Of all the Hawaiian islands, Kauai is by far my favorite. It boasts incredibleย mountain landscapes, crystal-clear water, quaint restaurants, and beautiful waterfalls. The locals are friendly and tourists don’t seem to linger around on the beaches as much as on Maui or theย Big Island, which makes itย seem a bit more untouched. This Kauai travel guide hasย a little bit of something for everyone: whether you are looking for something adventurous, family-friendly, or simply relaxing!
*Note: This Kauai guide has been updated as of July 2019 to reflect the re-opening of Kauai’s North Shore, which was previously closed due to flooding.
PRESET COLLECTIONS USED IN THIS BLOG POST: GREEK ISLANDS COLLECTION,ย INDIA COLLECTION
5+ DAYS
โ
BEST TIME TO VISIT โ JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER IS HIGH SEASON
WEATHER – TEMPS ARE WARM YEAR-ROUND WITH TROPICAL RAIN
GETTING AROUND โ RENTAL CAR
CURRENCY โ US DOLLARS
LANGUAGES – ENGLISH
NEARBY AIRPORTS – LIHUE AIRPORT (LIH)
Left to right from top: surfers atย Hanalei Bay beach; walking path on the North Shore; Hanalei Bay beach just before sunset; Tege Tege Shave Ice Truck,ย sunset at Hanalei Bay Beach; the lookout point over Kauai’s North Shore; surfers in Hanalei; sunset at Hanalei river; mountains in the North Shore; stars over Hanalei.
Where to Stay
Kauaiโs North Shore is my favorite part of the island โ it has beautiful beaches, mountains, and is much less crowded than other parts of the island. Tip: this part of the island gets more tropical rain, but if you drive over to the southern side it’s usually sunny! I’ve always preferred staying in rental homes in Kauai for a more local feel, so you’ll find some of my favorite spots below.
Hotels in Kauai
Wyndham Bali Hai – $$ – this hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Princeville, just shy of Hanalei Bay. It’s perfect for those looking to have all the amenities of a modern hotel (pool, hot tubs, tennis courts) with plenty to explore nearby. It’s also just a short walk away from Queen’s Bath.
Hanalei Surfboard House – $$$ – this two room beachfront B&B with eclectic vintage decor is in a prime location just minutes from Hanalei town.
Westin Princeville – $$$ – stunning villas atop an oceanfront cliff across eighteen acres of lush land.
Hanalei Colony Resort – $$$ – if you want to be steps away from the ocean, stay here. It’s located on a quieter part of Kauai’s North Shore and close to Hanalei Town.
St. Regis Princeville – $$$$ – if you want to splurge, this is the place to do it! The sunset views are breathtaking and the location right on Hanalei Bay is unbeatable. The St. Regis hotel is also located right next to Hideaways, one of our favorite lesser-known beaches.
Houses in Kauai
Homes in Kauai are often more conveniently located than the hotels. It’s important to note that supply is limited, so most book up months in advance and aren’t as budget-friendly as some hotel options. However, where you stay in Kauai can dictate your entire experience! Here are some of my favorite finds, all located in the most picturesque region of Hanalei.
Hanalei Bay Condo – $$$ – bright, clean living steps away from the best sights in Hanalei.
Tutu’s Cottage – $$$$ – a cozy bungalow steps from downtown Hanalei and the beach.ย
Pali Ke Kua – $$$$ – a top-rated home in Princeville with nearby pool facilities.ย
Sea Turtle Cottage – $$$$ – this family-friendly home is a 2 minute walk from the beach.
Hale Naninoa Home – $$$$ – a spacious family home with an open layout, oceanfront on one of Kauai’s best beaches.
Oceanfront Hanalei – $$$$ – arguably one of the beautiful properties on the island, this modern house hosts up to 8 guests on the beach.
View Additional Hotels and Homes on Kauai’s North Shore
Taro fields outside of our rental house in Hanalei town.
Sunset from Hanalei bay beach, looking towards the St Regis.
A hammock in the backyard of our rental house on Kauai’s North Shore.
Where toย Eat
Pink’s Creamery – our favorite spot to grab ice cream on the North Shore. Their banana macadamia nut flavor is my favorite!
