Here’s a quick guide to Kauai, the beautiful Garden Isle.
Na Pali Coast (photo by Renee Roaming)
Known for its lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and soft white sands, Kaua‘i is a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure-seekers, and those looking to improve their wellness and unwind in a tropical oasis. Centuries of untouched growth drape the island in emerald-green valleys and rainforests full of moisture.
Time and the elements have shaped Kaua‘i’s jagged cliffs and mountain spires. Of all of the islands of Hawaii, Kaua‘i has perhaps the most dramatic natural beauty and is called the Garden Isle for many reasons.
This local guide to Kauai will take you beyond the usual tourist spots and into the heart of this island’s uniqueness, nature, and hidden gems.
Quick Guide to Kauai’s Regions
Kaua‘i is an ideal destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and tranquility. It definitely is a Garden Isle.
It caters less to tourists than some of the other islands. No overcrowded mega-resorts here. In fact, the building codes prohibit new buildings over 50 feet tall.
The island itself is rather small – only 25 miles by 33 miles at its furthest points.
But Kaua‘i packs a powerful punch. And always has. The island is divided into several regions:
- North Shore: Home to Hanalei Bay, the Nā Pali Coast with 17 miles of towering sea cliffs, lush taro fields, and the upscale community of Princeville, this diverse region is known for its breathtaking beauty, notable restaurants and lots of shopping choices.
- East Side (Coconut Coast): Features stunning shorelines, cascading waterfalls, and charming small towns like Kapa‘a. Also the Wailua River, Fern Grotto, Opaeka‘a Falls, and Mount Waiʻaleʻale – one of the wettest places on earth.
- South Shore: Known for its sunny weather and popular attractions like Po‘ipū Beach that’s been on the Top 10 Beach lists year after year. Explore historic Koloa Town, visit Spouting Horn blowhole or National Tropical Botanical Gardens.
- West Side: Less touristy, still has the feel of Old Hawai‘i. Home to Waimea Canyon also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Kōke‘e State Park, and Polihale Beach.
Check out GetAroundKauai.com for all the transportation options there are to get around the island if you don’t have a rental car.
Quick Guide to Kauai’s Best Beaches
Here are a few must-visit spots by the sea:
North Shore
Hanalei Bay at sunrise, Photo by Mark Miller
- 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.
East Side
- Lydgate Beach Park: A great family-friendly beach with calm waters, protected swimming area and Kamalani Playground.
- Kealia Beach: A long stretch of golden sand popular with surfers and bodyboarders.
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.
West Side
- Polihale State Park: Remote and stunning with miles of golden sand. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for access. Picnicking and tent camping on large sand beach backed by dunes. Need reservations for camping.
Here’s an article on Popular Dive Spots on Kaua‘i
Quick Guide to Kauai Outdoor Adventures
Hiking Trails
Kauai is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks.
- 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, requiring permits, which are often limited and sell out quickly.
- Awa‘awapuhi Trail (Kōke‘e State Park): A moderate 6.2-mile round-trip hike leading to panoramic views of the Nā Pali cliffs and Pacific Ocean.
- Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain): There are both an East and West Trail. Take the East one. It’s a 3.2 mile out-and-back steep hike, but the views at the top? Priceless.
- Hanakāpī‘ai Falls: A challenging but stunning 8-mile roundtrip hike leading to a waterfall with a 300-foot drop. Prepare for 5-6 hours for the hike.
Be sure to check out the State of Hawaii Hiking Kaua‘i page for last-minute alerts on areas you want to explore.
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). 2 mile kayak, 30 minute hike to cascading waterfalls.
- Surfing at Hanalei Bay: A great spot for both beginners and experienced surfers.
- Scuba Diving at Sheraton Caverns: Discover lava tubes and rich marine biodiversity. 20-70 ft depth. Underwater lava jungle.
Helicopter Tours
For a truly unforgettable experience, take an earth-defying helicopter tour over Kaua‘i’s rugged terrain. See the stunning Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and the Weeping Wall from above.
Quick Guide to Kauai Culture and History
Historic and Cultural Sites
Kilohana Plantation train is a fun ride through this historic site.
- Kilohana Plantation: A historic sugar plantation offering train rides, a rum distillery, and the traditional Hawaiian Luau Kalamaku.
- Kaua‘i Museum: Learn about the island’s history, culture, and early Polynesian settlers.
- Hikinaakala Heiau: An ancient Hawaiian temple near Lydgate Beach.
- Hanapēpē Town: Kaua‘i’s “biggest little town” known for its art galleries, Friday Night Art Walk, and historic Swinging Bridge.
Stop in at the Koke‘e Natural History Museum when you’re on the West Side.
Local Festivals and Events
- Prince Kūhiō Day (March 26th): Celebrates the birthday of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole with parades and cultural performances.
- Koloa Plantation Days (July): A festival honoring Kaua‘i’s plantation heritage with music, food, and historical tours.
- Eō E ‘Emalani I Alaka‘i Festival (October): Commemorates Queen Emma’s journey to the uplands of Kōke‘e with hula and storytelling.
Where to Eat: Local Food Spots
Best Local Eateries
Hamura Saimin is an island favorite!
- Hamura Saimin (Līhu‘e): A no-frills eatery serving the best Saimin (Hawaiian noodle soup) on the island. Also known for their Lilikoi (passion fruit) Chiffon Pie.
- Pono Market (Kapa‘a): A great spot to people-watch at a table 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, coffee and healthy bites in convenient locations in 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 & seafood plates. For convenience, it’s just a few minutes from Lihue Airport if you arrive on the island hungry.
Locals love Food Trucks too! Here’s a Kaua‘i Food Truck Directory.
Hidden Gems
- Glass Beach (Ele‘ele): The sands are covered in sea glass. It’s in an industrial area, not obviously a beach area.
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Smooth sea glass is mixed with sand at Glass Beach, photo by Travis Thurston.
- Maha‘ulepu Heritage Trail: A 4 mile roundtrip coastal hike with stunning ocean views, secluded coves, dunes, tide pools, sculpted lava formations, native plants, and petroglyphs.
- Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach): A secluded, breathtaking beach near Kīlauea. Accessible by a steep unmarked path.
Parting Thoughts
Go On a Movie Tour!
This is the island where you’ll see the most cascading waterfalls. If it’s glorious natural beauty you’re after you can find almost nothing more spectacular on Earth than Kauaʻi.
For decades, Kaua‘i has been Hollywood’s favorite tropical filming location—it checks off all the boxes for white sand, verdant rainforests, spectacular coastlines, heart-stopping vistas, luminous blue skies, 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. And the interior of the tour vehicles are total comfort.
There’s no other island in the Hawaii archipelago that has this same claim to fame as Kaua’i. And nowhere else on earth like Kaua’i.
