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

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 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 Kadavul Hindu Temple or Kaua'i's Hindu Monastery.

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, Wailua Beach and Lae Nani 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
Kauai Shores Hotel
Kauai Shores Hotel
3.5 out of 5
420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaa, HI
$239 nightly
The price is $282 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$282 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,269 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Perfect location / family friendly. Worth it for the price."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 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
$214 nightly
The price is $252 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$252 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,002 reviews)
"Having only a pool bar and no restaurant, was a major downside. Also, the woman that checked me in was not very kind and very limited in her customer service, but the gentleman was so lovely and amazing!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 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
$444 nightly
The price is $523 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$523 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,008 reviews)
"Great experience with stay but very poor experience with the car rentals"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 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 Jul 1, 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 Jun 20, 2025

Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
Castle Kaha Lani Resort
Castle Kaha Lani Resort
3 out of 5
4460 Nehe Rd, Lihue, HI
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Lihue. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (760 reviews)
"Nice central location to access the north shore or Poipu or Wailua. Eating options are limited for vegetarians - you have to go to Kapaa or Poipu (much better variety). Loved the walkable beach next to the property and the quiet vibe. Front desk staff were a bit cold in the way they explained stuff ..."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Castle Kaha Lani 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

Cities near Kauai