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Kauai

Hawaiʻi at its wildest and most beautiful.

Emerald mountains, deep valleys, waterfalls, beaches and a coastline that can stop you in your tracks. Kauaʻi feels quieter, greener and less polished than the other major Hawaiian islands, and that is exactly the point.

Plan your Kaua‘i trip  →
Why we love it

Kauaʻi still feels wonderfully untamed.

This is the Hawaiʻi we choose when nature needs to be the star. The North Shore is lush, dramatic and romantic; the South Shore is sunnier, more resort-oriented and easygoing; and the rest of the island unfolds through small towns, beaches, mountains and landscapes that feel remarkably untouched. Kauaʻi officially has five distinct regions, and where you stay can significantly change the experience.

It also asks something different of the traveler. You don't come here for endless nightlife or a packed resort scene. You come because you want Hawaiʻi to feel like Hawaiʻi.

The vibe: Lush. Dramatic. Peaceful. Adventurous.

CouplesHoneymoonsNature loversFamiliesAdventureLuxury escapes
What people come here to do

On Kauaʻi, the island is the experience.

01

See something extraordinary

Some of Hawaiʻi’s most dramatic landscapes are here, from towering sea cliffs and deep canyons to rainforest and waterfalls.

02

Get outside

Hiking, boating, kayaking, snorkeling and exploring are woven into a Kauaʻi vacation. Much of the island's interior isn't accessible by car, which is part of what keeps it feeling so wild.

03

Spend time on the water

The coastline is a huge part of Kauaʻi, whether you're seeing it from the beach, from a boat or from an entirely different perspective.

04

Slow down

Kauaʻi isn't trying to entertain you every minute. That's one of its greatest luxuries.

05

Actually experience Hawaiʻi

Small towns, local culture and landscapes beyond the resort areas give the island a strong sense of place.

How we’d design it

On Kauaʻi, where you stay changes more than the view.

01

Choose the right side of the island

North Shore or South Shore is not a minor decision. Weather, atmosphere, beaches, resort choices and what you want to experience all come into play.

02

Choose the resort for the trip

Kauaʻi's hotel scene is smaller than Maui's, which makes getting the property right even more important. We know which stays are worth the splurge and which fit the experience you're actually after.

03

Don't turn paradise into homework

There is plenty worth experiencing here, but Kauaʻi needs breathing room. We'll help you find the balance between seeing the island and simply being on it.

Kauaʻi isn't a vacation you should rush. Or guess your way through.

We'll help you choose the right side of the island, the right stay and just enough adventure to experience what makes Kauaʻi extraordinary.

Find my Kaua‘i  →