The geologically oldest and northernmost of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is also the fourth largest, after the islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Oahu. Often given the moniker the ‘garden island,’ Kauai is defined by fine valleys covered in foliage, occasional mountains peeking out among the clouds, and shear sea cliffs dropping towards dramatic shores.
As you might expect from the ‘garden island,’ there are plenty of ways to get up close with Kauai’s natural wonders, whether that’s tropical rainforest dating back hundreds of years and rich in hiking paths such as at Kokee State Park, free-flowing rivers ripe for kayaking adventures such as on the Wailua River, or tumbling waterfalls including Opaeka’a Falls.
Elsewhere, beaches like Poipu Beach offer up that quintessential Hawaiian escape to the sands, with snorkeling offshore and visiting monk seals both added bonuses. You’ll find it located close to the island’s southernmost point, though many of the best beaches are thought to reside on the east coast, known as the ‘coconut coast.’ Luxury resorts are instead located on the island’s north shore, such as those around the Princeville area, while the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse is a great spot for whale watching in season.
The more adventurous might choose to tackle the zipline that exists among Kauai’s lush valleys, or head skyward to areas of the island only ever accessible either by air or by sea. The west coast of the island is also home to the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific,’ the awesome spectacle of Waimea Canyon.
Swap Kauai’s natural beauty for its charming small towns, and you’ll discover a laidback ambience that’s as rich in culture as anywhere else in the Hawaiian Islands. Its largest town is Kapaa, which has a good mix of shopping opportunities and places to dine out.
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Top Hawaii Travel Destinations
Big Island of Hawaii / Lanai / Maui / Molokai / Oahu
