Kauai Travel Guide

Visitor information on Where to Stay, Best Kauai Things to Do, and more...

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Published by: John C. Derrick
Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.

Kauai Vacation Guide

Visitor Info & Top Things to Do on Kauai

Essential tips for the Ultimate Kauai Vacation Experience

Kauai is an island full of splendor, raw beauty, and culture; an island that, like no other, represents the true spirit of aloha. The island really is a true hidden gem of sorts. Over 90% of the island cannot be reached by road. In fact, the most beautiful part of the whole island has no road near it - and most Kauai lovers like it that way.

Kauai is defined by its amazing scenery and laid back persona. The island, arguably we'll admit, also boasts more coastline filled with beaches than any other island in the chain.

Kauai is home to Waimea Canyon, which Mark Twain dubbed, "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," the majestic Na Pali Coastline, Mount Waiʻaleʻale (one of the wettest spots on earth), some of the best hiking trails in all of Hawaii, and a unique mix of small towns dotting the coastal highway that encircles most of the island.

The island of Kauai has also been a hot spot for feature films. Dozens of filmmakers and producers have chosen the 'Garden Isle' as a backdrop in their movies.

We'll help you discover all that the island has to offer.

Everything you need to know about the Garden Island is here in one convenient place:

Explore the incredible selection and pick the best beach on Kauai
Hikers will love Kauai, it has some of the best hikes in the state.
Determine the best time to travel to Kauai
Discover where to stay on Kauai
Read our top Kauai travel tips,
Explore the best hand-picked tours and adventures and our fantastic selection of Kauai accommodations

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2025 Kauai Guidesheet!

Includes the top must-see & do attractions, best times to visit, where to stay briefing, airport detail, a monthly weather summary, and where to find the most noteworthy local ono 'grindz' (best eats) on the island.

Kauai Visitor Information

Our Top Kauai Travel Tips

Kauai is the fourth most visited island, at 1.2 to 1.3 million visitors annually. The island is defined by its amazing verdant scenery and laid-back persona. The island, arguably, we'll admit, also boasts more coastline filled with amazing beaches than any other island in the chain.

It is the fourth-largest landmass in the Hawaiian island chain, which consists of eight major islands and 124 islets. The archipelago is made up of numerous volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean, stretching in a 1,500-mile crescent from Kure Island in the northwest to the Big Island of Hawaii in the east, encompassing an area of 6,459 square miles. The eight major islands at the eastern end of the chain are, from west to east, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Discover fun things to do, the oh-so-amazing NaPali Coast, and insider tips and advice to make your Kauai vacation spectacular.

Kauai Transportation

Transportation on Kauai is varied, allowing for a tailored travel experience.

Car Rentals: Renting a car is favored (we recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental), offering freedom to roam the island's diverse locales.
Public Buses: The Kauai Bus covers several routes, though it has limitations in schedule and coverage.
Shuttle Services: Some resorts offer shuttles to key destinations for a hassle-free commute.
Bicycling: With scenic trails, biking is a delightful option with rentals available island-wide.
Taxis and Ride-Shares: Convenient for short distances, taxis and ride-shares like Uber and Lyft are operational.
Walking: In compact areas like Kapaa and Hanalei, walking is a pleasant way to explore the surroundings and mingle with locals.

Considering the transportation options in advance can help visitors make the most of their Kauai experience, whether they prefer the flexibility of a rental car, the eco-friendliness of biking, or the convenience of public transit.

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