A Free Guide to Kauai | Beaches, waterfalls, hiking, and more.

Kauai

@andrewandbrenna

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When planning a trip to Hawaii, the most common struggle is deciding which islands to visit. If you are looking for that true magic of beauty and relaxation, Kauai is the place for you. As opposed to Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island, Kauai is the most remote. Kauai's tranquility is mirrored in its slower pace of life.

Over 90% of Kauai is protected land, meaning that roads and towns are only built on 10% of the land. The majority of these roads and towns are built along the coast that borders the island.

Lastly, Kauai has over 28 public beaches, over a dozen state parks, and hundreds of waterfalls. This makes it pretty hard to find something bad on the island. Since that's the case, I have handpicked my favorites and listed them below.

Things to do:

Kālepa Ridge

@andrewandbrenna

The Kalepa Ridge is the most famous ridge line on Kauai. It's a narrow ridge that can be reached by driving to the western edge of Waimea Canyon. It offers a stunning view of the Na Pali Coast and has various hiking trails that go atop of it.

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Waimea Canyon State Park

@andrewandbrenna

The island's centerpiece is Waimea Canyon, often dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Its deep reds, oranges, and greens create a striking tapestry, a testament to millions of years of natural erosion. There are dozens of hikes and viewpoints for you to enjoy in the canyon.

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Poipu Beach

@andrewandbrenna

Poipu Beach is a beach located on the southern shore of Kauai. It's known for its golden sands, clear blue waters, and a variety of recreational activities. Poipu Beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It's also a prime location for watching sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals, as they often frequent the area.

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Shipwreck Beach

@andrewandbrenna

Shipwreck Beach, also known as Keoneloa Bay, is located next to Poipu Beach on the southern coast of Kauai. It's famous for its wide stretch of golden sands and its stunning views of the ocean and coastline. The name "Shipwreck Beach" comes from the wreckage of a wooden fishing boat that washed ashore in the 1970s.

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Polihale State Park

@andrewandbrenna

Polihale State Park is the most remote and secluded beach on Kauai. The beach at Polihale is one of the longest in Hawaii and offers stunning views of the ocean and the Na Pali cliffs. A 4-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for reaching this beach. This beach is popular for sunset, as it is secluded and offers a magical view.

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Queen’s Bath

@andrewandbrenna

Queen's Bath is a unique tidal pool located on the north side of Kauai. The pool is named "Queen's Bath" due to its historical use by Hawaiian royalty for bathing. Queen's Bath can be dangerous and unpredictable, and has resulted in dozens of injuries and deaths over the years. As a result, local authorities often advise against visiting or swimming in Queen's Bath, particularly during the winter months when the ocean conditions are rough.

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Hanalei Bay

@andrewandbrenna

Hanalei Bay is an iconic bay located on the northern shore of Kauai. Hanalei Bay offers a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The town of Hanalei is a charming community with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. This bay is considered one of the best beaches for swimming and relaxing.

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Tunnels Beach

@andrewandbrenna

Tunnels Beach is famous for its stunning underwater coral formations, clear turquoise waters, and exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities. The name "Tunnels" comes from the underwater lava tubes and arches that can be found beneath the ocean's surface. Tunnels is a more private beach and considered a romantic spot by locals.

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Kīlauea Lighthouse

@andrewandbrenna

The Kilauea Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the northernmost point of Kauai. The lighthouse was built in 1913 to guide ships traveling through the treacherous waters around Kauai. The lighthouse and surrounding area offer breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, coastline, and nearby cliffs. It is a mile hike to reach the lighthouse, making it the perfect way to get a quick workout

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Sleeping Giant West Trailhead

@andrewandbrenna

Sleeping Giant was one of my favorite trails that I found on Kauai. It is one of the few trails that takes you through the middle of the island. There is Sleeping Giant West, and Sleeping Giant East, which are two different trails. Both are similar, but East is more strenuous as it’s longer and has more elevation gain.

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Wailua Falls

@andrewandbrenna

Wailua Falls are located in the center of Kauai close to Kapa’a. These falls are one of my favorites due to their remote location. The falls can be viewed from above, but there is a steep trail on the south side of them that brings visitors down. This trail is not taken by many, so if you dare to do it you’ll likely be one of the only ones there.

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Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

@andrewandbrenna

The Nā Pali Coast stretches along the island's northwest edge, showcasing towering cliffs, hidden sea caves, and secluded beaches that offer a glimpse into Kauai's untouched beauty.

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My full guide on the best way to see the Nā Pali Coast is linked below:

Andrew & Brenna

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The Perfect Day: Nā Pali Coast

Aloha! Welcome to our favorite place on Earth: the Nā Pali Coast. The Nā Pali Coast is a beautiful stretch of rugged coastline located on the northwest side of Kauai. This guide contains an eight mile hike along the famous Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpīʻai Falls. This area of Kauai is one that can only be seen by foot, helicopter or boat, and is one that you definitely can't miss. The Nā Pali Coast stands as a testament to the power and wonder of nature, a place where the mountains meet the sea in a breathtaking beauty of colors and forms.

Free

Itinerary

Places to eat:

Porky's Kauai Waimea

@andrewandbrenna

Porky’s is a local Hawaiian spot that serves up hot dogs and sausages. There are two locations in Waimea and Koloa. If you are looking for a quick bite at a prestiged place, this is the spot.

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Bubba Burgers Poipu

@andrewandbrenna

Bubba Burgers is known as Kauai’s best burger. It is more of a fast food style, but it lives up to the hype. There are two locations, one in Poipu and one in Kapa'a.

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Anaina Hou Farmers Market

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Kauai Community Market

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Kiawe Roots

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Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company

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Koloa Fish Market

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If you are planning a trip to Kauai or Hawaii in general, feel free to contact us via Instagram. We'd be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have prior to traveling.

Thank you for reading through this guide and happy traveling!