Welcome to our complete guide on Kauai things to see and explore in Hawaii! Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is famous for its stunning landscapes, lush greenery, and beautiful beaches. This island offers an unforgettable adventure for everyone. Whether you love hiking, relaxing by the ocean, or immersing yourself in new cultures, Kauai has something special to offer every traveler.
In this guide, we share our personal experiences traveling to Kauai with our 5-month-old baby. From must-see attractions to the best places to stay and eat, we cover everything you need to know. Along the way, we also explored the stunning landscapes of Big Island and the vibrant nature of Oahu – don’t miss our guides to those islands for even more tips. Join us as we dive into the magic of Kauai and help you plan your perfect trip to this tropical paradise.
Content Teaser
Quick Peek
Fact-sheet about our Kauai trip for our busy travelers.
Travel Time
Early October
Travel Mode
Journey (10 days)
Our Must-Sees
Waimea Canyon, NaPali Coast
Where to stay
AirBnB & Koa Kea Resort
Plant-Based Food
Mobility
Rental car Alamo
Jeep Wrangler
Travel Budget
around €6.600 / $7.372
without air fare
Kauai Things to see: Highlights of Our Journey
Waimea Canyon
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is a stunning natural wonder. Its deep red and green cliffs offer incredible views, making it perfect for hiking and photos. We loved it so much that we drove there three times, each visit revealing even more beauty. The vibrant colors and dramatic scenery kept us coming back for more.
Na Pali Coast
The Na Pali Coast is a must-see for its dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and secluded beaches. While it’s typically explored by boat, helicopter, or a challenging hike, we chose not to book a helicopter tour due to traveling with our little one, and we also decided against the boat tour. Some might say we missed out, but honestly, the beauty we saw from the accessible Kalalau Lookout by car was more than enough. The stunning views of the rugged cliffs meeting the turquoise ocean were absolutely breathtaking and provided a fantastic experience.
Opaekaa Falls
This stunning waterfall is an easy stop with a convenient lookout point offering a clear view. As one of the Kauai things to see, the 151-foot waterfall cascades down a lush mountainside, creating a serene and picturesque scene. We enjoyed the tranquility and captured some beautiful photos here. It’s a great spot to visit if you have limited time or are traveling with young children.
Poipu Region
Known for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches, Poipu is a great area for both relaxation and adventure. The region boasts several luxury resorts, making it an ideal place to stay for a comfortable vacation. We explored the shops and dined at local restaurants, enjoying the vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere.
The Poipu Beach Park offers safe swimming areas, picnic spots, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. The park is well-maintained and has facilities like restrooms and showers.
Hanalei
Nestled on the North Shore, Hanalei is a charming town known for its bohemian vibe and stunning natural beauty. The crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets. We loved the peaceful ambiance, strolling through the quaint town, visiting local shops, and savoring fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants. Hanalei’s laid-back charm made it one of our favorite spots on the island.
Where to Stay on Kauai Island: Our Choices
When visiting Kauai, we opted for a mix of affordable comfort and luxurious indulgence, just as we often do on our trips. Here’s where we stayed during our journey:
Budget-Friendly Airbnb
Well, “budget-friendly” and Kauai might not go hand in hand. We paid over €200 per night for a small but clean Airbnb in Wailua, approximately 20 minutes north of Lihue Airport, a small bonus as it saved us from a long drive after our flight. It was okay for the first three nights as we wanted to explore the island and just needed a place to sleep. Typically, we don’t miss the fine print, but this time we overlooked the fact that the Airbnb didn’t have air conditioning. On a tropical island, that’s something to definitely reconsider! Despite this, the accommodation was sufficient for our needs during our initial days of exploration.
Ko’a Kea – Our High-End Luxury Resort
Since it was the last week of our first Hawaii trip, we opted for something special and chose the Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach. This resort offers stunning ocean views, top-notch amenities, and exceptional service. It is the perfect way to relax and unwind after days of exploring. The resort’s pool, spa, and fine dining options make our stay incredibly enjoyable and memorable. Staying at Koʻa Kea Resort provides a luxurious end to our Hawaiian adventure, making our trip even more special.
