Kauai is one of the Islands in Hawaii, it’s the fourth largest island in Hawaii. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in America. No wonder the island of Kauai is nicknamed Garden Island. There could never have been a perfect way to describe this scenic island. The island of Kauai promises to give every tourist a magical moment. Kauai has beautiful tropical rainforest, jagged cliffs, rugged mountains, valleys, clean rivers, sharp edge mountains and cascading waterfalls that will leave you wanting more. It is a lush island with lovely green vegetation. Kauai island is home to varieties of beautiful plants and rare animal species. In addition, its water bodies give rooms for water sports activities. It is the perfect place for snorkeling, kayaking, boat cruises etc. If perhaps you are a bird lover, this is one of the places to see some rare bird breeds.
Another good thing about Kauai island, it can also be accessed by air, road and water. It gives visitors another opportunity to explore it from different perspectives.
Kauai is the oldest of all the islands in Hawaii. It has a rainforest, mangroves and fine beaches.
The natives are tourists friendly with good food and beautiful culture.
History of Kauai
Kauai is one of the many islands in Hawaii. It is the oldest and most notable of all the islands In Hawaii. The history dates back as far as over 1500. Kauai was an independent kingdom without any form of external influence. Due to its influence and stronghold, the King of Hawaii wanted to join Kauai under its rulership. The move will make Kauai become one of the Kingdoms under Hawaii. This attempt got some resistance from the ruler of Kauai and Nihau. The ruler by name is Kaumuali resisted all the attempts by the king of Hawaii to unite all the islands. This resistance led to several attempts to capture the city.
After many failed attempts, the ruler of Kauai accepted the plan to join the Kingdoms of Hawaii. He did this is to prevent further invasion by the King of Hawaii. This made the Kauai and Nihau islands become the last two cities to join the Kingdom of Hawaii.
The modern-day history dates back to 1778 when James Cook discovered the island. He nicknamed it Sandwich Island. Kauai island has become tourists favourite destination in the United States. No wonder Kauai has become visitors delight and preferred destination.
Kauai Island map
- Navigating within the city requires a map. These are some notable places in the city.
- Costco
- Nawiliwili Harbour
- Lihue
- Wailua river
- Anahola
- Kilauea Point lighthouse
- Princeville
- Hanalei
- Hanakapikai
- Na pali coast
- Poipu
- Polihale state park
- Spouting horn
- Port Allen
- Kapaa
- Hanapepe
- Waimea canyon
- Maha ulepu heritrge trail
- Kapaa bike path
- Koloa
Airports at Kauai
These are the two main airports in Kauai.
Lihue Airport
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Flights to Kauai
You can book Flights to Kauai from anywhere in the world. Booking flights to Kauai can be done online.
Also Read: Reasons Why You Should Travel and Tour the World
Transportation in Kauai
There are different means of moving around in Kauai. You can either use the boat services, car, taxis or the buses. The buses are not tourist-friendly, though they are cheaper options. You will be better off with cars, taxis or uber in Kauai.
Also Read: List of Tourist Attractions in United States of America
Population of Kauai
Kauai is a small town but not as small as you may think. The city of Kauai has a population of about seventy thousand people. The size of the city of Kauai is 1,456km2. It is approximately 562 square miles.
Best time to visit Kauai
The best time to visit Kauai is during the summer. January is usually not the best time to visit.
The Different Regions of Kauai
There are five regions:
- The North Shore
- The South
- East
- West
- Lihue
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The North Shore – Kilauea, Princeville, Hanalei
The North Shore has beautiful shorelines, crystal clean beaches. There are so many things to do in the north. The North Shore has one of the most picturesque sites in Kauai.
Notable Places in North shore
- Daniel K Inouye Kilauea Point Light House
- Napali coast
- Hanalei Town
- Waioli Mission House And Church
- North Shore beaches
- Kee Beach
- Anini Beach park
- Haena Beach park
The West Size – The Napali Coast
The west side of Kauai will appeal to nature lovers. It is known for sightseeing, natures wonders and scenic views. It is the location of the Waimea Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of the pacific. Another beautiful place to visit is Kokee State Park to experience natures wonders and some rare animals and birds.
