Kauai Travel Guide Summary
In September 2024, we embarked on our third trip to the island of Kauai, the northernmost of the main Hawaiian Islands. Every visit has been magical in its own way, and after this trip, I finally feel like I have enough information to offer a comprehensive guide for anyone planning a visit.
On our first trip to Kauai, we were almost in shock, overwhelmed by the island's beauty. I couldn’t even begin to describe all the things we did or the places we saw. Each time we’ve stayed for two weeks, using one area as our home base, which I’ll describe later. One thing to note: we haven’t visited any of the other Hawaiian islands, so I can’t compare them to Kauai. But honestly, we’ve never felt the need to. For us, Kauai is as close to perfection as it gets.
Where to Stay: The Three Main Areas
Kauai offers three primary regions where visitors typically stay. The first is the south shore, home to the well-known Poipu Beach. This area has a stark, rugged beauty and is drier than other parts of the island.
We’ve always stayed near Kapa’a on the eastern side of the island, which sits almost perfectly in the middle. I’ll explain why we love it so much shortly.
The third popular area is up north, near Princeville. This region is close to the famous Hanalei Bay, just a few miles south along the main highway.
The Downside: Traffic
Let’s get the one downside out of the way: the traffic on Kauai can be rough. As a general rule, assume you’ll average 25-30 mph while driving. There’s often road construction, and the traffic volume exceeds the capacity of the roads. But here’s the thing: the island’s stunning beauty more than makes up for it. Relax, take your time, and enjoy the incredible scenery. And as a bonus, the drivers are some of the most considerate I’ve ever encountered. You’ll often see locals and tourists alike stopping at crosswalks as if they’re competing to be the first to let pedestrians pass!
Why We Stay Near Kapa’a
We stay in the Coconut Coast area near Kapa’a, largely because of the traffic situation. The central location allows us to easily explore both the northern and southern parts of the island. While I won’t disclose the specific condo complex we stay in (we like to keep it available for our future visits!), there are plenty of great options nearby, many with direct beach access.
Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, with a family, or in a group, choosing where to stay will depend on your needs. If you're traveling with children, some beaches have calm pools protected by lava rocks, which are perfect for little ones and also offer decent snorkeling. Two that stand out are Lydgate State Park and Poipu Beach, both of which offer safe swimming areas and lots of marine life.
Why the Coconut Coast?
The Coconut Coast is perfect for us. Our condo complex and the nearby beach are amazing—you could spend your whole trip there and still feel content. Plus, it’s so centrally located, making it easy to reach both the north and south sides of the island. There are also plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, and other conveniences nearby.
One thing I can’t stress enough: you absolutely need a car on Kauai. While there is a bus system, it’s not very reliable. I’d personally recommend budgeting for a car over splurging on accommodations. Trust me, the flexibility is worth it.
Must-Visit Beaches
I’m going to wrap up this post with a list of beaches and activities that I think are must-dos while you’re on Kauai. A quick note: some of these beaches are great for swimming, while others are more for watching surfers or enjoying the views. Beach conditions vary by season, so be cautious of rip currents, and always pay attention to local safety advisories.
Poipu Beach (South Shore): A great spot for everyone. Some areas are good for snorkeling, and you’ll often spot sea turtles and monk seals.
Lydgate State Park (East Shore): Popular and easily accessible, it has a fantastic protected pool for children and some decent snorkeling.
Kealia Beach(East Shore, just north of Kapa’a): We’ve boogie-boarded here, but be warned—the waves can get huge, and rip currents are common.
Anini Beach (North Shore): One of the best snorkeling spots on the island, with calm waters and abundant marine life, including sea turtles. You don’t have to swim far to see them!
Hanalei Bay (North Shore): While not ideal for snorkeling, Hanalei Bay is breathtaking, surrounded by mountains at the start of the Na Pali Coast. Rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the Hanalei River—you’ll likely spot sea turtles along the way.
Tunnels Beach (North Shore, just past Hanalei): Our favorite snorkeling spot on the island. Arrive early though—parking is limited.
Activities to Consider
In addition to the beaches, we’ve enjoyed paddleboarding, kayaking, visiting Waimea Canyon, visiting, Wailua Falls, exploring the Wailua River, and taking a boat cruise along the Na Pali Coast (which included snorkeling). All of these activities have been incredible, and I highly recommend them.
I’ll dive into more details about specific experiences in future posts, but feel free to reach out with any specific questions you might have about Kauai!
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