Tege Tege Shave Ice –ย a must if you like shave ice. Tege Tege uses only organic fruit, and they have unique flavorsย like green tea and passionfruit.
Ice cream from Pink’s in Hanalei Bay.
Strawberry shave ice from the Tege Tege Truck.
Verde – a cozy Mexican restaurant right off the main road in Kapa’a. I recommend their spicyย pineappleย Margherita and tacos.
Mermaids Cafe – a great cafe in Kapa’a to stop and sit outsideย for lunch. My favorite is their Ahi Cilantro Wrap.
Ahi tuna burritos from Mermaids Cafe.
Bar Acuda – for fine dining, this tapas bar has it all. Atmosphere and a variety of dishes for every taste will make you want to return again and again.
Sushi Girl – a local’s favorite hole-in-the-wall, Sushi Girl is perfectย to grab lunch to-go in Kilauea. They have delicious pokรฉ, and some of my favorite fresh daily specials.
Eating fresh pokรฉ at Sushi Girl.
Sushi Girl’s pokรฉ bowl – my favorite.
Dolphin Fish Market – a small kitchen in the back offers tasty to-go options, like crab sushi rolls and pokรฉ by the pound. Stop by at night for a sit-down dinner and views of the river.
Pono Market –ย the locals love this spot for traditional Hawaiian food. My tip: go early, theย Pork Lau Lau is a must-try and often sells out before 12:00pm!
Ama – a newer addition to Hanalei Bay, Ama serves up delicious ramen and appetizers with a breathtaking view of the mountains. Perfect for a date night or group dinner.
The Food Trucks – one of our favorite places to grab lunch is at the food trucks in Hanalei! Local staples include Trucking Delicious, Turmeric, and Fresh Bite Kauai. We also love the tacos at Pat’s Taqueria and poke bowls at Hanalei Pokรฉ (both are located in the Big Save parking lot).
Tumeric, one of the many food trucks in Hanalei.
Where toย Swim
Hanalei Bay – the long stretches of beach and beautiful mountain views make Hanalei Bay an easy favorite. When the weather is good, you’ll find surfersย at every skill level here.
A sunset surf session at Hanalei Bay Beach.
Hideawaysย Beach – if you don’t mind a trek down, Hideawaysย Beach is often quieter than most beaches on Kauai and has beautiful views. Tip: valet for free at the St. Regis or the lot in frontย of the path.
The path down to Hideaways Beach.
Views of Hideaways beach.
Tunnels Beach – this beach gets its name from the lava tubes which lie just below the surface of the water. It’s a great beach to watch experienced surfers, and also has aย nearby cave you can explore. *No parking reservation needed to visit this part of the North Shore (there are passes required to visit Ke’e Beach, which is further north). However, I recommend going early in the morning as parking spots are limited. You will be ticketed if you park outside of designated areas.ย
Polihale State Parkย – this beach is located on the west side of the island,ย and you’ll need a four-wheel drive to get there since it requires driving on a dirt road. Once you arrive, sunset views and a long stretch of beach awaits. Beware though: it’s easy toย get your car stuck if you drive on the sand (I know from experience)!
Sunset at Polihale State Park beach.
Poipu Beach – when the North Shore is rainy, chances are Poipu Beach on the South Shore is getting hit with sun. It’s a great family-friendly beach and you’ll often see people snorkeling here.
Secret Falls – this hidden waterfall is a trek, but so worth it. Prepare to traverse some muddy paths and cross a river to visit this spot!
Ke’e Beach – when the water conditions permit, Ke’e Beach is great for snorkeling. In the evening,ย grab a beach towelย andย watch the sunset along the Na Pali coastline.ย *A reservation is now needed to visit Ke’e beach and the start of the Kalalau trail. You can purchase entry passes up to 30 days in advance of visiting. More information here.
Where to Go
Queen’s Bath – this natural pool fills up with water from ocean throughout the day and is known for being one of the more beautiful spots on the island. It’s possible to swim here, but I recommend extra caution as waves from the ocean coming in can be unpredictable and dangerous. My tip: wear sneakers for the hike down and go early if you want to avoid the crowds.
Ho’opi’i Falls –ย it’s a short hike through the jungleย to get to Ho’opi’i. You can jump into the lower falls and swim in the river when the water is calm — it’s one of my favorite things to do!
