Kauai Visitor Information

 Poipu Beach Park

South shore, 25 minutes west of Lihue

Once named by the Travel Channel as America's best beach, Poipu Beach is a popular destination for both visitors and locals alike. The waters here are teeming with marine life including various colorful fish, sea turtles, and the endangered Hawaiian monk seals which sometimes sunbathe on the shores. Go snorkeling, bring your toddler to the wading pool, or have lunch with your family at the picnic tables. Some of Kauai's best dining and shopping is also conveniently nearby.

 Na Pali Coast

North shore, 90 minutes north of Lihue

The Na Pali Coast is a majestic seventeen miles of coastline on Kauai's northern shore. It features a panoramic view of the great Pacific Ocean, emerald green cliffs and waterfalls that cascade into deep, narrow valleys. The only way to access the area by land is to hike the eleven-mile Kalalau Trail that begins in Kee Beach and ends at Kalalau Beach. Be careful though! This is one of the toughest hiking trails on Kauai and can sometimes be treacherous. If you aren't up for the hike, boat and air tours are also available.

 Kokee State Park

North of Waimea Canyon on the west side of Kauai

Sprawled over more than 4,000 acres of plateau, this park is covered in forests and wildflowers and is the perfect place for viewing native plant and animal life. Its 45 miles of prime hiking trails takes you past numerous breathtaking scenes including glimpses of Waimea Canyon. Don't forget to take a photo of the excellent views from the Kalalau and Puu O Kila Lookouts. Visit the Kokee Natural History Museum for additional information about the park.

 Spouting Horn Park

South shore near Poipu

This spectacular park is one of the most photographed places in Kauai. It is referred to as a "blowhole" for the spouts of water that shoot up into the air when the surf channels into and is released from a natural lava tube. The lookout provides a great view of the park and also offers an excellent vantage point during the December through April months for spotting humpback whales.

 Ziplining

Sign up for a ziplining tour for a unique and thrilling way to experience Kauai's amazing sights and diverse landscapes from the air. Not only does it offer you an exciting new perspective, it's also eco-system friendly. Courses are offered at various locations across the island including Princeville Ranch to the north, Just Live and Backcountry Adventures in Lihue, and Outfitters Kauai in the south.

 Horseback Riding

You can experience Kauai from horseback with one of the riding tours which can range from ninety minutes to five hours with breaks for snacks, photos, swimming, and more. Visit the CJM Country Stables near Maha'ulepu Beach for a journey along the south shore, or make a reservation at the Princeville Ranch Stables to the north, which has lands reaching all the way from Hanalei to the edge of Kalihiwai Valley. Make sure to look over your itinerary to see what you should wear, and don't forget the sunscreen!

 Kayaking

As the only Hawaiian island with navigable rivers, kayaking is an integral part of experiencing Kauai. Admire the lush, jungle scenery and other amazing natural sights as you paddle along the tranquil waters, or take a guided kayaking tour. The Wailua River is a popular kayaking destination, but of course you have other options as well, such as the Huleia River, starting in Lihue, and the Hanalei River, which is the longest on the island. Ocean kayaking is also an option, and is a challenging and fun way to experience the beauty of the Na Pali Coast by sea.

 Aerial Tours

With large portions of the Kauai wilderness inaccessible by car, aerial tours are a great way to enjoy the island's natural wonders from the Waimea Canyon, sometimes called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific", to the magnificent Manawaiopuna Falls, which appeared in the movie Jurassic Park. You can view the island by plane such as with Wings Over Kauai Tours, or by helicopter with Mauna Loa Helicopters and others. Most of these companies operate from Lihue, though there are a few others across the island.

 Hanalei

North shore, west of Princeville

This small, peaceful town is rich in both history and art with landmarks such as the Waioli Mission House and Hanalei Pier. The many art galleries here feature art and carvings made in Kauai, inspired by the island's natural beauty. Come enjoy a ukulele concert at the Hanalei Community Center or relax and watch the sunset at the end of the day over Hanalei Bay.

 Kilauea Lighthouse

North shore, north of Lihue

This 52-foot lighthouse was built in 1913 on the northern tip of Kauai as a beacon for passing ships, and serves now as one of Kauai's most frequented sites. 200 feet above sea level, it offers a magnificent view from the coastline of the Pacific Ocean, and is also the location of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. This sanctuary for seabirds is a wonderful place to observe the local bird species. During the months from December through May, you may also be able to spot humpback whales.

 Hanapepe

South shore, west of Koloa

Hanapepe is one of Kauai's largest small towns featuring historic buildings that have featured in various films and served as the models for Disney's movie Lilo and Stitch. Venture across the Swinging Bridge where many of the walking tours begin their exploration, always a fun adventure. In addition to its numerous shops and restaurants, Hanapepe boasts more art galleries than any other town on Kauai. Every Friday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, painters, sculptors, and other craftsmen open their studios and galleries to visitors in celebration of the arts. Check the calendar for the dates of the annual Hanapepe Orchid and Art Festival.

 Hukilau Lanai

520 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, Kauai, HI 96746

Dine on fresh, seafood cuisine made from local, Hawaiian ingredients right here in the Hukilau Lanai kitchen. The restaurant is located in the Kauai Coast Resort overlooking the resort gardens and features great food, a decent wine list, and reasonable prices. Make sure you make reservations because it can get quite busy!

 Hawaiian Blizzard

Kapaa Shopping Center, 4-1105 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa, HI 96746

Come to the Hawaiian Blizzard for some of the best shaved ice on the island. Open from Monday through Friday, it serves a variety of homemade flavors including passion fruit, cotton candy, mango, lime, coconut, watermelon, and more. It's a refreshing dessert for a warm and lazy afternoon in Kauai.

 Chicken In A Barrel BBQ

4-1586 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa, Kauai, HI 96746

This family-owned restaurant may be small but it's a well kept secret, offering a unique, Hawaiian-style dining experience. Enjoy a variety of barrel barbequed meat including chicken, pork, beef, and ribs. It offers lunch and dinner at great prices and is only steps away from the ocean.

 Art Cafe Hemingway

4-1495 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa, Kauai, HI

Get a taste of Europe at this lovely cafe with its coffee bar, real Italian coffee, delicious, homemade croissants, and more. Enjoy the relaxing, homey atmosphere and great prices. Visit the classic art gallery on the second floor or check out their website for information on events including book signings and artist discussions.