All About Kauai

Nāpali Coastline

Nāpali Coast

Just 90 minutes from Līhu‘e, the Nāpali Coast is a 15- mile stretch of mountains and sea on the northwest flank of the island. Accessible only by air, boat and on foot, Kaua‘i’s Nāpali Coast is one of the precious jewels in the crown of the Hawaiian Islands.

Kalapakī Beach

With gentle waves and a sandy bottom, you’ll appreciate swimming at this beach. Surf lessons, beach volleyball and kayak rentals are available.

Kilohana Plantation

This early 1900s plantation estate is a unique place to shop and dine. Board the Kaua‘i Plantation Railway for a train ride through the plantation’s 36-acre grounds. Kōloa Rum Company is Kaua‘i’s first and only commercial distiller, blender and bottler of premium Hawaiian Rum.

Fern Grotto

Fringed with hanging ferns, this natural lava rock grotto was an exclusive destination for Hawaiian royalty. Open-air boats offer guided tours of the area. Like a natural amphitheater, this romantic site is also a popular wedding venue.

Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is located at the southern end of Wailua River. It’s usually seen as two falls until rain transforms them into one. Rainbows often appear in the morning, when sunlight paints the 80-foot waterfall molten silver. Used in the opening credits of the TV show, Fantasy Island, Wailua Falls is easily accessible for viewing.

Kapa‘a

Be sure to find time for a leisurely stroll through Kapa‘a. You’ll find a smart blend of handmade and fine items, including some great Hawaiian craft pieces, aloha-print shirts, jewelry and fine art objects.

Lydgate Beach Park

Just south of the Wailua River is Lydgate Beach Park, with its two lava rock-enclosed ocean pools. This guarded beach is calm enough for keiki (children) and good for beginner snorkelers.

Po‘ipū Beach Park

The inviting waters of Po‘ipū make it very popular with visitors, locals and even marine life. From December through April, it’s not uncommon to spot humpback whales spouting off shore. Po‘ipū Beach is also well-known as a place where the endangered Hawaiian monk seals sometimes sunbathe on the shore.

Kōloa

Kōloa was Hawai‘i’s first productive sugar plantation, established back in 1835. The area has retained much of its old charm and many plantation buildings still decorate this historic town. The Kōloa History Center is a great place to view old photos and artifacts of Kōloa early years. Large monkeypod trees provide ample shade for those who want to browse Kōloa’s many shops and stores.

Spouting Horn

The Po‘ipū surf channels into a natural lava tube and releases a spout of water up to 60-feet high during large swells. Listen for the hiss and roar that follows! Access to Spouting Horn is convenient and the view from the lookout is luminous at sunset.

Kōke‘e State Park

Kōke‘e State Park encompasses more than 4,000 acres on a high plateau covered in forest, sprinkled with wild flowers and crisscrossed with hiking trails. At Kōke‘e Natural History Museum, there are exhibits on the unique flora of the area, along with maps of hiking trails and nature walks.

Hanalei

The grandeur of Kaua‘i’s North Shore is revealed from the picture-perfect Hanalei Valley Lookout. The small, peaceful town of Hanalei is filled with colorful shops, restaurants and unique art galleries. Lumaha‘i Beach is where Mitzi Gaynor “washed that man right out of my hair” in Hollywood’s memorable musical, South Pacific. Or, pack a picnic and venture out to Hanalei Bay.

Waimea Canyon

Nicknamed “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is one of Kaua‘i’s biggest attractions. This massive canyon provides stunning views of Kaua‘i’s lush valleys and tropical forest canopies. Waimea Canyon can be appreciated from several lookouts along Waimea Canyon Drive, but pack a jacket as the high elevation’s air is cool.

Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse

This historic landmark sits majestically on the northernmost peninsula of the island, providing scenic views of the dramatic cliffs and coastline. The Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is just around the bend, bringing Hawai‘i’s rare and unique nesting seabirds close to view. Be sure to visit the informative Visitor Center.