I recently returned from a girls’ getaway to Kauai, which happens to be one of my favorite destinations in the world. I love this island for its easy going vibe and the fact that it’s a bit more remote than some of the other islands Hawaiian like Oahu. You definitely won’t find any skyscrapers here!
My dear friend Aubrey and I spent a few days relaxing in paradise and exploring the beautiful island. Despite our short stay, we managed to squeeze in a lot of sightseeing. I felt like we did a ton, but there is still so much more I would like to see and do on my next trip there! Below is my guide for your first visit to Kauai.
QUICK TIPS
Stay a minimum of 3 days
In order to fit in Kauai’s main attractions and still have some down time at the beach, I recommend staying at least 3 days. Whether you’re planning to visit other islands or you’re just in town for a long weekend, 3 days will give you just enough time to explore Kauai.
Prepare to be jet lagged
Most flights to and from the mainland depart and arrive in the evening, so you’ll lose 2 days in traveling. In addition, Hawaii is 6 hours behind Eastern standard time, so expect to wake up extra early and get tired by 6pm. It can be disorienting and take a few days to adjust, but he good thing is you’ll be able to catch the sunrise!
Rent a car
In order to see all the island has to offer, you’re going to need a car to get around. You could rent one for the day and pack in a ton of sightseeing, or spread it out over a few days. Either way, you’re going to want to be mobile to get the most out of your trip!
Stay near Kapa’a or Hanalei
Whether you book a hotel or rent an Airbnb, I recommend staying near the towns of Kapa’a or Hanalei. Both are cute little island towns with tons of local shops, bars and restaurants. After a long day of beaching or sightseeing, it’s nice to have these amenities nearby.
WHERE TO EAT
Shrimp Sensation
This seafood shack has 2 locations on the island – near the base of Waimea Canyon and on the west side in the town of Kapa’a. It’s a great place to grab a casual lunch and devour some super fresh delicious seafood.
Good Vibes Shave Ice
You can’t visit Hawaii without trying some shave ice from Good Vibes. This refreshing sweet treat consists of fruit flavored shaved ice with an ice cream center and usually topped with coconut flakes or fresh fruit. They are delish!
Mermaids
If you’re looking for a cute spot to grab an afternoon snack, Mermaids is a great options. This casual eatery is located in Kapa’a and serves up some of the best poke I’ve ever had! They also have great salads, tacos fresh juices and smoothies and the place is very Insta-worthy!
Kalapaki Beach Hut
Kalapaki beach in Lihue is one of my favorite beaches on the island, in part because it’s surrounded by a ton of good restaurants perfect for grabbing a bite after a long day in the sand and sea. On the day I was there, I devoured a burger and coconut milkshake from the Kalapaki Beach Hut and it did not disappoint!
Hukilau Lanai
For a more formal dining option, the Hukilau Lanai restaurant located in the Hawaii Coast Resort is a great choice. It is definitely more touristy, but the seafood makes it worth a visit. Check out their extensive wine list and do not miss the Lilikoi coconut tart…so yum!
BEST KAUAI BEACHES
There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches on Kauai. The hard will be choosing one! Below are a few of my favorites, some of which I discovered by simply pulling off the side of the road and doing a bit of exploring!
Poipu
This beach is located near the Spouting Horn and is a good option for kids. Most of it has a rocky bottom making it great for snorkeling. There is also a quiet sandy bottom cove for swimming. We got really lucky the day we went when a giant sea turtle paid us a visit!
Kalapaki Beach Park
I spent the entire day here by myself after unexpectedly getting stuck and extra day on the island. I can’t say I was mad about it though! This sits on a tranquil cove where the water is crystal clear. Waves do occasionally roll in, creating the perfect conditions for boogie boarding and surfing. There are paddle and surf board rentals right along the beach as well as a ton of cute bars and restaurants for grabbing a snack throughout the day.
Hanalei Beach
This is the beach where the film South Pacific was filmed. This sprawling horseshoe shaped beach is a great for the kids and a great place to learn how to surf. The lush mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to this stretch of paradise.
Lumahai
This is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. I visited on my very first trip to Kauai. On our drive to the north side of the island, we pulled over to marvel at the stunning lookout point and discovered this incredible beach. We spotted numerous sea turtles and had so much fun splashing in the waves.
Ke’e Beach
This beach is located near the Napali Coast trail at the northern most point of the island that is accessible by car. It’s an excellent spot for snorkeling and if you’re lucky, you might spot a monk seal or two! If you hike the first ½ mile of the Napali Coast trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of this beach.
Polihale
Head to Polihale Beach on the island’s west side for a front row seat of the sunset. There is no better spot on the island to watch the sun go down than this sprawling beach park. It’s open 24 hours, so you could even camp out overnight if you wanted! Thank you to my sweet Uber driver Brenda for recommending this beach!
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
If you get tired of relaxing on the sandy shores, there is plenty to see and do on the island! Here are just a few of the fun activities Kauai has to offer.
Learn to surf or paddle board at Kalapaki Beach
Spend a few hours paddling in the serene bay at Kalapaki Beach Park! Stand up paddle boards, boogie boards and surf boards are all available for rent right on the beach.
Hike the Nāpali Coast
The Nāpali Coast runs along the north side of Kauai and is a stunning sight to behold by air and by sea. It also has a great hiking trail that offers some incredible views. To hike the entire 11 mile trail, you’ll have to apply for a permit up to a year in advance. But you can still experience the beauty of the trail by freely hiking the first mile. Be sure to check the park’s website ahead of your trip for information on trail closures due to flooding and repair.
Take a Helicopter ride
Two of best ways to see the Nāpali Coast is by air and by sea. To truly get the Jurassic Park experience, consider booking a helicopter tour! You can find out more information about booking a tour here and here.
Hike the Sleeping Giant Trail
The Sleeping Giant Trail, also known as Nounou Mountain, is a popular 4 mile hiking trail on the eastern side of Kauai. It is a steady uphill climb of moderate difficulty. Get your cardio on and enjoy the mountaintop views of the eastern coast of the island. This article has good information about what to expect on the trail.
Explore Waimea Canyon
Kauai’s Waimea Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. There are several beautiful lookout points and trail heads along the 10 mile winding road to the top. We chose to drive straight to the top rather than stopping along the way so that we were really wowed by the view. You can take it easy and drive up the entire way or hop out and hike one of the many trails along the route.
Stop by the Spouting Horn
The Spouting Horn is located on Kauai’s southern coast. This naturally formed blow hole gets its name from the sound emitted when the waves shoot up through the lava rock. You won’t need much time here, but it is worth a visit. There are some souvenir shops nearby that you can peruse then head to Poipu beach!
Swim in Queen’s Bath
Queen’s Bath is a tide pool that formed from a sinkhole after a lava tube collapsed. It is accessible from a short trail and is a popular attraction for swimming. It’s best to visit in the summer months when the tide is low and the pool is calm.
Discover Kauai’s Waterfalls
There are a number of waterfalls scattered across the island. You could spend your entire vacation trying to visit them all! There are some like Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls that are easily accessible by car, while others like Hanakapiai Falls and Ho’opii Falls which are a bit more treacherous to get to and require some hiking. This article gives provides a list of some of Kauai’s main waterfalls.
Visit the shops in Kapa’a and Hanalei
You’ll find a ton of adorable local shops and boutiques as well as plenty of bars and restaurants in these beach-side towns. Everything from jewelry, swim shops, housewares, souvenirs and so much more!
Whether you have an upcoming trip to Kauai or it has been on you’re bucket list for a while, I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable island adventure!
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