On Kauai you’ll find brilliant sunsets, pristine beaches, and aquamarine skies. Kauai, the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, appeals to a no-muss, no-fuss type of traveler. If you prefer a rural beach destination, then Kauai’s your island. There are only two major highways, and some regions can only be explored on foot.
But , be forewarned: You might also need a little cash. Kauai has put a premium on its natural beauty and prized hiking trails, and room rates during the winter can reach $500 a night. See our section on when to go for the most economical time to visit Kauai. Start planning your vacation to Kauai. Continue reading our Kauai Travel Guide. For a list of all the great beaches in Kauai, visit our Hawaii Beaches.
Weather – When to Visit Kauai
The best time to visit Kauai is between September and November or from April to June, when the weather is pleasant and airfare and hotel rates drop. The rainy season that occurs from December to March doesn’t deter visitors looking for a winter getaway, but you’ll face the highest markup on rooms and flights if you visit at this time (it’s peak travel season in Kauai). If winter is too pricey for your liking, consider the spring and fall months as a compromise: Kauai sees a slight dip in prices after the peak season concludes and before families take summer vacations. Vacationing in Kauai during the summer won’t yield the same high prices as winter, but they won’t be a whole lot lower either.
Best Kauai Beaches
Kauapea (Secrets) Beach
This 3,000 foot long north shore beach is known for its size, privacy, and scenery. Secret beach is between Kalihiwai Bayand Kilauea Point and is accessed by a steep trail which is of course, not marked. This beach is great because it’s so large and vast, that many times you feel like you are one of the only people there. Keep walking down the beach until you find a spot that suits you, and enjoy this beach.
Ke’e Beach
Somewhat hidden away inside the Ha’ena State Park, Ke’e Beach is where Kauai’s notoriously lush jungle and craggy cliffs meet the sea. You’ll need to be prepared with a reservation for the Ha’ena State Park if you plan on visiting Ke’e Beach, but this extra step, which limits the number of visitors each day, means that this beach is much less crowded.
Makua (Tunnels) Beach
While on the beach you get incredibly beautiful views of the Napali Coast cliffs, the wide beach is sandy and large, and the water is very clear. Makua Beach got its nickname of “Tunnels Beach” because of the lava tubes that have formed beneath the surface of the water. Abundant wildlife, like sea turtles, monk seals, and colorful fish can be seen swimming along the reef and just beyond the drop off.
Poipu Beach Park
Located in Kauai’s southern resort town of Poipu, it’s popular thanks to its golden sand and unique, double-crescent shape known as a tombola. It often has ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions, especially in the winter when many North Shore beaches are dangerous due to intense surf. There’s great snorkeling, surfing nearby, whale watching off the shore, and the reef system helps to keep the beach somewhat protected, making it great for kids, especially in the winter.
Kiahuna Beach
Kiahuna is right next to Poipu Beach, and you’ll find more waves here than you will at Poipu Beach. While it’s not quite as calm as Poipu Beach, the ability to body board or boogie board makes up for it. With the Sheraton right there, you can grab lunch or a Mai Tai without having to pack up and lose your parking spot (or spot on the beach).
