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Why You Should Head for Kauai on Your Next Trip to Hawaii

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Kauai is perhaps best-known as “the Garden Isle”, thanks to its lush green landscape that stands out among the Hawaiian islands. But “the Laid-Back Isle” is a fitting name, too.

With less than 75,000 residents scattered along the coasts of its 562 square miles, it's the smallest of the four major Hawaiian islands. You can cover much of the island in a car in just a few hours. And from Princeville and Hanalei in the north to Poipu and Koloa in the south, you can enjoy a slower, relaxed vibe that you won't find in the far more developed islands of Oahu, Maui, or even the Big Island.

Yet for such a small, sleepy island, Kauai packs a huge punch. There's no shortage of the prime beaches that Hawaii is best known for, sure. But there's also unbeatable hiking, stunning views, and plenty to see, eat, and drink.

Hawaii is preparing to restart tourism next month. While it may not make sense to visit right away as the country continues battling coronavirus, it's never too early to daydream and start planning.

Here's why Kauai should be at the top of your list among all Hawaiian islands for your next visit – whenever that is.

 

Getting to Kauai – And Getting Around

You've got some options to fly to Kauai.

You'll head for Lihue Airport (LIH) in Kauai, and there are a handful of direct flights from the mainland. Flights are cheapest from the West Coast, so it could be worth booking a positioning flight to California or Seattle (SEA) before hopping out to the island. Or head for Honolulu (HNL) instead – flights to Kauai are cheaper than ever now that Southwest Airlines has started inter-island service.

No matter where you live, you're in luck. While flights to Hawaii can easily cost $800 to $1,200 or more, we've seen flights to all four major Hawaiian islands occasionally drop below $300 round-trip through our Thrifty Traveler Premium service.

Got points and miles to spare? Check out our guide on the best ways to fly to Hawaii using points and miles!

Once you're there, you'll want to rent a car to get around. Whether you want to go hiking, a sunset cruise, or just criss-cross the island, having your own set of wheel is a must. Read our tips on how to score the cheapest rental car possible – and consider using Turo, which is huge and easy to use on Kauai.

Uber and Lyft are available on Kauai, but it's extremely limited.

Thrifty Tip: While there are resorts around Kauai, this island is perfect for Airbnb. Follow our guide to book the best Airbnb you can find.

 

Hike Your Heart Out

Hiking might be the perfect socially distanced activity. And Kauai has it in spades.

There are so many amazing hikes, canyons, and trails scattered across the island, yet one place stands out. They call it “The Grand Canyon of Hawaii.” That's no lie. Waimea Canyon is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

 

kauai hawaii

 

You can drive into Waimea Canyon from Kauai's western side, so making Poipu or Koloa in the south your home base for a few days is a good starting point. And whether you're an advanced hiker or content just driving from viewpoint to viewpoint, Waimea will reward you.

Set out on the Canyon Trail, a winding and fairly challenging three-mile hike that will bring you around the canyon walls before eventually spitting you out to an unbeatable vista. It's worth every mile for this 180-degree view.

 

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Read our guide to some of the best hikes across all of Kauai!

 

Set Sail for the Na Pali Coast

If you've seen photos of Kauai, you've seen the Na Pali Coast.

 

kauai na pali coast

 

These seaside cliffs on Kauai's northwestern shore are absolutely iconic. And while there are plenty of ways to see them from the land, there's nothing quite like seeing them from the water – or the sky.

So do yourself a favor and book a sunset cruise to the Na Pali Coast. There are plenty of cruise operators at similar price points, but Holo Holo Charters offers a great deal for Costco members. You can save 20% by buying Holo Holo Charters gift cards from Costco, then booking directly with the cruise company.

Just beware: Kauai's waters can be quite rough in the winter and spring months. If you can time your visit in the fall or summer, you've got the best chance of seeing the Na Pali in all of its glory.

 

kauai na pali coast

 

Hit the Beach

You didn't think it was going to be all hiking on Kauai, did you?

When you need to relax in the sun, Kauai has you covered. There are plenty of beaches in both the north and south, but our favorite sandy spots were scattered around Poipu in the south.

Check out Shipwreck Beach in the morning, near the Grand Hyatt Kauai.

 

kauai hawaii shipwreck beach

 

Or keep walking up to Maha’ulepu Beach, perched on cliffs above the water with plenty of sandy spots to relax and read. Just keep your eyes peeled: This is also a great place for whale watching off the coast!

 

kauai hawaii mahaulepu beach

 

If you're not afraid of some more crowds, Poipu Beach is the hotspot for sunbathing – both people and monk seals, who love to swim up to shore and park it for a few hours in the sun. But head further up the western coast for hidden gems like Baby Beach and Pakala Beach. 

Get Your Shave Ice On

If you're in Hawaii, you're eating shave ice.

This classic Hawaiian dessert is available all across the island. But that doesn't mean they're all created equally. For the best on the island, head for Fresh Shave, a mustache-themed food truck outside the unbelievably adorable Warehouse 3540 market in tiny Kalaheo town. Their hand-cranked dessert is more snow than ice, topped with delicious and fresh flavors like the “The Chevron” – coconut and lime ice topped with chia seed cream.

 

kauai shave ice

 

Jo Jo's Shave Ice in Waimea town is a close second, thanks to the delicious scoops of Macadamia nut ice cream waiting for you at the bottom.

