Why You Should Visit Kauai: The Garden Isle’s Best Highlights and Travel Tips
Na Pali Coast, Kauai
Kauai is the oldest and of the most untouched of the Hawaiian Islands and is truly a paradise for travelers looking to experience raw natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Known as The Garden Isle, Kauai is covered in lush rainforests, jagged cliffs, and pristine beaches, making it a dream destination for hikers, beach lovers, and photographers alike. Kauai is just a little smaller than the island of Oahu in land area but only has a population of just over 73,000, compared to Oahu’s 1 million residents. This makes Kauai feel more raw and authentic where you can explore and get lost in this amazing paradise.
From the moment you step off the plane, Kauai feels different. The air has a sweet scent of plumeria, jagged emerald cliffs rise from the ocean, and time seems to slow down. Before reaching our first stop, we gazed at a shirtless man riding bareback on his horse with no sense of urgency that we could see. We immediately knew this island was different where we could relax and enjoy being on island time. Whether you're hiking the Nā Pali Coast, snorkeling with sea turtles, or watching the sunset from Polihale Beach, Kauai is a place that stays with you long after you leave.
If you’re considering a trip to Kauai, here’s everything you need to know—why to visit, the best things to do, top hikes, excursions, accommodations, transportation, and essential travel tips.
Why Visit Kauai?
Unlike the more developed islands of Oahu and Maui, Kauai maintains a rural, laid-back atmosphere. About 97% of the island is covered in mountains, forests, and farmland, giving it a wild and untouched feel. You won’t find big cities or high-rise buildings—just charming small towns, breathtaking natural wonders, and a slower pace of life.
Kauai is perfect for:
✔️ Nature lovers looking for waterfalls, rain forests, and dramatic cliffs
✔️ Adventure seekers wanting to hike, snorkel, kayak, or take a helicopter tour
✔️ Travelers looking to escape crowds and experience a more authentic island life
When we first visited Kauai we went specifically to see the Na Pali Coast for those amazing Jurassic Park views, to marvel at the incredible Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), to see Wailua Falls, and to trek around the incredible hiking trails and pristine beaches. Visiting this island is a great way to get a more authentic Hawaiian experience, although each have their own unique vibes!
Best Time to Visit Kauai
Mid December – March: Great for whale watching but priciest & wettest time to visit
April – June & September – November: Best for avoiding crowds, pleasant weather
June – August: Considered dry season, but peak travel time and more crowds
Getting Around & Renting a Car in Kauai
Do You Need a Car in Kauai?
Yes! Public transportation is very limited, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not widely available outside major towns. You will absolutely want to rent a car when you are in Kauai. Driving is easy with the the open roads and this make it ideal for exploring all this island has to offer. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island at your own pace and see some gems you otherwise may have missed.
What Type of Car Should You Rent?
Standard Car: Great for driving around main areas like Poipu, Hanalei, and Lihue.
SUV or 4WD: Recommended if you plan to visit more rugged areas, such as Polihale Beach or certain viewpoints in Waimea Canyon (Note: some rental companies prohibit off-road driving, so be sure to ask ahead of time. You don’t want to get stuck offroad somewhere and get stuck with an expensive towing bill). We think the best way to explore is to rent a jeep wrangler as a fun way to get around.
Convertible: If you want to enjoy scenic drives with the top down, a convertible can be a fun choice; however, Kauai’s interior is considered one of the westest destinations in the world. The rain is what makes the island so beautiful but keep an eye on the weather as it can change rapidly.
🚗 Tip: Book your rental car in advance—especially during peak travel season as availability can be limited.
Where to Stay in Kauai: Best Areas & Vibes
Kauai has four main regions, each offering a unique experience.
North Shore (Hanalei & Princeville) – Lush & Laid-Back
✅ Best for: Stunning beaches, surfing, hiking, and dramatic sea cliffs
✅ Vibes: Tropical, green, peaceful, country feel, if you are looking to get away, this could be a great honeymoon spot
✅ Things to consider: Can be rainy, remote, and pricey
South Shore (Poipu) – Sunny & Family-Friendly
✅ Best for: Year-round sunshine, snorkeling, sea turtles resting on the beach, and many beach resorts
✅ Vibes: Relaxed, convenient, and family-friendly with plenty of shopping and restaurant options.
