Kauai

Travel Guide

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

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, landscape views and tropical scenes

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 forests, a lake or waterhole and mountains

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 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
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 €381 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
€381
25 Aug - 26 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 our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,022 reviews)
Clean and Relaxing
"Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the Royal Sonesta Kauai. It's connected to a Marriott resort, so there are a lot of restaurants and different spaces in which to relax. Our room was updated and clean, though they only provide in-room services every two days. As a vegetarian, there were limited options ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection

4.5 out of 5
2641 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI
The price is €731 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€731
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 5 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Loved this property. Our villas were clean, well maintained and staff was friendly. The linens and beds were comfortable and the kitchen was equipped with enough kitchen ware you could prepare meals. The store on site has a variety of basic staples and they made the best lattes with oak milk. My ..."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
Kauai Shores Hotel

Kauai Shores Hotel

3.5 out of 5
420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaa, HI
The price is €223 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
€223
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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! (1,311 reviews)
"Great hotel by the beach and near everything. I would come back again."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Kauai Shores Hotel
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.
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! (364 reviews)
"place was wonderful. We loved staying here. Unfortunately, we stayed on the lower level and you can hear all the noise from the people upstairs, which made our stay very uncomfortable."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Makai Club Resort
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! (1,059 reviews)
"Front desk staff super kind & friendly , room is nice and neat !!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 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! (1,022 reviews)
"Beautiful location! Loved having coffee every morning on the lanai."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

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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