Curator’s statement
Kauai is a beautiful destination to relax and unwind. It caters to tourists but also has an incredibly local and laid-back feel. It's the Garden Isle, so expect an abundance of rain but the reward of lush greenery. Because it's one of the smaller islands, it's also realistic to avoid some of the rain and head south to the drier side of the island.
There are countless hiking trails, plenty of beaches and even mountain tubing to keep adventurers busy. Pack your travel hammock. You'll put it to good use on Kauai.
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Things to do in Kauai
Hiking
There's a bucket-list hike on Kauai called the Kalalau Trail. It's an 11-mile hike each way to camp on the Napali Beach. Yes, this is the same beach helicopters & boats will take tourists to, but you can get there by foot with a little determination & a Ha'ena State Park permit. We were thrilled to arrive with only 12 others sleeping on the beach.
While the trailhead is incredibly busy in the beginning, the river crossings, steep cliffs and lengthy hike make it one that only a few complete. Gear up, pack plenty of food, & prepare yourself for the most energy-filled, memorable hikes of a lifetime. This was the real reason we brought our travel hammocks however we ended up using them at nearly every beach because Kauai has lots of trees close to the shoreline.
Looking for a less intense hike, then do the first portion of the Kalalau Trail or hike to Hanakapi'ai beach and waterfalls. Be sure to plan an entire day for hiking & beach time because Ke'e beach at the trailhead is wonderful too.
Waimea Canyon is the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and worth a visit as well. Again, lots of helicopters to take in these stunning views, but you can also hike from the top of the canyon to the river at the bottom. We did the Kukui trail and found there to be much more elevation & topography to enjoy. It was rocky with red sand and lush green mountains in the background. By the time we reached the bottom, it was dense with trees, which offered lots of shade by the river for lunch.
Beaches
On the north shore, Hanalei Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai. Tunnels beach is popular, but parking can be tough if you do not arrive early. Plan in advance & get a permit for Ke'e beach. It's a little further down the road & you'll have fewer crowds & a shuttle to the beach.
On the south shore, Poipu Beach is a must to see sea turtles (honu). Lifeguards are on duty to ensure tourists keep a safe distance because they often swim in past the snorkelers for an afternoon nap on the beach. Shipwreck Beach is a quieter beach worth considering, great for boogie-boarding. Set up your travel hammock for a quick nap, then take a walk past the trees along the coastline on the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail. Recommend lunch at the nearby Grand Hyatt, accessible from the beach.
Lydgate Beach is just north of Lihue and has the best lagoons for snorkeling, especially for little ones. This is a popular beach for picnics among the locals, too.
Mountain tubing
An adventure unique to Kauai! The water is crisp, so recommend taking the afternoon tours. These are historic canals that run through an old sugar plantation. It's a fun way to explore a different part of the island. Water shoes (or crocs) are a must!
Kayaking & SUP
There are a couple great options to explore on the water, too. Highly recommend kayaking in Hanalei Bay to explore both the river and the ocean or a Stand up Paddleboard (SUP) rental to Secret Falls near Lihue. You can do either on your own or with a tour group. Most rental companies offer both options.
Places to eat & drink in Kauai
North Shore
The Hanalei Dolphin is a wonderful restaurant, however, my personal favorite is their fish market around the back. It was some of the best poke we had on the island, perfect for lunch on the beach.
The Welina Terrace Lounge at the One Hotel Hanalei Bay has the BEST cocktails with a view. Splurge on this one, you won't regret it! If you happen to arrive earlier in the afternoon (sorry, not sorry) spend some time at their beach & pool. The pool restaurant has some great food options as well.
Off the beaten path a bit near the Kilauea Lighthouse is the Kong Lung Market Center, a cluster of shops & restaurants for my foodies. There's a bistro, wine bar, gastropub, sushi restaurant, bakery, & pizzeria.
South Shore
A favorite among the locals is Lu'au Kalamaku. Wonderful food, but I recommend arriving early to walk around the Plantation House by Gaylords and enjoy beverages at the Mahiko Lounge. There is also train tour around the plantation and rum tasting on site as well.
There are some great burger places in Kapa'a, Kenji Burger or Bubba Burger. For a Hawai'ian Style hot dog, check out Puka Dog on Poipu Beach. There's always a line out the door and yes, they're delicious!
Chicken In a Barrel BBQ was a nice surprise following our Waimea Canyon hike. Great food & craft beer selection. Not to mention, the views at the Waimea Plantation Cottages made us feel like we had just stumbled on a little slice of heaven.
Travel Advisor
Nicole Halver
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Kauai page.