The Basics
Kauai Travel Basics
Kauai is one of the most special places in the world to us. It's where we got married, and honestly, no other island has ever come close to it since. It's wild, green, and dramatic in a way that feels almost untouched compared to the rest of Hawaii. If you want beaches, you'll find them. If you want to earn your views with adventurous hikes, you'll find that too. It's dreamy, and a destination that stays with you long after you leave.
Rent a car the moment you land. You'll need it, and there's really no way around Kauai without one. Bring water shoes for the beaches and trails, since coral and rocks can be sharp. Pack a dry bag for anything you don't want to risk leaving in the car or on the sand. Give yourself several days here if you can. Kauai rewards a slower pace, and the drive between the North Shore, the interior, and the rest of the island takes longer than you'd expect on such a small island.
The Highlights
Things to Do in Kauai
Start in Kōkeʻe State Park. It's the heart of Kauai's hiking, with a handful of trails with incredible views for the effort. On the North Shore, Queen's Bath Trail is short but special. It has a lava rock pool full of sea turtles, but you'll want to get there early for parking and be careful of the surf, the tides can be very strong here.
Spend a day exploring Hanalei and the North Shore beaches, and don't skip Wailua and Kapaa. Both have a good stretch of shops and restaurants worth wandering through. If you want to see the Na Pali Coast without hiking it, a boat tour is the way to do it. You'll pass through sea caves and get views of the coastline you simply can't get from land. Kayaking the Wailua River is another great half day, and it ends with a short hike to a waterfall.
Outdoors
Best Hikes in Kauai
Kalepa Ridge Trail in Kōkeʻe State Park is our favorite hike in Kauai. It's actually where we got married. It's short at 1.9 mile round trip, and the views are some of the most beautiful we've ever hiked to. It isn't super easy because the trail goes downhill to the viewpoint first, which means the whole hike back is uphill. The trail isn't officially marked, so look for the chain link fence at the viewpoint, walk around the end of it, and double back along the inside of the fence line to find the start.
If you want more distance, Honopu Ridge Trail has stunning views with steep drop offs (wear long pants, and pay attention around the 120 yard mark where it's easy to take a wrong turn). Waipo'o Falls via the Pu'u Hinahina and Canyon Trail is a great mid length option, and Awa'awapuhi Trail is the one to pick if you want a real challenge. It's mostly downhill on the way out, which means a strenuous climb back, and takes about 3 hours round trip.
Base Camp
Where to Stay in Kauai
Basing yourself near the Coast or the North Shore both work well depending on what you want easy access to. The Coast puts you closer to restaurants and the interior hikes, while the North Shore keeps you near Hanalei, Queen's Bath, and the best beaches. Wherever you stay, expect some driving either way; Kauai isn't a place you can see from one place alone.
Eat This
Best Food to Eat in Kauai
Hukilau Lanai is worth the splurge. It's pricey, but it was hands down the best meal we had on the island, and reservations are a must. For something more casual, Wailua Shave Ice is a great stop on a hot day. On the North Shore, Nourish Hanalei is perfect for coffee and healthy food with a beautiful view, and Tiki Iniki has some of the best cocktails and island cuisine around.
Spend Smarter
Ways to Save Money in Kauai
To be completely honest, Kauai is one of the most expensive destinations in the world. It's challenging to do this trip at a low cost, but there are still some ways to save. Skip the guided snorkel tours where you can. Many of Kauai's best beaches, like Makua (Tunnels) Beach, have incredible snorkeling you can walk right into on your own. Pack your own snorkel gear and water shoes so you're not renting or buying them on the island. And build in time to just walk through Wailua and Kapaa. It's free, and it's a great way to get a feel for the island between bigger activities.
Local Tip
Get to Queen's Bath Early
Get to Queen's Bath Trail early. Not just for parking, but because the sea turtles and the calmest water both show up earlier in the day, before the surf and the crowds pick up.
