The Garden Island is the picturesque, lush island that was the first of the Hawaiian islands to form. Kaua’i feels like a small town with less development, much more open space, and plantation history nearly everywhere you look.

Starting on the West side, visit one of Kauai’s most well known natural attractions – the Napali Coast. The Napali coast is so well known due to its natural history – geologists have estimated it to be 4-5 million years old. You can see that age with its uniquely eroded coastline, with sharp peaks reaching up to be 4,000 feet from sea level. While you can’t drive it, the Napali coast can still be experienced in all its glory in a boat, in the air, or by foot from the Kalalau trail. If you can, try and see the coast in multiple ways.

 

 

Move North and you’ll head into the charming towns of Hanalei and Princeville. Hanalei has a beautiful landscape with waterfalls and lush mountains in the background, where Princeville’s a great place to rest up after a long day of adventuring. Make sure to check out the local shops here – especially Hanalei Taro and Juice. Hanalei is also a great spot to learn how to surf as the break is very calm, or a relaxing, beautiful walk down the u shaped bay.

Kilauea is nearby, with crescent-shaped Kauapea (or Secret) Beach a great spot for seeing the Kilauea lighthouse, and relaxing, as there is little resort development in this area.
In the South end of Kauai is Poipu, a must if you visit. This is the driest side of the island, so the weather is pretty much always nice, for whatever you want to do, pretty much everythings in Poipu. Hit the beach for one of the best snorkeling experiences in the world.

On the East side is Lihue and Kapaa. Definitely stop in Lihue if you want to learn more about the island’s history at the Kauai museum, need groceries, or anything else, really. Kealia Beach Park in Kapaa is an easy score for everyone – with great surfing, gold sand, and calm swimming area. The Wailua River (that carved out the Waimea Canyon) is also a great place to stop. Hike Sleeping Giant, or see the Opaekaa and Wailua falls by boat.

Last but definitely not least is Waimea. Historically, Waimea’s significant as it was the site of Captain Cook landing in Hawaii. But to locals, Waimea is home to one of the most beautiful and mind-blowing natural sites, the Waimea Canyon. There’s nothing else like it – 3600 feet deep and 14 miles long, the Waimea(reddish waters in Hawaiian) river carved out its path, leaving behind a spectacular geological sculpture.

Not too far from here is famous Kōkeʻe State Park. Kōkeʻe is amazing for several reasons. Not only is it a spectacular place to hike with the best of the green lushness Kauai is always offering, but also to see other colorful Hawaiian flora and fauna, including native plants and birds. Kōkeʻe has 45 miles of trail to hike, some leading you to lookouts of Waimea Canyon, but also the beautiful landscapes of the Napali Coast and Kalalau valley and the sea beyond.

Theres so much to explore!