Kauai Island Hawaii USA

Kauai Island, Hawaii USA (1/20-1/29/2020 & 2/8-2/18/2024)

Beach at Allerton Gardens - Kauai

There are many reasons we find the relaxed laid-back 'Garden Island' of Kauai so wonderful such as: 1) relaxed causal lifestyle (no need to pack big bags), 2) no high rise buildings (by law nothing can be higher than the tallest coconut

Kauai South Shore Hotel

palm tree), 3) oldest Hawaiian island so more land and beaches have been created with a beautiful lush green environment (especially in the north) - Movies such as Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Raiders of the Lost Arc, South Pacific, and The Descendants were made in Kauai, 4) 28 beautiful tropical beaches with warm ocean water – many not crowded, 5) numerous nice dining options and fun excursions and activities to please all ages and families with children, and... WE HAVE FUN!

Mountain Tubing - Kauai

Kauai offers adventure-seeking visitors snorkeling & scuba diving, whale watching late December through mid-April, surfing, hiking, golfing, kayaking, biking, ATV trips, camping, fishing, zip lining, horseback riding, river trips, amazing helicopter rides & boat tours, and more. Kauai's relaxing spas are available for those who have some pampering in mind.  

 

Deserted Beaches - Kauai

Important Kauai Travel Tips: Renting a car is important to be able to enjoy what Kauai has to offer. Popular restaurants and activities fill up so you should reserve several weeks ahead. Rush hour traffic starting around 3PM along the East Shore does slow you down so allow extra time if you need to travel along the Kap'pa area at this time. Tropical sun is strong so be sure to use plenty of reef-friendly waterproof sunscreen.

 

Map of Kauai

We recommend splitting your stay in Kauai between the South and North (and maybe East) Shores to best enjoy the features of Kauai. Walmart in Lihue (near the airport) is a good place to stock up on groceries, supplies, and souvenirs at good prices. Boss Frog's offers beach gear rentals - located in Kapa'a and Koloa.

 

Top Rated Beaches in Kauai

   Poipu Beach                     Tunnels Beach

   Maha'ulepu Beach            Ke'e Beach

   Hanalei Bay                      Kalapaki Beach

   Polihale Beach                 Anini Beach

Best Kauai Beaches for Swimming (see below for best time)

   North Shore        South Shore         East Shore

   Hanalei Bay        Poipu Beach         Lydgate (Great for

   Ke'e Beach         Kiahuna Beach                    children)  

   Anini Beach        Salt Pond Beach

 

 Best Kauai Snorkeling Beaches

   North Shore        South Beach         East Shore

   Tunnels Reef*     Poipu Beach         Lydgate

   Ke'e Beach*        Beach House

   Anini Beach     Note: * Not during the Winter months

Sunny South Shore Beach - Kauai

Kauai Weather Tip: When it is overcast or raining, head to the South Shore for a better chance of sunshine. Poipu Beach is our favorite. During a sunny day, you can't beat the beautiful landscape and beaches in the North Shore.

 

Amazing Helicopter Tour - Kauai

If your budget affords it, don't miss taking a helicopter tour of Kauai (see photo) - viewing the breathtaking back country of this beautiful island is amazing! We went with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and loved it.

      

Here are some of Kauai's outstanding highlights to enjoy on this beautiful island...

Wonderful Kauai South Shore Attractions

Tree Tunnel to Poipu

Kauai’s South Shore has become more developed with nice accommodations and more upscale restaurants. It is a better bet for sunshine, especially during the winter, because it rains more in the north. The beautiful Maluhia Road Tree Tunnel that goes to Koloa and Poipu has 500 euclyptus trees.

Poipu Beach - Kauai

Poipu Beach is predictably sunny and Kauai’s best all-around beach for tourists on the South Shore. Many would say Kauai's best beach overall (see photos). Nice rather long beach with a grassy park next to it overlooking a beautiful post-card ocean scene. Because a reef protects it, normally the waves are small making it great for swimming, snorkeling, and safe for supervised kids. Families should go to the east end for a protected beach and playground. There is good parking and Brennecke’s is a nice restaurant located there that also sells food, drinks, and beach rentals for the beach. Try their smoothies – great.  

