Everything you need to have the best vacation ever with the best places to go, things to do, food to eat and places to stay in Kauai!
The Best Kauai Guide
Must See, Do, Stay, and Eat Guide for Kauai
If you have read About Me, then you know how special Kauai is to me. It’s my favorite Hawaiian island and I have spent a lot of time there.
Kauai is the ultimate vacation spot– warm balmy air, green and lush, beautiful beaches, not overly developed–it feels as though you are in a faraway exotic place like Southeast Asia or Central America.
There is enough culture in Kauai to make it feel like a different country. But the fact that Kauai is in the United States (and only a five-hour flight from California) makes it an extremely easy and relaxing vacation.
Since I have always stayed on the South Shore I am partial to that area. The North Shore rivals the beauty, but it also gets the most rain on the wettest island. Poipu has the best options for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do– and it’s easy to get to anywhere on the island since it is centrally located.
I can help you plan your perfect vacation to Kauai with kids, with friends, as a couple, or solo.
This “best of Kauai” that I have put together is a collaborative effort with my sister, Rachel (who is still a regular visitor, with her husband, Tom). Save time and money and make the most of your vacation in Kauai by doing, eating, and staying at the best of Kauai.
Keep reading to get Kauai vacation ideas and all information you need (and the links) to plan your trip to Kauai.
Click here to search for the lowest flight prices to Kauai
Arriving at the Lihue Airport
Find the best prices on flights to Kauai here
When you arrive at the airport, you may be hungry. Pick up your rental car and stop for lunch in Lihue at Humura Saimin for a bowl of saimin with the locals. Another favorite is Fish Express (and much healthier)– with a delicious fish plate lunch to go.
Next stop? Costco. Stock up on food and drinks here- they have a great selection and the best prices.
Click here to see the best prices for car rentals at the Lihue Airport
Where to stay in Kauai
The best places to stay in Kauai
Looking for the best place to stay in Kauai? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels and condos in Poipu Beach here
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort– A splurge, but it is grand and beautiful with a fun resort pool for kids, and there are two water slides and a baby beach. Consider upgrading to the Club Level, where they serve a full breakfast and evening appetizers and snacks and drinks are available all day. Note that the beach, Shipwrecks, can be unsafe with a strong undertow. Click here for the latest prices
Marriott Waiohai Beach Club Resort- This is a nice cross between a resort and condo, where you get the amenities of a resort and have a full-sized apartment with a kitchen (and housekeeping!). Click here for the latest prices
Koa Kea Hotel & Resort– Friends and family love this classy and comfortable boutique resort. Since it is on the smaller side and quiet, it’s best for kids that are able to keep the volume low. Click here for the latest prices
Kuhio Shores Condos- For an oceanfront 1 or 2 bedroom condo that is 10 steps to the water, stay in a condo here. They are all individually owned so check the photos and location in the building carefully. The ground floor is great for older children and teens, with the ocean is right in front of your door. Click here for the latest prices on condo #107 (this is where we stayed on our last trip- 1 bedroom, ground floor), Click here for condo #106 (1 bedroom, ground floor), and click here for condo #410 (2 bedrooms, 4th floor)
Kiahuna Plantation– An excellent location on Poipu Beach in a plantation-style setting. Consider paying more for an ocean view or oceanfront condo to be on or near the beach (and in a better area of the large complex) and avoid all of the Garden View condos, as they are located in the back of the resort on the noisy road. Click here for the latest prices
Poipu Kai– a little more of a walk to a nice beach, although Brennekes, out front, is good for boogie boarding. Manoaloha or Kahala are the best sections to rent a condo in. My parents owned a condo for years in the Kahala section, which is great for tennis players. Manoaloha is closer to the beach. Both sections have a pool and hot tub. Click here for the latest prices
The Lodge at Kukui’ula – For a beautiful vacation house splurge! This is a top place to stay in the Poipu Beach area. Click here for the latest prices
Click here to read reviews and see prices on Booking.com
Click here to search for a condo or house to rent
Kauai Family Activities: Fun things to do in Poipu and the South Shore
Visit some of the best beaches in Kauai
Poipu Beach Park
Often voted one of the best beaches in Kauai, this beach is great for adults and kids of all ages. There is an area that is like a baby beach at a resort and is great for toddlers and young children to play in calm waters. Older kids can snorkel, bodysurf, play catch or frisbee, or just sit on the beach.
Kiahuna Beach at Poipu Beach Kauai (This beach may have less sand and more rocks in the winter months)
Kiahuna Beach (also part of Poipu Beach)
This is a beautiful beach for all ages, but swimming is safer for older kids.
Mahaulepu Beach Kauai
Mahaulepu Beach
This local beach is off the beaten path but worth a visit for escaping the crowds, bodysurfing, or snorkeling.
