Kaua'i

Kaua'i Travel Guide

Visitor information on Where to Stay, Best Kaua'i Things to Do, and more...

03-30-2025

John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawai'i tourism.

Kaua'i - The Garden Island

Kaua'i Visitor Guide

Kaua'i is an island full of splendor, raw beauty, and culture; an island that, like no other, represents the true spirit of aloha. The island really is a true hidden gem of sorts. Over 90% of the island cannot be reached by road. In fact, the most beautiful part of the whole island has no road near it - and most Kaua'i lovers like it that way.

Kaua'i is defined by its amazing scenery and laid back persona. The island, arguably we'll admit, also boasts more coastline filled with beaches than any other island in the chain.

Kaua'i is home to Waimea Canyon, which Mark Twain dubbed, "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," the majestic Na Pali Coastline, Mount Waiʻaleʻale (one of the wettest spots on earth), some of the best hiking trails in all of Hawai'i, and a unique mix of small towns dotting the coastal highway that encircles most of the island.

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Kaua'i Intro Visitor Guide
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Includes the top must-see & do attractions, best times to visit, a monthly weather & visitor summary, and our tips on how to save when booking your car rental, tours, and activities. Plus, grab our free Kaua'i Summary Guidesheets. Check out our Updated Kaua'i Visitor Guides.

Waialeale

Waialeale - Wailua headwaters ('Blue Hole') - One of earth's wettest spots

The island of Kaua'i has also been a hot spot for feature films. Dozens of filmmakers and producers have chosen the 'Garden Isle' as a backdrop in their movies.

We'll help you discover all that the island has to offer.

Everything you need to know about the Garden Island is here in one convenient place:

Kaua'i Visitor Information

Our Top Kaua'i Travel Tips

Kaua'i is the fourth most visited island, at 1.2 to 1.3 million visitors annually. The island is defined by its amazing verdant scenery and laid-back persona. The island, arguably, we'll admit, also boasts more coastline filled with amazing beaches than any other island in the chain.

It is the fourth-largest landmass in the Hawaiian island chain, which consists of eight major islands and 124 islets. The archipelago is made up of numerous volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean, stretching in a 1,500-mile crescent from Kure Island in the northwest to the Big Island of Hawai'i in the east, encompassing an area of 6,459 square miles. The eight major islands at the eastern end of the chain are, from west to east, Niihau, Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawai'i.

Discover fun things to do, the oh-so-amazing NaPali Coast, and insider tips and advice to make your Kaua'i vacation spectacular.

Makua Beach >>

Makua 'Tunnels' Beach - North Shore

Kaua'i Transportation

Transportation on Kaua'i is varied, allowing for a tailored travel experience.

  1. Car Rentals: Renting a car is favored (we recommend Discount Hawai'i Car Rental), offering freedom to roam the island's diverse locales.
  2. Public Buses: The Kaua'i Bus covers several routes, though it has limitations in schedule and coverage.
  3. Shuttle Services: Some resorts offer shuttles to key destinations for a hassle-free commute.
  4. Bicycling: With scenic trails, biking is a delightful option with rentals available island-wide.
  5. Taxis and Ride-Shares: Convenient for short distances, taxis and ride-shares like Uber and Lyft are operational.
  6. Walking: In compact areas like Kapaa and Hanalei, walking is a pleasant way to explore the surroundings and mingle with locals.

Considering the transportation options in advance can help visitors make the most of their Kaua'i experience, whether they prefer the flexibility of a rental car, the eco-friendliness of biking, or the convenience of public transit.

HawaiiGuide: Kauai Map

Hawai'iGuide: Kaua'i Map

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Kaua'i Visitor Data

Kauai 2024 vs 2019 (Pre-Pandemic) Visitor Numbers

Kaua'i 2024 vs 2019 (Pre-Pandemic) Visitor Numbers

Kauai 2024 Hotel vs Vacation Rental Rates

Kaua'i 2024 Hotel vs Vacation Rental Rates

342x150 Beach Chair

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