 

Turtles on Poipu Beach - Kauai

The best snorkeling at Kauai's Poipu Beach is out from the lifeguard station on the left (looking at ocean). You will probably see several other snorkelers right where you want to go. Tip for snorkelers: There are reef rocks in the middle of the beach and because normal currents flow left to right it is nice to enter on the sandy beach on the left and come out on the sand bar on the right.

Beautiful Poipu Beach - Kauai

A better place for swimming at Kauai’s Poipu Beach (see photo) due to fewer rocks is to the right (just before the Marriott). Do be careful because less doesn’t mean no rocks. Get some water shoes and you can swim with less worry.

Down the road a few miles, there is another popular Kauai snorkeling place just to the right of the Beach House restaurant.

 

Waimea Canyon - Kauai

Driving up Kauai’s Waimea Canyon State Park is a wonderful excursion (see photos). If you don’t start too late, you can have a day with the afternoon spent at a wonderful Kauai beach – paradise! Waimea Canyon extends 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep. The Waimea Canyon Lookout provides panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags and deep valley gorges. The grand-island vistas go on for miles (see photo).

Amazing Waimea Canyon - Kauai

Stop at the lookouts ($5/day parking fee) and let your nature loving begin. Don’t miss the Waimea Canyon Lookout with a parking lot marked with a sign just past mile marker 10. Walk up the few steps and let it all in. If you want an early glance of beautiful Kauai’s Walmea Canyon, you can pull to the right of the road between markers 3 and 4 and enjoy a wonderful view.

Map of Waimea Canyon - Kauai

We also liked the Puu Ka Pele Lookout in Waimea Canyon (see map) and the view to the ocean at the Pau o Kila Lookout at the top. We found the Kokee Museum (pass marker 15) to be interesting for nature lovers like us. Next door is Koke’e Lodge serving lunch. For the best route to view Kauai’s Waimea Canyon use highway 540 up and back starting at Waimea. Some wonderful hikes are located here.

Pat at Allerton Gardens 
- National Tropical Botanical Garden

Spouting Horn - Kauai

Love beautiful gardens? A guided tour of Allerton Gardens in Kauai’s National Tropical Botanical Garden should be very highly considered by nature lovers – we loved it! Your admittance fee helps them preserve endangered trees and plants helping them take a slow march back from the edge of extension. We felt the guided tour was interesting and well worth the price - knowing it goes to a very good cause makes it even better. Movie lovers will also like the many nature scenes of movies and TV series filmed in Kauai. Bring bug spray. Nearby Spouting Horn (see photo) is delightful for a quick stop.

Keoki's Paradise Restaurant

South Shore Restaurants... We liked Kauai’s The Shops at Kukuiula, a popular modern shopping and restaurant center. Good restaurants located there include Merriman’s Fish House, Eating House 1849, Bubba Burgers (very affordable), and Living Foods serves a nice breakfast. Other good South Shore restaurants are Keoki's Paradise and the Beach House Restaurant (great for sunsets). A stop for Lappert's Ice Cream is a crowd pleaser.

Tidepools Restaurant 
at Grand Hyatt Hotel - Kauai

Just down the road in the Poipu Shopping Village, Keoki’s Paradise offers good food with an beautiful tropical ambiance. One of the best and romantic restaurants on Kauai’s South Shore is Tidepools in the Grand Hyatt Hotel – worth the extra cost (see photo). A walk around Grand Hyatt’s beautiful property should be included in your visit there.

 

Whaling Watching

We loved the sunset dinner cruise out of Port Allen Harbor offered by Capt Andy's Sailing Adventure. They also offer great snorkeling and whale watching cruises. We enjoyed whale watching with Captain J's (late December through mid-April).

