Kauaʻi was one of the last major Hawaiian islands I hadn’t explored yet, so I was excited to finally check it off my list. Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauaʻi is famous for its lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls. With 111 miles of shoreline—more beaches than any other Hawaiian island—there’s no shortage of places to explore, relax, and adventure. It’s the fourth-largest island in the chain, and in the middle of the island is Mount Waiʻaleʻale, one of the rainiest places on Earth. I visited in early May and spent eight full days on the island (not including travel days), which felt like a great amount of time to explore both the popular spots and some quieter corners. Enjoy our Kauaʻi travel guide!
How we traveled there
To get to Kauaʻi, I flew from Denver (DEN), connecting in Seattle (SEA) on Delta the way there and San Francisco (SFO) on Southwest on the way back. I chose these connecting routes to save money and avoid the red-eye flight on United home—which is the only direct option from Kauaʻi to Denver—and it ended up being a great decision for me as I don’t sleep on planes. That said, there is at least one direct flight from Denver to Lihue (LIH), so depending on your schedule and budget, it’s worth checking. The direct flight is 7 hours and 45 minutes from Denver. My two friends flew in from San Francisco, and since Kauaʻi is extremely easy to access from the West Coast, they had a more direct and shorter route. If you’re coming from the western U.S., you’ll find plenty of nonstop options to Lihue, making it a pretty straightforward trip.
Where we stayed
We rented a condo through Evolve in Poʻipū (Poipu), which is on the southern coast of the island. We’d read that this area tends to be the sunniest and driest, which turned out to be true—it made a great home base for beach days and exploring all parts of the island. Poipu is about a 25-minute drive from the Lihue airport and has a good mix of beaches, shopping, and restaurants without feeling overly built up.
We debated staying in the North Shore (Princeville or Hanalei), which is incredibly lush and scenic, but ultimately decided against it due to the higher chance of rain. We also considered the East Coast, but the South Shore felt like the right fit for the kind of trip we wanted (less rainy days/more beach days). Our condo was in a convenient location and worked well for us overall, though I wouldn’t recommend it due to a negative experience with the host and a few issues with the property.That said, I’d still recommend the Poipu area in general—there are plenty of lodging options, from condos to resorts, and it makes a great base for exploring everything from Waimea Canyon to the beaches on the north and east sides. Poipu is also close to many shops and restaurants, including The Shops at Kukui’ula, Old Koloa Town, Koloa Village, and Poipu Shopping Village.
What activities we did
I highly recommend renting a car to explore Kauaʻi—it’s essential if you want to see more than just the area around your hotel or condo. There’s really only one main road that loops partially around the island, so driving times can be longer than they look on a map. We drove every day and found that having a car gave us the flexibility to make spontaneous stops and explore different parts of the island.
We rented through Turo, which is like Airbnb for cars. We rented an SUV since there were three of us traveling, but when booking your own car, consider whether you’ll need 4WD—especially if you’re planning to stick to main roads or venture off the beaten path. After landing, you’ll find a designated Turo pick-up spot just outside the airport, where a shuttle comes every 20–25 minutes to take you to their offsite lot. Be prepared: the shuttle area was a bit chaotic, with no clear line and lots of people waiting for a small van. If you want to skip the stress, consider taking an Uber directly to the lot.
Once there, the process was smooth—our car was waiting for us, and drop-off was just as easy at the end of the trip.
If you don’t want to drive, you can check out the Kauaʻi Bus, the island’s public transportation system. It costs $2 per ride and runs between most major towns, but service is limited and not ideal for sightseeing.
We planned our days around geography to minimize drive time—one day exploring everything west of Poipu (like Waimea Canyon and Hanapepe), and another heading north to Hanalei and beyond. For reference, the drive from Poipu to the North Shore is about 1.5 hours one way. Plan your days strategically and group destinations by region to avoid spending too much time in the car.
