Kauai Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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

Wailua Homesteads
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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
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
Kauai Shores Hotel

Kauai Shores Hotel

3.5 out of 5
420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaa, HI
The price is ₹18,051 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹18,051
₹24,350 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,284 reviews)
"Great location. Free valet was a plus. Close to the Country Market which we enjoyed"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 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 ₹28,416 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
₹28,416
₹38,104 total
22 Aug - 23 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 their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"The staff was amazing, the pool was beautiful"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
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 ₹18,280 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
₹18,280
₹24,111 total
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,018 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Foiscwas"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

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.
Plantation Hale Suites

Plantation Hale Suites

3 out of 5
525 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI
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 their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,630 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,021 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (360 reviews)
"It’s absolutely beautiful the staff is amazing and kind. The stay was amazing everything to do with property went well and the staff being so friendly was the greatest it’s no fun dealing with ugly people and the property had none of this thankfully, Paul Acosta, from Austin,Texas"

Reviewed on 17 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.

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Cities near Kauai