bread Company

Whether you’re looking for coffee or a mid-day snack, Hanalei Bread Co. has you covered with organic goods. They have some solid lunch options like avocado toast and acai bowls, making it easy to enjoy a delicious pick-me-up on the go.

In addition to serving some authentic Tahitian and Hawaiian fare, Tahiti Nui is also a popular spot for live music and innovative cocktails in Hanalei. This family-run business has been around since 1963.

Waikomo Shave Ice

Shaved Ice is a must when visiting Kauai. While there are several options to choose from, Waikomo Shave Ice is one of the best and has a few different locations scattered across the East Side of the island. The flavors are all-natural, and there really is no better way to beat the heat than enjoying one of the frozen desserts.

Stevenson’s Library at Grand Hyatt

Located in the Grand Hyatt, Stevenson’s Library specialized in sushi and upscale cocktails in a warm and intimate setting. In addition to cocktails, Stevenson’s Library also features an extensive list of Cognac and Port.

Mamahune’s

Mamahune’s is an awesome tiki bar in Kapa’a that serves up awesome, refreshing cocktails served in iconic tiki style glasses. The interior is super retro and colorful, and it’s the perfect spot to let loose and chat up some fellow travelers.

Best Things to Do When Traveling in Kauai 

When it comes to outdoor adventure, the possibilities in Kauai are literally endless. From hiking trails to secret waterfalls to breathtaking snorkeling spots, there is seriously so much to do and enjoy.

Though you might have to time your outdoor activities according to the weather on some parts of the island, you’ll definitely be spending the majority of your time in Kauai outside.

Here are a few things you can’t miss!

Doors-Off Helicopter Tour

Even if you have a fear of flying or heights, I highly recommend building up the courage to take a doors off helicopter tour.

Enjoying an aerial view of this magical island is a truly surreal experience and the best way to get your bearings with a literal birds-eye view. Between the fresh air and unobstructed views, this is by far one of the coolest things we did in Kauai.

Snorkel at Lawai Beach

Lawai Beach is situated right in front of the famous Beach House Restaurant. When the water is calm, this is a wonderful place for snorkeling and there are tons of beautiful fish that swim throughout the reef. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle or two.

Wailua Falls

This 173-foot waterfall is a true stunner that will literally take your breath away. That said, the hike down to get here can be quite sketchy, requiring you to scale down lush jungle on ropes which can be a little nerve-wracking.

Still, if you’re confident in your ability to stay sure-footed, it’s 100% worth it. Fun fact: Wailua Falls was the waterfall that was always featured on Fantasy Island.

Visit Queens Bath

The Queens Bath natural pools are one of the most talked-about and famous spots in Kauai. That said, it can be really dangerous at high tide, so always explore with caution.

These scenic pools are beyond stunning, filling with crystal clear water, and set to a dramatic backdrop of lush mountains. If you’re looking to experience the ultimate “mermaid moment,” this is the place.

Explore Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon is considered to be the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and the views here are absolutely breathtaking. There are tons of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore, but the Kalepa Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic hiking trails in the park.

Though it only takes a little more than an hour to complete, there are parts of it that are very challenging and narrow, so be sure to come prepared and wear proper hiking shoes.

See the Turtles and Seals at Poipu Beach

Hawaii is home to some of the most amazing and magical wildlife, especially when it comes to ocean animals. Poipu Beach is home to tons of adorable Monk Seals and sea turtles, making it the perfect place to enjoy some snorkeling.

Hanakapi’ai Falls Along the Kalalau Trail

Hanakapi’ai Falls is a 300-foot tall waterfall that is located along the Kalalau Trail in Haena State Park and hiking here was definitely one of our absolute favorite things we did in Kauai, despite the fact that too rainy weather meant we couldn’t make it all the way to the falls.

This is also one of the few places where you really need to plan in advance as entering Haena State Park requires a reservation.

If you plan on hiking past the falls, you’ll need to purchase a camping permit for the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park as well. You can find more comprehensive information on how to book all reservations here .

Explore the Food Trucks and Shops in Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is an iconic strip of beach that stretches for more than two miles. Located just up the street from the beach you’ll find several amazing food trucks that have everything from poke to vegan fare. This is the perfect place to grab lunch before hitting the beach for a picturesque picnic.

Tunnels Beach in Hanalei 

This is probably the most epic and beautiful beach in all of Kauai, so don’t miss this one! It was pretty overcast the day we were here, but it was still stunning. Parking can get a little tricky later in the day, so be sure to get there early to snag a guaranteed spot.

View the Na’Pali Coast by Boat

There is nothing quite as amazing as taking in the Na’Pali Coast from the ocean. Captain Andy’s has been offering chartered boat tours since 1980, and they have everything from yachts to classic catamarans. That said, the Wet and Wild Raft Expeditions are perfect for those seeking a little thrill.

Did this travel guide to Kauai inspire you to plan your next trip?

Planning a trip right now don’t miss my go-to websites for booking everything from flights and tours, to accommodation and more:.

• Booking.com for the best hotel deals
• World Nomads for flexible travel insurance
• VRBO for awesome rentals
• Skyscanner for finding the best flight deals
• Hostelworld for budget accommodation
• Rentalcars.com for easy car rentals

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9 Things To Know When Planning a Trip to Kauai

• April 3, 2023

Hawaii’s golden beaches provide tourists with a gorgeous beachfront escape. However, most people agree that Kauai offers the most diverse activities for families, couples, and adventure seekers.

Planning a trip to Kauai does require some effort and thought. Since there are so many different ways of experiencing the island, knowing what to consider beforehand ensures you get the most out of your trip.

An excellent way to explore the island’s hidden gems is by booking a  Kauai tour by Secret Hawaii Tours . Our guides treat every group like family and ensure you get the most out of your Kauai trip. Call today to ask about tour options.

What to Know When Planning a Trip to Kauai

The beautiful island of Kauai offers tasty food, popular beaches, and engaging activities for every traveler. While planning a trip to Kauai, consider these nine key factors.

1. Plan a Longer Trip

With so much to do on the island of Kauai, it’s important that you plan a long enough trip that allows time for every activity you’re planning. After all, the best way to experience the island is on “island time,” leisurely and without too strict of an agenda.

Since you probably won’t return to Hawaii soon, planning to stay on Kauai for at least seven to ten days allows ample time to experience everything the island offers. While day trips from other islands are possible, you can’t experience  Kauai’s rich history  and activities in just one day.

2. Plan Major Activities Ahead of Time

Although you’ll want to have some downtime set aside for lounging by the beaches and pools, getting some activities in the books ahead of time ensures that you don’t miss out on more popular attractions. For example, the famous Hā’ena State Park requires reservations and can fill up a few weeks in advance. You’ll also want to schedule lūʻaus or boat tours before arriving.

3. Consider What Season You’ll Want to Visit

Tourism is a seasonal industry, with crowds fluctuating depending on a few factors. Visiting Kauai during holiday seasons like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s might mean a more expensive and crowded experience. Additionally, the summer season might bring hotter weather, while rainy seasons make it harder to enjoy outdoor activities.

4. Choose an Area Offering Your Preferred Activities and Weather

Kauai has three main areas: North shore (Princeville/Hanalei), East shore (Kapa’a/Lihue), and South shore (Poipu).

Each of these areas offers different attractions and weather. For example, Poipu offers year-round dry, sunny weather, while Princeville receives tons of rain. Choose an area that suits your activity and adventuring needs while providing the best weather for your party.

5. Transportation Can Be Challenging

Getting around in Kauai is not always easy. Poor public transportation and limited highways make navigating the island difficult at times. As a result, it’s a great idea to schedule excursions with a private guide who understands how best to navigate the roads and weather.

