A few months ago I wrote a post on my Maui musts and you guys loved it. What’s not to love about Maui? So I opted to share some more of my Hawai’i wisdom by highlighting my second favorite island (okay, maybe it’s tied for first. I mean, really, how does one rank paradise?) with this post on my Kauai travel musts.
As a Hawaii resident I am more-or-less a pro bono travel agent. Anytime anyone even distantly connected with me comes to the islands I get a text or email asking for the must see spots. And I totally get it. When you travel you want to make sure you maximize the vacation to get the most out of your money and time and who is better informed on the subject than someone local to that area.
The first time I visited Kauai was after I’d been living on the North Shore of Oahu for four months. At that point in my Hawai’i life I was convinced there was nowhere in the world more beautiful than the lush layers greenery surrounding the H3 on Oahu. Then I stepped out of the airport on Kauai to realize the majority of the island was just as alive with dense forest as that small strip on Oahu. I was instantly in love. This place truly is magical.
Kauai is certain to meet all your Hawai’i hopes and dreams, especially if you are on a time budget. Kauai is the smallest Hawaiian island so getting around is much more time and gas friendly. Honestly, a week is plenty of time to check off all your Kauai to-do’s-in fact, you can see most everything in just a few days. Kauai is also a great option to include in your trip if you plan to stop at more than one Hawaiian island. I highly recommend a few days in Kauai followed by a few days on either Maui or Oahu. Kauai travel is ideal for a variety of travelers, mostly, adventurers, leisure resort goers, site seers, families, & honeymooners.
Kauai Travel Musts
- Waimea Canyon
- Kalalau Trail (You can hike a few hundred feet, go the full 11 miles-each way, or stop somewhere in between.)
- I highly recommend hiking to Hanakoa Falls to get the greatest variety of views in a reasonable amount of time. If you do this plan on being on the trail for most of the day.
- A less time consuming option is Hanakapiai Falls. It is about half the distance but almost as rewarding.
- Na Pali Coast (If you aren’t up for a hike you can always take a helicopter or boat tour around the coast to take in one of the most beautiful sites in all of Hawai’i Nei.)
- Koke’e State Park
- Waipoo Falls
- Maha’ulepu Coastal Trail
- Spouting Horn
- Ke Ala Hele Makalae Bike Trail
- Kilauea Lighthouse
- Queen’s Bath
- Secret Beach Lava Pools
- Wailua Falls
- Opaekaa Falls
- Kayak or Paddle the Wailua River
- While you are on the river be sure to stop by the Fern Grotto
- And definitely take the time to hike over to Secret Falls
- Wailaleale Lookout (It’s the wettest spot on Earth!)
- Hee Fat Shave Ice (Because what is a trip to Hawaii’i without a shave ice? Or two. Or three.)
Kauai Travel Beaches: when visiting Hawai’i beaches remember to use proper ocean safety. The ocean is not to be trifled with. Read the warning signs, talk to the lifeguards, check the conditions, & remember, “if in doubt, don’t go out.”
- Glass Beach (Not a place to hang out, but definitely a great stop if you love sea glass like I do!)
- Anini Beach
- Po’ipu Beach
- Polihale Beach (Get ready for a spectacular sunset!)
- Tunnels Beach
- Hanalei Bay
- Kiahuna Beach
- Ke’e Beach State Park
- Salt Pond Beach Park
- Lydgate Beach Park
I know I said this before, but I feel obligated to remind all visitors to pack their aloha spirit on any Hawaiian vacation. The aloha spirit is strong in Hawai’i, but Kauai seems to have more aloha than most islands. Which is one reason it is such a charming destination. We love to share our piece of paradise with those that want to visit. I hope to see you in Hawai’i soon! Aloha!
Nigel William says
Hi, Sara! Yet another great and inspirational article I really enjoyed reading! You put together an amazing list, so all there`s left is to pack and hit the road. I hope more people will be motivated to experience this beautiful place themselves after these great photos. I was wondering, what do you think is the best time of a year to go on this trip?
Sara Watkins says
Thank you so much for all your kind words! Yes, Kauai is magical & I do hope everyone gets to experience its wonder. Honestly, there’s no bad time to travel to Hawaii. Obviously, the off seasons will mean less people (Jan-April & Sept-Nov). I prefer the Spring & Fall months over Winter because the ocean is warmer & there are more hours in the day. There’s not a lot to do after the sun goes down. I hope this helps!