Kauai’s Best Vegan & Vegetarian Eats
As plant-based eaters, we were excited to explore Kauai. While searching for Kauai things to see, we also discovered a variety of vegan and vegetarian food options. Despite being a small island, Kauai offers plenty of delicious and healthy meals. Here are some of the best spots we found during our trip:
Russell’s by Eat Healthy
Located in Wailua, close to our first accommodation, Russell’s by Eat Healthy is a fantastic spot that serves delicious plant-based meals. The menu features a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes, all made with fresh, local ingredients. We tried their veggie burger and the house-made kombucha, both of which were outstanding. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly service made Russell’s a perfect stop for a relaxing meal. Being near our Airbnb made it an easy and convenient option during our stay.
Aloha Aina Juice Café
If you’re looking for a quick and healthy bite, Aloha Aina Juice Café in Poipu is the place to go. This small but vibrant café specializes in organic juices, smoothies, and light meals. We tried their acai bowls and were blown away by the freshness and flavor. The café also offers a selection of vegan snacks, making it an ideal stop for a midday refreshment. The friendly service and commitment to using organic ingredients make Aloha Aina a must-visit.
Navigating Kauai: How We Traveled Across the Island
Getting around Kauai is essential for experiencing everything the island has to offer, and we quickly realized that a flexible plan was key. For us, renting a car was the only logical option, and it turned out to be the most convenient way to explore.
Kauai’s road network is relatively simple, with the main routes being Kuhio Highway (Route 56) on the east and north sides of the island, and Kaumualii Highway (Route 50) on the south and west sides. These highways form a half-circle around the island, but you cannot drive completely around Kauai due to the rugged terrain of the Na Pali Coast, which is inaccessible by road.
Having a car allowed us the freedom to explore Kauai things to see at our own pace. We drove along scenic roads to highlights like Waimea Canyon and navigated the beautiful coastal routes near Poipu and Hanalei. Being able to stop anytime to enjoy breathtaking views or discover hidden beaches was a huge plus. Picking up the car directly at Lihue Airport made it easy to begin our adventure right away.
Budgeting for Kauai: A Breakdown of Our Expenses
Accomodation
AirBnB 4 nights €840 / $938
KoaKea 5 nights €3.400 / $3.798
Food & Dining
Around €100 / $109 per day
Total €1.000/ $1.117
Mobility
Rental car Jeep Wrangler
€88 ($98) per day
Fuel / Parking around €300 / $335
Activities
We enjoyed Kauai
for free!
Total Spent
around €6.600 / $7.372
without air fare
Kauai Travel Guide: Answers to Common Questions
Kauai is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). During these times, the weather is pleasant, and you’ll find fewer crowds at the top Kauai things to see.
No, you can’t drive around the whole island. Some of the most unique Kauai things to see, such as the Na Pali Coast, are inaccessible by car and can only be reached by hiking, boat, or helicopter.
Some of the top Kauai things to see include Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, and Poipu Beach. Each of these attractions showcases Kauai’s stunning natural beauty and are highly recommended for first-time visitors.
For a well-rounded experience of Kauai’s top attractions, we recommend spending at least 5 to 7 days on the island. This allows enough time to explore major highlights like Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, and the Na Pali Coast, while still having downtime to enjoy the beaches and local culture.
For most attractions, a regular car is sufficient. However, if you plan to explore off-the-beaten-path spots like Polihale Beach, where the roads are unpaved, a 4×4 might be more suitable. Otherwise, the island’s main roads are well-maintained and accessible with a standard rental vehicle.
The Na Pali Coast can’t be accessed by car, but you can experience its beauty by boat, helicopter, or hiking the Kalalau Trail. Boat tours are a great option for snorkeling and sightseeing, while a helicopter ride provides a breathtaking aerial view of the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. The Kalalau Trail offers an immersive hiking experience, but it’s quite challenging and requires a permit for overnight stays.
Kauai’s weather is generally warm year-round, but it does see a lot of rain, particularly on the North Shore. The winter months (November to March) are typically rainier, especially in areas like Hanalei. If you’re looking for more consistent sunshine, the South Shore (Poipu) tends to be drier.
Hiking in Kauai is generally safe, but trails can become slippery and challenging, especially after rain. Always check weather conditions before heading out, wear proper hiking shoes, and carry plenty of water. Some trails, like the Kalalau Trail, require experience and preparation, so choose your hikes based on your fitness level and time.
Poipu Beach on the South Shore is one of the best beaches for families with young kids due to its calm, protected waters and sandy shorelines. Lydgate Beach Park near Kapaa also has a rock-enclosed swimming area, making it a safe spot for children to play and swim.