Kauai Intro
Planning a trip to Kauai? Here is my guide on everything you need to know about Kauai before going. I took a two week trip in June 2021 for my sister’s wedding.
Quick Links:
Hikes
Lookouts
Beaches
Na Pali Boat Tour
Kayak Wailua River
Disc Golf
Where to Eat
Shave Ice
Getting To and Getting Around Kauai
The main airport in Kauai is in Lihue which has direct flights from some big cities in the US. Once in Kauai, I highly recommend renting a car for ease of getting around. Because of the car rental shortage, we used Turo to rent from a local.
Where to Stay in Kauai
I recommend staying in multiple locations throughout Kauai. Even though Kauai is a small island, it takes a long time to get from one side to the other due to road limitations. During my 2 weeks in Kauai, I stayed in Kapaa, Poipu, and Princeville, and loved experiencing all 3 locations.
Poipu
- south side
- warmer
- many restaurants and big hotel chains
- swimmable beaches
Princeville/ Hanalei
- north side
- resorts in Princeville
- small town feel in Hanalei
- lush green mountains
Kapaa
- east side
- windy
- cheaper prices
- more locals
NOTE: There was a landslide along the highway between Hanalei and Princeville in March 2021. As of summer 2021, the road is partially accessible during certain hours of the day and as a one way road. Make sure to check the hours here so you can plan accordingly.
What to Do in Kauai
Hikes in Kauai
There are many incredible hikes in Kauai with cascading waterfalls, epic views, and vast jungles. The most famous hike is the Kalalau trail which takes you along the Na Pali Coast. However, you must make a reservation 30 days in advance to do this hike. Hoopii Falls and Sleeping Giant are two easy hikes in eastern Kauai near Kapaa. Hoopii Falls has a cool rope swing, and Sleeping Giant offers 360 degree views.
Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls will take you into Waimea Canyon, and Awa’awapuhi Trail will provide great views of the Na Pali Coast. A couple hikes that aren’t official but are fun are Wailua Falls and Kalepa Ridge trail.
For more information about hikes in Kauai, see my blog post 5 Awesome Hikes in Kauai.
Lookouts in Kauai
Waimea Canyon is nicknamed the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ and is a must see. There are three main lookouts for Waimea Canyon: Waimea Canyon, Waipoo Falls, and Pu’u Hinahina Lookouts. Because Waimea Canyon Lookout gives such an incredible, sweeping view of the canyon, I felt you could skip the others since they are so similar.
The two main lookouts for the Na Pali coast are the Kalalau and Pu’u O Kila Lookouts. The Kalalau Lookout is the highest point you can access by car in Kauai.
Beaches in Kauai
The most scenic beaches in Kauai are on the north shore, and the more swimmable (and still beautiful) beaches are in the south.
Secret beach is a massive beach near Kiluea with free street parking and a short hike down to the beach. Both Tunnels Beach and Hanalei Bay are beautiful beaches with the green mountainous backdrop.
Poipu Beach in the south is a popular hangout and snorkel spot. Shipwreck beach, also in the south, is a white sand beach and leads to the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.
Boat Tour of the Na Pali Coast
Arguably the best way to see the Na Pali Coast is by boat. We did a 4 hour dinner and sunset cruise along the Na Pali Coast with Blue Dolphin. The staff was incredible and the views were unreal. The waves do get pretty big, so anyone that gets sea sick should take precautions.
We opted for the dinner cruise as it was part of the wedding festivities, but there are other tours such as snorkel and scuba diving.
Kayak the Wailua River in Kauai
A popular activity in Kauai is to kayak along the Wailua River to Uluwehi Falls or ‘Secret Falls’. To get to the falls involves about 2 miles of kayaking upstream and then a short hike to the waterfall. The Fern Grotto is another neat stop along the river.
Kayaks can be rented at Wailua Kayak and Canoe or Kayak Kauai; the latter requires you to car top the kayak very briefly. Both companies also offer kayak tours if you don’t want to set off alone. Make sure to book ahead of time!
Disc Golf Courses in Kauai
There are three disc golf courses in Kauai. Makai Golf Course in Princeville is both a disc and ball golf course. This is a challenging, 18 hole course with many of the baskets being 400+ feet. It costs $25 per person and you will need to reserve a tee time.
Weliweli is a 9 hole disc golf course in Poipu at a local park. This is a fun course with a variety of open field and tree shots. However, watch out for huge slugs when you are near the tree baskets!
The third disc golf course in Kauai is Lydgate Beach Park in Wailua. This is a 9 hole course along the beach with a locals feels.
Where to Eat in Kauai
Food in North Kauai
There are a ton of great restaurants in Hanalei, but the most memorable meal for me was at Bar Acuda. Bar Acuda specializes in small plates and wine. Reservations are strongly recommended! Other notable restaurants in Hanalei are The Dolphin for sushi and Kalypso for tasty drinks and nice bar food.
Kilauea Fish Market is a must try in the town of Kilauea. The seared ahi poke salad and fish tacos were especially delicious.
Food in East Kauai
Kapaa has a ton of great food trucks and coffee shops. My favorite food truck was El Taco Feliz which is right along Kuhio Highway in downtown Kapaa. For coffee in Kapaa, try Java Kai or Small Town Coffee Co.
Food in South Kauai
My favorite meal while staying in Poipu was poke from Kukuiula Market. Next door is Da Crack which is well known for their burritos. The Beach House is an upscale restaurant right on the beach; this also happens to be where my sister’s wedding was!
Brenneckes Beach Broiler is a casual seafood restaurant right across from Poipu Beach. Below Brenneckes is Puka Dog with their popular hot dogs with a Hawaiian twist. Eating House was very highly recommended for their incredible burgers among other dishes.
Shave Ice in Kauai
I tried three shave ice spots during my stay in Kauai. The winner for me was the super popular, Wailua Shave Ice. They have preset flavor combinations rather than DIY. I first tried the Guava Goodness, and later the Love Potion (strawberry and vanilla cream) which were both great.
Next I tried Waikomo Shave Ice which is in a shack next to Da Crack in Poipu. The flavors tasted very natural, more than anywhere else I’ve tried.
Finally, I tried Riptides Shave Ice and Snacks in Poipu and while it was tasty, it was not my favorite.
Final Notes
While Kauai has something for everyone, it is especially appealing for nature lovers. The unique geographies of the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon are an incredible sight to see. The hike to Hanakapi’ai Falls along the Kalalau trail was one of the coolest hikes I’ve done.
Going to Oahu? Check out my guide here.
Like this post? Share it on Pinterest!
