Time has dramatically carved the landscape of Kauai, the northernmost and oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. It has a more rural and intimate feel than neighboring Oahu, and still teems with authentic Hawaiian culture and heritage. Lush and enchanting, many of the aptly named Garden Isle’s natural wonders are seen only by air or water, and myriad tours and backcountry adventures abound. A first stop for many visitors is the western Na Pali Coast, where snorkel, kayak, and sunset sailing cruises navigate the waters beneath steep, brilliantly hued mountain ridges framing waterfalls and deep valleys. Some boat tours visit sea caves and nearby Niihau, the Forbidden Island, or ply the Pacific in search of spinner dolphins and migrating humpback whales. Back on land, coursing down trails on a mountain bike is an exhilarating way to explore Waimea Canyon—the Grand Canyon of the Pacific—and neighboring Koke'e State Park. Head east to the serene Wailua River for kayaking and hiking among fern grottos and hidden waterfalls. Down south, fly through the treetops on a Koloa zipline tour. And then, of course, there are Kauai’s heavenly beaches—Hanalei Bay and Spouting Horn are two of the island’s most scenic. Come evening, head to Luau Kalamaku for Hawaiian cuisine and Polynesian entertainment. And don’t be fooled by Kauai’s small size: There is a lot to do, so a multi-day tour may be the best way to see it all—or if you’re short on time, a helicopter tour reveals Kauai’s natural beauty from above.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone HST (UTC -10) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 35 | Tours 175 | Reviews 28,013 |
Kauai is known for its dramatic natural beauty and is often called “The Garden Island” due to its verdant landscapes. The island is studded with lush, emerald-colored valleys, jagged mountain spires, cascading waterfalls, and tropical rainforest. Kauai’s most famous natural attractions are the tall sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.
...MoreAny time of year is a great time to visit Kauai but, considering such factors as crowds, rainfall, and temperature, the ideal months are April, May, June, September, October, and November. September may just be the best time to visit Kauai as you’ll avoid crowds and heavy rain, and have the opportunity to attend the Kauai Mokihana Festival.
...MoreMaui. While it depends on your family’s preferences, Maui has more family-friendly resorts, accessible attractions, and beaches that are suitable for swimming. That said, Kauai offers more adventurous options, such as paddling and hiking, and children will likely love exploring the locations where Jurassic Park was filmed.
...MoreFive days on Kauai should be enough time to see the most important attractions, but longer is better to truly get a feel for the island. With five days you could split your time between the North Shore and the South Shore in Poipu to thoroughly explore each side of the island.
...MoreMuch of the island can only be seen from the air, so take a helicopter tour. Drive to Waimea Canyon on the south side of Kauai and along the North Shore to the Hanalei Valley Overlook. Take a surf lesson at Hanalei Bay and a snorkeling cruise along the Na Pali Coast. Finally visit Allerton Garden to see where Jurassic Park was filmed.
...MorePublic transportation on Kauai is of limited use to tourists so the best way to get around is by renting a car. If you don’t want to drive, book a few guided tours with hotel pickup. Some of Kauai’s top sights cannot be reached by road, so you’ll need to book a boat or helicopter tour.
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