Kauaʻi Island Guide

This article was originally published on March 25, 2025, and was updated by Sarah Burchard on Feb. 15, 2026.

Renowned for its lush terrain, soaring cliffs, and powdery white sands, Kaua‘i is a haven for outdoor adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking serenity in a tropical paradise. Centuries of untouched growth have cloaked the island in emerald rainforests and misty valleys, where moisture clings to every leaf and the landscape feels almost ancient.

Shaped by time and the relentless elements, Kaua‘i’s rugged cliffs and dramatic mountain spires rise in bold contrast to its tranquil shores. Often called the Garden Isle — and for good reason — it boasts some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in all of Hawai‘i.

This local guide to Kauaʻi will take you beyond the usual tourist spots and into the heart of this island’s uniqueness, nature and beloved gems.

Guide to Kauai’s regions

Kauaʻi measures roughly 25 miles by 33 miles at its widest points and is divided into four main regions, each with several towns. Unlike some of Hawaiʻi’s more developed islands, there are no towering mega-resorts or condominiums here. In fact, strict building codes cap new construction at just 50 feet, preserving the island’s intimate, unspoiled beauty.

North Shore: Home to Hanalei Bay, the Nā Pali Coast stretches 17 miles along towering sea cliffs, lush valleys and kalo, or taro, fields. The region also includes the upscale community of Princeville. It is a diverse area known for breathtaking beauty, notable restaurants and ample shopping. This is the wetter side of the island, so expect passing showers, especially in winter months.

Hanalei's Ching Young Village shopping center. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

East Side (Royal Coconut Coast): A stretch of stunning shoreline, cascading waterfalls and historic Old Kapaʻa Town. This region is home to the Wailua River, Fern Grotto, ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls and Mount Waiʻaleʻale — one of the wettest spots on Earth.

Royal Coconut Coast. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

South Shore: Known for its sunny weather and Poʻipū Beach — regularly featured on annual top beach lists — the South Shore is one of Kauaʻi’s most popular visitor destinations. Explore historic Kōloa Town, visit the powerful blowhole of Spouting Horn and wander the lush grounds of the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Kōloa Town. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

West Side: Less visited and more rural, the West Side still feels like Old Hawaiʻi. It is home to Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” as well as Kōkeʻe State Park, a serene spot for hiking and camping. You will also find historic Hanapēpē Town and the long stretch of sand at Polihale Beach.

Waimea Canyon. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Kauai’s best beaches

North Shore

• Hanalei Bay: A favorite for surfers and beach lovers, Hanalei Bay offers a stunning crescent-shaped beach surrounded by mountains.

• Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach): Great for snorkeling and diving, thanks to its clear waters and abundant marine life.

• Ke‘e Beach: The gateway to the Nā Pali Coast, offering spectacular sunset views.

Hanalei Pier at Black Pot Beach Park. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

East Side

• Lydgate Beach Park: A great family-friendly beach with calm waters, a protected swimming area, and Kamalani Playground.

• Kealia Beach: A long stretch of golden sand popular with surfers and bodyboarders.

Kealia Beach. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

South Shore

• Po‘ipū Beach: One of Kaua‘i’s most famous areas great for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting Hawaiian monk seals.

• Shipwreck Beach: A beautiful, rugged beach with strong waves, ideal for experienced surfers.

• Lawai Beach: A quaint beach located just outside The Beach House Restaurant in Kōloa, this spot is ideal for snorkeling when conditions are calm and a popular spot for sunset.

Lawai Beach, Kōloa. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

West Side

• Polihale State Park: Remote and stunning with miles of golden sand. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for access. Popular for picnicking and tent camping on a large sand beach backed by dunes (reservations required)

• Salt Pond Beach Park: Kid-friendly beach with shallow water, good snorkeling, picnic facilities, restrooms and lifeguard.

Rugged coastline of Hanapēpē Bay. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Kauaʻi outdoor adventures

Hiking trails

• Kalalau Trail (Nā Pali Coast): One of the most famous hikes in the world, this is 11 miles of breathtaking views of the coastline. Access is highly regulated and permits are required, which are limited and sell out quickly.

• Awa‘awapuhi Trail (Kōke‘e State Park): A challenging 6.2-mile round-trip hike leading to panoramic views of the Nā Pali cliffs and the Pacific Ocean.

• Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain): With both an east and a west trail, take the east one for a steep 3.2-mile out-and-back hike with priceless views.

• Hanakāpī‘ai Falls: A challenging but stunning 8-mile round-trip hike leading to a waterfall with a 300-foot drop. Prepare to spend 5-6 hours here.

• Waimea Canyon Trail: An intermediate 1.8-mile (each way) hike with ups and downs and the occasionally muddy puddle. Takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Trailhead is located at Puʻu Hinahina Lookout.

Near the beginning of Waimea Canyon Trail. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Water activities

• Snorkeling at Tunnels Beach or Lydgate Park: Explore Kaua‘i’s vibrant marine life.

