My family & I spent an entire week last summer exploring the magical Island of Kauai, Hawaii.
Kaua’i makes you feel as if you’ve wandered into an untouched world full of dense jungles, rugged peaks, secret beaches, and old-school towns with tight-knit communities.
It’s waking up before the sun to the sound of roosters crowing, hopping into a Jeep, swerving down coastal roads, and single-lane bridges in search of hidden gems. It’s chasing secret waterfalls, feeling the salty sea breeze, and staring out towards the never-ending Pacific Ocean in awe that a magical place like this exists on Earth.
It’s exploring roadside markets, chatting with locals you cross paths with, embracing yourself into the Hawaiian culture, and learning how to live the Aloha way.
Kaua’i is an overflow of acai bowls, coconut coffee, shaved ice, pineapple ice cream, fresh juice, and mai tais.
A bare feet, fresh face, and windblown hair remote, end-of-the-earth paradise I’ve always dreamt of.
I’m going to be sharing with you all that Kaua’i has to offer below.
The island is split into 4 main regions, each offering its’ own vibe. I’ve highlighted some key facts about each region that’ll hopefully help you decide where to stay during your visit.
North Shore (Princeville, Hanalei, and Kilauea):
- Unpredictable rainfalls, especially during the winter months (late November through March)
- Bursting with picturesque valleys & waterfalls
- Closest region to the Na Pali Coast; home to the filming of Jurassic Park
- An ABUNDANCE of beautiful scenery
- Home to the timeless town of Hanalei
- Luxury accommodations available (Princeville)
East Coast (Kapaa, Wailua, Lihue):
- Centrally located
- Close to numerous cultural sights such as the Hindu Monastery
- Home of the Kaua’i Path
- Local beaches
South Shore (Koloa, Lawai, and Poipu):
- Weather tends to be sunny, warm, and pleasant all year-around
- Many dining options
- Great selection of pristine beaches
- Most popular region amongst visitors
- Many vacation rental properties & resorts
West Side (Waimea and Hanapepe):
- Ideal for hikers & backpackers
- Great proximity to Kokee & Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) State Parks
- Geographically isolated from the rest of the island
*It’s worth noting that the West Side is much less popular in comparison to the other regions.
WHAT TO SEE:
- Waimea Canyon
- Wet & Dry Caves
- Queen’s Bath
- Wailua Falls
- Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge
- Mount Waialeale
- Spouting Horn
- Kauai Coffee Company; Oldest Coffee Plantation In The Hawaiian Islands
WHAT TO DO:
- Sail Around The Na Pali Coast
- Snorkel Along The Na Pali Coast
- Kayak Down The Wailua River
- Zipline With Outfitters Kaua’i
- Mountain Tube With Backcountry Adventures
- Experience A Luau
- Visit The Hindu Monastery; A Peaceful Sanctuary In The Middle Of A Rainforest
- Watch The Sunset At Hanalei Bay
- Watch The Sunrise At Larsen’s Beach
- Visit The Kilauea Lighthouse; The Northern-Most Point Of Hawaii
- Visit Wailua River State Park
- Hike To The Top Of The Sleeping Giant
- Surf At Shipwreck’s Beach
- Go Paddle Boarding
- Take A Helicopter Tour Around The Island
There is an ENDLESS amount of excursions & activities on the Island. Those listed above are just a few of the many things the Garden Island has to offer.
WHERE TO EAT:
- Poipu Food Truck Park
- Kapaa Food Trucks (Wailua Shave Ice Is A MUST)
- The Fresh Shave
- Kauai Juice Co. (SO GOOD. My sister & I became regulars here.)
- Matcha Ya
- Lappert’s Ice Cream (Always a line out the door. Always good.)
- JoJo’s (DELISH. We went back a handful of times.)
- Puka Dog (They have the BEST lemonade.)
- Kukuiula Market For Acai Bowls
- Pietro’s Pizza
- Java Kai
- Island Taco
- Fresh Bite Kauai
- Verde
Kaua’i has SO many great food options that cater to all dietary needs. The ones’ listed above were simply highlights for my family & I.
Kaua’i was such a magical island; I’m already dreaming about my next trip back. My family & I LOVE the Hawaiian Islands & Kaua’i was by far our favorite.
Don’t forget to slow down, and soak in that Aloha spirit during your time in Kaua’i. There’s no where else quite like the Garden Island, and I hope this Kaua’i travel guide will help you create memories that will last a lifetime!
I’ll be sharing our trip to Maui soon, so be on the lookout for that.