Waimea Canyon – Located in the northwest of the island, but only accessible from the south, this “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” is a must-see. It’s about an hour’s drive from Poipu, and the best way to explore is to drive to the top, then stop at lookouts on your way back down. Don’t miss the red rock formations, the Kalalau Lookout, and the Puʻu O Kila Lookout, where you can try the Pihea Trail for stunning ridge views. Facilities are minimal—there was one bathroom at an overlook, so plan ahead. If you have extra time, the Awaʻawapuhi Trail is worth doing, but you’ll need at least a half-day.
Kōkeʻe State Park – You’ll drive through this park on the way up to Waimea Canyon. It’s about 4,000 feet above sea level, so bring an extra layer—it gets noticeably cooler. There are plenty of scenic stops and trails here, too.
Salt Pond State Park – A great beach for a laid-back afternoon. It’s less touristy, has calm waters protected by a reef, and is popular with locals. It’s also one of the few beaches with salt ponds still in use today.
Hanapēpē – This charming small town hosts a Friday night art walk from 5–8 p.m., when the streets come alive with music, food vendors, and local artists. Be sure to check out Talk Story Bookstore, the westernmost bookstore in the U.S., and stop into Fonda’s Daughter.
Warehouse 3540 – A creative space that blends local food trucks, boutique shopping (10 or so stores), and great coffee in one laid-back industrial warehouse. A fun place to hang out, shop small, and grab a bite. Check out Navy Dillon and the Wildflower Boutique!
The Shops at Kukui‘ula – A more upscale shopping center with a mix of name brands and local boutiques. Don’t miss Living Foods for gourmet groceries, SoHa Living for home decor, and Mahina for stylish beachwear.
Poipu Beach – One of the best family-friendly beaches on the island. Great for snorkeling, and you might spot sea turtles resting on the shore in the late afternoon. It’s also lifeguarded, which is a plus.
Tree Tunnel – The iconic eucalyptus-lined stretch of road you’ll drive through on your way to Poipu. It’s a beautiful photo-op, especially in the morning light.
Tunnels Beach – Known for amazing snorkeling and dramatic mountain backdrops, but parking is super limited. Arrive early or be prepared for a bit of a walk from wherever you find a spot.
Baby Beach – A quiet, shallow beach perfect for sunset. We brought dinner and ate right on the sand—such a peaceful way to end the day.
Shipwrecks Beach – On the southern tip of the island, this beach is usually sunny and popular with surfers. It’s not safe for swimming due to rough currents, and there’s no shade, but it’s a gorgeous spot for watching waves and brave locals catching rides.
Hula Show – This free hula show is a great way to experience local culture. It runs every Monday and Thursday at 5 p.m., and the atmosphere is casual and family-friendly.
Wailua Falls – A stunning double waterfall located right off the road, so no hiking is necessary. It’s especially magical in the morning when there’s a chance of catching a rainbow in the mist. A quick but memorable stop.
The Village Marketplace – Located in Kōloa Village, this boutique-style store is full of thoughtfully curated local goods—from handmade jewelry and art to food items and gifts. It’s a great place to pick up something unique and support local makers while you’re at it.
Kauai Humane Society – Field Trips for Shelter Dogs
This was one of the best things I did on my trip. You can “check out” a shelter dog for the day from the Kauai Humane Society and take them on a beach walk, a hike, or just hang out and explore the island together. It’s a $40 donation to the shelter to do this, super easy to arrange, and such a meaningful way to give back while you’re visiting.
Pick-up is between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., and dogs need to be returned by 5 p.m. You do need to sign up for a spot in advance, and when you arrive, they’ll ask about your experience with dogs and what kind of outing you’re planning. I told them I was used to big dogs and happy to take one who hadn’t been out in a while—and that’s how I got paired with Eomuk, a sweet pup who ended up getting adopted not long after!
They give you everything you need for the day: leash, water bowl, poop bags, a towel, and a little backpack to carry it all. We spent our time walking the Kapaʻa Trail (Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path), took a break in the shade, and even treated him to some plain shaved ice at Honu Shave Ice.
Dogs who go on field trips like this are much more likely to be adopted, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know you gave one a break from the shelter—and maybe even helped them find their forever home. Make sure to take lots of pictures, as the shelter will add them to the dog’s adoption profile after the outing.