6. The Food Scene Improved Greatly in Recent Years

In past years, Kauai’s food scene proved lackluster. However, recent years have seen a dramatic shift in the island’s culinary culture. Food trucks, upscale dining, and native restaurants have all increased and improved the local food scene.

7. Check the Weather Before Doing Activities

It’s great to plan activities ahead of time, but make sure you check the weather on the actual day. Fog and rain can make activities like visiting Waimea Canyon or the North shore much more difficult and less enjoyable. Make alternative plans if the weather looks unfavorable.

8. Know Every Lūʻau Offers a Unique Experience

Some visitors believe that every lūʻau around Kauai offers a pretty standard or similar experience. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Each lūʻau offers a completely unique storytelling, cultural, and dining experience that can make multiple lūʻaus worthwhile. Check different websites to decide what might be the best experience for your party.

9. Check Beach Safety Before Swimming or Surfing

Before attempting to swim or surf, check the Kauai section on HawaiiBeachSafety.com. This website offers a comprehensive summary of any hazards or risks for that day on Kauai’s beaches.

Book a Private Tour of Kauai From Secret Hawaii Tours

At Secret Hawaii Tours, we offer guides to take you to many incredible  Kauai tour destinations . Get the most out of your trip by booking one of our private tours.

For more information about important things to consider while planning a trip to Kauai, call (808) 294-3993 and talk to island experts from Secret Hawaii Tours today.

which Island Would You Like To Explore?

The Do’s and Don’ts of Planning a Trip to Kauai

You just had the rare fun of telling your college-age sons that you’re treating them to a vacation in Kauai, one of the Hawaiian islands. You’ve all been working hard and are looking forward to getting off the grid together for a bit. You envision yourself on the sun-drenched South Shore, lounging on the white sand, ocean waves in view, a fruity cocktail in hand. Meanwhile, your sons are raving about all the extreme hikes they plan to conquer deep in Kauai’s rainforests — and how they fully expect you to hike with them.

“You’ll love it, mom!” your oldest says. “We’ll cliff jump and swim under waterfalls and stuff!”

“Ugh,” you say.

“Yeah, you gotta hike, too, Mom,” your younger son chimes in. “We’re gonna need our favorite cook when we get lost in the wild for days!”

“Ha ha,” you deadpan, secretly enjoying the teasing. Sure, they’re half joking, but you are well aware that in addition to your serene pool swims, tropical happy hours and shopping excursions, you will likely be partaking in some pretty rigorous, down-and-dirty adventures, too.

So the questions now become: What exactly do you pack? What sort of things will you have to reserve in advance? Where is the most sunshine bang-for-your-buck? And which season offers the smallest chance of getting lost in the jungle with three sons and one small cookstove?

You know it’s time to start planning and packing smart, so you research and familiarize yourself with some common-sense do’s and don’ts of traveling to Kauai. You know that by arming yourself with a little knowledge, you can start to relax. And it works!

You can already taste that mai tai . . .

Some Handy Do’s and Don’ts:

Before you go.

Chat with your companions to determine what vacation you envision on Kauai Island. Does everyone want to stay on the more tropical (read: rainy) North Shore because it has the best surfing, while others were hoping for the endless sunshine of the South Shore? Do some of you dream of being right on the beach in a hotel room, while others hope for the upscale amenities in an all-inclusive resort? Discuss expectations and arrive at something that works for all.

Fully understand that this will be expensive. You will become aware of this as you book your airfare and accommodations. Once on the big island of Kauai, there are numerous ways to spend less money (cook in your own kitchen, enjoy all the natural wonders, skip the big tours) and ways to spend more money (dine at restaurants for every meal, book the helicopter, shop ‘til you drop) but if you’ve chosen a trip that falls within your own budget, and you’ve made your peace with the costs, you will be more relaxed — and have much more fun! And remember: some adventures in life are truly priceless.

Book your resort, hotel or condo as far in advance as possible. This is especially true for a visit during the high season or if you would like something specific, like an ocean view or adjoining rooms. And this is even more important, of course, if you have an event to attend — or throw.

Consider a resort with suites for an extended stay OR for larger groups to share. For families on a budget, booking a multi-bedroom suite is a great way to save money versus paying the premium of individual rooms. Even better is a suite with its own kitchen. Having a big fridge to keep daily essentials and the ability to cook breakfast or pack to-go lunches is a boon. Plus, you get the fun of feeling like a local at the grocery store and farmers markets. Fresh-sliced Sugarloaf pineapple, anyone?

Plan a trip to Kauai during the best season for YOU. 

The peak summer season runs from mid-June to mid-August and is an extremely popular time. School’s out, and there is a big uptick in weddings and honeymoons. The island will naturally be busier, with higher airfares and lodging prices.

The low season starts in mid-August and ends in mid-December. With the exception of Thanksgiving week, this is a great time to find deals — and smaller crowds. The Christmas season is usually the highest spike in travelers and prices. The good news is, it’s just never all that crowded.

Bonus: The winter months provide a better chance to see humpback whales. January through March may be a bit rainier and cooler, but the weather is still mostly gorgeous, and you may be more likely to witness these majestic creatures do their thing. The South Shore is an ideal location for the winter months as it has more sunny days.

Rent a car. Why? Kauai offers few public transportation options, and even if you can find the scarce taxis, Ubers and Lyfts, they are slow to arrive, and the more remote adventure spots won’t have sufficient WiFi to connect with them. (Tip: The best way to rideshare on Kauai is by using the new Holoholo app — Hawaii’s local Uber competitor.) Most roads do not safely accommodate bikes (if at all), and the local resorts have only scattered shuttle services. Book your rental car in advance for the best selection and pricing, and to avoid crowds at the airport, consider renting through your resort.

Bonus: Spring for that sexy Jeep because driving is an experience! The top goes down, the music goes up, and you feel ready to explore more off-the-beaten-track spots. You can even plug into a Kauai guide app on your phone for a narrated self-tour (WiFi permitting!) Just be prepared to do some research on parking when you’re planning to head off to a popular or remote destination.

Plan to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the trip! Ideally, you’d have at least seven days on the island — preferably ten. Kauai has several distinct regions, each with its own personality and unique offerings — all of which you will want to explore. This is, of course, in addition to the time you’ll spend relaxing on the beach or reading with a paloma on your poolside lounger. Don’t overstuff your days! In fact, if you have less than a week, you might consider spending it all exploring a single coast and then returning another time to explore another.

FOR EXTENDED STAYS: Consider splitting your stay between two locations – maybe the South Shore and the North Shore. This will save you a lot of drive time if there are many places you’d like to see on both coasts — and beyond.

Make camping and hiking reservations well in advance for some more popular sites like Haena State Park and the Kalalau trail. Permit wait times are ever-changing, so look into this sooner rather than later. Non-Hawaii residents must book and pay some parking and parking fees in advance . Get the latest-greatest info at Hawaii’s Division of State Parks .

Plan to visit more than one island per week – You’ll spend too much of your precious vacation time traveling, and there is so much to do on each island you may find yourself frustrated.

Visit during major holidays. If you can, try to avoid the busiest times of the year, especially Thanksgiving week, Christmas and New Year, when crowds and prices soar. If you must visit then, book far in advance. You will still have plenty to love about your vacation in Kauai — but the swarms of people, the price surges and the “special menus” might not give you the most authentic Kauain experience.

Don’t forget to read! There are so many great history books, blogs, travel guides and even novels either about Kauai or set there. The Descendants is a 2007 novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings set on the North Shore. When the film version was shot in 2011 with George Clooney, he became a local fixture with several Kauai locales visible in the movie.

A few other novels set in Kauai include Freefall by Kristen Heitzman, a nail-biting thriller called Fatal Paradise by TC Lawrence, the historical novel Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams, Kauai Tales by Frederick B. Wichman, and The Tiki Goddess Mystery Series by Jill Marie Landis, with such fun titles as Mai Tai One On, Two to Mango and Hawaii Five Uh-Oh! Non-fiction selections include the much-lauded Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board by Bethany Hamilton, Waking Up in Eden: In Pursuit of an Impassioned Life on an Imperiled Island by Lucinda Fleeson, Freckled by TW Neal, among many more.