 

Important Travel Planning Tip: There is a seasonal pattern on Kauai. During the winter more rainy season (October through April), there is a better chance of sunny days in the South Shore – although we were lucky having glorious weather in the north during January. Summer season (May through September) has a better chance of sunny weather. Big waves can make ocean swimming dangerous. Generally, waves in Kauai are bigger in the North and West during the winter and in the South during summer. There are many beaches protected by reefs where the waves are small providing safe swimming all year.

Wonderful Kauai North Shore Attractions

Lush Green North Shore of Kauai

When you drive through Kauai’s North Shore (see photo) you can’t miss how lush and green it is – so beautiful! Beaches are wonderful and the mountains in the background provide an exquisite Jurassic Park like atmosphere you will long remember.

Hanalei Town - Kauai

Spending time in Hanalei is fun. Located a few minutes west of Princeville below beautiful green tropical mountains, you will discover a serene Hawaiian experience. Kauai's Hanalei is a lovely small town (see photo) with characteristic restaurants, bars, and shops selling Hawaiian apparel and local arts and crafts. The historic one-way bridges along the way add to the charm of this area.

Ke'e Beach - Kauai

The beaches on Kauai’s North Shore are lovely. Two of our favorites are Ke’e (see photo) and Tunnels. Both can have large dangerous waves in the winter. Also, all year due to their popularity, access is limited. Ke’e Beach now requires a reservation for parking or shuttle service. You can book parking or shuttle reservations to Ke'e Beach in Kauai's Haena Beach Park at gohaena.com 30 days in advance.

Animi Beach - Kauai

Not to worry if you visit Kauai during the winter, don't have a reservation for Ke'e, or can't find parking at Tunnels... Anini Beach (see photo) is beautiful and protected by a reef making swimming safe all year with some snorkeling opportunities. Very long Anini Beach also has lots of free parking available and plenty of natural shade provided by trees. Tip: Go to the end of the main parking area before the campground for the best part of the beach (see photo). 

 

Hanalei Bay Beach - Kauai

Also, protected by the beautiful bay and surrounded by beautiful lush mountains, Hanalei Bay Beach calm year around and is lovely - some say the best North Shore Beach. In the town of Hanalei, turn toward the beach on the street at the Kalypso Island Bar & Grill, turn right at the end and go to the second large parking area by the pier. Beach lovers will discover many more lovely beaches on Kauai’s North Shore to explore.

Haena Beach Park Tunnels & Ke'e Beaches

Although you must now obtain parking or shuttle transportation reservations, a visit to Ke’e Beach and its surrounding Haena State Park is wonderful. During the summer, there is nice swimming and snorkeling. This is also the start of Kauai's famous (and difficult) Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast for advanced hikers and campers that plan ahead for this adventure. 

Napali Mountains & Coastline

From Kauai's Ke’e Beach you can get a nice view of the beautiful Napali mountains and coastline (see photo). Because the number of visitors became too much to preserve its uniqueness, daily limits are enforced and reservations are necessary.

View from the Kilauea Lighthouse

Some other Kauai North Shore highlights include: The views from the Kilauea Lighthouse as well as the Hanalei Valley Lookout are wonderful and worth a stop (see photo). During Kauai's summer months, adventure lovers should do a catamaran tour of the beautiful Napali Coast with snorkeling. Zodiac boats go into the caves. Lots of fun!

North Shore Restaurants... Don't miss the fun and picturesque town of Kauai’s Hanalei. It has some nice dining options such as: Bar Acuda, Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant, Chicken in a Barrel BBQ (causal dining), Tahiti Nui (for causal fun with music), and Wishing Well food truck and Jo Jo's for shaved ice with macadamia nut ice cream (yum!).

Pool at Hanalei Bay Resort - Princeville

Tropical Drinks in Heaven at Happy Talk!

We stayed at the lovely Hanalei Bay Resort (see photo) in Princeville and so glad we did. The beautiful grounds with large pool and heated spa surrounded by waterfalls and tropical plants (see photo) make for a relaxing place to return to after a day of exploring Kauai’s North Shore attractions and beaches. The on-site restaurant/bar Happy Talk overlooking Hanalei Bay with music most nights is very nice. The rooms are very comfortable (many with a kitchen) and nice furnishings. You can walk down to the beautiful Puu Poa Beach for snorkeling and have lunch at the Sandbox restaurant at the luxury 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay resort... or if you feel a bit lazy (easy to do in Kauai), just call and they will take you and pick you up with a golf cart.

