Kauai
Kauai The Garden Isle!
Kauai, the Garden Isle, invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery amid its lush landscapes and natural wonders. From the dramatic cliffs of the Napali Coast to the serene beauty of Hanalei Bay, every corner of Kauai tells a story of the island’s timeless allure. As you plan your Kauai adventure, savor the moments of tranquility, adventure, and cultural richness that make this Hawaiian island an unforgettable destination. Aloha and welcome to the Garden Isle!
Kauai Beaches
Kauai Beaches
Poipu Beach: Located on the south shore of Kauai, Poipu Beach is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. The beach offers calm waters for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, as well as a grassy area for picnics and relaxation.
Hanalei Bay: This beautiful beach is located on the north shore of Kauai, and is surrounded by stunning mountains and waterfalls. The bay offers great swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities, as well as some excellent surf breaks.
Ke’e Beach: This secluded beach is located at the end of the road on the north shore of Kauai, and offers some of the island’s most beautiful scenery. The beach is a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, and hiking the nearby trails.
Tunnels Beach: Also located on the north shore of Kauai, Tunnels Beach is known for its excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. The beach is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and a variety of sea life.
Polihale Beach: Located on the west side of Kauai, Polihale Beach is one of the longest beaches in Hawaii, stretching for 17 miles. The beach offers beautiful sand dunes and stunning sunsets, but the waters can be rough and dangerous for swimming.
Anini Beach: This calm and shallow beach is located on the north shore of Kauai, and offers excellent snorkeling and windsurfing opportunities. The beach also has a picnic area and a campground for overnight stays.
Kalapaki Beach: Located on the east side of Kauai, Kalapaki Beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding. The beach is also home to several resorts and restaurants.
Secret Beach: As its name suggests, Secret Beach is a hidden gem located on the north shore of Kauai. The beach is accessible by a short hike, and offers beautiful views of the ocean and the nearby mountains. However, the waters can be rough and dangerous for swimming.
Lumahai Beach: This beautiful and secluded beach is located on the north shore of Kauai, and is known for its stunning sunsets and scenic beauty. The beach is also a popular spot for surfing, but the waters can be dangerous for swimming.
Mahaulepu Beach: Located on the south shore of Kauai, Mahaulepu Beach offers beautiful views of the rugged coastline and nearby mountains. The beach is a great spot for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the nearby tide pools.
Kauai Bike Trails
Kauai Biking Trails
- Ke Ala Hele Makalae (East Shore) – Recommended for all skill levels.
- Kapa’a Coastal Path (East Shore) – Recommended for all skill levels.
- Moalepe Trail (East Shore) – Recommended for intermediate to advanced riders due to steep inclines and technical sections.
- Sleeping Giant Trail (East Shore) – Recommended for intermediate to advanced riders due to steep inclines and technical sections.
- Kapaa Bike Path (East Shore) – Recommended for all skill levels.
- Kukui Trail (West Shore) – Recommended for experienced riders due to steep inclines and technical sections.
- Waimea Canyon Downhill (West Shore) – Recommended for experienced riders due to technical sections and steep descents.
- Powerline Trail (West Shore) – Recommended for intermediate to advanced riders due to technical sections and steep inclines.
- Anahola Beach Path (East Shore) – Recommended for all skill levels.
- Wailua Beach to Donkey Beach Path (East Shore) – Recommended for all skill levels.
- Hanalei Valley Path (North Shore) – Recommended for all skill levels.
- Kapa’a to Kealia Beach (East Shore) – Recommended for all skill levels.
- Poipu to Koloa Bike Path (South Shore) – Recommended for all skill levels.
- Lawai to Spouting Horn Bike Path (South Shore) – Recommended for all skill levels.
- Princeville to Anini Beach Bike Path (North Shore) – Recommended for all skill levels.
These bike trails offer a range of difficulty levels and terrain types. The East Shore has a mix of beginner to intermediate trails, while the West Shore has more advanced trails with technical sections and steep inclines. The North Shore and South Shore have a mix of beginner to intermediate trails with beautiful coastal views.
