Ultimate Guide to Kauai: Explore State Parks, Surfing Spots, and Hawaii’s Largest Limestone Cave

The oldest of the main Hawaiian islands, Kauai offers dramatic scenery, endless outdoor adventures, a rich history and culture, and ono (delicious) eats. You don’t need us to convince you that Kauai is an extraordinary place, but with so much to do, see, and eat, you may need some help planning your visit. With that in mind, we’ve gathered some expert tips to help you plot your dream Hawaii trip, including the best things to do on Kauai, where to stay, and what to eat.

Best Time to Visit Kauai

Kauai is a year-round destination; however, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing travel dates. The best time to visit Kauai largely depends on your budget and interests.

The winter months (November to March) can be wet, with heavy rains impacting travel plans, views, and ocean conditions. Nevertheless, due to the islands’ microclimates, you can typically find sun somewhere on Kauai—often on the south shore, although this is not guaranteed, particularly in winter.

Moreover, a higher number of visitors travel to Kauai during the drier summer months (June to August), as well as during holidays (especially Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, and spring break). If costs and crowds are a concern, consider visiting Kauai during the winter months or shoulder seasons (September and October, and parts of April and May).

How to Get to Kauai

Unless you’re taking a transpacific cruise or have the means and training to sail to Hawaii, you’ll need to book a flight. According to the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau’s analysis of Diio Mi air data, there are currently more than 120 direct flights to Lihue, Kauai, from the continental U.S. each week, including departures from Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, and Phoenix. Additionally, there are four direct flights per week from Vancouver, Canada.

Best Places to Stay on Kauai

The best place to stay on Kauai depends on your interests, travel style, and budget. The island offers a range of accommodations, from quaint inns to large luxury properties. “When planning a trip to Kauai, finding a place to stay with the right atmosphere and vibe will shape the entire trip,” says Joanna Pascual, Kauai resident and the island experience manager at Koʻa Kea Resort.

Travelers looking to immerse themselves in otherworldly landscapes are often drawn to the north shore. There are affordable inns and high-end resorts here, including Hanalei Colony Resort, a beachfront retreat that encourages guests to unplug (no TVs in the condos here). It is essential to keep in mind that this part of the island receives a fair amount of rain, which maintains its lush landscape, yet can lead to road closures and rough waters in winter.

The east side of the island, where the Lihue airport is located, offers various options, from budget hotels to mid-range resorts and luxury residences. Timbers Kauai at Hokuala is ideal for a multigenerational getaway, with upscale amenities and activities—including spa and wellness programs, organic produce from the on-site farm, and expansive trails.

The south shore of the island tends to be the sunniest, attracting numerous hotels and a larger number of visitors. Koʻa Kea Resort in Poipu is well-suited for sociable travelers seeking a waterfront stay with walkable access to Poipu Beach, shops, and restaurants. For families craving the south shore sunshine, The Lodge at Kukui‘ula provides privacy with stand-alone villas and cottages, alongside rejuvenation at the Hiʻilani Spa, and adventure activities for memorable interactions.

Best Places to Eat on Kauai

Kauai’s location and environment are ideal for growing diverse foods and sourcing fresh seafood from the surrounding waters.

You can find a farmers market somewhere on Kauai every day of the week, which is perfect for trying tropical fruits, vegetables, honey, chocolates, and more (keep an eye out for locally made Lydgate Farms chocolate, or consider scheduling a chocolate tour and tasting on their family-run farm).

For a genuine farm-to-fork experience with Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean-friendly Restaurants stamp of approval, you may visit Hualani’s. The restaurant utilizes organic produce from their on-site farm paired with locally sourced ingredients, creating a prix-fixe dining experience with a changing weekly menu.

Searching for beloved local spots? Pascual recommends Tip Top Cafe, a cherished local establishment running for over 100 years. If you’re after noodles, Hamura Saimin is highly recommended, having been a local favorite for over 50 years. Native Hawaiian Joy Stedman, senior business development executive at Timbers Kauai, suggests you try their ‘extra-large special’ which features cabbage, onions, fishcake, and pairs excellently with skewers of beef or chicken, finished off with lilikoi pie for dessert.

Poke, a popular raw fish dish, is also a must-try on Kauai. If your timing aligns, you could sample some of Hawaii’s best poke at the Kauai Poke Fest With Sam Choy & Friends, hosted at Koloa Landing Resort. Here, professional and amateur chefs compete for the best poke recipe, with the winning dish added to the resort’s Holoholo Grill menu.

If you’re interested in trying shave ice, Pascual recommends JoJo’s Shave Ice for its generous portions and deliciously flavored syrups.

Best Things to Do on Kauai

Kauai is such a beautiful place; you could do absolutely nothing and still enjoy its serenity. However, there’s plenty to explore on the island, from mauka (toward the mountains) to makai (toward the ocean).

The famous Kalalau Trail and popular routes in Waimea Canyon State Park attract many hikers, leading to some overcrowding. Fortuitously, Kauai features dozens of hiking trails, from accessible paved paths, like the coastal Ke Ala Hele Makālae, to challenging 3,000-foot ridge trails, accommodating a range of ages and abilities.

Engage in bird-watching at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, home to a large population of nesting seabirds. Enjoy a stroll among towering redwoods and Japanese sugi pines in Kokeʻe State Park. Alternatively, join a guided trek with Kauai Hiking Tours along the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail leading to Makauwahi Cave Reserve, a significant archaeological site.

Enroll in a surf lesson or try outrigger canoe paddling to experience the thrill of riding waves. The southern shore tends to have larger swells in summer, while waves on the north are bigger during winter months. Dive into the underwater world with a day of diving or snorkeling. One recommended snorkeling spot is Anini Beach Park, where lifeguards are on duty and a long coral shelf suitable for snorkeling is present.

While the ocean around Kauai is magnificent, it can also be perilous; thus, it is crucial to abide by posted signs and lifeguard warnings. Seek accredited experts such as the team at Hoku Water Sports, or partake in a guided tour like Holo Holo Charters’ snorkel sail. For a comprehensive day on— and in— the water, consider their Niihau and Napali Super Tour.

Whatever activities you select, remember to travel pono (with righteousness, respect, and alignment). “Travel pono means to explore with care, helping to preserve our natural resources, cultures, and communities,” emphasizes Stedman. Embrace the malama Kauai (care for Kauai) ethos—leave the island better than you found it. The Kauai Visitors Bureau provides tips for experiencing the island safely and respectfully.

Engaging in organized volunteer efforts is an excellent way to give back while immersing yourself in the culture and traditions. Stedman suggests participating in a workday at ‘Alekoko Fishpond. This site, built nearly 1,000 years ago by the mythical Menehune, features community workdays held every third Saturday by Mālama Hulē‘ia that honor Hawaiian culture and values.

Felsen volunteers monthly at Makauwahi Cave and recommends joining voluntourism experiences with Travel2Change, which includes beach cleanups on the north shore and invasive species removal on the south shore.

Lastly, be cautious not to overbook your trip to Kauai. As Tiffany Dusenberry, director of food and beverage at The Club at Kukui‘ula, suggests, many of the best activities on Kauai are free. “Take the time to appreciate all the rainbows, savor juicy lychees, admire stunning seashells, relax, eat, and reset.”