The Ultimate Guide To Kauai

Hawaii

The Garden Isle

Kauai, called the Garden Isle, is known for its natural beauty consisting of thick tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, rivers, and gorgeous beaches. Kauai is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain of islands, everything is so pristine with some places that are only accessible by sea or air.

Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is a large and beautiful canyon located on the western side of Kauai. Waimea in Hawaiian means “reddish water,” reference to red soil erosion, caused by the Waimea River that carved the Waimea Canyon. This area is also known for the magnificent views of the Na Pali Coast from the top.

Lookouts: Waimea Canyon Lookout, Puu Hinahina Lookout, Kalalau Lookout, and Puu o Kila

Address: GPS Lat: 22.071305, Long: -159.661978, Just past Waimea Canyon State Park is Kōkeʻe State Park.

Napali Coast State Wilderness Park

Nāpali Coast is one of the most gorgeous coastlines in the world! The pali, cliffs, along the shoreline, rise to a height of about 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The lush green rainforests, narrow valleys, waterfalls, and the tall standing cliffs make it look out of this world. The Nā Pali Coast State Park, located in the northwest side of Kauaʻi, preserves the Kalalau Valley. Ways to explore: (1) Hiking, only attempt if you’re an expert hiker (2) Boat tours or (3) Helicopter ride.

Address: GPS: Lat: 22.166720, -159.638386, In-order to access the Na Pali Coast State Park and the Kalalau Trail, you have to go through Haena State Park, which requires advanced reservations for entry, check more here.

Wailua Falls

This is one of the most accessible waterfalls in all of Kauai, located on the South Fork of the Wailua River near Lihue. Wailua Falls is beautiful, and it’s impressive to see two separate streams meeting as they fall.

Address: GPS Lat: 22.035645, -159.378987

Spouting Horn Blowhole

Located on Kauai’s South Shore, is this spectacular Spouting Horn blowhole, the waves from the Poipu surf channels crashes into a natural lava tube that releases a huge spout of water, reaching up to 50 feet into the air.

Address: GPS Lat: 21.885346, -159.493031

Poipu Beach

Poipu Beach Park, located in the community of Poipu, on the southern coast of Kauaʻi. The beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.

Address: GPS Lat: 21.873522, Long: – 159.454191

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is one of the largest bays on the north shore of Kauaʻi. It’s very picturesque with about two-miles long beach nestled between the mountains.

Address: GPS Lat: 22.203229, Long: -159.504599

Queen's Bath

Located on the North Shore, the Queen’s Bath is a tide pool surrounded by volcanic rock. It was formed after a lava tube collapsed and was filled with fresh water from the natural springs. In ancient times only the Aliʻi, hereditary line of rulers, were permitted to enter the sacred waters of “Queen’s Bath,” where they “washed off the stress and relaxed.”

Address: GPS Lat: 22.229671, Long: – 159.485932