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There is a place on this planet where “troubles melt like lemon drops” and “dreams really do come true”. A place that looks and feels completely surreal. I fell in love with Kaua’i. I visited this island for a first time in 2010, when I spent just 3 days there. I said, “One day I will come back here for more!” 6 years later, I had a chance to revisit and live in Kaua’i for almost 2 months. What a blessing. I will always cherish those days.
Kaua’i is Hawaii’s fourth largest island, often called “The Garden Island”. Kaua’i is home to hundred of uncrowded and secluded beaches and it features wide variety of flora and fauna. About only 10% of Kaua’i is accessible by car, while the other 90% of the island can be explored by hiking, air and boat tours. You still need to rent a car in order to explore this island. Kaua’i is sunny and magical vacation spot all year round!
In this post I’m introducing you to the best things to do in Kauai, based on my 2 months adventurous experiences on this island. I hope you will find this info helpful for planning your own trip to paradise!
WHAT TO BRING
Read my other post Traveling with Less: Travel Gear Guide
BEST TIME TO GO
I don’t think you can go wrong to visit Kauai any time of the year. I visited this island in February/March, in August/September and the weather was always beautiful! The high season runs mid December through mid April. If you want to find cheaper air fare, accommodation and car rental rates, you might consider visiting Kauai during the off season.
HOW TO GET THERE
My round trip air fare to Kauai cost me only $11, since I used 35,000 Hawaiian bonus miles. I earned them by applying for the Hawaiian Credit Card (spend $1,000 within the first 3 months and earn 35,000 bonus miles, good for a free round trip airfare to Hawaii). To learn even more about flying with bonus miles, you can read my other article How to Earn Air Miles and Points for Free Flights.
TRANSPORTATION
If you want to explore the island, you will definitely need a car in Kauai. An excellent place to rent a car on this island and on the other islands in Hawaii is through Discount Hawaii Car Rentals.
ACCOMMODATIONS
If you are on a budget, you shoud check for accommodations on Airbnb. If you’ve never used AirBnb before, you can accept my invite to join and get $40 off towards your first trip.
TOURS
1. Tour on water: Niihau + Napali Super Tour If you have to choose only one tour while you are on the island, this is the one! Seeing the Na Pali Coast is a unique and magical experience!
2. Tour by air: Kauai ECO Adventure Getting on a Blue Hawaiian helicopter is your chance to see Kaua’i from above. You will be amazed by the spectacular waterfalls, rock formations, and its coastal line. It’s another fascinating activity, however it’s an expensive one. The rate is between $200-$250 for 50-55 minutes tour. It’s beautiful and once in a lifetime experience though!
3. Tour in a private ranch: Kipu Ranch Mountain ATV Adventure This ATV tour is real fun! I did the Waterfall Picnic Tour, which lasted about 4 hours and was totally worth it. You will see plenty of exotic fruits and flowers and get a chance for rope-swing in the river!
4. Ziplining: Princeville Ranch Adventure It was my first time ever ziplining! What’s a better place than Kauai to do that?
BEACHES
All beaches in Kaua’i can be dangerous. Make sure to read the Beach Safety Rules for the area.
1. Secret/Kauapea Beach (North): It’s a little bit tricky to find it. No wonder it’s called “Secret Beach” Take Kuhio Hwy past Kīlauea, turn right on Kalihiwai Rd., follow it for about 50 yards and turn right into an unpaved road. Drive to the end of the road and park on a dirt parking lot. The Secret Beach is about 10 min hike away.
2. Maha’ulepu Beach (South): This beach is 2 miles car trip from the end of Poipu (Hyatt). It’s a remote, underdeveloped but beautiful beach. Keep in mind that beach’s gates close at 6pm.
3. Polihale Beach State Park (West): In order to get to Polihale, you need to rent 4 wheel drive car. It’s a remote, wild beach in the western part of the island. Pack some water, drinks, food and spend the day there. Don’t rush to leave before sunset. Just wait for more magic to happen- sky full of stars!
4. Kekaha Beach (West): It’s in the far west part of the island. Beautiful place to watch the sunset, while seeing the Forbidden Island (Ni’ihau) in the distance.
5. Salt Pond Beach Park (South): It’s located in Hanapepe, never overcrowded, while there is a life guard on duty. I spent many days by myself there, enjoying the silence and privacy.
6. Beach House restaurant in Po’ipu (South): Snorkel and swim around sea turtles and meet the sunset at the beach in front of the restaurant. The best sunset view on the island. Bring crackers, cheese, ‘Nani Moon’ Tropical Honey Wine (it’s delicious!), sit on the beach and let Mother Nature’s movie begin.
7. Kealia Beach: It’s a popular spot for surfers and boogie boarders. It’s kind of windy there but still a nice spot to see and enjoy the beach.
