Kauai

Travel Guide

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

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 tropical scenes, a sandy beach and landscape views

Poipu

Poipu is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Poipu Beach and Poipu Shopping Village.

Poipu
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Waipouli

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

Waipouli
Lihue showing a lake or waterhole, mountains and forests

Nawiliwili

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

Nawiliwili
Kamokila Hawaiian Village which includes signage and a garden

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 featuring general coastal views

Wailua House Lots

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

Wailua House Lots
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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 P10,869 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P10,869
P14,856 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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! (1,305 reviews)
"Wonderful views and so clean and updated! Very nicely decorated and well kept! A wonderful staff!"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Kauai Shores Hotel
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 P18,920 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P18,920
P25,371 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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! (1,007 reviews)
"My boyfriend and I visited Kauai in June and we stayed at the Royal Sonesta Resort in Lihue. This resort offers the biggest pool there is on the island and we enjoyed it to the fullest, including the hidden but public hot tubs around the pool. In my opinion these hot tubs were the best part. Easy ..."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

4 out of 5
650 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI
The price is P17,548 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P17,548
P23,413 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Kapaa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Honestly the only thing that wasn’t great was the WiFi speed."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach 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.
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! (1,060 reviews)
"Front desk staff super kind & friendly , room is nice and neat !!"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,023 reviews)
"Beautiful location! Loved having coffee every morning on the lanai."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 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! (368 reviews)
"Great staff, great location, great amenities."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 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