Kauai Golf Courses
Kauai Golf Courses
15 public golf courses in Kauai.
- Wailua Municipal Golf Course (Lihue)
- Puakea Golf Course (Lihue)
- Kukuiolono Golf Course (Kalaheo)
- Kauai Lagoons Golf Club (Lihue)
- Kiahuna Golf Club (Poipu)
- Poipu Bay Golf Course (Poipu)
- Makai Golf Club at St. Regis Princeville Resort (Princeville)
- Puu Poa Golf Course (Princeville)
- The Ocean Nine at Makai Golf Club (Princeville)
- The Mauka Nine at Makai Golf Club (Princeville)
- The Woods Course at Puakea Golf Course (Lihue)
- Princeville Golf Club – Prince Course (Princeville)
- Princeville Golf Club – Makai Course (Princeville)
- Kauai Mini Golf & Botanical Garden (Kilauea)
- Kukuiolono Park & Golf Course (Kalaheo)
These golf courses are open to the public and offer unique challenges and stunning views of Kauai’s natural beauty. Wailua Municipal Golf Course is a popular course for locals and visitors alike, with affordable rates and ocean views. Kukuiolono Golf Course is a 9-hole course that offers stunning mountain and ocean views. Kauai Lagoons Golf Club and Princeville Golf Club offer 18-hole courses designed by golf legends, while Puakea Golf Course offers a challenging course with elevation changes and water features.
Kauai Hiking Trails
Kauai Hiking Trails
15 favorite hiking trails in Kauai.
- Kalalau Trail (North Shore) – Recommended for experienced hikers due to steep climbs and narrow paths.
- Awaawapuhi Trail (West Shore) – Recommended for experienced hikers due to steep inclines and narrow paths.
- Hanakapiai Trail (North Shore) – Recommended for intermediate to advanced hikers due to steep inclines and uneven terrain.
- Alakai Swamp Trail (West Shore) – Recommended for experienced hikers due to muddy terrain and steep inclines.
- Kuilau Ridge Trail (East Shore) – Recommended for beginner to intermediate hikers.
- Sleeping Giant Trail (East Shore) – Recommended for intermediate hikers due to steep inclines and uneven terrain.
- Powerline Trail (West Shore) – Recommended for intermediate hikers due to steep inclines and rocky terrain.
- Nounou Trail (East Shore) – Recommended for intermediate hikers due to steep inclines and uneven terrain.
- Waimea Canyon Trail (West Shore) – Recommended for beginner to intermediate hikers.
- Hoopii Falls Trail (North Shore) – Recommended for beginner hikers.
- Secret Falls Trail (East Shore) – Recommended for beginner hikers.
- Okolehao Trail (North Shore) – Recommended for advanced hikers due to steep inclines and narrow paths.
- Kukui Trail (West Shore) – Recommended for experienced hikers due to steep inclines and narrow paths.
- Mahaulepu Heritage Trail (South Shore) – Recommended for beginner hikers.
- Hike to Hanalei Bay (North Shore) – Recommended for beginner hikers.
These hiking trails offer a range of difficulty levels and terrain types. The North Shore and West Shore are known for their steep inclines and narrow paths, which are recommended for experienced hikers. The East Shore has a mix of intermediate and beginner trails, while the South Shore has more beginner-friendly trails. It’s important to come prepared with proper hiking gear and to check trail conditions before embarking on any hikes. Additionally, it’s important to respect the natural environment and to always stay on designated trails.
