Kauai is my favorite island. It is, by far, the most beautiful and stunning island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Kauai’s famous Napali Coast is simply one of the most drop dead gorgeous, must see, once in a lifetime naturally beautiful spots on planet Earth. If you are going to fly all the way out to Hawaii…make sure you don’t leave without seeing the Napali Coast. Waimea Canyon is something that Mark Twain once remarked was the Grand Canyon of the pacific. Between Waimea Canyon, the Napali Coast and a host of incredible beaches and hiking, Kauai has some of the most unique and stunning topography on the planet.
First let’s take a look at a map of Kauai to orient ourselves…
The island of Kauai is essentially a circle. There is basically one main road that runs from Hanalei down the east coast of the island to Waimea. The entire Napali coast area in the Northwest is completely inaccessible by car. In the North you have the towns of Princeville, Hanalei and Kilauea. On the East Coast you have the airport located in Lihue as well as the towns of Wailua and Kapa’a. And, in the south you have the towns of Koloa, Lawai and Popoi. In the west, you have the town of Waimea, although staying here is much less popular than the other towns. Regardless of where you stay, you will end up traveling to all these other towns. Renting a car is absolutely essential for staying in Kauai.
I’ll break down each of these regions in detail below:
North Shore
Pros
– The best scenery and beaches on the island. Crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches and stunning mountains as the backdrop
– Three of the best beaches on the island (Kee Beach, Haena Beach and Hanalei Bay and Beach)
– Lush jungle valleys filled with waterfalls
– A really cute secluded town center with less tourists than the other parts of the island
Cons
– Tends to be more rainy, particularly in winter months (Nov-Mar)
– Less places to eat and drink
– Further away from all the places you will go on other parts of the island
East Coast
Pros
– Conveniently located near the airport and between the two other main areas of the island
– Much more affordable than other parts of the island
Cons
– beaches lack the incredible beauty of the North Shore or the convenience and amenities of the South Shore.
South Shore
Pros
– Sunny and dry year round
– Plenty of nice beaches (a step below those on the North Shore, but very nice)
– Tons of great restaurants and bars
– Conveniently located close to the sites at Waimea Canyon and Napali Coast
Cons
– More crowded and touristy than the North Shore
For me the most desirable place to stay is the North Shore, but depending on what you’re looking for, there are plenty of really nice accommodations on the South Shore. I would not recommend staying on the East Coast unless you’re just trying to save money.
Best Things to Do in Kauai
Helicopter Ride Over Napali Coast
I cannot stress enough that if you are going to take one helicopter ride in your lifetime, make it a helicopter ride over the Napali Coast. The Napali Coast is inaccessible via car. The only way to see the coast is via a boat ride around the island, a helicopter ride over the island or a week long hike. Whatever you do, make sure you do at least one of these excursions to see the Napali Coast up close. If you’re into photography they even have helicopters with no doors/windows so that your photos come out great. If you take a helicopter with doors and windows make sure that everyone in your group wears the darkest clothing possible. The glare from your white T-shirt will ruin your photos otherwise.
The helicopters take off regularly from the airport in Lihue. They’ll take you over Waimea Canyon and throughout the Napali Coast. You’ll most likely see or even stop at, depending on the trip you booked, the waterfall from the beginning of Jurassic Park. If you’re lucky and the weather is good your pilot may treat you by taking you over the old volcanic crater and drop the helicopter into the cone. This is a once in a lifetime experience that you have to see to believe as the the 3 sided cone that remains is thousand of feet deep, covered in jungles and waterfalls as the center of Kauai is the rainiest place on Earth seeing rainfall almost every single day of the year.
I’ve used both Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Safari Helicopters and have had good experiences with both. Jack Harter Helicopters do the door-off tours if that’s your thing.
I’ll shut up now and just let our photos below do most the talking:
Boat Ride Around Napali Coast
After seeing the Napali Coast from the sky, you’ll want to see it from even closer. One of the best days you’ll have in Kauai is taking a boat tour around the Napali Coast. There’s a bunch of tours from the South Shore, but the best tour leaves from Hanalei Bay on the North Shore. Because, the North Shore is closer to the Napali Coast, you can spend more time at the Napali Coast and less time in transit driving the boat around the island.
Napali Tours offers the only boat out of Hanalei to the Napali Coast and they do an amazing 2 hour sunset boat tour that takes you through caves and the entire Napali Coast.
Drive Through Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon, which Mark Twain once exclaimed was the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is one of the craziest things you’ll ever see. It’s a giant, red rock canyon in the middle of a tropical island. Put one day aside to drive through Waimea Canyon and hike through Waimea National Park. The entrance road is easy to find. From the town of Waimea you’ll take Waimea Canyon Road (Rt 550) and just follow it up through the park, stopping at all the overlooks to take pictures. There’s only one road through the park so you can’t get too lost.
Hike the Awa’awa’puhi Trail
If you want up to date info on the hike and it’s sister hike The Nualolo Cliff Trail, visit their official website for conditions and tips for your hike by clicking here.
Hike and Camp Out to The Napali Coast
This is a very strenuous and difficult hike and should be reserved only for those in excellent shape. In order to get to the secluded beaches of the Napali Coast you will have to take the Kalalau Trail. This ancient trail was used by the original Hawaiians that inhabited the Napali Coast. The trail is 11 miles in each direction and takes multiple days to traverse the round trip. Hiking and camping permits are required. You can make reservations up to 30 days in advance. Click here for additional up to date information.
Queen’s Bath
One incredibly interesting thing about the Queen’s Bath area is that there are tide pools separated by no more than 10 feet that are constantly filled with sea water and yet the water from each never communicates with the other pool. This creates completely unique environments, with their own natural algae flora that are completely distinct between the tide pools. These tide pools are brightly colored depending on what types of algae grow in their little micro-environments.
Kauai Coffee Company and Koloa Rum
Two small places to make quick stops are the Kauai Coffee Company and Koloa Rum. Both places offer tastings and tours. It’s fine to simply put the addresses into your GPS and show up unannounced. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Hike the South Coast Beaches & Tidepools
By the town of Poipo there are a handful of stunningly beautiful beaches. Head to Shipwreck Beach, go out to the beach and turn to the left, following the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.
Check Out the Shops and Restaurants of the South Shore
In the town of Poipu there are a bunch of small shopping centers filled with restaurants, bars and shops. It’s a nice place to walk around for a bit and grab some food. Check out the center of Old Koloa Town and The Shops at Kukui‘ula
Places to Eat on North Shore
Bar Acuda – This upscale tapas restaurant is the best spot to eat in Hanalei. All the ingredients are locally and seasonally sourced based on what local fishermen and farmers have available. Reservations are a must.
Places to Eat on South Shore
If you’re looking for the best granola, fruit, acai bowl in Hawaii make a pit stop at Kalalea Juice Hale. It’s about halfway between Lihue and Hanalei. You won’t be disappointed. You can google it’s exact location pretty easily.