Also Read: Seven Wonders of the world
Notable Places in Visit in West Side
Waimea Canyon
Kokee State Park
Kalalau Lookout
Napali Coast
Puu O Kila Lookout
West Size Beach
Salt Pond Beach park
Kehaha Beach
East Size – Lihue and Kapaa (Coconut Coast )
The Eastside is also known as the Coconut Coast. This is not far fetched. Every part of the island is filled with coconuts adding a scenic view to the landscape. One thing that made this place unique is the helicopter view that allows you to view the entire island from the top. It lets you appreciate the beauty of the island more.
Places in the east
Wailua River
Opaekaa Falls
Fern Grotto
Kapaa Town
East Side Beaches
Lydgate Pond
Kealia beach park
Lydgate Beach Park
Kalapaki Beach.
Lihue
Lihue is the economic hub of the Kauai island. It is the commercial capital where the majority of the economic activities takes place. It is the location of the Lihue airport. You can also visit the shipping hub where you can boat exotic boat cruises. Nawiliwili Harbour is a commercial shipping port and premium boat cruise port. For the best street foods or restaurants in Kauai. Please feel free to check out some great restaurants in Lihue.
Notable Places to Visit Lihue
Wailua Falls
Nawiliwili Harbor
Grove Farm Homestead Museum
Alekoko Fishpond
Kauai Museum
Hilohana
Kalapaki beach
Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach club
Hokuala Golf Resort
Ninini Beach
Lihue Airport
Kilohana Estate
Kauai Marriott Resort
Hokuala Golf Club
Kilihana Plantatations
Gaylord’s restaurant
South Shore – Poipu
Poipu is one of the historical places to visit in Kauai. If you are looking for history about Kauai, here you have it all. Poipu has many outdoor activities you can engage in. The city of Poipu is also known for its beautiful beaches. Poipu beach is one of the most visited beaches in America. No wonder it was once rated the most beautiful beach in the United States of America.
Sprouting Horn
Koloa Heritage Trail
Poipu Beach park
South Shore Beaches
Salt Pond Beach Park
Kehaha Beach
Allerton and McBryde gardens
Waimea
Also Read – Safety Tips When Travelling
Golf Courses In Kauai
These are the golf courses in the city.
The Club At Kukuiula Koloa
Ocean Course at Hokuala Lihue
Kiahuna Golf Club Koloa
Kukuiolono Golf Club
Puakea Golf Course Lihue
Princeville Makai Golf Club Princeville
Poipu Bay Golf course
Wailua Golf Course
Museums in Kauai
Kauai has several themed museum. These are some of the museums in Kauai
- Wai’oli mission house
- Kauai Museum
- Grove Farm Homestead Museum
- Waioli mission house
- Alan art gallery
- Art house Hawaii
- Koloa history museum
- Kokee natural history museum
- Allerton garden
- Tabora gallery
Where to Stay in Kauai
Before visiting this lovely island, you need to do a little bit of research on the best place to stay in Kauai. You should consider some factors when choosing where to stay in Kauai. The first thing you need to consider is proximity to the places you would like to visit. It will give you easy access to places in Kauai closer to where you are. Also, another factor to consider is if you are visiting the remote areas where you can do more hiking and adventurous activities or whether you will want to do watersports activities. Also, are you looking for premium resorts or a low budget one? These are factors that will determine your choices.
If you are on a low budget or looking for a more local experience, Poipu is the best location to visit in Kauai. It features local activities, historic tours, street foods and a beautiful beach experience. However, if you are looking for an exotic boat cruise, premium beach experience, exotic resorts, golf experiences, lovely beaches, Princeville is the place to be.
Also Read: Best Beach In United States of America
Tips When Visiting Kauai
For surfers, the North Shore is the best place to surf during winter
It is always better to do a long hike with a partner. Do not hike alone
You can book a tour guide
Note the weather condition before you hike or swim
You should consider beaches with lifeguards
Activities to Do Kauai – Amazing Things to Do
Snorkelling: Snorkelling is one of the popular watersports activities to do in Kauai. It has so many sports for snorkelling.
