Hawaii's lush Garden Isle of cliffs and canyons
Kauai is the oldest and greenest of the main Hawaiian islands, famous for the Na Pali Coast cliffs, Waimea Canyon and quiet beaches. This guide covers the whole island, from Hanalei and Princeville on the north shore to Poipu in the south and Waimea in the west. It suits nature lovers, hikers and couples who want a slower, less built-up Hawaii. There is no road around the whole island, so the Na Pali Coast is seen by boat, helicopter or trail.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
Sheer green sea cliffs and hidden valleys along the northwest coast, reachable only by boat, helicopter or the Kalalau Trail. It is Kauai's signature sight.
Boat and helicopter tours are paid; check operators for prices.
A deep, colorful canyon often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, with roadside lookouts and trails. Clouds move in by afternoon.
Non-residents pay 5 USD per person entry and 10 USD per vehicle parking in 2026, per the state parks site.
A wide crescent bay backed by green mountains and waterfalls, with a historic pier and a laid-back surf town. Summer swimming is calm.
Free public beach.
The end of the north shore road, with Kee Beach and the start of the Kalalau Trail. Visitor numbers are capped by reservation.
Non-residents need an entry reservation at 5 USD per person or parking at 10 USD per vehicle in 2026.
A sunny south shore beach with a protected swimming area, snorkeling and frequent sea turtle and monk seal sightings. Good for families.
Free public beach park.
A historic lighthouse on a cliff point surrounded by nesting seabirds such as albatross and red-footed boobies. Whales are often seen in winter.
Adult one-day entry with reservation fee listed at 11 USD in 2026.
Hawaii's only navigable river, with kayak trips to a waterfall and the Fern Grotto area, plus roadside views of Opaekaa Falls. It is rich in Hawaiian cultural sites.
Kayak tours and rentals are paid.
Tropical gardens in the Lawai Valley run by the National Tropical Botanical Garden, with giant fig roots seen in films. Visits are by guided tour or tram.
Check the official site for current prices.
A lava tube blowhole where waves shoot water high into the air with a hissing sound. It is a quick, popular stop near Poipu.
Free county park.
The first section of the famous Na Pali trail climbs along the cliffs to Hanakapiai Beach. It is muddy and steep but spectacular.
Needs a Haena State Park entry or parking reservation for non-residents in 2026.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Day one on a Na Pali boat tour and Waimea Canyon, day two on the north shore at Hanalei, Haena and Kilauea, day three in Poipu with the gardens and Spouting Horn.
Forest trails and Kalalau Lookout above the Na Pali valleys.
37 mi · Car past Waimea Canyon, about 1 hour 30 minutes from Lihue
A small historic town with galleries and a swinging bridge.
19 mi · Car west, about 35 minutes
Clear water off the private island of Niihau.
37 mi · Boat tour from Port Allen
Rugged coastal hike when the area is open.
31 mi · Hike from Kee Beach, a permit and reservation are required
Calm lagoons for kids.
12 mi · Drive about 25 minutes
Coffee plantation tasting.
19 mi · Drive about 40 minutes
Best: April to June and September to October. Drier weather, calmer seas and fewer crowds than summer and winter holidays.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
December to April
Whales migrate to Hawaiian waters and are often seen from shore.
March 26
A state holiday honoring Prince Kuhio, who was born on Kauai, with local celebrations.
Typically February
Community festival in West Kauai; confirm dates.
Typically July
Local festival with parades and food.
Typically September
Running event on the south shore; confirm dates.
November to March
Large surf on the North Shore; swimming is dangerous.
Based on UK FCDO travel advice for the USA (there is no US advisory for domestic travel): violent crime rarely affects tourists, so normal city precautions apply; on Kauai the real dangers are ocean conditions, flash floods on trails and car break-ins at beach parking.
Towns are small and spread around one main highway, so a car is needed.
The Kauai Bus runs along the main highway at low frequency and does not reach most trailheads.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: families, first-timers
Sunny south shore with calm beaches and resorts.
Best for: couples, nature lovers
Dramatic north shore scenery near Haena and Hanalei Bay.
Best for: budget, central base
Central east side with good food and a coastal bike path.
Best for: short stays, value
Close to the airport with Kalapaki Bay nearby.
Best for: families, beach lovers
Sunny, protected beaches, resorts and restaurants.
Best for: budget, central base
A central base with shops, restaurants and a coastal path.
| Main airport | Lihue Airport (LIH), 2 mi from the center |
| To the center | Rental cars and taxis are at the airport; Lihue town is a few minutes away. |
| Around town | Rent a car and allow extra time; the single highway gets congested around Kapaa. |
| Ride apps | Uber, Lyft |
Seasoned raw fish, best from local markets.
Fine shaved ice with fruit syrups.
Rice, macaroni salad and a main like kalua pork.
Rice topped with a burger patty, egg and gravy.
Traditional taro paste, often tried alongside kalua pig.
Slow cooked pork.
Papaya, lilikoi and pineapple.
| Plugs | Type A and B, 120 V |
| Tap water | Safe to drink |
| Tipping | Tip 18 to 20 percent at sit-down restaurants, a few dollars per drink at bars, and 15 to 20 percent for taxis and tours. |
| Payments | Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors. |
| Etiquette | Respect closed areas, sacred sites and private land. Do not touch monk seals or sea turtles; keep a good distance. |
Polynesian voyagers settled Kauai many centuries ago, and the island kept its independence until its ruler joined the Hawaiian Kingdom peacefully in 1810. Captain James Cook first landed in Hawaii at Waimea on Kauai in 1778. Sugar plantations shaped the island's economy and diverse population from the 1800s. Hurricane Iniki in 1992 caused major damage, and tourism has since become the main industry. The population figure is for Kauai County.
Researched 2026-10-13. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.