Kauai Attractions
Kauai Attractions
- Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park (Hanalei) – Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Waimea Canyon State Park (Waimea) – Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI 96796
- Hanalei Bay (Hanalei) – Weke Rd, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Wailua Falls (Lihue) – Maalo Rd, Lihue, HI 96766
- Kalalau Trail (Haena) – End of Kuhio Hwy, Haena, HI 96714
- Kilauea Lighthouse (Kilauea) – 3580 Kilauea Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754
- Poipu Beach Park (Koloa) – Hoowili Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
- Limahuli Garden and Preserve (Hanalei) – 5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Allerton Garden (Koloa) – 4425 Lāwaʻi Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
- Fern Grotto (Wailua) – Wailua River State Park, Wailua, HI 96
Kauai Surf Spots
Kauai Best Surf Spots
- Hanalei Bay (North Shore) – Recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers.
- Kealia Beach (East Shore) – Recommended for experienced surfers.
- Tunnels Beach (North Shore) – Recommended for advanced surfers due to strong currents and shallow reef.
- Poipu Beach (South Shore) – Recommended for beginners and intermediate surfers due to smaller waves and sandy bottom.
- Shipwreck Beach (South Shore) – Recommended for experienced surfers due to strong currents and powerful waves.
- Anahola Bay (East Shore) – Recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers.
- Kiahuna Beach (South Shore) – Recommended for experienced surfers.
- Kalapaki Beach (Lihue) – Recommended for beginners and intermediate surfers.
- Mahaulepu Beach (South Shore) – Recommended for advanced surfers due to reef break.
- Pine Trees Beach (North Shore) – Recommended for advanced surfers due to powerful waves and reef break.
- Cannons Beach (North Shore) – Recommended for advanced surfers due to powerful waves and reef break.
- Aliomanu Bay (East Shore) – Recommended for intermediate surfers due to moderate waves.
- Acid Drop (North Shore) – Recommended for experienced surfers due to powerful waves and shallow reef.
- Waipu‘ilani Beach Park (West Shore) – Recommended for advanced surfers due to powerful waves and reef break.
- Pakala Beach (West Shore) – Recommended for experienced surfers due to powerful waves and reef break.
These surf spots offer unique challenges and conditions for surfers of different skill levels. The North Shore of Kauai is known for its powerful waves and is recommended for experienced surfers, while the South Shore has more beginner-friendly spots with smaller waves and sandy bottoms. Intermediate surfers may enjoy spots like Anahola Bay and Aliomanu Bay, while advanced surfers may want to check out reef breaks like Mahaulepu Beach and Waipu‘ilani Beach Park. Regardless of your skill level, it’s important to always check the conditions and safety guidelines before hitting the waves.
Kauai Hotels
Towns Of Kauai
Lihue: Lihue is the largest town on Kauai and is home to the island’s main airport and commercial center, It serves as the county seat.
Kapa’a: Kapa’a is a popular tourist destination on the east side of Kauai. It has a variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodations, as well as a scenic coastal bike path.
Kalaheo is located about 10 miles southwest of Lihue, the capital of Kauai. It is situated on the slopes of Mount Kahili, at an elevation of about 1,000 feet above sea level. Kalaheo is known for its scenic beauty and relaxed lifestyle. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy hiking, beachcombing, and exploring the town’s many shops and restaurants.
- Waimea: Waimea is a town on the west side of Kauai that is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It was the site of Captain Cook’s first landing in Hawaii, and visitors can explore historic sites and learn about Hawaiian history and culture
Princeville: Princeville is a resort community on the north shore of Kauai. It is known for its luxury accommodations, golf courses, and stunning ocean views.
Poipu: Poipu is a resort town on the south shore of Kauai. It is known for its beautiful beaches, shopping, and dining options.
Hanapepe: Hanapepe is a small town located on the south side of Kauai. It is known for its quaint, historic charm and is home to a variety of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Hanapepe is also home to a weekly farmers’ market and a popular art walk event.
