Kauai Guide
The Garden Island — where the trade winds melt your stress away.
Welcome to Kauai, "The Garden Island"
Ahhh Kauai, "The Garden Island," a true island paradise! Where the stresses of life melt into the gentle trade winds. Dramatic cliffs and the panoramic Na Pali Coastline have served as the backdrop for major motion pictures, including Jurassic Park.
- 552 Square Miles
- Lihue Main Town
- ~73,000 Population
- The Garden Island Kauai's Nickname
Ready to explore Kauai on your own? A rental car is the easiest way to see the island at your own pace. Check Kauai car rental rates →
The Bucket List
Waimea Canyon State Park
Often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon offers diverse hiking trails, panoramic lookouts, and red dirt waterfalls — a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers. Review & book tours →
Na Pali Coast Snorkeling
Towering sea cliffs and turquoise waters make this coastline a snorkeler's paradise, with sea turtles, tropical fish, and hidden coves to discover. Review & book tours →
Kalalau Trail
An 11-mile hike along the rugged Na Pali Coast, with stunning ocean views and lush valleys. Narrow paths and steep drop-offs demand caution — hike to Hanakapiai Beach or continue on to Kalalau Valley.
Lydgate Farms Kauai Chocolate
A family-owned chocolate farm offering guided tours and tastings, from cacao harvesting to crafting handmade treats. Book the tour →
Wailua River State Park
Kayak or take a boat tour up the Wailua River to the picturesque Fern Grotto, surrounded by tropical vegetation and ancient Hawaiian history. Review & book tours →
Poipu Beach Park
A family-friendly south-coast favorite for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting sea turtles and monk seals — with picnic areas and gorgeous sunsets.
Spouting Horn Park
Watch ocean waves create dramatic spray and sound at this natural coastal wonder — especially beautiful at sunset. Book the tour →
Hanalei Bay
A stunning crescent-shaped beach on the north shore — swim, surf, or paddleboard in calm waters beneath dramatic sunsets. Review & book tours →
Ke'e Beach: A Tropical Paradise
Nestled beneath the majestic peak of Makana — Bali Hai from the classic 1958 film South Pacific — Ke'e Beach is famous for stunning sunsets, calm summer waters, and soft white sand protected by a coral reef. Reef-sheltered waters make it a haven for snorkeling and swimming, with sea turtles, tropical fish, and colorful coral just offshore. It's also one of Hawaii's most romantic beaches — a peaceful place to watch the sunset or stroll the shore.
Kauai is home to three of the world's National Tropical Botanical Gardens, showcasing the island's incredible biodiversity. Book a garden & chocolate tasting tour →
Kauai Family-Friendly Activities
Kauai Children's Discovery Museum
Interactive exhibits covering science, art, history, and Hawaiian culture — suitable for ages 1-12, with hands-on play areas the whole family will enjoy.
Kilohana Luau Train
Ride a scenic train through the historic Kilohana Estate, then enjoy a luau feast with live music and Polynesian dancing.
Wailua River Boat Tour
Drift through tranquil waters to the Fern Grotto's natural amphitheater, with traditional Hawaiian music and hula along the way. Review & book tours →
Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
A half-day family adventure — kayak the Hanalei River, snorkel the bay, and finish with lunch on the beach. Book the tour →
Where to Eat: Family-Friendly Local Favorites
Kalapaki Beach Grill tops the list with burgers and beachfront views (plus a play area and arcade games). Duke's Kauai offers oceanfront dining with fish tacos and stunning sunsets. For something local, try Eating House 1849 — loco moco, kalua pig quesadillas, and poke bowls in a relaxed, plantation-era setting.
Just Married
Wailua River & Fern Grotto Tour
A romantic 4-hour cruise through the tranquil Wailua River to the natural Fern Grotto amphitheater, with Hawaiian music along the way. Review & book tours →
Honeymoon Airport Lei Greeting
Start your trip with a traditional flower lei greeting right at Lihue Airport — a sweet, romantic welcome to the island. Book a lei greeting →
Na Pali Coast Sunset Dinner Sail
Sail past spinner dolphins and sea turtles aboard a catamaran, with dinner and champagne as the sun sets over the Garden Isle. Book the sunset sail →
Helicopter Tour Over Kauai
A 50-minute bird's-eye tour over the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Wailua River — hidden waterfalls and pristine beaches from above. Book the helicopter tour →
Thrill Seeker
Shark & Ray Snorkeling Tour
Swim alongside manta rays and harmless reef sharks in the South Shore's crystal-clear waters, with expert guides ensuring a safe, thrilling encounter.
Koloa Zipline Tour
Soar across the island's longest ziplines over lush forest and the Waita reservoir — race friends on dual lines for extra adrenaline.
Getting Around Kauai
From Waimea Canyon to Hanalei Bay, Kauai's best spots are spread across the whole island — a rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Ready to Explore Kauai?
From dramatic canyons to hidden beaches, the Garden Island is calling.
Check Kauai Rates