How to Get to Kauai

Consider booking your flight with Hawaiian Airlines for a comfortable and authentic Hawaiian travel experience. When flying to Kauai, your destination is Lihue Airport, Kauai’s main airport. Be sure to check for direct flights or convenient connections. To secure the best flights and accommodations, make your travel arrangements well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Don’t

Avoid waiting until the last minute to book your flights, as availability may be limited, and prices can soar. Double-check your flight details, including departure times and gates, to ensure a smooth journey to Kauai.

Once you Arrive on the Island

Live on “island time.” The most rewarding way to approach Kauai is slowly. This spectacular island is best when soaked in leisurely, soulfully — not rushed into with an itinerary in hand and too many activities packed into the day. The locals live with an easy, graceful vibe; if you’re open to it, you’ll find it contagious. Snorkeling, hiking, a boat tour and waterfall chasing should not be missed, but you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy. Any day is a good day on Kauai to linger lazily over that mug of West Shore dark roast or kick back, pour another mai tai and watch the sun set behind swaying palms.

Learn to say a few words in Hawaiian. Aloha is particularly handy as it means “hello” and “goodbye” and expresses love. Mahalo means “thank you”, and try greeting folks with Howzit. which is the way the locals ask, “How are you?” Don’t be shy. Kauains love it when you embrace their lingo.

Eat what the locals eat! Kauai has a vibrant restaurant scene serving myriad cuisines from all over the world. But to get the true Hawaiian culinary experience, be sure to try some of the regional delicacies you’re not likely to find anywhere else. Hit the farmers markets, the mom-and-pop holes-in-the-wall, the small grocery stores, the fish markets and the fantastic food trucks that blessedly proliferate the Garden Isle. Here you’ll find favorites like lomi lomi salmon, saimin noodle soup, malasadas (Kauai’s answer to doughnuts), rich loco moco, and many other yummy dishes that just might become your new faves.

No one needs to be reminded to eat local goodies like shave ice, tuna poke, Lappert’s Ice Cream and all that gorgeous fruit readily available on the island! Locally grown coffee and tropical cocktails are in the no-brainer category, too, and beer aficionados will be delighted by a frosty glass of the local brew.

Check the “Kauai” tab on HawaiiBeachSafety.com often to seek out the day’s safest swim spots or the best places to surf. The site calculates hazard levels at ten of the most popular beaches on the island using current weather, surf, and beach conditions.

For surfers: Use KauaiExplorer.com for ocean conditions and surf reports. Find out about wind direction, tides and currents to determine the most appropriate surf spot for your skill level.

Use the services of your resort’s concierge whenever possible. Dinner reservations, activity bookings, shopping area suggestions. As locals who deal with this stuff all day long, they will know the best adventures for your budget, for the season and for the people in your group. You can call them before your arrival and get things booked well before you land on the island.

Embrace the tropical weather. It rains. A lot. And the locals not only roll with this but revel in it. Kauai weather, in general, is near perfect year-round, with the average temperature hovering at 78°. Sunshine abounds, but rainfall occurs often multiple times a day. This precipitation gives the Garden Isle those velvety green mountains and cabbage-sized flowers, why the waterfalls are so thunderous and why Kauai has the only navigable river in Hawaii. And whoever heard of too many rainbows? So skip the umbrella. You will decide it’s just not worth it when you find yourself pulling it out for what is usually just a passing drizzle and then folding it away again. Go ahead and embrace frizzier hair, damper feet and more hydrated skin!

Let local drivers pass you on the roads. Accept that they know these often winding, remote passageways better than you do. Again, you’re on island time, so turn up the Bob Marley, take it slow and enjoy the ride.

Treat yourself to a view of Kauai from above! A helicopter trip with a seasoned pilot is a once-in-a-lifetime jaw-dropper you will never forget. This is also the only way to see large swaths of the island — including some ridiculously towering waterfalls.

Eat in restaurants for every meal. Dining out is especially expensive on Kauai, so cook for yourself with local ingredients in a guest suite with a full kitchen like the ones found at Koloa Landing Resort . It’s a huge money-saver. Seek out the farmer’s markets , grocery store delis, and the beloved Koloa Fish Market — an institution on the South Shore.

Bonus: If you’re lucky enough to stay at a resort with outdoor grills, use them! What could be better than cheffing up a fun meal with your family as you watch the sunset over the epic pool you just spent all day lounging by? Meals cooked and enjoyed outside just taste better.

Underestimate the power of mother nature, in particular: the ocean. Don’t turn your back on the waves. Conditions can change in the blink of an eye, and drownings are more common than you’d think. Many tourists have learned the hard way that the jump, rocky swim, or Instagram photo just wasn’t worth the risk.

Fight it if you find yourself in a rip current. Stay calm, float with the current to conserve energy , wave your arms for help, and always swim parallel to the shore.

Miss witnessing a sea turtle! But do so respectfully. Known as “honu” in Hawaiian, these loveable creatures top most people’s lists of wildlife to encounter while on Kauai, but they are endangered and voraciously protected. Always stay at least 10 to 15 feet away. Do not approach, chase, pour water on, touch, dance with, feed, high five or ride a turtle. Fines can set you back $100,000. Not worth it — not to mention cruel. (You’d be surprised what people attempt!)

NOTE: If you encounter a sea turtle that is stranded, injured or in distress, report it immediately to a lifeguard or to the Department of Fisheries.

Trespass, litter, park illegally, or leave valuables in your car. This is just common sense stuff that you’d do anywhere. Also, respect private property. ALL of Kauai’s beaches are open to the public (even those in front of hotels and homes), but they do not all have easy-access routes. Don’t be that person willing to trample a resident’s garden just to get to a particular patch of sand. There is plenty to go around!

What to Pack for Kauai

Packing for your trip to Kauai can prove a little tricky as the island offers a variety of adventures to embark upon. This list has you covered from flip flops to . . .olive oil? And just as important: what not to pack.

Pack the right clothes! This means plenty of swimwear and sunwear. Depending on the length of your stay, you may want to pack multiple swimsuits as you will likely spend loads of time exploring the beautiful beaches or lounging by the pool — sometimes both on the same day. Pack a sportier swimwear option if you plan to do water sports like jet skiing or kayaking.

Bring sunwear that is easy to throw on or throw in your bag as you head off to the beach or pool. Kauai’s abundant sunshine calls for lightweight and comfortable options ranging from dresses to shorts, T-shirts, and the always-handy cover-up.

Workout gear is a must, as most resorts and hotels have gyms or yoga programs. Too much coconut cream pie last night? Hit Koloa Landing Resort’s HIIT class !

When packing for a tropical island like Kauai, it’s essential to bring the right shoes. Comfortable footwear is a must for beach walks, resort strolls, and even evening outings. Options like flip-flops, sandals, and lightweight sneakers are perfect for casual wear. But Kauai isn’t just about lounging – it’s renowned for its numerous hiking trails, zip-lining adventures, and boating excursions. Depending on your planned activities, including sturdy hiking boots, water shoes, or versatile deck shoes in your luggage might be wise.

Pack the right accessories! A seriously good hat (or two) and a pair of UV sunglasses (or two) are vital. Spending all day in the sun calls for proper protection, so whether it’s the biggest floppy hat you can find or your trusty baseball cap, throw it in your suitcase along with some sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Consider embracing styles that reflect Kauai’s laid-back beach vibe. Casualwear is not only acceptable but encouraged, and anything too serious might feel out of place. In fact, your beachwear ideally makes an easy transition to other activities. This being said Kauai has lovely restaurants — some of which are upscale and “honeymoon grade,” so a couple of dressier options could make their way into your suitcase, as well.