Travel Tip: There is much more to do in Kauai such as great hikes, excursions, surfing, golfing, camping, and other activities. We found the Kauai travel book "The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook – Kauai Revealed" by Andrew Doughty to be an outstanding resource and greatly enhanced our stay in Kauai. 

The recommendations for Kauai were spot on.

Kauai East Shore Attractions

 

Kauai Shores Hotel

Travel Tip: Because Kauai's sunny South Shore has become popular and more expensive to stay, a good suggestion is considering staying on Kauai's East Shore. It's a beautiful 35-minute drive to South Shore's Poipu Beach and 45 minutes to North Shore's Hanalei. We enjoyed our stay at Kauai Shores Hotel (see photo) located on the beach near Kapa'a with modern renovated rooms, inviting pool and jacuzzi, and feet-in-the-sand ocean-view Lava Lava Beach Club restaurant on the property for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is conveniently located next to the Coconut Marketplace for walk-to restaurants, market, and shopping.

 

A good beach on Kauai's East Shore for protected swimming (great for families) is Lydgate Beach (see photo). Go to the end of the parking to access the protected area. For a classic beautiful beach with good boogie board and body surfing is Kealia Beach. For the adventurous, Kauai Backcountry Adventures offers very fun excursions - Mountain Tubing and Zipline. We did the Mountain Tubing and had a great time.

Lava Lava Beach Club

Kauai's East Shore has some nice restaurants. In Kapa'a, we loved the macadamia nut crusted sea bass at the Lemongrass Grill. The Bull Shed and the Lava Lava Beach Club on the ocean are well rated. Kapa'a Kountry Kitchen is highly rated for breakfast. If you want to spurge, make a reservation well in advance for Jo2 - amazing! For ambiance and history try lunch or dinner at Gaylord's Restaurant at the Kilohana Plantation and here you can enjoy the fun Kauai Plantation Railway train ride and Luau Kalamaku.

Wallua Falls - Kauai

Like waterfalls? A couple of very nice ones along Kauai’s East Shore can be accessed by car. We recommend visiting the most accessible 151-foot Opaekaa Falls from highway 580 and the 173-feet Wallua Falls (our favorite - see photo) from highway 583. Both are beautiful. 

The Smith Family Garden Luau is a favorite with its beautiful garden and good food. For a kayak adventure along a beautiful river... Kayak Hanalei offers kayak adventures up or down the Hanalei River and Kayak Adventure Kauai takes you up the Wailua River to visit the Fern Grotto. When passing through Kapa'a, look inland to see the Sleeping Giant outline in the mountain.

Beautiful Rooster on Kauai

Something that adds some ‘fun’ in Kauai is the wild chickens with incredibly beautiful roosters (see photo). You will hear their sound everywhere – local residents will encourage you to take some home. In 1982 Hurricane Iwa destroyed chicken coops sending the birds all over the island.  

 

Cheeseburger in Paradise!

Golfers will like the many beautiful courses to be enjoyed on Kauai. Try some shave ice served around the island – it’s delicious.

Enjoy Kauai – we do!

 

Some Useful Hawaiian words while in Kauai:

Windy Day Beach Umbrella Trick

Aloha (ah-low-ha) - hello, goodbye, feeling of kindness

Mahalo (mah-hah-low)- thank you

Kane (kah-neh) - male

Wahine (wah-hee-nay) - female

Keiki (kay-key) - child

Pupu (poo-poo) - appetizer

Luau (loo-ow) - Hawaiian feast

Lua (loo-ah) - restroom

Makai (mah-kigh) - towards the sea

Mauka (mau-kah) - towards the mountain

Lanai (lah-nigh) - porch, veranda

 

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