Kauai

Travel Guide

Kauai Island showing island views, mountains and general coastal views
Kilauea featuring general coastal views
Princeville showing a sunset
Na Pali Coast State Park showing a gorge or canyon
Kauai Island featuring a gorge or canyon, general coastal views and island views

Kauai Travel Guide Video

With its lush mountainous landscapes, “The Garden Island” offers exceptional outdoor activities, classic Hawaiian atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.

The fourth largest and northernmost of Hawaii’s islands, Kauaʻi is known for its lush rainforests and rugged coastline, earning it the nickname “The Garden Island.”

Follow the eastern coastline to Wailua. Located along the shores of the state’s only navigable river, the town is a hub for outdoor activities. Take a boat tour along the tributary to explore Fern Grotto, then on the drive back to town, pull over to admire Wailua Falls, a towering triple waterfall.

Hawaii’s northernmost point, Kīlauea, is known for its dramatic, rugged setting. Take in the views at Kīlauea Point. Once a volcanic vent, this National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place to glimpse some of the state’s rarest bird species, which nest around Kīlauea Point Lighthouse.

The sleepy oceanfront village of Hanalei is just 8 miles (13 kilometres) west of Kīlauea. Surf and snorkel in Hanalei Bay or hike the Kalalau Trail for unparalleled views of the coastline. Watch the sun set over Hanalei Pier, immortalized in the classic film South Pacific.

Head southwest to explore the rugged cliffs and breathtaking scenery along the Na Pali Coast. This 15-mile (24-kilometre) stretch of coastal wilderness is accessible only on foot, boat or helicopter, but is an unforgettable experience.

Waimea is located on the western coast of Kauaʻi. This relaxed beach town is just 13 miles (20 kilometres) from Waimea Canyon, often called “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”  

Poipu and Kōloa are two of the island’s southernmost towns. Often considered to be a single municipality, these old-fashioned villages feel like they belong in a bygone era. Stay at one of the oceanfront resorts and wake up to views of the Pacific each morning.

Kauaʻi’s Lihue Airport offers direct routes to the USA and Canada, and is connected to most major destinations throughout Hawaii. With only two main highways, one of which partly circles the island, Kauaʻi is easy to navigate. Car rental is highly recommended. The island operates a bus service, however only carry-on luggage is permitted and stops are limited.

Where to stay in Kauai

Poipu featuring a sandy beach, tropical scenes and landscape views

Poipu

4/5(1 area review)

Poipu is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Poipu Shopping Village and Kiahuna Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Koloa.

Poipu
Default Image

Waipouli

While visiting Waipouli, you might make a stop by sights like Coconut Marketplace and Waipouli Beach.

Waipouli
Lihue featuring mountains, a lake or waterhole and forest scenes

Nawiliwili

4/5(5 area reviews)

While visiting Nawiliwili, you might make a stop by sights like Nawiliwili Harbor and Kalapaki Beach.

Nawiliwili
Kamokila Hawaiian Village showing a park and signage

Wailua Homesteads

You'll enjoy the waterfalls and riverfront in Wailua Homesteads. You might want to make time for a stop at Kadavul Hindu Temple or Kaua'i's Hindu Monastery.

Wailua Homesteads
Sleeping Giant Trailhead showing general coastal views

Wailua House Lots

If you're spending some time in Wailua House Lots, Wailua Beach and Lae Nani Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Wailua House Lots
Default Image

Hanamaulu

You'll love the stunning beaches in Hanamaulu, and you might want to stick around to check out Hanamaulu Beach Park, a top place to visit.

Hanamaulu
Kauai Shores Hotel
Kauai Shores Hotel
3.5 out of 5
420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaa, HI
The price is S$361 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
S$361
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Kapaa. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,263 reviews)
"This is a wonderful gem! I booked this late and didn't have many choices, but when I go to Kauai again, I won't want to stay anywhere else. This hotel is not fancy, but it's lovely, modern, and clean with all you need - responsive and friendly staff, pool, access to beach, lawn games, fire pits, ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Kauai Shores Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
3.5 out of 5
3-5920 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI
The price is S$296 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
S$296
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Lihue. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"It was a nice place."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
4 out of 5
3610 Rice Street, Lihue, HI
The price is S$670 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$670
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Lihue. Enjoy a full-service spa, 4 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Great experience with stay but very poor experience with the car rentals"

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Plantation Hale Suites
Plantation Hale Suites
3 out of 5
525 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Kapaa. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, 2 hot tubs, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,629 reviews)
"Check in fast, property is very clean 2 minutes walk to beach Enjoyed my trip"

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Plantation Hale Suites
Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
3 out of 5
2253B Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,020 reviews)
"Beautiful location! Loved having coffee every morning on the lanai."

Reviewed on 20 Jun, 2025

Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
Makai Club Resort
Makai Club Resort
3.5 out of 5
4180 Lei O Papa Road, Princeville, HI
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Princeville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (359 reviews)
"Beautiful walking areas with amazing views along the golf course. Well appointed pool area was fun for the kids."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Makai Club Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do