Be ready for the rain! Kauai’s tropical climate means there is a good chance it will rain every day. A lightweight rain jacket is essential — especially for those hikes and boating excursions. A warmer jacket could be in order, too, if you are hiking to higher elevations during certain seasons and/or if you do any morning or evening boating.

Pack suits or stilettos. Though there are nice restaurants and fun clubs to discover on Kauai, they do not require a black-tie dress code. Men can stick to a button-down or polo and skip the heavy dress shoes, and no one enjoys wearing spike heels in such close proximity to the sand. It gives one a sinking feeling . . .

Leaving bulky items behind will not only save you from lugging stuff that will just sit in your hotel closet, it could also save you that overweight luggage fee.

Other stuff

However, your plan to fill your days on the island will greatly inform the “other stuff” you should bring. Avid scuba divers will obviously pack differently than, say, golfers, bird watchers or lounge lizards. Still, there are a few tried-and-true universal items that visitors will be happy to have on hand.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen. Lots of time in the sun requires protection, but so do the reefs and sea creatures of Kauai! Reef-safe sunscreen not only accomplishes both, but it is actually illegal to use anything else in Hawaii.

Bring a day pack or beach bag — preferably one that packs flat and will fit all your necessities like a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, snacks and your favorite book.

Bring some sort of sun relief. A deeply emollient lotion or an aloe gel will soothe your skin after a long day in the sun. (Most hotels/resorts offer sub-par in-room choices — especially for a sunburn.)

Pack a hair mask or leave-in conditioner to combat the dryness brought on by saltwater and chlorine.

If your accommodations have a kitchen, bring little baggies of spices, salt, pepper and a travel bottle of olive oil. These items are expensive on Kauai; even buying the smallest sizes will be much more than you’ll need.

Bring a refillable water bottle. Pre-bottled water is expensive on the island, and you’ll avoid creating plastic waste, too.

Also worth considering:

Setting up a Virtual Private Network before you travel to Kauai. Alas, trollers exist — even in paradise. A VPN protects your internet connection when using public networks at a resort pool. VPNs encrypt your data and disguise your online identity.

Compact binoculars are a great way to focus on a little more detail when scouting whales, dolphins, birds or terrain. AND an inexpensive underwater camera is so much fun on that snorkel excursion when you come nose-to-nose with an eel or your loved one gets surrounded by a school of golden humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Cameras and binoculars can also be rented in various spots on the island.

Pack bulky beach items like towels, beach chairs, sand toys, or snorkel gear. Luckily most resorts, and even rental houses, will have these items for you to use and/or rent upon arrival. The same can be said for surfboards and wetsuits. Kauai has some of the best surfing in the world, and people come from all over to get on these waves. Bringing a surfboard on your flight is a huge hassle, and unless you are such a serious surfer that you need your own board, there are plenty of places to rent them on the island.

Ready for an unforgettable Kauai adventure ? Get packing and get out here! Koloa Landing Resort is ready to help make your daydreams come true. Book your Kauai ocean-view villa today!

— Erica Karlin / Natasha Karlin

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The Best Hotels in Kauai

Stay at these editor-loved properties and T+L award winners in sunny Hawaii.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort

Nicknamed the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is beloved for its 550 square miles of lush tropical vegetation and pristine beaches; its wild terrain made it an apt filming location for the likes of “Lord of the Flies,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and the Jurassic Park franchise. While still beautiful and rustic, more recently Kauai has seen a rise in posh new hotels, including the stunning 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

Ready to plan your next trip to Kauai? Read on to discover the best hotels and resorts in the region, from opulent five-star lodgings to budget-friendlier rooms, plus plenty of choices for residential-style stays with room for larger groups. As a travel journalist who has explored all over Hawaii for work and leisure many times over the last 15 years, I curated this list with expert recommendations from Travel + Leisure editors, contributors, and readers, along with winners from our World’s Best Awards .

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Also available to book at Expedia.com

This expansive resort is packed with amenities for families, including a pool with the longest resort waterslide in the state.

Expect to do some walking at this spread-out resort, as it’s situated on 50 acres.

Located on the South Shore, this resort sprawls over 50 acres, offering lush gardens and pools that are the stuff of dreams for families: one is tricked out with four waterslides — including the longest resort waterslide in Hawaii at 150 feet. (Fear not, child-free travelers: there’s also a quiet adults-only pool.)

Additionally, there’s a 1.5-acre saltwater lagoon that offers a sandy beach complete with swim-out islands. On-site are championship golf and the full-service Anara Spa, a grand 45,000-square-foot space that includes a 24-hour fitness center, open-air yoga studio, and dry and steam saunas. Tidepools restaurant offers fine dining under thatched-roof bungalows perched above a koi-filled lagoon at the base of a waterfall.

The Details: 

• Location: Koloa
• Distance From Airport: 16 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms, restaurants, swimming pool
• Loyalty Programs: World of Hyatt
• Parking: Self-parking included in the resort fee, or valet parking for $40 per day
• Resort Fee: Yes
• Rates: From $960 per night

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

This is the island’s posh new addition, with a focus on wellness and a next-level spa and fitness center.

Be prepared to splash out for rooms here, with starting rates in the four figures.

Opened in 2023 on the site of the former St. Regis Princeville, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is an ultra-posh new entry onto Kauai’s hotel scene. The North Shore property situated on a legendary beach is all about biophilic design principles, with natural landscapes woven through low-impact structures that blend seamlessly into their cliffside environment. Streams and gardens dot the property, where there are 252 airy rooms, including 51 suites.

The 18,000-square-foot Bamford Wellness Spa includes cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers, infrared saunas with halotherapy, ice baths, a meditation pod, and a salt pod flotation chamber. And the 10,000 square-foot Anatomy fitness center is an open-air oceanfront environment with indoor and outdoor yoga spaces. Among the many dining options is the signature 1 Kitchen, with a plant-driven menu and one of the island’s largest wine lists.

• Distance From Airport: 29 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms, restaurants, bars, and restrooms, braille signage, plus an all-terrain beach wheelchair available for guests who need it.
• Loyalty Programs: Mission by 1 Hotels
• Parking: Valet with $50 charge plus tax per night
• Resort Fee: No
• Rates: From $1,200 per night

“When it comes to setting, this was one of the most stunning hotels I've stayed in. You can't beat its position on beautiful Hanalei Bay, overlooking Makana Mountain and the start of the Na Pali Coast. It's a wellness-focused hotel, and the spa, gym, and wellness programming are top notch. (But that doesn't mean you can't indulge in some Mai Tais; we even learned a recipe we now use at home.) 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is extremely romantic — you'll wake up to rainbows most mornings — and it's where my fiancé and I chose to celebrate our engagement. Still, I think it could be just as ideal for a girls' getaway.”

–Nina Ruggiero, Senior Editorial Director

Ko’a Kea Resort on Po’ipu Beach

The Meritage Collection

Also available to book at Hotels.com

This resort offers the island’s closest hotel accommodations to the water, sitting on stunning Poipu Beach.

The pool is on the smaller side, and the restaurant closes early.

Located on the sunny South Shore, this 121-room boutique resort with unobstructed views sits on Poipu Beach, a stretch of golden sand and sea known for top-notch snorkeling, diving, and surfing. Rooms and suites were renovated in 2022, and all feature balconies or private lanais. The resort offers direct beach access; it’s the closest resort to the beach on the island.