The top of Ho’opi’i Falls, overlooking the swimming hole.
Waimea Canyon – for incredible views of Kauai’s mountainous landscape, drive to Waimea. You can also hike theย Waimea Canyon Trail.
Hanapepe Town – Hanapepe is a sleepy little town with quaint shops and restaurants on the South side of the island.
Wailua Falls – a scenic overlook lets you view Wailua Falls from above. You might also catchย a glimpse of some wild warthogs here!
The lookout at Wailua Falls.
Sunset at Hanalei Bay Beach.
Downtown Hanalei Bay – this small downtown is set amongst a beautiful backdrop. You can browse shops, grab lunch at the local food trucks, or head to the beach from here.
Downtown Hanalei Bay is the perfect place to spend a relaxed afternoon.
What to Do
Ride in a helicopter. There are a few companies that offer hour-long helicopter tours on the island, but if you’re feeling extra adventurous I’d book an open door tour.
Go on a hike. Some of my favorites are the Waimea Canyon Trailย and the Sleeping Giant Trail.ย *Note: Due to the April 2018 flood, theย Nฤ Pali Coast trail is currently inaccessible.ย
One of our favorite things to do – go hiking and grab lunch from a local spot like Sushi Girl.
Take surf lessons. Kauai is a great place to learn! I suggest taking lessons from a local. Our friend Teva offers lessons for beginners – mention ‘Find Us Lost’ and he’ll give you 20% off your first surf lesson! Contact him here.
Go paddle boarding. I recommend renting paddle boards in Hanalei town (try Hanalei Surf Co) andย taking them out on the Hanalei River.
Views of the Na Pali coastline from our open door helicopter.
Paddle boarding on Hanalei river.
More Things to Do in Kauai
One of the best ways to see the Nฤ Pali coast is with a helicopter tour or boat tour. The coastline on this part of the island is incredible and not to be missed. Visiting Waimea Canyon will also allow you to see more of the beautiful landscapes of Kauai. This part of the island is fairly out of the way, so allot at least a half day depending on where you’re driving from. You can also book a tour of Waimea.
What to Bring
- Dresses in flow-y fabrics. I tend to wear maxi dresses in Kauai the most, since it’s so humid.
- Cotton tops that are machine-washable. I love these classic Madewell tanks because I can throw them straight in the wash.
- Plenty of swimsuits. I typically wear a swimsuit every day. The relaxed island vibe is the way to go.
- A hat and beach bag. The hat is definitely needed here! I carry this baseball cap with me anytime we go on beach vacations, since it’s easy to pack.ย A beach bag is a must for beach days, or when you want to carry aย change of clothes and hikingย shoes with you.
- Reef-friendly sunscreen. Kauai recently banned sunscreen that damages coral reefs, and this supergoop sunscreen is one of the few brands I’ve found that fits the bill and is consistently reviewed well. This is the face sunscreen equivalent.
- Your camera! A GoPro and GoPro dome is also a must if you want to take underwater photos (the water is clearest if you take a boat out). Our travel photography gear post details out all the camera gear we use.
Pin me for later
Want more Kauai inspiration? Check out our post about Hanalei Bay.
Kelsey Says
Hey Selena , this is one of the more beautifully written and detailed blog posts I have seen about Kauai. Although I am very curious where is the walking path on the North shore on the second photo down in the blog? Thank you so much ! Mahalo -Kelsey
Selena Clark Says
Hey Selena love all the travel ideas for Kauai. We will be traveling in less than a month and we are super excited! I especially appreciated your tips on each specific beach and what we might want to bring along.
(FYI my name is also Selena and actually came from Hawaii when my dad was stationed in Hawaii for the Navy.)
Selena Says
Post authorSo nice to meet a fellow Selena! Have the best time on Kauai. It is such a beautiful & peaceful place. x
Alicja Says
Hi Selena, your blog is very beautiful. I am planning a trip to Kauai and I will use your tips for sure ๐ I surf and I really would like to try surfing in Kauai. How was it for you? I am a little bit afraid of sharks…did you hear anything alarming or had any experience with them in Kauai?