Best Restaurants in Kauai
$-Inexpensive $$-Moderate $$$-Pricey $$$$-Ultra High End
Bar Acuda $$$$
Bar Acuda is Kaua‘i’s coolest place to relax with friends, share tapas and sip some wine. Chef & owner Jim Moffat’s culinary sensibility originates from the people and food he experienced during years of travel to the Mediterranean regions of Europe – including Southern France, Italy, Spain and Portugal – as well as twenty-five years of honing his craft at his award winning San Francisco restaurants. Telephone: 808-826-7081 Web: Bar Acuda
JO2 Natural Cuisine $$$$
JO2 transforms nature’s bounty into exquisite dishes incorporating Kaua`i-grown heirloom vegetables and the freshest ingredients from the sea. With the culinary influences of Josselin’s native France, clean flavors of Japanese cooking, and ingredients inspired by Hawai`i’s multiethnic community, JO2’s succulent offerings are both creative and rooted in tradition. Telephone: 808-212-1627 Web: JO2 Natural Cuisine
Hukilau Lanai Restaurant $$$$
Serving delicious food using fresh local ingredients from Hawaii. Specializing in impeccable fresh fish caught by our local fishermen. Open air dining surrounded by lush tropical gardens with an ocean view. Telephone: 808-822-0600 Web: Hukilau Lanai Restaurant
Kauai ONO 560 $$$$
Kauai Ono provides a Farm-to-Table concept dinner twice weekly to the public. Menus are varied and based on locally sourced proteins as well as fruits and veggies from the local farmers markets. Telephone: 808-634-3244 Web: Kauai ONO 560
Sam’s Ocean View $$ – $$$
Sam’s Ocean View Restaurant is known for it’s Fabulous Kauai Ocean Views, ambiance, great food and drinks. Locals and tourists alike, consider this one of the ten best restaurants in Kauai. Enjoy island fresh foods prepared daily just for you, from garden to table, you are certain to enjoy every bite. Telephone: 808-822-7887 Web: Sam’s Ocean View
Best Nightlife in Kauai
Tahiti Nui
The comfortable hangout welcomes folks craving homestyle sustenance, as well as those who come to enjoy a tropical drink and great entertainment. Every night, there’s some sort of activity, be it karaoke performances, bands playing local tunes, or impromptu dancing. Fun-loving patrons and a casual ambiance guarantee its appeal in the eyes of North Shore natives and visitors alike. Telephone: 808-826-6277 Web: Tahiti Nui
Bar Acuda
Hip, gleaming Bar Acuda has a stylish atmosphere and scrumptious food. It’s a great destination for dinner and drinks with friends or with a romantic interest. A carefully chosen wine list highlights vintages from western Europe and the western US, and a fantastic social scene is part and parcel of the goings-on. Telephone: 808-826-7081 Web: Bar Acuda
Hanalei Gourmet
Although this casual restaurant serves food all day, it’s also known for its nightlife scene. It’s a former schoolhouse and almost seems like sacrilege to enjoy loud music in the space. Still, patrons kick back at the bar and rock to live music, which is played several nights a week. You may encounter jazz, island folk, or even rock when you come. Telephone: 808-826-2524 Web: Hanalei Gourmet
Keoki’s Paradise
Keoki’s bar is a fantastic hangout for those who want to drink, socialize, and munch on appetizers and light fare. On weekends, you’ll catch live bands playing terrific Hawaiian tunes and folks dancing to the catchy rhythms. Fun and beautiful. Telephone: 808-742-7534 Web: Keoki’s Paradise
Stevenson’s Library
This refined bar has the feel of a Victorian gentleman’s club, thanks to dark woods, upholstered sofas, books, and parlor games. Other diversions include billiards tables, TVs, and a player piano. Single-malt scotches are a specialty, along with cognacs and ports. Best of all, live jazz performers play nightly. Telephone: 808-742-1234 Web: Stevenson’s Library
Wow! Kauai is indeed a heaven!
You have laid all the important details that a traveler should know.
From weather, to hotels and attractions.
Kauai would be definitely in my list!
Great Mina! You will have a ball! Please let me know if I can provide you with any additional information.
This is a very nice review on the Kauai, it is just so revealing and rich. The description is so amazing, it makes me want to be in Hawaii already. I have always dreamed of going to Hawaii, living the Hawaiian dream for a vacation, but I have not gotten the chance yet, financially and otherwise. But the part that caught my eye the most was the Koloa zipline that spans 1.2 mile it gave me the chills. And reading this today has heightened my Hawaiian expectations. Cheers.
You will love Hawaii once you to visit. Really Kauai is probably a lot easier on your pocket book than some of the other Hawaiian Islands. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Oh my God, Kauai is a heaven on earth! It looks so wild and pristine yet super luxurious and a place to spoil yourself. Do temperatures drop during wet season or is it still hot and muggy?
I cannot stop scrolling up and down your post, Polihale State Park and Waimea Canyon looks absolutely stunning!!