On-site is the full-service restaurant, Red Salt, now offering the weekly dinner Pa’ina series that gathers 14 guests at a time for a golden-hour meal with chef Noelani Planas. The property now also offers cabana dinners: six-course meals in an oceanfront cabana with front-row seats of Poipu Beach. There’s also a poolside bar and grill featuring Hawaiian dishes, plus a full-service spa with five treatment rooms, a couples suite, and two outdoor spa cabanas. The property also features an expansive oceanfront lawn and fire pits. In partnership with Envoy, you can reserve a private Tesla during your stay to explore the island. Ko’a Kea earned a place on our World’s Best Awards list in 2023.

• Distance From Airport: 15 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms available.
• Loyalty Programs: Stay Golden
• Parking: Yes, $35 per night plus tax per vehicle
• Rates: From $494 per night

Timbers Kauai – Ocean Club & Residences

Timbers Kauai at Hokuala

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

Residential-style accommodations all have multiple bedrooms, lanais, and sea views.

A convenient location near the airport also means airplane noise under the flight path.

This property occupies prime oceanfront location within the 450-acre Hōkūala resort, and is surrounded by idyllic walking and biking trails. The two- to four-bedroom residences and townhomes each offer at least three private lanais as well as ocean views. Here, there is the Jack Nicklaus Ocean Course, two-tiered infinity pool, fitness center with group classes, lagoons, beach access, and oceanfront dining. There’s also a kids club available. Timbers scored a spot in our World’s Best Awards in 2022.

• Location: Lihue
• Distance From Airport: 3 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible parking, rooms, and elevator for upper floors.
• Parking: Free valet parking
• Rates: From $1,895 per night

The Lodge at Kukui’ula

Greogry Blore / The Lodge at Kukui'ula

This property offers a wide range of lodging sizes and full access to the suite of amenities offered by the Club at Kukui'ula — golf, spa, dining, pools, tennis, and more.

Services here are focused more on club members than hotel guests.

Located on the sunny South Shore, this resort community offers exclusive access to The Club at Kukui'ula through its home rentals. Luxury residential accommodations located at the entrance to the club offer indoor-outdoor island living, with options for cottages, bungalows, and villas, offering one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom options. Each spacious home has a gourmet kitchen, dining area, roomy lanai, and private outdoor garden showers. They’re all walking distance from the club and its services.

The Details:

• Distance From Airport: 11 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms and common areas
• Parking: Yes, included with resort fee

Kauai Shores

This hotel offers an uncommonly budget-friendly option, with high value for the price and bike rentals included with the resort fee.

While colorful and cheerful, rooms may feel dated.

This hotel offers a knockout beachfront location, offering guests direct access to the peaceful Royal Coconut Coast. Although the hotel is far more budget-friendly than most on our list, its rooms are well maintained with retro-inspired design tinges, and feature modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and open-air lanais. The large windows offer views of the lush tropical gardens, pool, mountains, and sea. Complete the experience with beachside yoga and dining at Lava Lava Beach Club. Bike rentals are included with the resort fee.

• Location: Kapa’a
• Distance From Airport: 7 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms, common areas, signage, on-site parking, registration desk, trained staff
• Rates: From $238 per night

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

The largest villa accommodations here sleep eight adults with residential-style amenities.

The cliffside location means no direct beach access.

This family-friendly cliffside vacation ownership resort is near Anini Beach and a short drive from Hanalei Bay. Dining options include the Princeville Bistro or Nanea Bar & Grill. There’s a 24-hour fitness studio as well as outdoor pools overlooking the ocean. Each residential-style villa here includes a furnished lanai, living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and sofa bed, so they’re ideal for groups traveling together. Floorplans range from studio accommodations to two bedrooms up to 1,300-plus square feet, with room for as many as eight adults.

• Location: Princeville
• Distance From Airport: 25 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms, on-site parking, elevators, and swimming pools. Service animals welcome.
• Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
• Parking: Yes, $25 per day
• Rates: From $438 per night

Marriott Kauai Lagoons - Kalanipu’u

This property offers lodgings in two- and three-bedroom villas, so it’s perfect for group or family travel.

Given the residential format, there isn’t a full suite of amenities on-site; there are no food or beverage outlets.

Marriott's Kauai Lagoons overlooks the deep blue sea surrounded by sparkling lagoons and beautiful coastline along the east shore. The property offers spacious villa vacation rentals, just right for groups or multigenerational family travel. There’s a two-level pool, whirlpool spa, and fitness center offering group fitness classes. Two- or three-bedroom vacation rentals have ocean views, separate living spaces, sofa beds, and full kitchens plus spacious balconies. From the resort, it’s easy to access nearby island attractions such as Fern Grotto, Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, and Opaeka'a Falls.

• Distance From Airport: Less than one mile
• Accessibility: Accessible on-site parking, elevators, and swimming pools. Service animals welcome.
• Parking: Yes at $25 per day
• Rates: From $577 per night

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

The hotel is conveniently located near the airport and close to drug and grocery stores, which is particularly useful for families traveling with kids.

The rocky beach doesn’t make for ideal swimming.

Located on Kauai’s eastern coast, this family-friendly resort is situated in the cute and eclectic town of Kapa'a, and is centrally located with easy access to the airport and nearby adventures (such as Smith's Tropical Paradise, and Wailua Falls), with 360-degree views of the island's natural beauty. The property features an infinity pool with separate sides for children and adults. Plus, there’s on-site dining at The Crooked Surf, Moa Moa, and Luau Ka Hikina. Rooms boast mini fridges and private lanais.

• Accessibility: Accessible on-site parking, elevators, rooms, service animals welcome
• Parking: Free on-site parking or valet is available for $20 per day
• Rates: From $382 per night

Paul Dyer / The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort

This resort has an enormous all-ages-friendly pool, an accessible starting price point, and is conveniently located near the airport.

Hospitality and housekeeping services may be spotty.

This beachfront resort is conveniently located merely two miles from Lihue Airport, so it’s easy to get situated and start enjoying your trip right away. Rooms feature views of the ocean, gardens, or pool. On-site are four restaurants, a spa, salon, and fitness center, and the largest one-level pool in Hawaii: a sweeping round blue expanse in the center of the property with the hotel buildings arranged around it. The property offers direct access to Kalapaki Beach, and is situated near nature reserves including Kalepa Mountain Forest Reserve and the Ahukini Recreation Pier State Park.

• Distance From Airport: 2 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms, signage, spa, pool, and more
• Loyalty Programs: Sonesta Travel Pass
• Parking: Yes, $30 self-parking or $40 valet per night
• Rates: From $319 per night

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection

This resort offers some of the largest accommodations on the island, with villas up to four bedrooms. It also has a great pool complex.

This is not a beachfront property.

Situated on 25 acres of lush grounds, this property offers studios, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas ranging from 500 to 3,600 square feet. Studios have kitchenettes and full-size washer/dryers and the villas have full kitchens and private bathrooms for every bedroom. One of the largest single-level pools on Kauai, the main pool here comprises 350,000 gallons of water and features waterslides, an infinity edge, swim-through waterfalls and grotto, a kids’ splash pad, dancing water fountains, and more.

There’s also the Lagoon pool with an island, lagoon, basketball hoop, and fire pits. A smaller pool with waterfalls is for adults only. On property are the full-service Spa at Koloa Landing; the couple’s treatment rooms have a private lanai, rainfall shower heads and the island’s only Japanese Ofuro soaking tub. The hotel is just a short walk from the Shops at Kukui’ula Village.

• Distance From Airport: 14 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible parking, elevators, pool, restaurants, rooms, and more. Service animals welcome.
• Parking: Yes, complimentary on-site self and valet parking.
• Rates: From $634 per night

Know Before You Go

Consider renting a car.

Kauai is one of the more remote Hawaiian islands, so the easiest way to get around is with your own car. Rideshare and taxis work too, but they can be expensive and not as plentiful as on the mainland. Some hotels run shuttles on a schedule, and there is also a public bus system.

