Just one of many views you'll be treated to while visiting Kauai
If you’re looking to truly “get away from it all”, look no further than Kauai. With gorgeous expanses of beaches, lots of tiny towns and shops to visit, warm weather year-round, Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast, you will have plenty to do without ever feeling overwhelmed.
To actually get into Kauai you’ll need to land at Lihue International Airport, the only commercial airport in Kauai, located on the southeast coast in the Lihue District. Renting a car is highly recommended during your stay so that you can experience all that Kauai has to offer without relying on tour buses with limited stops. The majority of rental car companies are located right next to the airport and offer shuttles from the airport to your rental car company of choice. The Lihue District also has museums to visit and the easily accessible Wailua Falls.
East Side (Coconut Coast)
The town of Kapa`a in this district is the most populated in all of Kauai, and thus has the most resorts and hotels for honeymooners. Even though it’s the most crowded area on the island, it won’t feel like it, particularly compared to locations like Honolulu in Oahu or even Kailua-Kona on the big island!
Places of Interest: Wailua River for kayaking; the Fern Grotto for a picturesque tour of foliage you thought you’d only see in movies; Nounou Mountain for hiking; and lots of golden beaches to choose from for snorkeling, surfing or relaxing.
North Shore
A hiker's vantage point on the Na Pali Coast trail.
Princeville is a resort area in the North Shore of Kauai that hosts a variety of luxurious accommodations for honeymooners. Its view of Hanalei Bay plus its proximity to the Na Pali coast and a multitude of golden beaches makes this a popular tourist location.
Places of Interest: 17 mile Na Pali Coast for hiking or viewing (accessible only by foot or viewed from a boat or plane); Kilauea Lighthouse for a great view and a place to take some amazing pictures in a single afternoon; and Hanalei Town for sightseeing and touring the art galleries
West Side
This area certainly isn’t as touristy as any of the aforementioned locations! This area is less populated and boasts more history than anywhere else in Kauai. Stay in Hanapepe Town at one of the few rental properties or inns and enjoy what the West Side has to offer. Hanapepe revolves around its art and history; the buildings are truly historic and mostly untouched, while art galleries abound for tourists and locals alike.
Places of Interest: Waimea Canyon (the “Grand Canyon” of Hawaii) for sightseeing and hiking; and Kokee State Park for more hiking!
South Shore
The South Shore of Kauai is like a combination of all the other districts in Kauai; you’ll find beaches, hiking, resorts and more in this district. Something for everyone! Also, the South Shore is the sunniest area in all of Kauai, perfect for sunbathing. The beach town of Poipu hosts the most accommodations in this area, featuring bed & breakfasts, inns and resorts, so start there in your search for a place to stay in the South Shore of Kauai.
Places of Interest: Poipu Beach Park for snorkeling, swimming and surfing for experienced surfers only (careful, though – it gets very crowded!); Old Koloa Town for some history lessons, McBryde Garden to experience some truly amazing and breathtaking horticulture.
Kauai Summary: Something for everyone, since the entire island is pretty small (driving from the North to the South Shore only takes a couple hours). Rent a car, and you won’t regret it. Kauai has some of the best hiking for the outdoorsy types and beachside resorts that you see in the movies (the kind you think of when you think Hawaii!).
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