Allerton Beach Kauai
Allerton Beach
This remote beach was once the home to Hawaiian Royalty. Today it is one of Kauai’s best-kept secrets and one of our favorite beaches in the world. Most tourists don’t know about this beach. I have confirmed with the Botanical Gardens that it is now okay to access Allerton Beach on the private road owned by the Kukuiula Golf Course. To get there, pass Spouting Horn and drive to the end of the road (there is a gate.) Turn your car around and park up the street a little. Our favorite time to visit this beach is around 10:00 in the morning when we have it to ourselves!
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Best Snorkeling Kauai in the Poipu Area
*You can rent gear at Nukumoi Surf Shop, across from the Park Beach.
Poipu Beach
There is great snorkeling in front of the Marriott Waiohai, next to Park Beach.
Lawai Beach
To the right of Beach House Restaurant, you will find Lawai Beach with some of the best snorkeling in Kauai.
*Careful not to step on a sea urchin. I highly recommend “water socks” (see in the photo above) if you do not have fins.
For other best beaches in Kauai (outside of the South Shore), see below.
More Fun Things to Do in Poipu Kauai
Take a surf lesson with Kauai Surf School, or longboard (it’s easier)
Go paddleboarding (rent at Nukumoi Surf Shop)
Boogie board (also called “bodyboarding”)
For some extra adventure, go boogie boarding at sunset
Go out on a small catamaran (extra fun during whale season)
Watch for whales (peak season is January through March but there are sightings as early as November)
Kauai sunrise
Watch the sunrise with the Kauai chickens and roosters.
Kauai sunset
Watch a sunset from the beach and look for the green flash (with a clear horizon, this happens for a split second when the last bit of the sun goes down).
Walk along the waterfront trail to the beautiful Grand Hyatt Kauai, one of my favorite hotels in the world. In the morning see the exotic birds, have a coffee from the cart, sit on the lanai and enjoy the incredible view.
Walk along Poipu Beach in the other direction.
Shop at the local stores in Koloa town.
Hula Show at Poipu Shopping Village
Go to the Poipu Shopping Village (across the street and down) and see the free weekly hula show and get some souvenirs at Whaler’s Market.
Get some apple bananas or ladyfingers at one of the roadside stands (pay in a box, the honor system).
Farmers Market Koloa Kauai
We have been shopping at the Koloa Farmers Market for years!
Go to a farmer’s market and try something new! Tip: If you have access to a vase (or something you could use as a vase) treat yourself to a big beautiful bouquet of a local bird of paradise and ginger flowers.
Visit Spouting Horn, and watch the waves create a huge spout while the pressure makes a horn sound.
Sit outside the Luau and Hula show at the Sheraton and enjoy a few minutes of entertainment from a distance (or, you may want to make a reservation and be a part of it, but the price is high).
If you are interested in plants, Allerton Botanical Garden is beautiful and gives tours. Kids may get a bit bored.
Makauwahi Cave
Tortoise Refuge
For a fun 1 hour outing check out a cave and see a tortoise…Drive 1.5 miles past the Hyatt and park at CJM stables. Walk down the trail to the Makauwahi Caves and take a look inside. Continue walking to see the tortoise refuge. Back to your car, keep driving to go to Mahaulepu Beach (see above, best beaches in Kauai).
I have not done the following paid tours, but have heard great things…
Kauai Adventure Tours
Find an adventure in Kauai now
Here are some examples of fun adventure tours in Kauai:
Kauai Backcountry Adventures
-Tube down an old sugar plantation irrigation system, through open canals and tunnels.
-Soar through the air on a 7-line zipline course, traversing the side of a mountain down to a bamboo grove.
Kauai ATV
-23 miles of diverse offroad trails through farmland and lush tropical forest with cascading waterfalls and a swim in a mountain pool.
Click here to read about more adventure tours in Kauai
Best Hikes in Kauai and Kauai Waterfalls
Hike the Mahaulepu Trail from the Grand Hyatt Kauai
Hike from the Grand Hyatt. Park in the hotel or Shipwrecks beach parking lot. Hike out to your left upon the bluff and around on the Mahaulepu Trail.
There are lots of roosters at the top of the canyon
Canyon Trail in Waimea Canyon
The view at the end of the Canyon Trail
Hike the Canyon trail at Waimea Canyon, stop at the lookout just before the trail parking lot (try some mochi cake at snack stand).
If you want to visit a big beautiful state beach, Polihale is further up the road).
On your way back, visit and tour the Kauai Coffee Plantation.
Hike the Napali Coast on the Kalalau/Hanakapiai Trail: Adventurous Day Trip From Poipu to North Shore Kauai
Napali Coast Kauai
This is a big one and one of my favorite adventures of all time (I’ve done it twice). It’s my second favorite hike in the world (second only to the Cinque Terre in Italy!).
This is an advanced and difficult hike so make sure to get in good shape before you travel to Kauai! Pack shoes that you don’t mind staining from Kauai’s red dirt.