Understand the different regions of Kauai before booking accommodations

Different regions of Kauai offer different experiences, so take this into account before booking and consider splitting your time between several accommodations if you want a varied experience. The main regions with accommodations are the North Shore (Princeville, Hanalei), east coast (more densely populated), and South Shore (home to family-friendly beaches and more affordable vacation lodgings).

Expect precipitation

Kauai is generally warm and tropical year round, with substantial rain. The dry season runs from April to October, and the months between November and March are considered the wet months. December and January — popular months for travel from the mainland — see the most rain.

How We Chose These Hotels

Alesandra Dubin is a travel and lifestyle journalist who has visited Hawaii for work and leisure many times over the last 15 years (most recently getting stuck in the state in January for days after the grounding of Alaska Airlines’ 737 Max 9 fleet). The hotels on this list were chosen based on her expertise and research as well as the firsthand accounts of Travel + Leisure editors and other contributors. Several of these hotels have also been voted into their respective categories in the World’s Best Awards by T+L readers. All of our hotel recommendations also align with our T+L Hotel Values .

Super Fun Things to do in Hanalei, Kauai

Are you planning a trip to kauai and want few fun kauai activities to add to your itinerary find out the best things to do in hanalei bay, in north shore kauai ..

Planning a trip to Kauai?

Kauai is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and it offers tourists plenty of opportunities to get close to nature.

From hiking and mountain biking to scuba diving and more, there’s something for everyone on this island paradise.

I’ve been to Kauai more than 20 times and I’d really recommend spending time in Hanalei. While it may not be the famous Kauai town, it’s got amazing attractions and a charming, laid-back surfer vibe that makes it a perfect vacation destination.

While there, you may have trouble choosing which activities to put on your itinerary. After all, the selection is so wide and varied that any tourist would struggle, especially first-time travelers!

In this post, I’ve compiled the top things to do in Hanalei, Kauai, ranging from restaurants to tours to outdoor activities. Keep scrolling to check them out!

Popular Kauai Tours/Activities

• Na Pali Coast Snorkeling Tour (this one also goes to the forbidden island of Ni’ihau)
• Kauai Helicopter Tour (this is the BEST way to see waterfalls on Kauai)
• ATV Tour to a Private Waterfall (this is a romantic adventure that feels like a secret getaway)
• Mountain Tubing (this is a low-key adventure down an old sugar cane canal)
• Luau Kalamaku (you can do a little train ride and feed farm animals before the luau)
• Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)

Favorite Kauai Resorts/Hotels

• Grand Hyatt Kauai (this Poipu resort has a luxurious pool area, romantic restaurants, and a stunning ocean view)
• Koloa Landing Resort (this is a luxury resort with an amazing pool area and truly spacious rooms)
• Royal Sonesta Kauai (we LOVE the pool here because it’s the largest one in Hawaii)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?

One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Kauai itinerary complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

27 incredible hanalei activities .

Are you planning a trip to Kauai? Here are 27 of the best Hanalei activities for any tourist to enjoy!

1. Go Golfing

Many will be surprised by golfing being an entry on this list. But, considering Hawaii’s beautiful landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, it should be unsurprising that golfing is so enjoyable in this tropical wonderland!

The best golf course in Kauai is undoubtedly the Princeville Makai Golf Course . It was named America’s “Top 5 Golf Settings” by National Geographic for its beautiful landscapes and views. 

If you’re an amateur golfer or want to learn a new skill, check out their golfing lessons for beginners. Not planning on golfing at all? Check out their beautiful sunset golf cart tours to witness an oceanfront view of Hawaii’s famously beautiful sunsets.

2. Relax at Hanalei Beach

Hanalei Beach is one of those seashores that perfectly fit what you imagine when you think of paradise. With flawless white-sand shores and clear blue waters, it’s the perfect place for activities such as sunbathing and snorkeling. It’s one of the top North Shore Kauai beaches .

The area is well-known for being one of the best beaches for surfing in Hawaii. While you’re there, be sure to check out the immense pier and enjoy the beautiful mountain views that surround you!

Hanalei Beach also offers picnic tables, showers, bathrooms, and BBQ grills. This makes it perfect for families and a relaxed afternoon of grilling! It’s also the filming site of multiple famous TV shows and movies such as The Descendants or South Pacific .

3. Go Snorkeling at Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach, despite being one of the best places to go off-shore snorkeling in all of Hawaii, is considered by many to be a “hidden gem.” It’s quite likely that you won’t run into any crowds of tourists while you’re here.

Although it can be somewhat difficult to find, snorkeling is worth the inconvenience. I’d make sure to get here earlier or later in the day to secure a parking space and even witness a beautiful sunset!

Snorkeling is one of the best ways to get first-hand experience with Hawaii’s unique underwater ecosystem. As you snorkel at Tunnels Beach, keep an eye out for thriving coral reef systems, Hawaiian green sea turtles, schools of tropical fish, and manta rays!

4. Get Taro Donuts at Holey Grail

Donuts are some of the world’s most widely acclaimed – and unhealthy – comfort foods. No matter what flavor or variation, they’re perfect after a long day or at the beach. What better way to try donuts in Hawaii than with a Hawaiian taste?

The Holey Grail food truck is located at 5-5100 Kuhio Hwy Hanalei, Hawaii 96714 and open every day of the week aside from Monday. It serves entirely unique doughnuts made from taro – a traditional Polynesian staple food.

The taro dough makes the doughnuts the Holey Grail makes unbelievably tender and light enough to melt on your tongue! They also come in a pretty impressive variety of flavors, from tropical fruit to locally-made chocolate. 

5. Go See the Wet and Dry Caves

The Kauai caves on the North Shore are beautiful attractions jam-packed with significance and geological history. They’re the perfect attraction for those hoping to go on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Some of the best Kauai caves are the Maniniholo Dry Caves, which the Menehune carved to escape the Polynesians, or the Waikanaloa Cave, which is partially submerged in water. Be sure to bring a flashlight as you visit!

6. Explore Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens

“Na Aina Kai,” meaning lands by the sea, is an appropriate name for the stretch of natural wonderland first founded by Joyce and Ed Doty. With a mix of artistic and horticultural visions, the botanical garden is still maintained today and is widely loved by both locals and tourists!

Dedicated to increasing future sustainability, the gardens preserve Hawaii’s endemic and endangered flora and provide tourists with an unforgettable artistic experience. The Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park is home to hundreds of species of trees, Hawaiian flowers , ferns, and much more.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the three main aspects of the garden: the Poinciana Maze, the Ka’ula Lagoon, and the International Desert Garden. Theres’s also a birds-eye overlook area and huge variety of guided tours!

7. Take Photos at Lumahai Beach

Lumahai Beach, despite having beautiful views and amazing photo ops, is one of the less frequented beaches in Kauai. This makes it perfect for a tranquil afternoon of sunbathing and photoshoots.

Do keep in mind that due to extremely strong waves, the waters are usually not safe for swimming or any underwater activities. You’ll only see the most daring of surfers frequent these shores!

Lumahai Beach’s beautiful surroundings were made famous through the classic movie South Pacific and is now featured on many postcards and magazines. For your very own unforgettable pictures, visit Lumahai Beach!

8. Get Shave Ice at Wishing Well

Shave ice is a classic Hawaiian dessert, refreshing and perfect on a hot sunny day. Despite being so associated with Hawaii, it actually originated in Japan. It was brought to the islands by immigrants who first made the dessert from hand-shaved ice flakes and sugar syrup.

Over the course of many years, local flavors such as lilikoi (passionfruit) and coconut have been incorporated into the dessert, making it truly unforgettable. For some delicious shave ice that isn’t cloyingly sweet, check out Wishing Well Shave Ice in Kauai!

