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Learn about Kauai

Introduction
Quick Guides
Neighborhoods
History and Culture
Travel Tips
FAQ

Your First Trip to Kauai
Get off the Beaten Path
Bring the Family to Kauai
Golf on Kauai
Plan a Wedding or Honeymoon

Quick Guides
NORTH KAUAI

Wet and wild, the north side of Kauai is mystical and romantic. You can spot waterfalls along the mountains, and the valleys in between are lush and fertile. North Kauai’s beautiful coastline is known as the Napali Coast.

LIHUE

Lihue is the island’s county seat, and serves as the central hub for government, business, and transportation. Its central location provides ample opportunity for shopping, sightseeing, and meeting the locals.

  • Discover Kauai's plantation past in Kilohana .
  • Spend a day swimming and sunbathing at Kalapaki Beach.
  • Drive 5 miles from Lihue to look at Wailua Falls, an 80-foot tiered waterfall.

EAST KAUAI (COCONUT COAST)

Kauai’s east side is dotted with golden sand beaches and flourishing coconut groves, which is how it got its nickname, the “Coconut Coast”.  The meandering Wailua River offers scenic views of the area’s rich foliage.

  • Explore old Kapaa Town and delight in the quaint shops and restaurants.
  • Enjoy a picnic at Lydgate Park and watch keiki (children) play in the sun.
  • Take a boat ride to the fern-draped splendor of the Fern Grotto.
  • Walk respectfully around ancient heiau (religious temples) in Wailua or kayak down the Wailua River, one of the only navigable rivers in Hawaii.

SOUTH KAUAI

Numerous crescent-shaped beaches adorn the southern shoreline. Because of its beautiful beaches and sunny skies, many people head this way for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.

  • See why Poipu Beach was recently voted “America’s Best Beach” by The Travel Channel.
  • Take a historical walking tour on the 10-mile Koloa Heritage Trail.
  • View the legendary Spouting Horn at sunset.

WEST KAUAI

The sunny west side of the island is home to several small towns, including Kekaha and Waimea. The 10-mile long, 3,567 foot deep Waimea Canyon is an unbelievable sight for such an island this size. It shouldn’t be missed.

  • Head to Kekaha Beach Park and enjoy imposing views of Niihau Island.
  • Browse the art galleries of Hanapepe, Kauai’s “Biggest Little Town.”
  • Drive up to the awesome Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”.

DRIVING TIMES

From Lihue Airport (LIH) to:

Fern Grotto: 15 min
Haena: 1 hr, 15 min
Kapaa: 20 min
Kilauea: 45 min
Poipu/Koloa: 25 min
Princeville: 1 hr
Spouting Horn: 30 min
Wailua Falls: 15 min
Waimea: 45 min
Waimea Canyon: 1 hr, 15 min


WHAT TO DO
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