10 Favorite coffee shops in Kauai with their location:
- Ha Coffee Bar (Lihue) – 4180 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
- Java Kai (Kapaa) – 4-1384 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Little Fish Coffee (Hanapepe) – 3830 Hanapepe Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716
- Aloha Roastery (Kapaa) – 4-356 Kuhio Hwy #2, Kapaa, HI 96746
- The Fresh Shave (Lihue) – 3540 Koloa Rd, Lawai, HI 96765
- The Spot (Kapaa) – 4-1302 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Kauai Coffee Company (Eleele) – 870 Halewili Rd, Eleele, HI 96705
- Java Kai (Poipu) – 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756
- The Right Slice (Lihue) – 81-6623 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Lihue) – 3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
10 Favorite family restaurants in Kauai.
- Duke’s Kauai (Lihue) – 3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
- Kalapaki Joe’s (Lihue) – 3345 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
- The Feral Pig (Lihue) – 3501 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
- The Happy Talk Lounge (Hanalei) – 5-5016 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Brick Oven Pizza (Kalaheo) – 2-2555 Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo, HI 96741
- Hukilau Lanai (Kapaa) – 520 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Olympic Cafe (Kapaa) – 1354 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Brennecke’s Beach Broiler (Poipu) – 2100 Hoone Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
- Ono Family Restaurant (Kapaa) – 4-1292 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Kountry Kitchen (Kapaa) – 1485 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
10 Top seafood restaurants in Kauai.
- The Dolphin Restaurant (Hanalei) – 5-5016 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Kintaro Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar (Lihue) – 4303 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
- The Fish Express (Lihue) – 3343 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
- Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market (Hanalei) – 5-5016 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Duke’s Kauai (Lihue) – 3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
- Red Salt (Poipu) – 2251 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
- Lappert’s Hawaii (Hanalei) – 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Makana Terrace (Princeville) – 5520 Ka Haku Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
- Keoki’s Paradise (Poipu) – 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756
- The Hukilau Lanai (Kapaa) – 520 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI 96746
10 Favorite deli’s in Kauai.
- Koloa Deli (Koloa) – 5482 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
- Mark’s Place (Lihue) – 1610 Haleukana St, Lihue, HI 96766
- Ishihara Market (Waimea) – 9894 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796
- Hanalei Bread Company (Hanalei) – 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Kauai Juice Co. (Kapaa) – 4-1384 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Pono Market (Kapaa) – 4-1300 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Savage Shrimp (Kapaa) – 4-1546 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Art Cafe Hemingway (Hanapepe) – 3846 Hanapepe Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716
- Lappert’s Hawaii (Hanalei) – 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Tamba Surf Company (Kapaa) – 4-356 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
10 Top steak houses in Kauai.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Koloa) – The Shops at Kukui’ula, 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
- Gaylord’s Restaurant (Lihue) – Kilohana Plantation, 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
- Keoki’s Paradise (Koloa) – 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756
- Dondero’s (Poipu) – Grand Hyatt Kauai, 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
- Red Salt (Poipu) – Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort, 2251 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
- Duke’s Kauai (Lihue) – 3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
- Tidepools (Poipu) – Grand Hyatt Kauai, 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
- The Beach House Restaurant (Poipu) – 5022 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
- The Bull Shed Restaurant (Kapaa) – 4-796 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
- The Tavern (Princeville) – Princeville Resort Kauai, 5520 Ka Haku Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
10 popular ice cream shops in Kauai.
- Lappert’s Ice Cream (Hanapepe) – 1-3555 Kaumualii Hwy, Hanapepe, HI 96716
- Papalani Gelato (Koloa) – Poipu Shopping Village, 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr #8, Koloa, HI 96756
- Wailua Shave Ice (Kapaa) – 4-1306 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
- The Fresh Shave (Lihue) – Kukui Grove Shopping Center, 3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy #1300, Lihue, HI 96766
- Uncle’s Shave Ice (Koloa) – 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Koloa, HI 96756
- Bubba’s Ice Cream (Hanalei) – Ching Young Village, 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Loco Coco Shave Ice (Kapaa) – 4-369 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Jojo’s Shave Ice (Waimea) – 9860 Waimea Rd, Waimea, HI 96796
- Hula Girl Ice Cream (Hanapepe) – 4505 Puolo Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716
- OnoPops (Kapa’a) – 4-939A Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746