Kilauea, HI

Travel Guide

Kilauea showing general coastal views
Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens which includes wildflowers
Kilauea which includes forests and a waterfall
Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens showing a statue or sculpture
Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens

Hawaii’s northernmost point is renowned for its dramatic coastline, abundant bird and sea life, and for being the “Guava Capital of the World.” 

Kīlauea is located on Kauaʻi’s northeastern shore and is set amid mountainous terrain and dense rain forests. Kīlauea shares its name with one of Hawaii’s most active volcanoes, which has been erupting steadily since 1983. 

Take in the dramatic view at Kīlauea Point, a former volcanic vent that marks the northernmost point of all of Hawaii’s main islands. Kīlauea Point was designated a National Wildlife Refuge in 1985. Sit for a while beneath the Kīlauea Point Lighthouse and watch for humpback whales and dolphins. Or, pack your binoculars and go in search of native birds like the red-footed booby and the Laysan albatross. Stop by the visitor center to learn more about the area’s rich history and wildlife.

Kīlauea’s perpetually warm, sunny weather is best appreciated on one of its beaches. Whether you’re an avid surfer or prefer to sunbathe, Kīlauea’s clean sandy shores are an ideal place to pass the afternoon. Secret Beach is dotted with lava rocks and affords a beautiful view of the lighthouse. Kalihiwai Beach and Rock Quarry Beach are two other popular oceanfront destinations. Take a diving or snorkeling lesson to see vividly colored coral gardens, schools of tropical fish and graceful sea turtles.

Head to the town center to enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. Boutiques, galleries and cafés make the compact downtown area a perfect place to spend an afternoon. Each week the street is closed off to make room for a farmer’s market, where you can sample fresh produce and regional delicacies. Kīlauea is nicknamed the “Guava Capital of the World” thanks to the large number of plantations growing the fruit. Make sure to sample freshly squeezed juice or a smoothie, which is something of a local specialty. 

No trip is complete without experiencing a luau, where you can enjoy local dishes and learn more about the musical and cultural traditions from the area. 

Kīlauea is less than an hour’s drive southwest of Lihue Airport. Public transportation is limited, so rent a car, motorbike or bicycle to get the most out of your visit.

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
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
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
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.

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