Visitor guide

A short walk from the resort

• Waipouli BeachRight past the pool. Quiet and great for morning walks. Check the water before swimming; the calmer ponds at Lydgate (below) are better for little kids.
• Across the streetSafeway, Starbucks, an ABC Store, and restaurants. Handy for groceries on arrival day.
• Oasis by the SeaThe resort's oceanfront restaurant, a few steps from the hot tubs.
• Spa and bikesMassages and bicycle rentals in the resort lobby.
• Coconut MarketplaceShops and places to eat, a few minutes down the road.

East side: Kapaʻa and Wailua

• Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal pathA paved oceanfront path through Kapaʻa, great by bike at sunrise. Rent bikes in the lobby or in town.
• Lydgate Beach ParkRock-walled ponds that make the safest swimming and snorkeling on the east side, plus a huge kids' playground.
• Wailua RiverKayak or paddle upriver, then hike to Uluwehi (Secret) Falls. Guided tours are the easy way to do it.
• ʻŌpaekaʻa and Wailua FallsTwo waterfall lookouts you can drive right up to. Wailua Falls is the one from the opening of Fantasy Island.
• Sleeping Giant (Nounou) trailA short, steep hike with big views over the east side. Go early before it heats up.
• Kapaʻa townShops, galleries, food trucks, and shave ice along the main road.

North shore: Hanalei and beyond

About 45 minutes north. Calm and swimmable in summer; big surf in winter, when you should stay out of the water and watch from the sand.

• Kīlauea Point LighthouseSeabirds, whales in winter, and dramatic cliffs. Check whether entry needs an advance reservation before you go.
• Hanalei Bay and townThe postcard view of Kauaʻi. Walk the pier, then lunch and shave ice in town.
• Hāʻena State Park and Keʻe BeachThe end of the road and the start of the Kalalau Trail. Advance reservations are required for parking or the shuttle, and they sell out, so book as soon as you know your dates.
• PrincevilleGolf, sunset views over Hanalei Bay, and the Queen's Bath lava pools (only visit when the surf is completely flat).

South shore: Poʻipū and Kōloa

About 45 minutes south, and usually the sunniest part of the island.

• Poʻipū Beach ParkLifeguards, a protected wading area for kids, and Hawaiian monk seals napping on the sand. Give them plenty of room.
• Spouting HornA lava tube blowhole that sprays with every wave.
• Old Kōloa TownHistoric plantation town with shops and ice cream.
• Māhāʻulepū Heritage TrailAn easy coastal walk past sea cliffs and wild beaches, starting near Shipwreck Beach.
• Tropical gardensThe National Tropical Botanical Garden runs guided tours of Allerton and McBryde gardens.

West side: Waimea Canyon and Nā Pali

Plan a full day. Leave early, bring layers, and fill up on gas before you head up the mountain.

• Waimea Canyon"The Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Stop at every lookout on the way up.
• Kōkeʻe State ParkAt the top: the Kalalau and Puʻu O Kila lookouts over the Nā Pali cliffs (clouds come and go, so be patient). Non-residents pay a small entry and parking fee.
• Waimea townShave ice and a stop where Captain Cook first landed.
• Nā Pali Coast by boatBoat tours leave from the west side and are the best way to see the cliffs and sea caves. Book a morning trip for calmer water.

Food and groceries

• Hukilau LanaiLocal fish and farm-to-table, a few minutes up the coast.
• Lava Lava Beach ClubToes-in-the-sand dining on the beach.
• Mariachi'sMexican food, close to the resort.
• Oasis by the SeaRight at the resort, on the ocean.
• GroceriesSafeway across the street. Target and Costco in Līhuʻe, about 15–20 minutes. Instacart delivers to the resort.
• Farmers marketsKauaʻi has markets almost every day of the week. Look up the current schedule for fresh fruit and local treats.

More of our favorite restaurants and shops are coming soon.

Tours and adventures

• Helicopter tourThe only way to see much of the island's interior and waterfalls. Book for early in your trip in case weather pushes it back.
• Wailua River cruise or kayakEasy and close to the resort.
• Mountain tubing, zip lines, horseback ridingGreat for families and groups, mostly on the south and east sides.
• Snorkel, dive, and paddleboardSnorkel sets and boogie boards are waiting in the condo.
• LūʻauSeveral resorts host lūʻau with dinner and a show. Reserve ahead.

Tips from the owners

• Rent a carYou'll want one. Book early; Kauaʻi has fewer cars than the other islands.
• Book the reservation-only spots firstHāʻena State Park fills up weeks ahead. Reserve it before you plan anything else on the north shore.
• Start earlyMornings are calmer, cooler, and less crowded everywhere on the island.
• Rain is part of itA shower on one side of the island usually means sun on the other. Head south if the north is wet.
• Mind the oceanRead our ocean safety notes before you swim.