Selena Says
Post authorThanks Alicja! I haven’t had any trouble with sharks, or heard of anyone who personally has. However, I know for a fact that if a shark is spotted nearby that the locals notify each other of its whereabouts. It’s a small island, so word gets around fast! I’m not sure of your skill level, but if you’re going with a local surf instructor (whether beginner or advanced) they wouldn’t be taking you in the water if that was the case.
Hope that’s helpful! Enjoy the island.. it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Carrie Cobb Says
Your blog is so beautiful! We are headed to Kauai this summer to celebrate our daughter’s high school graduation! When I used your filters for the kind of trip we were looking for, your picture of Kauai popped up, with the condos we will be staying at up on the cliff in the background of your picture. I took that as an excellent sign! I would encourage you to keep doing the work you are doing, and I congratulate you and your husband on the decision to settle down in Amsterdam. It looks amazing! Best wishes to you, and thanks for all of the inspiring photos!!
Selena Says
Post authorThanks so much Carrie! I so appreciate you letting me know how you found me too…always curious! Enjoy the trip, Kauai is absolutely magical. x
Nicole Says
Hi! My friends and I are going to Kauai and plan on hiking a lot! Looking into the Secret Falls hike and it says you need to kayak to get there…is there a path to hike on along the river instead of kayaking?
Love this post!
Selena Says
Post authorI believe you have to kayak and walk!
Marie Says
Looking to book a trip to Hawaii, Oahu and Kauai. Our plan is to rent a RV (westfalia kind of style..) and explore the island of Kauai. Any tips for camping with a RV and informations about camping permit?
Thanks!
Selena Says
Post authorSounds like an incredible advneture! I wish I could help but unfortunately I’m not very useful here, I haven’t camped in Kauai.
JJ Says
Where is the road in the pinned photo? The one with the skate board?
Selena Says
Post authorHey JJ, I’m actually not sure of the name but it’s on the north shore of Kauai after Kapa’a – sorry I’m not more help!
Whitney of GoFam Travel Says
Great post and beautiful photos of Kauai- the best of the Hawaiian Islands!
Selena Says
Post authorI agree ๐
Kari Shaleen Says
Thank you for this wonderful guide! We are planning our first trip to Kauai this coming April and are looking forward to many of the things you did. I would just like to point out that the Sun Bum sunscreen you linked is NOT reef safe! It contains Octocrylene which has been determined to cause damage to the coral reefs.
Selena Says
Post authorWow Kari – thank you so much! I just got so deep in researching this further and I can’t believe the amount of large sunscreen brands advertising ‘reef safe’ sunscreen right now that contain this ingredient. I’ve updated the link, and I’m on a hunt to find more affordable options as well. Thank you!
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Shelle Spicer Says
We head to Hawaii in 3 weeks for my daughter’s wedding on the beach at Waikiki but going to Kauai for the first week. We’re staying on the south coast close to Poipu beach. Look forward to using all the tips in this guide!
Selena Says
Post authorThat sounds wonderful, congrats to your daughter! As someone who also got married in Hawaii, she couldn’t have chosen a better destination. ๐
Enjoy every minute! xx
Cecilia Says
Hi! I’m planning a trip to Hawaii and want to go to Kauai. I was using your guide but I was wondering what to do about mobility. Should we rent a car? can we catch a bus if we do decide to stay on the North part of the island? We need guides to the other islands as well!
Selena Says
Post authorI would highly recommend renting a car — there’s one main road in Kauai that loops around the island, and most activities are a drive away.
Noted on the other guides. ๐ Enjoy Kauai!
Kasey Says
Next time check out thus awesome Airbnb / itโs called The Surfshack Kauai! You would LOVE it
Selena Says
Post authorOoh thanks for the tip! xx
Danielle Says
Just read your post and am so excited to check out the places you recommended. We go to Kauai in May and are so excited! I tried clicking on the link for surf lessons with the local friend of yours, Teva, but it said the page could not be found. Do you have more info re: contacting him for beginner lessons?
Thanks so much!
Selena Says
Post authorHi Danielle – I’m excited for you. ๐ Kauai is so beautiful, I hope you get to spend some time on the North Shore (my favorite part)!
