Kauai, HI

Travel Guide

Kauai Island which includes island images, general coastal views and mountains
Kilauea showing general coastal views
Princeville which includes a sunset
NaPali Coast State Park featuring a gorge or canyon
Kauai Island showing a gorge or canyon, general coastal views and island images

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 kilometers) 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-kilometer) 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 kilometers) 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 showing a beach, tropical scenes and landscape views

Poipu

4.5/5(365 area reviews)

Boasting high-end hotels, resorts, and two main shopping centers, Poʻipū offers a luxurious stay. Explore attractions like Allerton Garden, Mahaulepu Beach, and Spouting Horn for a memorable experience.

Poipu
Default Image

Waipouli

If you're spending some time in Waipouli, Coconut Marketplace and Waipouli Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Waipouli
Lihue featuring a lake or waterhole, mountains and forests

Nawiliwili

4.5/5(181 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 Kaua'i's Hindu Monastery or Wailua River State Park.

Wailua Homesteads
Sleeping Giant Trailhead which includes general coastal views

Wailua House Lots

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

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

Wailua House Lots
Default Image

Hanamaulu

4.5/5(338 area reviews)

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
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 NT$10,364 per night from Sep 26 to Sep 27
NT$10,364
NT$13,848 total
Sep 26 - Sep 27
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (988 reviews)
"The beach is swimmable (what is hard in the island), and just outside the pool. The room was very nice and renovated. The fact that is close to the airport was a concern I had, but you cannot hear a single plane pass by. You can walk to several eating spots and small shops, what was thing to do in ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/27

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
Kauai Shores Hotel

Kauai Shores Hotel

3.5 out of 5
420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaa, HI
The price is NT$6,389 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
NT$6,389
NT$8,619 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
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. ...
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 NT$5,778 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$5,778
NT$7,717 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,008 reviews)
"This hotel is beautiful and checkes all the boxes we needed. Its so convenient to the water and i love that it had its own little cove to swim in, the water is so calm. I really loved that this hotel had a courtesy room to use to change and take a shower before our flight since a lot of flights are ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/25

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
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.
Banyan Harbor Resort

Banyan Harbor Resort

3 out of 5
3411 Wilcox Rd, Lihue, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lihue. Enjoy a 24-hour business center, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,063 reviews)
"Lots of room and close by to food and shopping"

Reviewed on 2025/8/18

Banyan Harbor Resort
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 ...
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 ...
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

Cities near Kauai