 

kauai hawaii jo jo's shave ice

 

Poke All Day

You can't fill up on shave ice alone (trust me, I tried). And even if you can, save room for the amazing poke bowls across the island.

A seemingly endless supply of fresh fish is waiting for you everywhere in Kauai, putting any poke bowl you've had at home to shame. Koloa Fish Market is a great starting point, with a build-your-own-bowl choice of different tuna preparations and toppings.

 

kauai hawaii shave ice

 

But you'll want to head back to 3540 Warehouse for the best poke we found on the island from Kauai Poke Co. The Plantation Bowl, with fresh-made fried onions, tobiko, seaweed salad and tasty kabayaki sauce, was nothing short of life-changing.

 

kauai poke

 

Had your fill of fish? Make way to Da Crack, a tiny, hole-in-the-wall stand near Koloa with a big reputation for Mexican food: made-to-order tacos, burritos, bowls, and more.

 

kauai da crack

 

And you can't leave Kauai without trying Puka Dog, where they make Hawaiian-style hot dogs dressed up with a fruit relish and spicy garlic-and-lemon sauce – all stuffed into a pillowy (yet somehow still slightly crispy) sweet Hawaiian bun.

 

kauai puka dog

 

Time for a Coffee Fix

Need to fight off the food coma? You're in luck.

The Kauai Coffee Plantation is a must-visit. You can simply walk in free to sample everything Hawaii's most famous coffee manufacturer is roasting before taking a free walking tour on your own. Time your visit right, and you can even hop on a free guided walking tour to learn all about how Kauai Coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted.

These 30-minute tours take place daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. If you want to go full coffee snob, Kauai Coffee also offers more in-depth tours for a free – just be sure to book them online in advance.

 

kauai coffee plantation

 

If you don't need a tour but just a pick-me-up, Little Fish Coffee in Poipu is worth a stop. It's also a worthy breakfast stop, with delicious bagel breakfast sandwiches and acai bowls. Just prepare to fight off some roosters for your food.
kauai little fish coffee

 

Bottom Line

You might just fall in love with Kauai. While other islands are more urban and can feel overcrowded, Kauai still feels relatively untouched by tourism. There are a fraction of the crowds that you'll find on neighboring islands – and it's cheaper too – yet Kauai isn't missing all those elements that make Hawaii … well, Hawaii.

 

16 Responses

  • Hope about don’t come to Kauai anymore. Tourism is colonialism. Stop polluting and destroying the islands

  • My Beautiful forever Home !! How I miss you . Can’t wait to come home and visit my Ohana .patiently waiting when it’s all clear . 💖💖💖

  • We planned our wedding in Kauai on Shipwreck Beach in March while on a cruise stop. All was canceled due to the COVID. We were waiting to see if maybe things would open up by Dr ember and we could be married on the 5th anniversary ersatz of our first date.
    But…from all the comments posted here by the island inhabitants , it appears we won’t be welcome.
    I guess we’ll have to look to a warm island on the Atlantic side. Sad!

  • All of your “thrifty” tips are really just throwing the shaft to our economy here on Kauai. If you’re going to come (which you shouldn’t right now), be prepared to throw down some coin. It’s insulting to have tourists come and exploit our beautiful aina without actually contributing anything to the island.

  • Do not advertise this please! There are families here still trying to recover and sending more people to our islands right now will only kill our beautiful island and no body will be able to enjoy it anymore! Polute your own town not ours! If you come and don’t follow quarantine you will be called out and followed until back in your room! Kauai is not some place where anyone can come enjoy ,we have stricter rules than any island or place right now! Shame on you for advertising this. Yes I’m a small business owner and my business is suffering but my family and my communities family are way more important than tourist spending money here right now! Concentrate on your time and family first don’t be greedy!

    • I understand this is a tricky situation and we’re certainly not trying to encourage a mass of irresponsible travelers heading to Kauai. This story is not meant to encourage tourists to go for Kauai on August 1 – or anytime soon, really, as the story’s introduction notes.

      It’s meant to put Kauai higher on people’s lists for future travel, whenever it may be safe and responsible to do so.

  • Before departing from your local area, you are required to take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before your departure with a Negative test result and present those findings BEFORE your departure. Upon landing your are screened again and information is taken about where you are staying. Also, car rentals can be denied. Be respectful and wear a mask while here on Kauai. “Locals” can tell that your a “Visitor” and will have no problem in telling you to wear a mask. COVID cases have been rising in July with a slow reopening of Kauai as well as other Islands. Hawaii is Not, a Petri dish. Be respectful & enjoy your stay.

  • Don’t put Kaua’i and it’s residence in jeopardy! They need all the protection they can get. Both my parents are from there and have lived there all their lives. We were born and raised there and can’t / won’t visit because we don’t want to chance infecting them. Vacation else where! Or stay home and save us all! Kaua’i is CLOSED!!

  • Please listen to us locals in Kauai.
    KEEP AWAY FROM KAUAI…..until the whole island and residents have protection from the CORVID-19. Our island is the eldest of Hawaii, a beautiful Virgin.

  • STAY ON THE MAINLAND OR VISIT ANOTHER DESTINATION, WE DON’T NEED ANYONE FROM CORONA VIRUS HOT SPOTS. AND YES DONNA………CANCEL YOUR TRIP.

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