Kauai known as “The Garden Island” showcases a diverse landscape complete with beaches, deserts, rainforests, swamps and mountains. The Island’s lush landscape is sustained by receiving approximately 440 inches of rainfall annually (the most anywhere on earth). The geography is home to exotic plants, birds and some of the world’s most endangered species. As one of the most undeveloped of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is an amazing island to visit for those looking to explore its natural beauty. Kauai is what I envisioned a tropical Hawaiian Island to look like before visiting.
When To Visit Kauai
The weather in Kauai does not fluctuate as much as other Hawaiian Islands. The temperature ranges from the low 60’s to the high 80’s year-round. While it does receive the highest annual rainfall, this is spread evenly throughout the year.
Where To Stay in Kauai
Kauai has accommodations for visitors on all coasts of the island depending on what amenities meet your needs and budget.
South Kauai
South Kauai is a very popular area because it is where you will find the best weather on the island. It is drier and has more sun than any other part of the island. The south is a good base for exploring West Kauai and East Kauai. The south shore has three popular towns for accommodations including Koloa, Lawai and Poipu. These areas have beautiful resorts, and a plethora of shopping and dining options.
-Sheraton Kauai Resort
-Koa Kea Hotel & Resort
-Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club Koloa
–Grand Hyatt Kauai
The perfect honeymoon resort! We were upgraded for our honeymoon to a room twice the size of any hotel room I had previously stayed in… with ocean views! The Hyatt is an oceanfront beach resort which sits along the sandy beaches of Poipu. The resort is modern, elegant, and very peaceful. Immersed in lush gardens, the resort features amenities including an adults-only pool, lazy-river pool, saltwater lagoon, waterslide pool, five restaurants, spa, fitness center, and golf course. As previously mentioned, South Maui is a popular area for visitors, but I felt the Hyatt was spacious enough that it never felt crowded.
East Kauai
East Kauai known as the “coconut coast” was given its name from the thousands of coconut trees growing along the coastline. This is a popular location to stay as it is the most developed part of the island, offering more affordable accommodations. Centrally located, it is also a great option for those looking to explore all of the island. The major towns on the east coast include Kapaa, Lihue and Wailua.
North Kauai
North Kauai is picturesque with beautiful beaches and a mountainous backdrop. Considered the most scenic coast, North Kauai is home to some of the most luxurious accommodations on the island. While luxury comes at a cost, it offers more seclusion over other parts of the island. Most resorts are in Princeville, Hanalei and Kilauea.
-Hanalei Bay Resort
-St Regis Princeville Resort
-Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
West Kauai
West Kauai is the least visited coast, with accommodations limited to bed and breakfasts. With limited dining options, most visitors do not base themselves on the west coast unless they are planning to do extensive hiking.
Where To Eat in Kauai
My husband and I visited Kauai on the second leg of our honeymoon (only for a few days) and based ourselves in South Kauai at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. After days of either relaxing or exploring, we found ourselves eating at one of the many Hyatt restaurants or in the town of Poipu.
Tidepools located at the Grand Hyatt Kauai is situated in bungalows floating over a lagoon filled with koi fish…does anything sound more romantic??? This was our favorite restaurant during our honeymoon in Kauai and we absolutely ate here twice! The atmosphere is contemporary and romantic, and the food presentation was impressive. We tasted tidepool’s Caesar salad, prime center cut filet, prime New York strip, macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi and of course the molten chocolate lava cake (I’m a big dessert girl!!!)
Stevenson’s Library known for its spirits and sushi! The restaurant stands out for the 24-foot koa wood bar and features open-air lanai dining as well as indoor dining. The sushi is locally sourced and very fresh.
Seaview Terrace serves a lighter fare dinner and showcases live island music or Hawaiian entertainment depending upon the night. I thought the live music was a great added touch to the sweeping views of the resort and ocean. I enjoyed the Grand Hyatt Kauai garden greens salad and the pasta bolognese.
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler located right on Poipu beach is a great casual, beachside restaurant. This is a great spot for lunch or dinner if you spent the day at the beach and want a super tasty, convenient meal. The menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and fresh seafood specialties. Kevin and I decided to go with the classic Brennecke’s burger and beer battered fish and chips (after reading great reviews). We enjoyed sharing both and topped off the meal with the lava cake!
Things To Do in Kauai
Most of the beautiful island of Kauai is uninhabited, making it the ultimate island for discovering the great outdoors! Whether you explore by land, water or air, the adventure is endless!
Na Pali Coast is extremely famous, possessing some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The coast has been featured in popular movies including Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Six Days Seven Nights, and King Kong. The best way to see the coast is by boat or by helicopter. I opted to see the coast by taking Captain Andy’s sunset dinner sail. The itinerary is over a 4-hour duration and includes panoramic views of the entire coastline from Kaena to Milolii. Kevin and I had an amazing time on this excursion! It was our favorite part of Kauai.
Kalalua Lookout is one of the most photographed valleys in Hawaii. The lookout can be reached via car on a windy road. The lookout point shows another viewpoint also used in many movies.
Kalepa Ridge Trail is a highly trafficked, 2 mile out and back trail used to trek further into the canyon from Kalalua Lookout. This trail is not for the weary, with steep sections and slippery terrain, make sure to wear appropriate shoes.
Explore the Beaches The top-rated beaches along with my favorites include Hanalei Beach Park & Bay (North Kauai), Makua “Tunnels” Beach (North Kauai), Po’ipu Beach (South Kauai), Shipwreck Beach Ssouth Kauai), Anahola Beach (East Kauai) and Polihale Beach (West Kauai).
