Kauai
Your getaway to Kauai
Start with the big one: Waimea Canyon in the morning, a lookout or two, and one easy trail among the red ridges. Lunch in Kapaa — a plate lunch from a roadside spot, then shave ice for the walk back through town. An afternoon on Poipu Beach, swimming, sunbathing, and watching turtles haul out on the sand like they own the place. Golden hour at the Hanalei Valley lookout, taro fields glowing green below the mountains. Dinner in Hanalei town — fresh fish, a cold drink, live music drifting from somewhere down the street. A slow morning at the farmers market, tasting fruit you can't name and taking home something you can't find at home. The Wailua River by kayak or boat, easy paddling to a waterfall or a fern grotto, effort optional. One beach nobody told you about, found by pulling over where the locals' cars are parked. A sunset at the Spouting Horn, blowhole roaring, sky going orange, the island showing off gently. A little famous, a little hidden, a lot of good food — the full Kauai sampler, no extremes required.
Places to love in Kauai
Waimea Canyon State Park
The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” with red-and-green gorge views from the canyon road. Nonresidents pay $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle; the parking payment also covers Kōkeʻe. State parks are temporarily closed after Hurricane Lowell—check DLNR before travel.
park
Poipu Beach Park
A popular family-friendly beach park on Kauai's sunny south shore, known for its protected swimming areas, snorkeling, and frequent sightings of Hawaiian monk seals. Travelers go to swim, sunbathe, and observe marine wildlife.
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Wailua Falls
A photogenic twin waterfall viewed from a roadside overlook. Since February 2026, nonresidents pay the Wailua River state-site fee of $5 per person plus $10 parking; check current post-storm access.
waterfall
Kauai Plantation Railway
A narrated train ride around Kilohana’s historic plantation grounds, passing orchards and farm animals. Standard adult admission is $23.50; reserve ahead at busy times.
attraction
Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
A dramatic stretch of towering sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and narrow valleys along Kauai's rugged northwest coast, accessible only by foot, boat, or air. Travelers come for its iconic scenery, the Kalalau Trail, and coastal wilderness.
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Princeville Botanical Gardens
A small-group, three-hour guided garden tour featuring tropical plants, fruit, chocolate and honey tastings. Standard adult admission is $105 and advance booking is required.
attraction
Kalalau Trail
Kauaʻi’s legendary cliffside trail begins at Keʻe Beach; the first two miles reach Hanakāpīʻai Beach, while overnight travel requires a permit. Hāʻena reservations are required and the park is temporarily closed after Hurricane Lowell.
park
Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail
A two-mile coastal trail across the cliffs of southern Kauai from Shipwreck Beach to the quiet Mahaulepu Beach.
trail
Tunnels Beach
Also known as Makua Beach, gets its nickname from the maze of lava tubes found throughout its expansive reef.
beach