Boat cruise: Whether at the Nawiliwili Harbour in Lihue or other jetties in Kauai. There are so many boat companies that can take you on a boat cruise.
Hop on a helicopter: Nothing that beats viewing the entire island from the air. It gives you a panoramic view of the entire city.
Kayaking: There are friendly waters all around the city where you can engage in kayaking. Kauai is one of the best places in the United States for kayaking.
Also Read: Beginners Guide to Kayaking
Hiking: This is one of the popular activities you can do in Kauai. The magical island has a lot to offer. You never can tell what next you will discover. For starters, there is a hiking trail for you while for professionals the island is full of surprises for you to discover. If you are off for you . for the strong. You can engage the 19 mile Kalalau trail. If you are looking for a quiet peaceful walk, you can also take a walk to the Hoopii falls. For lovers, you can take a long beach walk to experience the beauty of this island.
Ziplining: Get adventurous, you can try out some of the zip lining activities available.
Play Golf: Just in case you think Hauai is only meant for hiking, exploration, jungle adventure and beach experiences. Well, think again. Kauai has one of the best golf clubs in America. Kauai offers a world-class golf course were professionals all over the world do come to engage. There are golf courses on the east and southside of Kauai.
Experience the waterfalls: Experience the cascading waterfalls of Hawaii. You can get to see the two waterfalls.
See some Hollywood movie locations: If you have ever wondered the locations where some of the iconic Hollywood movies were shot. You may want to explore this city and maybe you could catch some familiar locations.
Shopping: It offers lots of shopping activities. You can either shop from the local farmers market or get souvenirs from the different gift shops around the city.
Scuba Diving – Kauai is the home of watersports activities. Wondering how it looks or feels like down the ocean? You can get to experience it. It offers different underwater activities.
Paddleboarding: This is another watersports activity you can engage in.
Whale watching: Another beautiful thing you can do that is not often talked about is whale watching. You get to see whales in their natural habitats.
Visit the beaches: Since the island is the home of beautiful beaches. It will be nice to explore the different beaches.
Outdoor Activities: You can also engage in different outdoor activities.
Ride a Horse: Horse riding is another popular activities you can do in Kauai.
Surfing: The island of Kauai offers some watersports activities. Surfing tops one of the popular watersports activities in Kauai. There are so many beautiful surfing spots in Kauai.
Bird Watching: It is one of the best locations in the United States of America for bird watching. The island is filled with rare species of birds. You can watch, identify and learn more about these birds.
Other Activities You can do in Kauai
- Fishing
- Honeymoon
- Destination Wedding
- Enjoy the views
- Best Hotels on Kauai
Also Read – Best Romantic beaches in the United States of America
These are some of the best hotels in Kauai.
2417
Marriotts Kauai Beach club
Waimea Plantation cottages
St Rehis Princeville resort
Waipouli Beach resorts and spa
Also Read: Get Apartments in Kauai
Best Hiking Trails in Kauai
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Kauai. If you are looking for the Best hiking Kauai, you are in the right place. Your visit would not be complete without hiking. If you are a professional hiker, feel free to beat your last record. For beginners, you can start small and increase your pace by the day. These are some of the popular hiking trails in Kauai.
- Waimea – Koaie Canyon
- Powerline Trail
- Sleeping Giant-Kamalu road
- Kalalau
- Hanakapial
- Awaawapuhi Nualolo
- Sleeping giant
- Moalepe
- Nounou
- Kuilau ridge
Best Beaches In Kauai
Beaches in Kauai are one of the major attractions that make this island special. The crystal clear blue water, the white beach sand and the soothing sound of the waves. These are some of the things that make visiting this location a memorable experience. The garden island has so many beaches. Some of them are visible as you arrive, while some require a few kilometres of hiking to access them. Remember what they say about difficult roads leading to beautiful destinations. Some of the beach waves are friendly while some are best left for professional surfers and swimmers. These are the best beaches in Kauai: These are some of the beaches in Kauai
Also Read: Best Beach In United States
Polihale State Park Beach: This is a private beach with great views, beautiful landscape and an adventure delight. Camping is allowed on this beach.