Wishing Well creates all of its flavors from organic fruit and cane sugar, topped with slices of fruit! Their charming storefront is also one of the most Instagrammable places on this list.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out nearby souvenir shops that sell handmade accessories and eco-friendly clothing! It’s an amazing way to give back to the community by supporting local artisans rather than chain companies.

9. See the Hanalei Valley Lookout

The Hanalei Valley Lookout is one of the most breathtaking attractions on this list. It overlooks miles of verdant green meadows, immense mountains, cascading waterfalls, and charming taro fields! As you admire the view, you’ll never want to leave.

It’s rumored that the stunning view seems to change colors depending on the water or the time of day. So I’d definitely visit more than once, especially if you’re staying at Hanalei! 

If you weren’t planning on staying near the North Shore, I’d take the chance while visiting the Hanalei Valley to explore the rest of the North Shore, including its fun water activities, quaint shops, and amazing dining opportunities!

10. Take a Kauai Food Tour

For foodies or culture enthusiasts, a Kauai food tour is one of the best ways to experience Hawaii’s unique cuisine. Shaped by its one-of-a-kind ecosystem and diverse historical background, Hawaii’s cuisine is both unique and delicious!

Tour through a huge variety of delicious foods, sample exotic tropical fruits, drink delicious tea, and learn about some of Hanalei’s best restaurants in this 6-tasting tour. Check out the latest prices and more details .

11. Hit up the Hanalei Farmers Market

There are so many benefits to visiting a farmers market in Hawaii that it’s tough to explain them in just a few paragraphs! The Hanalei Farmers Market is located in the heart of the town and is open every Saturday morning, from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm. It is one of the best farmers markets in Kauai.

Visiting a farmers market is an easy way to give back to the community by supporting local farmers and artisans. While you’re there, you can also meet many friendly people who may give you valuable insights on life – or amazing recipes!

Farmers markets are also the best place for you to buy farm-to-table produce at a reasonable price. This gives you the chance to taste amazing fruits and vegetables! I’d especially recommend them if you’re living in an Airbnb and have access to your own kitchen.

12. Grab Pizza at the 76 Station

This entry on the list may make you raise your eyebrows, but I can guarantee you that the pizza at 76 Station will be the best you’ll ever taste. The store is located in the North General Store at the 76 Station in Kauai.

The pizza 76 Station serves is baked in an oven specially imported from NYC. It incorporates local ingredients, putting a unique spin on this classic comfort food. We tried it during the Tasting Kauai food tour and had to go back the next day!

Whether you’d like a whole pizza for an afternoon at the beach or to enjoy at the bar seating near the store, 76 Station is the perfect option! 

13. Learn to Surf

Surfing is just one of those things that’s strongly associated with Hawaii – and for good reason. Hawaii’s beautiful sandy shores and immense waves are considered by many to be a surfer’s wonderland!

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf but felt overwhelmed and unsure where to start, check out surfing lessons in Hawaii! With the guidance of seasoned professionals, you’ll be surrounded by beauty and cruising the waves in no time! Check out the latest rates and more information .

Your expert instructor will be able to offer you a multitude of options. These range from public classes to semi-private to completely private, though most sessions will last 2 hours. You’ll be provided with surf boards and any required safety gear. So just bring your swimsuit and some reef-safe sunscreen.

14. Enjoy Kombucha at Kauai Juice Co.

Kauai Juice Co. is a company aiming to uplift local farmers and provide their high-quality goods to communities across the world, all while remaining ecologically sustainable and spreading health, happiness, and Aloha!

Their kombucha is famous for being hand-made and flavorful, incorporating Hawaiian fruits such as guava and lilikoi (passionfruit). Bottled or from the tap, it’s undoubtedly delicious!

If you’re not a kombucha type of person, don’t worry – they have a huge variety of other high-quality drinks and menu items such as grab ‘n’ go salads, cold pressed juice, caffeinated drinks, and elixirs.

15. Drive up to Ke’e Beach

Ke’e Beach is a classic white-sand Hawaiian beach a little off the beaten road, so if you’re looking for some tranquility and beautiful views, this is the right option. 

Due to its gentle tides and soft sand, Ke’e Beach is perfect for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and much more! I especially recommend snorkeling, as there are many honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) that frequent the waters.

16. See Art Galleries

One of the underappreciated aspects of Hanalei is its charming artisiness, which is most clearly seen in the number of art galleries you’ll find in its premises! Consider visiting an art gallery to support local artists and have a lot of fun.

Some of our favorite galleries in Hanalei alone include (but aren’t limited to) Michal Arts , Halele’a Gallery , Havika Oceanic and Tribal Art , and Infinite Arts . You’ll be able to find a huge variety of art styles and themes, ranging from oil paints to acrylic!

These art galleries are also some of the best ways to purchase some unique souvenirs to remember your vacation! Many sell notecards, art prints, stickers, postcards, and much more!

17. Explore Kaulu Paoa Heiau

The Kaulu Paoa Heiau, located on the Ke’e Beach, is accessible through a short hike and a designated opening. It’s a place of immense cultural and historical significance, so I’d definitely recommend visiting.

Considered the birthplace of hula by Hawaiian legend, this heiau is dedicated to Laka, the graceful goddess of dance who is rumored to visit during full means. It is also rumored to be the place where Pele fell in love with Lohiau. 

In the past, this heiau was the place where hula dancers first practiced the tradition of chanting that accompanies hulas. While you visit, be sure to treat this historical site with the utmost respect and leave no trace – clean up any trash that you may produce. 

18. Embark on a Kauai Scavenger Hunt

This Kauai scavenger hunt is one of the best ways to become personally involved in the culture and lives of Hawaii locals! Lasting roughly 2 hours, this event breaks away from traditional tours to bring you a hands-on event that you’ll never forget.

For these magical two hours, roam the surrounding areas, searching for good stories and the solution to puzzles to win the scavenger hunt. This is an entirely private event, so you’ll only be playing with teammates you know.

The only downside to this unique activity is that you need to be moderately fit. The costs are quite reasonable, starting at $37 per person and adjusting depending on the group size. Check out the latest prices and more details .

19. Join a Na Pali Coast Boat Tour

A Na Pali Coast boat tour is one of the best ways to experience the elusive beauty of the Na Pali coast! Considered nigh inaccessible through land, the Na Pali Coast is one of the most beautiful places in all of Kauai. Check out the latest prices and more details !

20. Flytographer Photo Shoot

I’ve always said that the best way to make sure you never forget your Hawaii vacation is through taking some amazing pictures. As eager as travelers are to do so, they often are unable to replicate the skill and results of professional photographers.

Flytographer photo shoots provide you with the professionality and flexibility needed for you to enjoy your vacation while getting some amazing pictures! The photographers will adjust to your schedule and destinations, and you’re ensured satisfaction or a refund.

Seeing as Hanalei has some stunning photo ops and a huge variety of ideal destinations and backdrops, booking a Flytographer photo shoot is absolutely worth your money! Check out the latest rates and more information .

21. See Wai’oli Hui’ia Church in Hanalei

The Wai’oli Hui’ia Church was first built by Christian missionaries in 1834. Through centuries of rebuilding, it has become a charming example of classic American gothic architecture, with a forest green body and dark gray roof.

Whether or not you believe in the religion, this church is a charming destination that’s perfect for a quick stop-by if you’re in the area!

If you’re part of a Christian denomination, no one will stop you from stopping by during service and enjoying the Church hymns, usually sung in Hawaiian.

22. Try Poi at Hanalei Taro & Juice Co.

If you’ve ever wanted to try poi, a traditional Polynesian staple food made from taro root, be sure to visit Hanalei Taro & Juice Co.! This Hanalei food truck serves unmatched handmade poi along with other traditional Hawaiian cuisine and American comfort food.

Poi is a delicious and unique dish made from taro root. It’s thought that poi was first created to sustain Polynesian natives through their journey to the Hawaiian islands. It’s made through a painstaking process of mashing cooked starch against a wooden board with a pestle.