✅ Things to consider: More touristy, less dramatic landscapes, least amount of rain on this side of the island
East Side (Kapa’a & Wailua) – Centrally Located & More Affordable Options
✅ Best for: Budget-friendly accommodations, easy access to all areas of Kauai
✅ Vibes: Local, laid-back, convenient, the most populated towns on the island
✅ Things to consider: More congestion during peak tourist season, known for its beaches and coconut groves
We stayed on the East Side at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort as it was very central. This gave us access to both the north and south beaches, while also being an easy drive to Waimea Canyon. The towns of Wailua and Kapa’a also offer good dining options and markets if you would rather buy groceries or snacks for your hotel, AirBnB, or for the road on your day trips.
West Side (Waimea & Kekaha) – Remote & Rugged
✅ Best for: Stunning sunsets, Waimea Canyon, Polihale Beach
✅ Vibes: Wild, peaceful, adventurous, old-school Hawaii
✅ Things to consider: Limited amenities, far from other attractions
Top Hikes & Viewpoints in Kauai
🏔️ Best Hikes:
Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls: Moderate hike, 3 miles out and back. Trail provides wonderful canyon views though can get very muddy after significant rain.
Kuilau Ridge Trail: Moderate hike, 3.6 miles out and back. This is a beautiful hike through the rainforest and is good for families, though be sure to wear proper footwear as it can get muddy.
Kalalau Trail (Very Challenging - 22 miles out and back for the full trail, or 3.7 miles out and back to Hanakāpī‘ai Beach). Although beautiful, these hikes are not for the faint of heart. Please do your research before hiking or swimming at the beach. Also ensure to check the details of day-use and overnight permits in advance. The Kaua'i North Shore Shuttle can take you to the park as there is limited parking.
Hanakāpī‘ai Falls Trail (Challenging – 8 miles roundtrip) - Please check out Hāʻena & Nā Pali Coast Access Information here. Parking and Entry Reservations become available 30 days in-advance. We did a very small portion of the trail and the views were absolutely breathtaking.
Awa‘awapuhi Trail (Challenging – 6 miles roundtrip) This trail offers sweeping views of the Nā Pali Coast. Trail is contains steep downhill hike with switchbacks through the forest with lookouts along the way.
📸 Best Viewpoints & Photo Spots:
Kalalau Lookout (Nā Pali Coast) – Jaw-dropping views with Jurassic Park scenery of the mountain ridges and the pacific ocean.
Pro Tip: If the view is clouded over, wait about 10 minutes and you’ll likely be rewarded with a nice, clear view of the mountain ridges and valley. The clouds here come in waves. When we first arrived the entire lookout was covered in clouds. Ten minutes later the clouds cleared to the most unbelievable view. Trust us, it is worth it and should be on your Kauai bucket list!
Waimea Canyon Lookout – “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” - gorgeous colorful canyon with the waterfall as the cherry on top. The views are absolutely incredible.
Hanalei Valley Lookout – Lush North Shore views of the mountains and into the valley with chickens at your feet and waterfalls in the distance
Makua “Tunnels” Beach – Golden sand and tropical beach with the best sunset views with Mount Makana or “Bali Hai” in the background
Kilauea Lighthouse - Short trail to the lighthouse to watch the waves crashing on the cliffs. This is a nice place to spot the Hawaiian Goose (Nene) and also whales from December to March.
Best Excursions & Activities
✔️ Helicopter Tour: A great way to see the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Jurassic Park Falls.
✔️ Nā Pali Coast Boat Ride: Sail along dramatic sea cliffs, with chances to snorkel and spot dolphins. This was one of our favorite excursions we’ve taken. The views are absolutely amazing with the electric green mountains against the shimmering Pacific. If you only do one excursion when you are in Kauai make it this one!