Po’ipo Beach park: It is one of the best beaches on this island. It is friendly and good for swimming snorkelling, sunbathing, surfing, boogie boarding
Heena Beach park: It is the perfect place for swimming and snorkelling. It is also known as Tunnels Beach. It is 5 acres of beachfront surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Maha Ulepu beach: It is located in a remote region. Though It is a public beach it offers a great place for adventurous activities.
- Hanalei Bay Beach park: From its name, it’s a beautiful bay surrounded by beautiful cliffs, waterfalls and beautiful greenery.
- Anahola Beach Brenneckes Beach
- Anini Beach
- Haena Beach
- Fuji Beach
- Lydgate Beach
- Hanalei pavilion
- Hideaway beach
- Hanalei Pier
- Kiahuna Beach
- Kalihiwai Beach
- Kee Beach
- Kekaha beach
- Kalapaki Beach
- Kealia Beach
- Mahaulepu Beach
- Lumahia Beach
- Lawai beach
- Salt Pond beach
- Shipwrecks Beach
- Poipu beach
- Waimea Beach
- Wailua Beach
- Poluhale beach
- Waipouli Beach
- Waioli Beach pine trees
- Tunnels Makua
- The Ultimate Kauai Travel Guide
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Resorts In Kauai
These are some of the resorts in Kauai :
- Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach
- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
- Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
- The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
- Sheraton Kauai Resort
- Sheraton Kauai Resort
- Waipouli Beach Resort
- Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons
- Kaua’i Marriott Resort
- Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
- Alii Kai Resort
- Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
- Princeville Resort
- The Villas at Po’ipu Kai
- Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort
- Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue
- Banyan Harbor Resort
- Waipouli Beach Resort
Waterfalls in Kauai
There are two waterfalls here:
- Wailua Falls
- Opaekaa Falls
Also Read: Niagara Falls
Best Hotels in Kauai
These are some of the best hotels in Kauai
- Hotel Coral Reef Resort
- Kauai Shores Hotel
- Kauai Shores Hotel
- Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
- Tip Top Motel
- Kauai Palms Hotel
There are hundreds of Hotels in Kauai with over 4,000 rooms.
Weather
August to September are the hottest
January is cold
Places to Explore in Kauai
There are many beautiful attractions to see in Kauai. Feel free to visit some of these beautiful attractions, some of these places are free to visit while others are paid for. Kauai offers amazing places to explore.
- Lawai International centre
- Na Pali Coast
- Maniniholo Dry cave
- Menehune fishpond Alekoko
- Kilauea Point National Wildlife refuge
- Fern grotto
- Kukuiolono Park
- Keahua Arboretum
- Hanalei Valley Lookout
- Kakalua valley lookout
- Hanapepe swinging bridge
- Waimea Canyon State Park
- Scenic Spots at Kauai
- Opaekaa Falls
- Kee Beach
- Lawai Valley
- Waimea Canyon
- Hanalei Valley Overlook
Resorts in Kauai
Kauai has so many beautiful resorts. However, the majority of the resorts are in Poipu and Princeville. These two hubs provide varieties of options for tourists to choose from.
Travel guide
To enjoy all the activities the Island has to offer, we recommend a minimum of 4 nights, 5 days.
Exploring Kauai
No doubt Kauai is a beautiful Island. Access to this Island can either be done by air, water or land. It will be cool to let you know that one road leads to this Island. Which makes it quite interesting. It makes it very easy to access.
Kauai Is one of the best places for hiking in Hawaii.
Facts About Kauai
The capital city is Lihue
It is divided into 5 regions
It is the 21st largest island in the United States.
Coffee Plantation
More than 80 per cent of the island cannot be accessed by land
It is the wettest spot on earth with the highest rainfall
Kauai has one of the largest coffee plantations in the United States
It has a population of 70,000 people
It is the oldest Island in Hawaii
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