At the Wildflower Way, we believe it’s important to give back when you travel, especially in a place as special and deeply rooted in community as Hawaiʻi. Taking time to volunteer, be respectful of the land and people, and travel responsibly helps preserve the spirit of aloha for everyone who calls these islands home.
The Humane Society also has a small retail store with animal-themed gifts and apparel, plus a thrift shop next door (BloomingTails) that’s worth checking out. If you’re looking for other ways to give back during your trip, there are often local beach cleanups or conservation volunteer opportunities happening around the island, too.
Where we ate
Groceries from Safeway in Lihue – We stocked up at the larger Safeway near the airport after landing, which saved us money and time later. Smaller markets are available in Poipu, but for a bigger selection and (slightly) better prices, Lihue is your best bet. Just keep in mind that groceries are pricier than on the mainland due to island imports. Local produce and eggs seemed to be less expensive.
Groceries from Kukuiʻula Market – We picked up a few groceries from this charming local spot with fresh produce, snacks, and island-made goods—perfect for stocking up between adventures.
Da Crack – A hole-in-the-wall Mexican spot near Poipu serving huge portions. It’s fast, fresh, and perfect for takeout after a beach day. We ate here multiple times, and I still think about this place! I got the fresh fish bowl option.
Hanalei Poke – Some of the best poke we had on the island—fresh, flavorful, and made to order. Located on the north shore and great for a quick lunch or beach picnic.
Shrimp Station Waimea – A casual seafood stop that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The coconut shrimp is a must-try, and everything is super fresh. We stopped here after Waimea Canyon.
Coconut Corner – A cute roadside stand with fresh coconuts and tropical snacks. We stopped here after Waimea Canyon.
Leahi Health – Healthy, delicious smoothies, bowls, and wraps with local ingredients.
Mucho Aloha Brewhouse – We had dinner on their back patio, which had a laid-back, open-air vibe. I am gluten-free, so I don’t drink beer, but they had cocktails, which were great.
Food Trucks (Wailua/Kapaʻa) – Kauaʻi is full of amazing food trucks. We found a great cluster off Highway 56 between Wailua and Kapaʻa, with 5–6 trucks offering a variety of cuisines. We tried Anatta’s Thai Street Food (highly recommend the pad thai) and Shakalafel (awesome falafel wraps and bowls).
Anuenue Cafe – A cozy, casual café with good coffee and breakfast bites.
Japanese Grandma’s Cafe – A local gem serving fresh, creative Japanese food in a relaxed setting. The sushi and tuna poke tacos were standouts—definitely worth the stop if you’re on the west side near Hanapēpē. Get there early to put your name on the waitlist and walk around the town. Make sure to check their schedule, as it is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. This was a 10/10 meal, and I’d definitely go back!
Friendly Waves – A laid-back café and restaurant in Kōloa Village with a focus on island-inspired food with local ingredients. It’s an easy, relaxed stop if you’re wandering through Kōloa. I loved the nachos with vegan cheese.
Taco Libre – This taco truck serves up flavorful and fast Mexican food in a casual park setting. I grabbed a coconut water straight from the coconut at a nearby stand while I waited.
Where we drank
Coffee/Non-Alcoholic –
*Make sure to try the local coffee while you’re in Kauaʻi—it’s grown right on the island, and you can taste the freshness in every cup.
Little Fish Coffee – This popular spot near Poipu serves excellent house coffee for just $3, and their açai bowls are a favorite. Expect a line, but it moves quickly. Watch out for the chickens, who will try to steal your food!
Java Kai – A colorful café with multiple locations, but if you’re in Kapaʻa, head to the back window for faster service. They serve great espresso drinks, smoothies, and breakfast bites.
Kauai Juice Co – Known for their cold-pressed juices, kombuchas, and creative wellness shots. The bottles are beautiful and reusable, and each location also carries locally made goods.
Sunrise Coffee – A chill little coffee shop in Lihue, open early (around 6 a.m.) until mid-afternoon. Great for a morning caffeine fix before hitting the road or catching a flight.