Brian Teeter says
There is one destination that I urge you to remove from your list of recommendations: Queens Bath. It is flat-out dangerous, even in the “safe” summer months. Along with Hanakai and Lumahai Beaches, Queens Bath has recorded a high number of fatalities.
To look at photos, Queens Bath looks inviting. But even on calm days, powerful rogue waves and rip currents hit in sets at unexpected times. The ocean outside of Queens Bath has powerful currents that have caused many drownings. When a set of rogue waves suddenly wash in, swimmers can be smashed against the sharp basalt rock that forms the tidepool.
Queens Bath has no lifeguards. You are on your own if things go sideways. If you are caught in the ocean’s power, the closest lifeguard station is at least 20 minutes away by Jetski and getting an emergency helicopter from the Kauai Fire Department would take even longer. Add in the fact that there is no cell phone service at Queens Bath, and you have a very dangerous situation.
Equally as bad, people not swimming in the tidepool itself and standing on the rocks close to the ocean can be washed away, something that has sadly happened many times. A quick Google search will return stories of couples standing on nearby rocks with their backs to the ocean getting swept out to sea. At least one was never found again.
YouTube is littered with videos of the powerful waves and currents hitting Queens Bath. I recommend taking a look. It is a sobering experience. If the locals won’t swim there (just ask around — the locals know), nor should you.
Please don’t go to Queens Bath. You can safely view the ocean and rocks from the cliffs above. Kauai may be the most beautiful place on Earth. But the oceans around this spectacular island are treacherous. Kauai has the highest incident percentage of drownings of any of the Hawaiian islands, and Hawaii has the highest percentage of drownings of anywhere in the US. Be smart. Have a wonderful time on Kauai but swim only at lifeguard protected beaches.
Sara Watkins says
Hi, Brian! Thanks so much for your input! I will definitely note that readers take a look at your comment. You can never be to cautious when it comes to the ocean.
Celene says
Hi Sarah, my fiancé and I are planning on getting married in Kauai in April. We ant a very exclusive, non cliche spot that’s got the “wow” factor without being a beach wedding. We were thinking along the lines of a waterfall. Our wedding is only 7 guests do it is very intimate and exclusive. Any suggestions??
Thanks so much.
Sara Watkins says
First off, Celene, that sounds incredible! Wow, what a dreamy way to exchange vows. I’m not sure what the marriage ceremony laws are like on Kauai, every county has different rules. Maui is pretty strict, but we tend to be more strict than the other counties in most every way. Do you know who is going to officiate your wedding? If I were you I would find a local officiate & see what they suggest. Good luck! I’m sure no matter what it will be pretty fantastic. Congratulations!
Stephen says
Hi we will be traveling with our family of 4 – 2 adults and two children ages eight and 10. We are going to be in Kauai for 7 days and are trying to decide between the less crowded north or the more touristy but possibly more adventure filled family friendly south part of the island since we have not been here before it is hard to decide do you have any recommendations?
Sara Watkins says
Really, it just comes down to what kind of travel you are looking for & when you will be traveling. The South tends to have warmer dryer weather which is nice because Kauai does get a ton of rain. And it really doesn’t feel crowded. Thankfully, Kauai is so small it doesn’t take long to drive from one side to the other so either way you won’t be far from anywhere you want to go.
Michon bakke says
We are going in June and can’t decide on the north or south ? We have 5 kids (teenagers and 20 some year olds) and they want adventure! Any help would be great! Also looking for reasonable house or condo to rent?
Thanks
Judy says
Hello, we will be in Kauai July 5-16 2018 we are so excited to visit and also renew our vows,
We will do that the vows at Shipwreak beach with a lady named Tory OMally do you know of her? We would like some restaurant recommendations if you have any?
We are staying at Ali Kai resort, any info will be appreciated on things to do and must see’s!
Thank you,
Mike and Judy
Sara Watkins says
Wow, Judy! That sounds incredible. I can’t suggest any fancy restaurants, we are big on casual dining. But Kauai has some great quick eats if you want those recs!
Kristine says
Check out Tides in Hyatt.