• Kayaking the Wailua River: Paddle through the only navigable river in Hawai‘i and visit the famous Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls). It’s a 2-mile kayak and a 30-minute hike to the cascading waterfalls.

• Surfing at Hanalei Bay: A great spot for both beginners and experienced surfers.

• Scuba Diving at Sheraton Caverns: Discover an underwater lava jungle and rich marine biodiversity from 20-70 ft depth.

Kayaking the Wailua River. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Helicopter tours

For a truly unforgettable experience, take a breathtaking helicopter tour over Kaua‘i’s rugged terrain to see the stunning Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and Weeping Wall from above.

Kauaʻi Culture and History

Historic and cultural sites

• Kilohana Plantation: A historic sugar plantation near Lihue, Kilohana Plantation offers visitors a taste of Kauaʻi’s past and present. You can take a scenic ride on the Kauaʻi Plantation Railway, passing through the agricultural lands of the estate; dine at Gaylord’s Restaurant; sample rums from Kōloa Rum Co. and attend Lūʻau Kalamaku, which features storytelling through music, hula and fire performances.

• Kaua‘i Museum is where you can learn about the island’s history, culture and early Polynesian settlers.

• Hikinaakala Heiau is an ancient Hawaiian temple near Lydgate Beach.

• Hanapēpē Town is known as Kaua‘i’s “biggest little town.” Here, youʻll find art galleries, the Friday Night Art Walk and the historic Swinging Bridge.

• Koke‘e Natural History Museum located at the base of Waimea Canyon on the West Side is where you can plan all of the hikes you can take in the area.

Kōkeʻe Natural History Museum at Kōkeʻe Park. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Local festivals

• Prince Kūhiō Day (March 26th): Celebrates the birthday of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole with parades and cultural performances.

• Kōloa Plantation Days (July): A ten-day celebration honoring Kaua‘i’s plantation heritage with music, food and historical tours.

• Eō E ‘Emalani I Alaka‘i Festival (Fall, usually October or November): Commemorates Queen Emma’s journey to the uplands of Kōke‘e with hula and storytelling.

Where to eat: Local food spots

• Kauaiʻi has many great restaurants, casual mom-and-pop spots, food trucks and coffee shops. Here are just a few.

• Hamura Saimin (Līhu‘e): A no-frills eatery serving the best saimin (Hawaiian noodle soup) on the island. They’re also known for their lilikoi (passion fruit) chiffon pie.

• Pono Market (Kapa‘a): A great spot to people-watch and enjoy poke, plate lunches, and Hawaiian snacks for those exploring East Side Kaua‘i.

• Kaua‘i Juice Co.: A favorite for cold-pressed fresh juices, smoothie bowls and healthy bites in convenient locations across Koloa, Kapa‘a and Kīlauea.

• JoJo’s Shave Ice (Waimea & Hanalei): A must-stop for delicious, authentic Hawaiian shave ice.

• The Fish Express (Līhu‘e) – A great takeout option for the freshest poke bowls, fish tacos, and seafood plates. It’s just a few minutes from the Lihue Airport if you arrive hungry.

• Mark's Place (Līhu‘e) - Beloved take-out spot offering quality plate lunches, bentos and sandwiches.

• Wailua Shave Ice (Wailua): A favorite shave ice spot for locals and visitors since it first opened as a food truck in 2015. Now located in the shopping center next door to Safeway.

Best Kauaʻi Restaurants - Editor's Picks

Where to shop

Kōloa: When you're in Old Kōloa Town you can shop a mix of old and new shops with everything from wine and art to jewelry and apparel. The Shops at Kukuiʻula where you'll find stores like Tori Richards, Malie Organics, Martin & MacArthur and Living Foods Market & Café.

Kapaʻa: Old Kapaʻa Town has a bounty of shopping from classy boutiques to souvenir shops and specialty food shops like Lydgate Chocolate and Fish Bar Deli. Ladies, check out Shipwrecked, Kiko and Atelier for sure.

Hanalei: Between one to two blocks you have plenty to browse. There are surf shops, souvenir shops an awesome health food store and places to rent and purchase beach gear. Ching Young Village and Hanalei Center across the street are the two main shopping centers here.

Famous Views

For decades, Kaua‘i has been Hollywood’s favorite tropical filming location. The Garden Isle checks off all the boxes for white sand beaches, verdant rainforests, cascading waterfalls, spectacular coastlines, serene rivers and a lovely year-round climate.

More than 60 feature films and TV shows have used Kaua’i as a backdrop. The musical South Pacific, Elvis’s Blue Hawaii, Avatar, Disney’s Jungle Cruise and Jurassic Park – remember the scene where Sam Neill and Laura Dern see the dinosaurs for the very first time? Kaua‘i. The Hawai’i Movie Tour is a fun all-day excursion for movie buffs and families. You’ll recognize the iconic locations from movie scenes while getting the inside scoop on backlot trivia.

Book the Hawaiʻi Movie Tour on Kauaʻi

Also check out...

20 Best Things to Do on Kauaʻi