Thank you for calling that to my attention, here’s the new link: https://www.blak-bear.com/contact-us
Have a wonderful trip xx
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Sydney Leung Wai Says
Hi,
I just came across your blog. Your photography is so majestic. Thanks for sharing your love of traveling. Im a viewer from Hawaii :)I see you have some presets for sale. I was wondering which specific presets you used on your Kauai blog post. Especially the two pictures with the food trucks. I love the vintage style! Would love to hear back from you and possibly purchase ๐
Mahalo!
Sydney
Selena Says
Post authorHi Sydney! Thanks so much, I’m so glad you found us, and really appreciate the compliment. ๐
I used the ‘Milos’ preset from our Greek Islands collection on the food truck photo with me in the pink dress. The other food truck photo (of Tege Tege) is actually from a couple years back, but the preset that would most closely match it is ‘Austria’ from our Europe collection or ‘Plaka’ from the Greek Islands collection. I edited a number of photos in this guide with presets from the Greek Islands collection, so that will give you more of the look you’re after! Hope that helps! xx
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Mahtab Says
Hi Selena and Jacob!
My dad will turn 60 in 2019 and I would like to surprise him with a 2 week trip to Hawaii.
Kauai is for sure the one island that I have put on the list to visit but I was wondering what other island I could add. What would you recommend? We are true nature lovers and not so much into laying on a beach, so to say…. Would love to hear your advice on this!
Thanks so much!
Mahtab
Selena Says
Post authorHi Mahtab! That sounds like one epic gift! I would highly recommend adding Maui to your itinerary — we love it for the Road to Hana (a beautiful scenic drive along the coastline), beautiful beaches, and great hotels.
Enjoy!
Joanne Says
Love this so much! My husband and I are going to Kauai in a week, and we are definitely going to check these places out!! Also if you donโt mind me asking, what kind of camera/lens do you use to take pictures? I love them so much <3
Selena Says
Post authorThanks Joanne! ๐ We use a Sony A7RII and a 35mm 1.4 lens. Have the best time in Kauai! xx
Emma Says
Hi Selena,
My Partner and I are planning a trip in September. I was wondering if there was an airbnb or house you have rented before that you particularly LOVED in Kauai?
Thanks for the amazing travel website. Its amazing!
Selena Says
Post authorHi Emma! We love Hanalei Bay the most, and in terms of our favorite places – definitely beachfront. The most gorgeous home options are on Weke Rd or nearby (but they can get pricey!). I’d recommend checking early and snapping something up if you find it. ๐ You could also try checking these sites for homes:
https://booki.ng/2CC3FMJ
https://vacations.hawaiilife.com/kauai-vacation-rentals?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4bb3oNfG2AIVxJ8bCh0QBAOwEAAYBCAAEgL4QvD_BwE
Good luck!
Lucy Says
Great post! I really want to know where the picture of you walking down on stairs with lush greenery on back was taken? I believe itโs the 4th picture in this post. Thanks!
Selena Says
Post authorThanks Lucy! It’s the stairs down to Hideaways Beach. ๐
Shayla Says
Are you able to share the house rental that you stayed in while in Hanalei? Thanks!
- Selena Says
Post authorHi Shayla – we actually stayed with family there, so unfortunately the place isn’t for rent. But I’d recommend looking up properties on Weke Road which is right on Hanalei Bay, there’s a number of options there and that location will give you the easiest beach & town access. ๐ Hope that helps!
Ida Pahus Says
Looks like such a beautiful place! And your pictures are soo dreamy!
http://livelifefullyalive.com/
- Selena Says
Post authorThanks so much Ida :)!
Angie Says
WOW! I love your posts and pictures. So beautiful and inspirational. How do you edit your pics?
- Selena Says
Post authorThank you! I edit all our photos in lightroom. I’ve created my own filters at this point just based on what I tend to like the most. I almost always boost contrast, bring down highlights, and add vibrance and sharpness. Hope that’s helpful!
Mileen Zarin Says
Can’t wait to use this guide for your wedding week ๐ xo
- Selena Says
Post authorWOOHOO!! ๐
Jessie Squires Says
Thank you for sharing this! I am planning a trip to Kauai for my husband and I this year. Definitely will be referencing the tips you provided here!
- Selena Says
Post authorHow exciting! I hope the tips are useful. Kauai really is one of our favorite places — have a great time!