Aloha Roastery – A good spot to grab a quality pour-over or espresso.
Rise ‘n Shine Kauai Café – Tucked inside a grocery store, this café surprised us with one of the best macadamia nut lattes on the island. There is another stand in the grocery store that also serves açai bowls. There is also a small selection of locally made goods to browse while you wait.
Alcohol –
Brennecke’s – We stopped here for a drink at the end of the night. It’s a tourist-heavy spot, but the live music added a fun vibe. A solid place to wind down with a cocktail after a beach day, especially if you’re nearby in Poipu.
Troy’s – A classic dive bar with a local vibe. It’s unpretentious and fun—great for karaoke, pool, or just grabbing a cold beer with a mix of tourists and locals.
The Tasting Room – Located in the heart of Kōloa, this wine bar has a curated selection of wines and small plates. It’s an intimate, upscale option for a more relaxed night out—perfect for date night or a quieter evening with friends.
1 Hotel Welina Terrace – We stopped for a drink at this stunning hotel in the North Shore. The views are unreal, and the vibe is upscale but still welcoming.
What we recommend knowing/preparing
- Timing your trip: Most people visit Kauaʻi during the high season (December to April), when the weather is colder elsewhere—but ironically, that’s also when it’s rainiest on the island. The best weather tends to fall in the shoulder seasons: mid-April to mid-June and September to mid-December. These are considered “off-season” but are usually drier, sunnier, and less crowded.
- Kauaʻi is different from the other Hawaiian islands: Expect a little rain nearly every day—especially if you’re staying on the north or east sides. If you’re looking for a purely beach vacation, you might prefer an island like Maui or Oʻahu. Kauaʻi is much more about adventure: hiking, exploring, and getting out in nature.
- Year-round weather is mild: Temperatures typically stay between 70–85°F, even in winter.
- Microclimates are real: While it may be raining in one part of the island, it’s often sunny in another. Check the weather by region and be flexible with your plans.
- I eat gluten-free, dairy-free, and pescatarian, and I had no issues finding delicious food in Kauaʻi—the island has plenty of fresh, healthy options, and the seafood is incredibly fresh and widely available.
- Kauaʻi chickens are everywhere: You’ll see them all over the island—from beaches to parking lots.
- Island time is a thing: Things move slowly here!
- Local lingo: The continental U.S. is referred to as “the mainland,” and when locals travel there, they’ll say they’re going “off island.”
- Plastic bags are banned: Bring your own reusable bags or pick one up at a local shop—they’re super handy for grocery runs or beach days.
- Alcohol tip: If you drink, grab a pack of Ola hard seltzer or the Maui Hard Seltzer POG flavor from the grocery store. Both are delicious, local, and hard to find outside of Hawaiʻi.
- Beach safety: Swim only at lifeguarded beaches—Kauaʻi is known for powerful rip currents. Locals also recommend wearing fins for added safety when swimming or snorkeling. *Notes: I only snorkled/swam at Poipu beach as I didn’t feel safe with the current at other beaches.
- North and East = wetter / West and South = drier: The North Shore gets the most rain, and in our experience, the East Coast tends to be cloudy too. The West Side is dry and sunny but more remote and less developed.
- Food musts: Try Kauaʻi shrimp and fresh poke from local spots—some of the best you’ll ever have.
- Shaved Ice is a must-try treat: It’s not a snow cone! Shaved from a block with a blade, it’s super fine and powdery. Then, it’s topped with fruit syrups, and often a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of coconut milk.
- Groceries + gas tip: Stop at Costco or Safeway in Lihue after landing to stock up on groceries and alcohol. It’s more affordable than resort areas. On our way to return the car, we filled up the gas tank at Costco and vacuumed out the rental car at Sudz, both just a few minutes from the airport.
- Audio guides: Download the Shaka Guide or Guide Along apps before your trip. They’re great for driving tours and local insights as you explore the island.
What we didn’t do but looked into
- Tidepools – Restaurant in the Grand Hyatt, where you can eat in a bungalow over the water. Make a reservation ahead of time.