8. Ke’s Beach (North): This is where the road ends and the Na Pali Coast (Kalalau Trail) begins. Ke’s beach is the last beach accessible by car on the North Shore. The lagoon is a great snorkeling spot. This beach has the calmest waters I’ve seen on the island. However, you still need to be careful and follow the Beach Safety Rules for Kaua’i. Parking can be an issue here, since there is a designated parking area, where all hikers and people who visit Ke’s beach, can park their cars. It’s a relatively small and rough parking terrain (dirt and rocks). Make sure you get there early in the morning so you don’t have to worry about parking. If you park on the side of the road, you take a risk of getting a parking ticket.
HIKES
*Most of the hike trails I’m suggesting you are about 3-5 hours (round trip). However, you always need to be prepared with plenty of water, light snacks (apples, nuts), knife, flash light, sunscreen, rain jacket, and good hiking boots
1. Kalalau Trail (North Side): This is a fantastic trail with a few sections. If you have time to do only one trail, do this one! It starts from Ke’s Beach, where the road ends in the North Side of the island. I did only the first section of that hike, which is about 4 miles (round trip) and goes to the first beach on the trail- Hanakapi’ai Beach. It’s only 3-4 hours of hiking but it’s still really tiring. If you leave early in the morning (around 8 am), you can do the second section as well and hike to Hanakapi’ai Valley and the Waterfall which is about 8 hours hike. The last section of this trail is 11 miles and ends at the second and last beach- Kalalau Beach. It is about 12 hours hike one-way and you need to stay there overnight. This is a very difficult hike. You need to plan this hike for months, also to be in excellent shape, and prepared with a tent, food for couple of days, water filters, etc. A special permit is required to stay there as well. Obtaining a permit sometimes can take up to a year since they are trying to avoid overcrowding in the area. For more information on this trail, go to Kalalau Trail’s website where you can find a map of the trail as well. Keep in mind if it’s raining it can get really slippery and dangerous there. The wettest spot on the planet- Mount Wai’ale’ale is located in the center of Kaua’i.
2. Maha’ulepu/Heritage Trail (Po’ipu, next to Hyatt): This 2 miles one way beautiful coastal hike starts from Hyatt in Po’ipu. It’s an easy and pleasurable hike! You can do it in the morning and then head out to the beach.
3. Nounou/Sleeping Giant Trail (Kapa’a): It takes less than an hour to get to the top. It’s a nice and easy hike with views of Kapaa. It starts in Wailua House at the top of Haleilio Road.
4. Kuilau Ridge Trail: It’s about over 2 miles each way hike and takes about 2.5 hours total hiking time. To get there drive on Hwy 56 from Lihue, make a left turn onto Hwy 580, drive for 8 miles until you reach Keahua Forestry Arboretum. The trail head is on the right. There are just a few parking spots. I always got lucky and found one available. Again- parking on the side of the road is taking a risk for parking ticket. This trail is so tranquil! You will see and hear lots of birds and enjoy the spectacular views of Makaleha Mountains.
5. Waimea Canyon State Park Hiking Trails, The Grand Canyon of the Pacific (Western Side): My favorite trails in this park are Kukui Trail (5 miles, 3.5 hours), Awa’awapuhi Trail (6 miles, 3 hours) and Pihea Trail (7.6 miles, 3 hours). Whichever one you choose, you will not go wrong! Weather changes quickly there so be prepared for hot and chilly weather. Layering always works the best. Map of Waimea Canyon Hiking Trail
ATTRACTIONS
1. Kilauea Lighthouse (North): It is located on 3500 Kilauea Rd. in Kilauea
2. Spouting Horn in Po’ipu (South): Once you are in Po’ipu, they are signs directing to Spouting Horn. It’s very easy to find it on your Kaua’i map as well. The waves force the air out of an opening in a lava tube, producing strange sounds while spray is forced out of another opening close by.
3. Kauai’s Hindu Monastery: Fascinating place to visit in Kapa’a! The Temple is open for visitors only from 9am – noon. Watch a ceremony. Enjoy the lush green surreal beauty around. Before you leave, check out their store. They have an amazing handmade jewelry with Rudrakshas Holy Beads, made by Hindu monks. I haven’t taken my bracelet out since I got it and got a few more as presents for my mom and closest friends.
4. Marriott’s in Po’ipu: Visit Marriott Waiohai Beach Club landscaping. Spectacular!
5. St. Regis Princeville Resort (North): Go for breakfast and have a mimosa at St. Regis Makana Terrace, overlooking the breathtaking Makana Mountains and Hanalei Bay!
6. Lava Lava Beach Club at Kauai Shores an Aqua Hotel (Kapaa): Go to Lava Lava Beach Club Kauai Shores an Aqua Hotel is a reasonably priced (the rate is around $100/night) perfect location in Kapaa (just in the middle of North and South Shore). If you stay there, look for rainbow (such as the one on the photograph below) sometime around sunrise. I was waking up early every morning just to witness this magic over and over again.
7. Go and see a luau!
