Kauai

🌺 Kauai Travel Guide: Discover the Enchanting Garden Isle 🌴

Kauai, the “Garden Isle,” is a tropical masterpiece, famed for its lush emerald landscapes, pristine coastline, and rich Hawaiian culture. This guide is your personal map to the island’s treasures — from legendary natural wonders to the best local cuisine.

Kauai holds a very special place in our hearts. We first came in 2009 looking for our perfect wedding venue—after visiting Maui, Maryam was skeptical this would be the place. But the unparalleled beauty, from the dense foliage to even the quirky wild chickens, won us over. We chose the St. Regis Princeville (now 1 HOTEL Kauai) for its stunning views of the ocean and “Bali Hai.” Today, we’re grateful to have a place to call home in Kauai and to share this magical dream with others.

🚗 Getting Around & Essential Tips

Renting a Car is Key: Kauai is small—you can drive the length of the island in a day—but you’ll need a car to explore. It’s the easiest way to see everything!
👉 Tip: We’ve had great experiences booking through Discount Hawaii Car Rental.

✨ Top Attractions & Adventures

  1. Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park – Explore the rugged, dramatic coastline by hiking the Kalalau Trail, taking a boat tour like Na Pali Catamaran or Holo Holo Charters, or booking a helicopter ride for breathtaking aerial views. Fun Fact: Parts of Jurassic Park were filmed here!
  2. Waimea Canyon State Park – The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Drive the scenic road, stop at Waimea Canyon and Pu‘u O Kila Lookouts, and explore the hiking trails.
  3. Hanalei Bay – Relax on the famous beach, stroll through charming Hanalei town, and enjoy the view of “Bali Hai.”
  4. Waterfalls:
  5. Poipu Beach Park – Great for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting sea turtles and monk seals.
  6. Unique Adventures:
    • Ziplining or Tubing through lush plantation lands: Kauai Backcountry Adventures
    • Kayaking or Paddleboarding up the Wailua River to Secret Falls
    • Biking the Kapa‘a Trail: Rent from Biking in Paradise (📞 808-651-2676).

🏖️ Beaches, Snorkeling & Hikes

🍍 Culinary Delights & Favorite Spots

Don’t leave Kauai without trying local favorites like poke, loco moco, Spam musubi, and fresh tropical fruit!

Luau: Experience Hawaiian culture at Smith’s Family Luau.
Farmer’s Markets: Great for fresh produce, crafts, and local treats.

🌴 Princeville

  • Happy Talk Lounge (at Hanalei Bay Resort): Open Wednesday–Monday, 3 PM–9 PM, with live music daily starting at 6 PM. Great for cocktails, appetizers, and vibrant evening vibes. Dine-in and take-out available.
  • Wiki Pizza (at Hanalei Bay Resort): Open Thursday–Tuesday, 3 PM–9 PM. Excellent for casual dine-in or take-out after a beach day.
  • Positive Coffee (at Hanalei Bay Resort): Our on-site sundry store and café—open daily 7 AM–4 PM (Sunday 7 AM–1 PM). Offers breakfast burritos, bagels, muffins, espresso, smoothies, and essentials like milk, chips, and sunscreen.
  • 1 Kitchen Restaurant – On-site at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay; elegant, seasonal menus rooted in local ingredients.
  • Welina Terrace Lounge – Also at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay; rooftop lounge with sushi-inspired plates, craft cocktails, and nightly live music.
  • Lappert’s Ice Cream: Famous for tropical ice cream flavors.
  • B’s Kitchen: Convenient local spot in the Princeville Center.

🌺 Hanalei

🌺 Kilauea

🌴 Kapa‘a

🌺 Poipu

🌿 Lihue

🛍️ Shopping

Kukui Grove Center (Lihue) – The island’s main mall with local shops and national brands.
Princeville Center – Great mix of boutiques, eateries, and essentials.
Warehouse 3540 (Lawai) – Artsy market with handcrafted goods and food trucks.

🌊 Water Safety & Environmental Respect

  1. Ocean Conditions: Always follow lifeguard advice. Check daily surf at Kauai Now Surf Report.
  2. Wildlife: Keep a respectful distance from all animals—don’t touch or feed them.
  3. Sun Protection: Use reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and UPF clothing.
  4. Respect the Land: Leave No Trace—help keep Kauai pristine for generations to come.