✔️ Kayaking the Wailua River: Paddle through the jungle to reach Secret Falls.
✔️ Snorkeling at Tunnels Beach: One of the best spots for marine life and views.
✔️ Sunset at Polihale Beach: A remote, golden-sand beach with epic sunsets. We recommend going here in four-wheel drive as the road to get here is a dirt road which can flood easily.
For your excursions, consider getting the following:
Snorkel mask – While tours provide snorkel gear, bringing your own ensures a better fit and more comfort for longer sessions or if you are planning to discover snorkeling spots on your own.
GoPro or waterproof camera – Essential for capturing underwater moments like sea turtles (honus) and dolphins. We recommend a GoPro (with a waterproof handle) for high quality resolution, but really any action waterproof action cam will do the job. Just make sure to find one with high resolution to capture those epic underwater moments.
Dry bag – You’ll want a good dry back, especially if you are planning on hiking to beaches and taking boat tours. These will keep your valuables safe from water damage during boat rides and wet beach walks.
Hidden Gems and Beaches in Kauai
Anini Beach – This is a secluded, peaceful beach (that you’ll share with a few chickens) and has the largest coral reef on the island. The waves break far out beyond the reef which makes the waters near the shore quite calm. Snorkeling is great here as you can spot sea turtles, rays, and large variety of fish. This beach also offers some amazing sunrises. This was our favorite beach in Kauai!
Maha‘ulepu Heritage Trail: 2 mile scenic and colorful coastal walk near Poipu that few visitors know about. If you want to get away from the crowds (although Kauai doesn’t have too many crowds in our opinion), be sure to check out this area!
Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach) – A stunning, secluded beach that requires a short hike down.
Things to Know Before You Go
🌧️ Rain & Weather: Kauai’s North Shore is one of the rainiest part of the island, while the South Shore is more dry. Rain showers are common but usually brief. Do not write off the north part of the island due to the rain - North Shore has some of the most beautiful scenery and views on the island.
🐢 Wildlife: Expect to see sea turtles (honu), the Hawiian Goose (Nene), Hawaiian monk seals if you get lucky, and plenty of chickens (all over the island).
🚗 Traffic & Roads: The island has only one major road that doesn’t fully circle the island, so expect some slowdowns and drive with Aloha.
🍍 Food & Restaurants: Must-visit spots include:
Kenji Burger Kapa’a - Casual spot for burgers, poke, bento boxes
‘Aina Kaua’i (Kapa’a): Kauaian Japanese style cooking - farm to table and locally caught fish. Multi-course tasting menu. (Reservations required)
Wailua Shave Ice (Kapa’a) – Best shave ice on the island
Porky’s (Koloa) – Delicious Food Cart serving Hawaiian-style BBQ, Hot Dogs, and Grilled Cheese
Saenz Ohana Breakfast (Princeville)- Food truck featuring burritos and the home of the Kauai Benedict
The Beach House (Poipu) – Oceanfront dining & sunset views
Rumfire Poipu Beach - Seafood with a Hawaiian flavor. Boasts ocean views and a located behind a coastal pedestrian walk that’ll help you walk off your meal.
**Consider a minimum of 3 days for some quick relaxation and an excursion or two. 4-5 days will give you more time to explore what this breathtaking island has to offer. Our first time to Kauai, we coupled our trip with Maui and spent one full week exploring the islands. Island hopping is easy and inexpensive through Hawaiian Airlines.
Final Thoughts
Kauai is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The island offers stunning, colorful landscapes, hidden beaches, and an authentic Hawaiian feel. Whether you’re sailing along the stunning Nā Pali Coast, marveling at the Waimea Canyon, or unwinding in Hanalei, the island’s beauty will leave you in awe. While each Hawaiian island has a different vibe and feel, Kauai feels truly raw and authentic. Real Hawaiian. Kauai is a place to relax and find yourself. Kauai’s rugged and lush landscape makes it an amazing destination to explore. Slow down and enjoy this truly wild experience.
Jurassic Coast in Kauai
Thinking about checking out another Hawaiian island like Maui? Check out our Maui blog!