- Stevensons Library – Bar in the Grand Hyatt
- Beach House – A restaurant on the water in Koloa. We heard to get a Mai Tai and make sure to bring your sunglasses. Get a reservation ahead of time.
- Jungle Tubing – This is in Lihue. Make sure to book a reservation ahead of time. It is 3 hours and was $156 pp when we looked into it. A reviewer online said they are claustrophobic, and the tunnels didn’t bother them. Bring a waterproof phone case if you do this.
- McBryde and Allerton Botanic Gardens – This is on the south shore of the island and covers 80 acres
- Kauai Coffee Company Tour
- Na Pali Coast Boat Tour – We heard this is beautiful, but that it’s common for people to get very seasick. We heard it’s calmer in summer, and if you do it, go through Captain Andy’s.
- Helicopter tour – We heard to go through Blue Hawaiian or Jack Harter.
- Kayak Tour to Secret Falls – My friends did this on the day I did the field trip with the Humane Society. They used Kayak Wailua with Jason and spoke very highly of it. My friends said they found out that a lot of tour companies are not certified, so make sure you get one that is certified with a guide.
- Anini Beach – I read this has good snorkeling
- Koloa Rum Tasting – In Lihue
- Polihale – We tried to go here after Waimea Canyon, but we turned around as there are lots of potholes, as most of the road is unpaved, so you need four-wheel drive. Most rental cars have a rule that you can’t take their cars here.
- Secret beach (Kauapea Beach) – 10-15 min hike to the beach
- Kuilau Ridge Trail – Gradual 3.4-mile hike
- The Haven – Coffee place on the north shore
- Koloa Landing – Snorkeling
Remote working tips
- I worked every weekday during our stay in Kauaʻi, and it was surprisingly easy to balance work and play. If you’re based in the U.S. and don’t mind waking up early, it’s a great setup. Kauaʻi is 4 hours behind Denver and 6 hours behind the East Coast, which means you can get a solid start to your day, even while still having time to explore.
- Since there’s not much nightlife on the island, you’ll naturally fall into an early evening routine, which makes getting up early for work no problem. By the time the afternoon rolls around, you’re free to head out and enjoy the beach or explore more of the island.
- While there weren’t a ton of coffee shops with a “work” vibe, I did spot a couple of Starbucks for those looking for a more familiar remote workspace. Personally, I worked from our VRBO, which worked out perfectly and offered a quiet and comfortable environment to get things done.
What we packed
When packing for Kauaʻi, it’s best to bring only casual clothes—think breathable, comfortable outfits suitable for warm, humid weather. Be sure to include a variety of clothing layers, as the weather can change quickly, especially if you’re exploring different elevations. Don’t forget a light raincoat and an umbrella, since sudden showers are common on the island.
Make sure to pack Chacos or Tevas for more relaxed hikes and beach walks—they’re perfect for Kauaʻi’s mix of terrain and weather. If you’re planning to tackle more rugged trails, bring hiking boots for better support and traction.
Bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong Hawaiian sun, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. If you plan on doing laundry during your trip, you might want to pack a small amount of laundry detergent so you don’t need to buy a larger/more expensive bottle there.
A waterproof phone case can be really helpful, especially if you’re planning to be near the water or in the rain. If you have a snorkel, bring it along—Kauaʻi has some beautiful snorkeling spots. Hiking shoes are a must if you plan to explore the island’s many trails and scenic viewpoints.
Pack a reusable grocery bag for shopping or beach days, as Kauai encourages sustainable practices and plastic bags are banned in most stores.
A few extra suggestions:
- Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active, especially near waterfalls or after rain.
- A dry bag or ziplock bags are handy for keeping things like wallets or electronics dry.
- A sun hat and polarized sunglasses will make long outdoor days much more comfortable.
- Consider bringing reef-safe sunscreen to help protect marine life.
- Don’t forget a few swimsuits and maybe a rash guard if you’ll be swimming a lot or doing activities in the water.
We hope you liked our Kauaʻi travel blog. If you’re interested in other islands in Hawaii, check out our blog on the Big Island, Maui, and Moloka’i.
~Jessica
