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Kauaʻi

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Kauai, Hawaii, United States, North America

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Overview

Emerald mountains, weeping waterfalls, red-rock canyons, jaw-dropping beaches, clear seas and big waves. Kaua‘i's natural gifts are unparalleled in Hawaii, the USA, the world.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Outrigger canoe near the beach of Hanalei Bay just after sunrise.

    Hanalei Bay

    Hanalei

    Hanalei Bay is Kauaʻi's postcard-perfect beach, embracing surfers, paddlers, bodyboarders and beach bums alike. It's a perfect crescent of golden sand…

  • Red and yellow hawaiian canoe with outrigger on the beach at Hanalei pier at dawn as the sun lights the sky over Na Pali mountains 179311358 sky, bay, sea, calm, pier, shed, dawn, boat, coast, kauai, kayak, beach, jetty, ocean, island, nobody, travel, clouds, scenic, hawaii, coastal, sunrise, pacific, walkway, tropical, dramatic, paradise, relaxing, mountain, seascape, peaceful, beautiful, coastline, landscape, pali, canoe, hanalei, hawaiian, na

    Black Pot Beach Park (Hanalei Pier)

    Hanalei

    The short easternmost stretch of Hanalei Bay, alongside the rivermouth, usually offers the calmest surf among the wild North Shore swells, and is popular…

  • Wailua Falls

    Wailua Falls

    Kauaʻi

    Made famous in the opening credits of Fantasy Island, these falls appear at a distance. When they are in full flow and misting the surrounding tropical…

  • Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church

    Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church

    Hanalei

    The green clapboard Wai‘oli Hui‘ia church stands on a huge manicured lawn just west of central Hanalei, against a beautiful mountain backdrop. It was…

  • Waiʻoli Mission House

    Waiʻoli Mission House

    Hanalei

    Home to missionaries from 1837 onwards, this historic two-story dwelling lies hidden from the highway at the far end of a footpath that leads behind Wai…

  • Middles Beach

    Middles Beach

    Hanalei

    West of Hanalei in Waipa, not far beyond Waikoko Beach at Mile 4 on the makai (ocean) side of the road is a small, scrubby parking area. Walk along the…

  • Waiʻoli (Pine Trees) Beach Park

    Waiʻoli (Pine Trees) Beach Park

    Hanalei

    Offering respite from the sun, this park is equipped with restrooms, outdoor showers, beach volleyball courts and picnic tables. Winter brings big swells,…

  • Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park

    Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park

    Hanalei

    Pretty much at the center of Hanalei Bay, this scenic beach park commands a white-sand crescent just made for walking or jogging. Waters are typically not…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Kaua'i offers the best of Hawaii on one easy-going island with superb coastal hikes, world-renown surf breaks and authentic, local food.

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Transportation

Getting around Kauaʻi without a car can be tricky, but these options can make your trip more seamless.

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Free Things to Do

From some of the world’s best beaches to lively farmers markets, there’s a lot you can do and experience in Kauaʻi without spending a cent.

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Best Road Trips

Our recommended itineraries cover the best hikes, beaches, restaurants and more of Kaua‘i for anyone interested in this beautiful place.

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Go Beyond

Kauaʻi and beyond

Beyond Kauaʻi