Welcome to Kauai: the Emerald Isle of Hawaii and residential to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific! Of the 4 major Hawaiian islands, Kauai is understood for its lush, tropical panorama, epic seashores, and unmissable vacationer points of interest.

However which Kauai vacationer points of interest must you prioritize in your journey to Kauai? Let’s discover out, however first we’ll reply a number of generally requested questions on Kauai.

Is Kauai very touristy? 

In comparison with the islands of Oahu and Maui, Kauai isn’t very touristy. It doesn’t have an enormous metropolis, like Honolulu, and doesn’t see the identical vacationers flocking to well-known locations just like the Street to Hana in Maui. In actual fact, Kauai is even quieter than the Huge Island, which is understood for being extra distant and pure.

Regardless of being the least touristy of Hawaii’s 4 main islands, Kauai nonetheless has all the infrastructure vacationers must get pleasure from a vacation there. You’ll discover a world airport, a lot of lodges and outlets, and even a Goal and Costco on the island. 

What number of days do it’s essential go to Kauai?

I imagine 5 days in Kauai is the right period of time. This lets you discover Kauai’s vacationer points of interest, spend time on the seashore, uncover one of the best locations to eat in Kauai, and perhaps even go on an journey or two. With 5 days, you’ll even have time to discover all sides of the island.  

Do it’s essential hire a automobile to go to Kauai? 

Sure, you do must hire a automobile when visiting Kauai. Not like a few of the different Hawaiian islands, there may be not intensive public transportation accessible in Kauai and a lot of the major vacationer websites are driving-distance away from each other. So be sure you ebook your rental automobile prematurely! 

Seek for automobile rent choices on Kayak.

Driving round Kauai is pretty straightforward, as there’s just one major street that circles the perimeter of the island. Word that the street doesn’t totally circle the island; the Na’Pali Coast mountains on the northwest of Kauai prohibit a street from passing by means of. You’ll additionally wish to keep alert for any street closures resulting from flooding. 

Discover Kauai at your individual tempo with this narrated, self-guided driving tour.

In case you’re not wanting or in a position to hire a automobile, be a part of a guided bus tour to greatest discover Kauai. 

The place must you keep in Kauai?

The preferred areas to remain in Kauai are Poipu within the south and Princeville within the north. Whereas Princeville lodging costs are barely cheaper than Poipu’s, the world does see extra rainfall and is farther from a few of Kauai’s greatest vacationer points of interest. Nonetheless, I imagine the north shore seashores are higher for swimming.

The south shore seashores round Poipu are rockier and lodge costs are greater, however you’re nearer to Kauai’s major websites. There’s additionally the choice to remain in Lihue or Wailua on the east facet of the island. Lodging right here isn’t as plentiful however it’s cheaper. 

Prime 5 Kauai vacationer points of interest

Waimea Canyon State Park & Kokee State Park

Absolutely the can’t miss vacationer attraction in Kauai is the Waimea Canyon. Heralded because the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon State Park and the adjoining Kokee State Park will provide you with epic views of jagged coastlines, towering mountains, lush valleys, hidden waterfalls and beautiful lookouts over the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll wish to dedicate at the very least half a day to driving by means of these two parks. Word that there’s just one street out and in, so that you’ll be returning on the identical street that you simply drove in on. The street also can get fairly windy, so pack your nausea remedy should you get carsick.

Alongside the best way, there will likely be a lot of official and unofficial lookout factors. The official lookout factors require paid parking, which acts as your entrance payment to the parks. There are additionally a lot of mountain climbing trails you’ll be able to head out on to higher discover the panorama. 

Associated tour: Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Personal Tour

Makauwahi Cave Reserve

Situated down a dust street on Kauai’s south shore, the Makauwahi Cave Reserve is dwelling to Hawaii’s largest limestone cave and is the right place to find Kauai’s numerous terrain. From the higher car parking zone you’ll trek down a hill, stopping typically to soak up views of the ocean and jungle. Alongside the best way, you’ll be able to peel off the path to hit the seashore or go to the resident tortoises. 

When you’ve reached the cave, you’ll need to crawl on fingers and knees to enter it. Don’t fear – the crawl is only some toes lengthy and there’s a tarp on the bottom to guard your knees. In case you time your go to proper, you’ll be capable of communicate to one of many cave guides who can level out totally different rock formations and the house of the uncommon cave wolf spider. 

Associated tour: Personal Tortoises, Caves, and Cliffs South Shore Hike

South shore seashores 

Kauai isn’t nearly mountain climbing, jungles and mountains – you need to make time to hit the seashore as nicely! On the south shore, you’ll be spoiled to your alternative of seashore to spend the day swimming, snorkelling and stress-free at. The highest south shore seashores embody Child Seaside, Kiahuna Seaside, Shipwreck Seaside and Poipu Seaside.