It stays about the same temperature year round. I don’t consider it to be hot and muggy though. Nice temperature with some humidity. But then I am in Florida. And you are right, you can spoil yourself in Kauai! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Matt,
Oh, my Goodness:) This place is so beautiful!
I can already imagine myself there. I’ll sure visit this place very soon. I love the green and blue sky, and I enjoy hiking too. Perfect!
There are many fun activities to indulge in. It must be great to do kayak there or a boating tour.
The hotel that I like very much is The Villas at Poipu Kai. I’ll take a look at this one right now. How many days will be enough to visit all these places?
Thanks for this excellent post!
I am not sure where you are traveling from Daniella, but I would set aside 2 days for getting there and getting home. Then I would spend at least a week and a half enjoying what all Kauai has to offer. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Kauai looks amazing on the video! I know Hawaii has been one of the crowded places for tourists, but this one looks perfect!
You mentioned going there around September.. do you think it is not as expensive?
Anyway, thanks for the review.. this is i think one of the best place to go in Hawaii:)
It is not as expensive Hanna. And yes, it is the best place in Hawaii budget wise
Thanks for visiting my Kauai Travel Guide!
Wow, I´ve always wanted to go to Hawaii, and this post makes me want to go there even more. Are there a little less tourists on Kauai than on the most popular islands? A rural beach destination sounds awesome.
Yes! Compared to Maui, Oahu and the Big Island, Kauai is far less touristy. You won’t find the overcrowded mega-resorts, and in fact, building restrictions don’t even allow for hotels to reach more than a few stories in height. This offers a drastically different experience than what you’d find at some of the popular destinations on the coasts of the other islands. So, it will be an awesome beach vacation!
Oh Hawaii!
It’s so so famous and yet I haven’t get the chance to visit that amazing place. Thank you so much for sharing your guide. I’m again excited! Oh holidays holidays…
Can you also introduce me to the local cuisine? Which restaurant should I go to meet some locals and try what they eat?
Yes, I have one recommended on my review which is J02 Natural Cuisine. A couple more choices would be Mark’s Place and Keoki’s Paradise. Please let me know if you have any additional questions and thank you for stopping by my Kauai Travel review.
Hawai is a beautiful place with very nice restaurants. In my country there are similar hotels and restaurants with a wonderful seaview which reminds me of them. I’m sure that anyone reading this will be ready to make their booking to travel there. Great article! Thank you for sharing!
You are very welcome Carmeta. Thank you for stopping by!
Hawaii has always been a dream of mine! I must say that your article offers a detailed description of the place and a lot of advice on what to do, where to go and eat. Thanks you Leahrae!
You are so welcome Effie! Thanks for stopping by
Thank you kindly for the info regarding Kauai travel, I tend to go for backpacking and backpacker option simply because that is the kind of vibe that I like within the travel community (I travel non-stop mostly Asia!) Hawai islands represent a pretty cool stop over on the way from Asia to the Americas.
Backpacker destination on these islands apprecaited.
Yes Derek, definitely can do some back packing here
Glad you enjoyed!
Well, Kauai has just made it to the top of my list of dream destinations!
I like what I’m seeing and I like it a lot.
The hotels, the restaurant and the place itself look magical and definitely something that shouldn’t be missed.
And I think I’ll have time in April – you said it’s one of the best times of the year to visit, right?
Thanks for sharing, I’ll certainly consider it!
Yes, April is great ! Dreams definitely come true, you will get there
Thanks for stopping by!
I have always wanted to travel to Kauai! It looks incredibly beautiful. I appreciate the recommendations on the best time to visit Kauai, between the months of September and November or from April to June. This is where there is going to the best deals. Thank you for the valuable information.
Thank you Monica for visiting beach travel destinations. I am glad you enjoyed my Kauai Travel Guide. Stop by when you are ready to plan.
Thank you for wonderful info on the Island of Islands.
The exotic romantic ora enfolding Hawaii is always so enticing to visit.
Your site has all the information needed to make it your next destination.
A wonderful review.
Stella
Bush Lady
Thank you Stella! I am truly glad you enjoyed. Yes, Hawaii is a wonderful destination. Plenty for everyone, that is for sure!