23. Eat at Tahiti Nui

One of the best parts of traveling to Hawaii is experiencing the cuisine. Hawaii’s food is one of the most unique cuisines in the world, crafted in part by its unique ecosystem and also by its melting pot of cultures.

Tahiti Nui, an iconic bar symbolizing a place where lives intersect and memories are made, is an amazing place for you to stop by! They serve delicious fusion foods such as delicious build-your-own Tikiman pizza, coconut shrimp, poke bowls, and much more.

Tahiti Nui is one of the most laid-back yet high-quality restaurants I’ve ever been to, and they even have an extensive number of cocktail options and live music! I’d say it’s one of the best restaurants in the area. 

24. Join a Kauai Movie Tour

This Kauai Movie Tour is perfect for movie enthusiasts! Tour through dozens of filming sites, learn obscure fun facts, and have fun with fellow tourists on this full-day journey through the wonderland of Kauai.

On this movie tour, you’ll learn about and witness first-hand the sites where many famous movies such as The Descendants , Jurassic Park , Pirates of the Caribbean , Raiders of the Lost Ark , and many more were filmed.

During the tour, you’ll also be treated to lunch at either Calypso Restaurant or Tahiti Nui, and traveling with a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. Check out the latest prices and more details !

25. Shop the Boutiques

Shopping in boutique shops in Hanalei is an amazing way to support local shop owners and buy some truly unique and one-of-a-kind souvenirs!

As you stroll through shops in Hanalei, you’ll be greeted by a charming mix of art galleries, musical instruments, clothing, handmade jewelry, and much more! I can guarantee that you won’t leave empty-handed.

Hanalei shopping is one of the best ways to fill an early morning – you can even stop by a local eatery or food truck for lunch! Some of my favorite boutiques include The Root , I Heart Hanalei , The Barn 808 , and Pualani Hanalei .

26. Explore Limahuli Garden

Botanical gardens are one of the best ways to spend time with nature, and the Limahuli Garden is a prime example of this. This 17-acre botanical garden is truly a hidden gem, nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

While you’re here, witness fields of taro plants, hundreds of colorful tropical flowers, lava rock terraces, and even a replica of an old Hawaiian house. You’ll also learn a lot about conservation of water and the world around you on this simple loop trail. 

27. Go Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the best ways to experience the wonder and beauty of the blue oceans of Hawaii. Most are considered to be a relaxing activity, so if you’ve ever wanted to go on an ocean adventure without the hassle of snorkeling, consider kayaking!

If you’re new to kayaking or concerned about safety, consider this popular Kauai snorkel tour that fuses kayaking and snorkeling into one fun opportunity! Start off by kayaking to your snorkeling destination, then ditch the boat and explore the underwater world first-hand.

While you prepare for this tour, remember that all gear and equipment will be provided – just sit back and enjoy the trip! Check out the latest prices and more details !

Hanalei Kauai FAQs

Hawaii is well-known for its pleasant weather: warm sunny temperatures, clear blue skies, and not a cloud in sight. Kauai is no exception, so I’d pack lots of summer clothing. However, seeing as Kauai is famous for its outdoors activities, I’d bring proper clothes and gear for those as well.

Hanalei is a wonderfully charming small town with laid-back vibes and beautiful views! Whether you’d like to sit back and admire views of the surrounding landscape, visit places where famous films such as The Descendants and South Pacific were filmed, visit farms and historical plantations, or attend tours, you can have a lot of fun at Hanalei.

Poipu: 1 hour, 32 minutes

Koloa: 1 hour, 26 minutes

Lihue: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Waimea Canyon State Park: 1 hour, 57 minutes

Taking the Shuttle from Hanalei to Haena

If you were thinking of visiting the Haena State Park, you’re unsurprisingly in the majority – the Haena State Park is one of the most popular attractions on the island of Kauai, and as a result, commuting there can get hectic!

Specifically, I’ve always had trouble on the road from Hanalei to Ke’e Beach due to a lack of parking spaces and horrible traffic. One of the best ways to avoid this is by taking a shuttle from Princeville. Learn more HERE .

Luckily, you can easily get around commuter stress and difficulties by booking a parking reservation up to 14 days before your visit to Haena State Park, which makes your life much easier. Make your parking reservation .

Where to Stay in Hanalei

Now that you know about 27 of the best activities in Hanalei, you should also know about some of the best places to stay on the North Shore!

If you’re looking for a classic rental home from Airbnb or other sources, I have a few recommendations – check out Hale Hoku and Hale Naninoa . There are also tons of North Shore Kauai vacation rentals for families.

For some high-quality rooms with full accommodations and many amenities, you should definitely check out the Hanalei Colony Resort ! They even have beautiful views and beach access.

Looking for more things to do on Kauai? Check out the best Kauai waterfalls , coolest luaus on Kauai , and my North Shore Kauai guide !

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Babymoon Hotels and Safe Activities - Kauai Forum

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Babymoon Hotels and Safe Activities

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For hotels, we'd prefer to stay near Poipu , but the accommodations there are definitely pushing the upper end of our budget, so I'm also considering the Wailua area. However, it sounds like waters are rougher near Wailua, which I will want to avoid while pregnant. We'd prefer $300-450 per night for accomodations. We'd consider paying more if it will significantly improve the quality of our trip (e.g. allow for snorkeling right off the shore of our hotel or have a better quality experience all around). But I do feel like we won't be spending a ton of time in the room itself, as we will want to explore and be outdoors.

In terms of pregnancy-safe activities, are there beautiful hikes that are of easy difficulty level? Will I be missing out on the best hikes the island has to offer? It'll be my first time there and part of me is concerned about the FOMO ahead... I'm also interested in doing either a cruise or aerial tour of the Na Pali Coast. What is the safest option? My husband is concerned about the risks of taking a small airplane (I was looking into Wings Over Kauai), but this seemed like the safest option to me.

Also, how treacherous is the driving on Kauai? It seems that a car rental will allow us to see as much as possible of the island. Are there narrow roads? Roads that only accommodate space for 1 car at a time that require you to back up to let opposing traffic pass? We ran into that issue on Maui in a few places and it was very scary - I'd prefer to avoid that on this trip.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

5 replies to this topic

Calmest snorkeling water is on the northshore.

No one way roads that I have traveled on though there are a few bridges that are one lane/take turn bridges.

All activities have inherent risks…and that includes driving to the airport to fly to Kauai . Only you can decide what may be best for you during a pregnancy. Good luck! :)

Be wary of Tunnels snorkeling. People go and say it's great but there are currents that drag you out.

Congratulations!

Lots of condos in Princeville . We like Hanalei Bay Resort , but there are others.

Kauai isn’t great for snorkeling (at least compared to other islands). But there is some at Tunnels, Ke’e, Anini . I would absolutely recommend an aerial tour. Supposedly the fixed wing planes are safer than helicopters. But a helicopter ride in Kauai is jaw-dropping amazing, and I highly recommend it.

Tons of hiking to be done. I’ve always wanted to check out the old stone dam trail. Wailua river kayak and hike is gentle. Maha’ulepu in the south (I don’t like this one but others do). Check out AllTrails as well.

Editing to add:

You say you prefer Poipu but North shore is stunning in summer (and waters are calmer). I’m biased, but not that much—I very happily stayed in Poipu this January.

If you don’t take an aerial tour, definitely see the Na Pali by boat. (I recommend both). Any catamaran is good; for a larger one with more stability, look for a tour out of Port Allen, like Holo Holo or Capt Andy’s.

Driving on Kauaʻi is not treacherous at all. You will find backup southbound through and beyond Kapaʻa in the afternoon after the contraflow has been removed. Traveling from the north shore youʻll want to learn where the Wailua bypass is. It can make a huge difference in travel time.

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