Poipu Seaside is persistently ranked as one of many high seashores on the planet and is definitely one of many busier seashores in Kauai. However there is no such thing as a higher place to look at the sundown! Plus, should you’re fortunate, you might spot a monk seal lounging on the sand.

Word: In my expertise, the south shore seashores appeared rocky and the waves weren’t so calm. If that is your expertise too, I recommend carrying water sneakers and solely venturing additional out should you’re a robust swimmer. 

North shore seashores 

We are able to’t let the south shore have all of the enjoyable! After all, you’ll wish to spend a while on the north shore of Kauai and provides their seashores a attempt too. I discovered the northern seashores to be extra calm, sandy and family-friendly than the southern ones. At many I discovered I might stroll out over 100 toes from the shore and the water would nonetheless solely be at my hips. 

The preferred seashore on the north shore is Hanalei Seaside, that includes an extended pier that juts out into the water and options on many Kauai postcards. Close by is Anini Seaside, a extra peaceable spot recognized for excellent snorkelling. Tunnels Seaside is one other one which snorkellers will wish to hit up. And should you’re on the lookout for a seashore off the crushed path, take a look at Hideaway Seaside, accessible solely by a steep path. 

Associated tour: Personal Wildlife, Seaside Hike with Snorkel Choice

Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls

As you put together to depart Kauai, there’s one ultimate cease it’s essential make in your solution to the airport. You may’t depart Kauai with out testing a number of extra epic waterfalls! Each Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls are close by the airport and undoubtedly well worth the detour. These had been a few of the most lovely and luxurious waterfalls I noticed on the whole island.

In case you’re simply in it for the views, each waterfalls have designated parking areas the place you’ll be able to pull up and benefit from the surroundings from a lookout level. Nonetheless, if you wish to rise up shut and private, you too can hike to the falls and expertise them from a complete different degree. 

Bonus: Exploring the Na’Pali Coast! 

After Waimea Canyon, the Na’Pali Coast is likely to be the most well-liked and must-see vacationer attraction in Kauai. However attending to the coast will be tough. In case you’re not in a position to go to the Na’Pali Coast, there may be nonetheless loads to see and do in Kauai that may blow you away.

One possibility for visiting the Na’Pali Coast is to hike the Kalalau Path by means of Haena State Park. The one solution to entry this path is on-foot and superior reservations and permits are required. If you wish to do the whole path, it’s a 22 mile spherical journey hike that requires an in a single day tenting keep. 

In case you’re not up for an extended hike or didn’t get a reservation in time, you might have a number of extra choices for exploring the Na’Pali Coast. You may take a ship, small airplane or helicopter. Boats depart from the south or north of the island, relying on the time of 12 months, and are out on the water for a number of hours. 

Word that these waters are notoriously tough and should you’re liable to seasickness like I’m, a Na’Pali Coast boat tour won’t be a enjoyable possibility. The Na’Pali Coast airplane and helicopter rides may also be a little bit bumpy and are, as anticipated, fairly pricey. 

Different Kauai vacationer points of interest you’ll wish to go to

After all, there’s a lot extra to see and expertise in Kauai than simply the 5 websites above. If in case you have time, listed below are a number of extra Kauai vacationer points of interest so as to add to your itinerary: 

• Kauai Espresso Firm: Go on a free impartial strolling tour to find out about espresso manufacturing in Kauai after which pattern a few of their favorite brews! 
• Hanapepe: Kauai’s largest little city, Hanapepe is a good place to find native outlets and eating places, in addition to stroll throughout the swinging bridge. 
• Spouting Horn: Try this blowhole on the south shore that erupts like a geyser each time a wave crashes into the shore. 
• Maha’ulepu Heritage Path: For individuals who don’t prefer to hike, this coastal strolling path is the right choice to discover the seaside views of the south shore. 
• Tree Tunnel: As you drive alongside the island, you’ll inevitably drive by means of the Tree Tunnel, a cover of Eucalyptus timber that give Kauai a Center Earth really feel. 
• Kilauea Lighthouse: A ravishing spot on the north shore to look out over the coast and perhaps spot a whale. It’s additionally dwelling to a chook sanctuary, which you’ll pay to enter. 
• Smith’s Household Backyard Luau: Probably the most widespread luaus on Kauai provides a scrumptious Hawaiian feast, spectacular luau dance present and a 30-acre backyard you’ll be able to discover earlier than showtime. 
• Ziplining or mountain tubing: In case you’re feeling adventurous, why not swing alongside the timber or go tubing down some mountain passes? Kauai has a lot of choices for thrill seekers! 

With this record in hand, I’m positive you’re getting excited to your journey to Kauai. Be certain to tick off as most of the above Kauai vacationer points of interest as you’ll be able to!