***Reservations are now required unless you are hiking with a local. Click here for information or to make a reservation
Check the weather the day before and make sure there isn’t a forecast for rain. If it has been raining, it will be muddy for a lot of the hike, which just adds to the adventure, but does make it more difficult!
If you are staying on the south shore, leave by 7:00 in the morning (6:00 would be even better!) to get on the trail early (before other hikers and to finish by the peak heat.) Pack lots of water and a picnic (or lots of snacks). Don’t forget a cap and sunscreen.
Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast hike
Park at the end of the road and hike two miles along the coast on the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapia Beach. Take a rest here (DO NOT SWIM AT THIS BEACH, THE OCEAN HERE IS NOT SAFE.)
Take the trail along the creek, through the jungle for two more miles to the epic 300 foot Hanakapia Waterfall. This is the best waterfall in Kauai and a great place to take a refreshing swim before you head back.
Other things to do on the North Shore Kauai
Blue Room
A quick stop just off the road, take a look at the inside of this cave. The water is an amazing shade of blue (a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed here).
Hanalei Town
If you haven’t already had lunch, stop at Hanalei Taro & Juice Company for a plate lunch or a sandwich or Fresh Bite Food Truck. Then enjoy a shaved ice at JoJo’s. Next stop, one of the best beaches in Kauai…
Hanalei Bay
Everything you could ever want on a gorgeous tropical beach, Hanalei Bay is a great post-hike stop. Relax on the beach and take a swim after your big accomplishment!
Kilauea Lighthouse
Worth a quick stop to see.
Splurge Activities in Kauai
Catamaran ride to the NaPali Coast out of Port Allen
If the weather is good, this is well worth the money. The coast is unique and spectacular and only accessible by boat.
Helicopter ride
See Kauai from above. This is only a good option if the weather is clear.
Where to eat in Poipu Kauai
Where to eat in the Kukuiula Shopping Center (casual food)
Bubba’s Burgers Kauai- Wear the T-SHirt and get a FREE drink!
*Bubba Burger
A family favorite, this place has great burgers. It’s one of the only bargains on the islands and the patties are made with local grass-fed beef:) A must.
Living Foods Kauai
Living Foods (Natural foods store)
Good order at the counter breakfast and lunch, as well as a yummy bakery (amazing freshly baked sticky buns and the best gluten-free bread loaves). There is a nice market as well, but the prices are high.
Savage Shrimp
Excellent shrimp plate lunch.
*Don’t miss the Wednesday Culinary Market 4:00-6:00 pm
Down the street:
Da Crack
Local, order at the counter Mexican food.
Where to eat like a local in Koloa Town (casual)
Sueoka’s Market in Koloa Kauai
Sueoka’s Market’s take out window
Have a plate lunch or teri burger.
Koloa Fish Market
Fantastic plate lunches and poke (and fresh fish to cook, if you have a kitchen).
Where to eat in the Kiahuna Shopping Center:
Kauai Juice Co.
Good if you want to go for some healthy clean food
Anuenue Cafe
A DELICIOUS breakfast! Be prepared to wait.
Puka Dogs (hot dogs prepared in a unique way with a toasted bun and sauces).
Keoki’s
For dessert, sit in the bar and share a massive slice of Kauai Pie.
Grand Hyatt Kauai
A splurge for a delicious and expansive all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast.
Drinks and “pupus” are nice on the Lanai.
Beach House Restaurant
One of the best places to watch the sunset but super expensive. Go for the happy hour 2:30-4:30 (hours may vary, check before you go) and bring your sunglasses Make sure to make reservations for dinner.
Riptides Shave Ice
One of my two favorite shaved ice on the island, make sure to ask for the Organic fresh fruit flavors (or real coffee).
In Kalaheo-about 15 minutes down the road
Shaved ice in Kauai
The Fresh Shave
On your left, just before Kalaheo, this is an amazing shave ice food truck, and my other favorite!
Kalaheo Cafe
Great breakfast and lunch (a good breakfast stop if you’re going to explore the Westside and/or Waimea Canyon).
Where shop for groceries in Kauai
Koloa Town:
Sueoka’s–
The older of the two grocery stores- it’s funky, but it’s got a good old town, local feel, and is convenient.
The Big Save
Bigger, with a larger variety of food.
Koloa weekly Farmers Market
There’s a great Farmer’s Market in Koloa on Mondays at 12:00-1:00
The Costco in Lihue has a lot of made in Hawaii snacks and food, and some local produce and seafood.
*Make sure to try the local Anahola Granola (great sprinkled over plain yogurt in half of a papaya with local honey), macadamia nuts, macadamia nut cookies, guava jam, passion orange or guava juice or a combo (“POG”), mochi rice also called “sweet rice” is great with BBQ teriyaki chicken or beef if you are cooking.
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