What You Need To Know

Kauai Travel Guide

Discover the wonders of Kauai with my comprehensive Travel Guide – your ultimate companion for unlocking the magic of this enchanting island. Let’s turn your Kauai dreams into reality!

Kauai Unveiled

Your Kauai Travel Guide for Hawaiian Coastal Bliss

Kauai is honestly something out of a movie. You think you’ve seen beauty, but you haven’t seen anything until you get to Kauai. It is honestly THAT GORGEOUS! Everywhere you look, it’s green for miles and miles, hence its nickname “the Garden isle” because tropical rainforests cover much of its surface. In fact, 97% of Kauai is covered by forests or mountain ranges. And don’t get me started on the coastline – there are no words for its beauty! The coastline is so famous it’s been the backdrop for many Hollywood movies.

Another reason I loved Kauai is it wasn’t as busy as Maui and Oahu. There were less people, and everything felt much slower, more relaxed. I fell in love in Kauai … hence my reason for going back! I really felt a sense of happiness and peace when I was there. I feel things deeply, so when it was time for me to leave, it was hard to say goodbye!

Vanessa's Insider Tips

My Travel Tips for Kauai

Here are some helpful Kauai travel tips to know before you go:

Where to Stay: There are 4 areas you can choose from: North Shore, South Shore, East Shore, and West Shore. The North Shore is said to be the most beautiful, but this area receives higher rainfall than other parts of the island. It’s also a bit further from the majority of the attractions. The South Shore has the best weather year-round. There are a lot of luxurious, high-end hotels and restaurants here. I stayed on the East side, in Kapa’a, and loved it. It’s the most populated and here you’ll find more budget-friendly accommodation (the only Kauai hostel is located here!) than the other areas. The West Shore is more remote and less developed. Overall, I’d say the East or South Shore would be my recommendations!
How to Get Around: You will most definitely need a car to get around Kauai. There are public buses, but I didn’t use them.

Discover Kauai

My Recommended Itinerary for Kauai Travel

I’m jealous of the people who live here full time! Kauai is such a special place to me. Since there are 4 main areas to the island, that’s how I’ll break down the itinerary. Here’s what I recommend for Kauai:

Kauai North Shore

Hanalei: There’s lots to see in the North Shore, starting with the small town of Hanalei. There are cute boutiques and food trucks and overall it’s nice to just walk around. Head out to Hanalei Beach to enjoy the water!

Secret Beach: A local took me to this spot. It’s frequented a lot by locals but many of them are trying to keep it under wraps (hence the name). It’s secluded and quiet, and surprise – it’s a “clothing optional” beach! It’s near Kauapea Beach – there will be a trail somewhere you need to take to get here.

Kauai South Shore:

Poipu Beach: A beautiful beach but this also makes the list because it’s one of the best places for sunset! Seriously everyone goes here.

Kauai East Shore:

Explore Kapa’a: This is the area I stayed in. It’s the biggest town in Kauai and the most developed. Spend some time walking down the streets window shopping. Then visit one of the various food stands or restaurants. Make sure you make your way to Kapa’a Beach Park and walk on the trail along the beach!

Hike Sleeping Giant: This hike wasn’t too bad, but the top was where I got scared! It’s steep once you summit, with hundred-foot drop offs at some points, so just be careful.

Kauai West Shore:

Na’pali Coast: It’s hard to describe just how beautiful Kauai’s coastline is but I’ll try: crystal blue water, intense greenery from the forests, and the tallest sea cliffs in the world make up the shoreline. I’ve been to many countries and to this day, this is one of the most beautiful sites I’ve set my eyes on.

There are 2 ways to see the Na’pali Coast: by air and sea. Helicopter tours are extremely popular because of the vantage point of course, but they also allow you to see places not reachable on foot. Since I was alone, and I’m scared of heights, I unfortunately didn’t do this! I’m hoping to go back one day and do it with someone. Based on what I heard, opt to do a helicopter ride without doors, so you can get the most epic photos!

Instead, I viewed the Na’pali Coast by sea. There are tons of boat tours that take you all along the coastline and stop somewhere for you to snorkel. This was probably my top highlight while I was in Kauai.

Kalalau Trail: Arguably one of the most famous hiking trails in the world, this 11-mile hike winds along the Na’pali Coastline. I only did the first few miles, starting at Ke’e Beach. Those few miles alone were making me stop every few minutes for pictures, so I can only image what the rest of it was like!

Waimea Canyon State Park: Named “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, and 3,600 feet deep. Head into the park and go to the Waimea Canyon Lookout for the best views.

Flavors of Kauai

My Recommended Food in Kauai

I did not do a good job documenting everywhere I ate in Kauai! I was really enjoying myself and enjoying being present, which isn’t a bad thing but also sorry guys lol! Here are the few spots I managed to remember or document for what to eat in Kauai:

Kalalea Juice Hale:

One of the best acai bowls I’ve had in my life! I swear they’re better in Hawaii than on the mainland. It was just so … smooth.

Holey Grail Donuts:

A cute little food truck up in the North Shore but my goodness they’re so good they’re worth the drive! There’s also a location on Oahu island if you make your way there.

Jojo’s Shave Ice:

If you’re in the North Shore area, check out this place for shave ice. Expect a line of course!

Duke’s:

They have locations on all the Hawaiian islands. Their claim to fame is the Original Hula pie – a delectable cookie-crust pie with macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, macadamia nuts, and whipped cream. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds!