United States: travel guide to Kauai, Hawaii | Itineraries and must-sees
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Exploring this verdant island over 7 to 10 days would be the ideal option for any traveler wishing to enjoy Kauai’s very relaxed atmosphere and the natural gems it has to offer. In my opinion, renting a car and taking day trips from Princeville (a charming town in the far north) or staying in a hotel near Poipu or Lihue (further south) allows you to set foot on some of the island’s most beautiful beaches and to easily explore some of its most magnificent spots.
Kauai, Hawaii – Getting there from Canada
Considering that Honolulu is the main point of entry to the turquoise archipelago, I personally flew with Air Canada, stopping in Vancouver (YVR) on my way from Montreal (YUL), before taking a short flight on Hawaiian Airlines to Kauai (Lihue airport).
My American Express®* Aeroplan® Reserve Card gives me access to airport lounges, free baggage check-in and priority boarding, all for less, and I’m a die-hard Air Canada fan! However, other airlines such as United allow you to depart from Montreal (YUL) and stop only in San Francisco (SFO), among others.
According to Air Canada’s points predictor, a Montreal/Honolulu economy class ticket starts at 17,500 Aeroplan points.
- Annual fee
- $599
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,700
- Welcome offerAfter $7,500 in 3 months
- Up to 85,000 points
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Lihue airport car rental
Holding the American Express Platinum Card®. For the past few years, I’ve had Gold status with Hertz, which offers a 10-15% discount on the regular price with code #633306, full insurance and priority vehicle pick-up. So, at Lihue airport, everything went quickly and smoothly: 20 minutes after landing, we were already on our way!
- Annual fee
- $799
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,700
- Welcome offerAfter $10,000 in 3 months
- Up to 100,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Kauai, Hawaii – Things to see and do
Explore the winding roads to the imposing Waimea Canyon
Exploring the winding road to Waimea Canyon is an unforgettable adventure! Start with a stop at Japanese Grandma’s Cafe for the best sushi on the island; a culinary experience that will delight your taste buds. Then pause at the Red Dirt Waterfall for a breathtaking view of the south coast.
The highlight of the show, of course, is the Waimea Canyon Lookout, from which you can contemplate the geological marvel known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. With its colourful cliffs and breathtaking panoramas, it’s sure to be a sight to behold! If you’re still thirsty for adventure, push on to Kalalau Lookout for a spectacular view of part of the Na Pali Coast, another awe-inspiring landscape.
With this excursion to Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe National Park, you’ll explore the wonders of northwest Kauai.
Watch the sunset at Hideaway Lookout
It was while chatting with my Airbnb host that I got this nice little tip: one of the best places to watch the sun go down is called Hideaway Lookout. You could park your car at the Hideaway Pizza Pub, just a few minutes’ walk away, and come and relax at the most intimate of lookouts. Once the show is over, return to the restaurant where you parked for a bite to eat. It’s all set up for a great evening!
Enjoy all that Tunnels Beach has to offer!
Tunnels Beach is a true natural splendor! Here, you can swim alongside graceful sea turtles and watch seals basking on the shore. The beach also offers breathtaking views of the start of the Na Pali Coast. Finally, snorkelling is particularly impressive at Tunnels Beach, as you can observe the famous “tunnels” formed by lava underwater, revealing a fascinating and completely unique underwater world! For me, of all the islands, this is my favorite beach.
Discover deserted yet splendid beaches!
What’s absolutely disconcerting, and delightful, about the island of Kauai is the fact that many beaches stretch for miles, and some are almost deserted! Such is the case of Secret Beach and Larsen’s Beach. These two beaches are well worth a visit if you’re tired of the crowded beaches in the south of the island.
Following in Captain Jack Sparrow's footsteps at Makauwahi Cave
Kauai, with its breathtaking scenery, has been used as a film location for many Hollywood movies, including “Pirates of the Caribbean 4”. Film buffs can follow in the footsteps of the famous Captain Jack Sparrow by visiting Makauwahi Cave. A short hike takes you along the beach to a breathtaking grotto! To explore this nature reserve is to plunge into the world of a classic film while strolling through a cinematic setting in its own right.
This tour will take you to several of Kauai’s filming locations.
Discover Poipu Beach Park
On Kauai’s South Coast, Poipu Beach Park is the ideal place to stroll and swim. This magnificent sandy beach is a veritable paradise, often frequented by sea turtles, which you can observe from up close. After a day of relaxation, treat yourself to a meal at Brennecke’s Beach Boiler, where you can enjoy breathtaking sea views.
Secluding yourself in the Queen's Bath (at your own risk)
Queen’s Bath consists of a number of fascinating natural formations, made up of crevices and holes in the rocks that fill with water at low tide. Every time a wave crashes onto the shore, water is projected into these cavities, creating unique natural “baths”. The 15-minute hike up is steep and can be slippery, and a sign warns visitors that they venture up at their own risk. Despite the steep path, Queen’s Bath offers an extraordinary experience and, quite literally, a direct connection to the power of nature.
Cruise the Na Pali Coast
The Na Pali Coast is Kauai’s must-see, famous for its towering cliffs and lush valleys. There are several options for enjoying the immensity of this magnificent coastline, including hiking and excursions by helicopter or small plane.
Don’t hesitate to fly over the Na Pali Coast and the whole of Kauai to admire the island’s breathtaking panoramas.
Personally, I opted for a catamaran excursion, a costly experience – between $400 and $500 per person – but a truly memorable one. Sailing along the Na Pali Coast on a catamaran offers a unique perspective on this natural wonder, with breathtaking views of rock formations, waterfalls and marine life – dolphins in this case!
You could choose this Na Pali Coast snorkeling trip from Port Allen aboard a catamaran, or get away from it all with this Na Pali Coast sunset sailing trip with dinner.
Enjoy the ambience of Princeville and Hanalei
To get the most out of Kauai, be sure to visit Hanalei and Princeville. These charming towns are packed with markets selling local produce, perfect for discovering the island’s flavours and crafts. Hanalei beach is particularly fantastic at sunset, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. For coffee lovers, a stop at Trilogy Coffee is a must: it’s one of the best on the island!
Visit Kauai's unusual Hindu Monastery
The Hindu Monastery on Kauai is probably the most unusual visit I’ve ever made. Nestled in a peaceful green setting, this sacred site offers a unique and soothing spiritual experience. Strolling through its lush gardens and admiring the architecture, a visit to Kauai’s Hindu Monastery is a memorable getaway, and well off the beaten track!
You could also try a zip-line adventure in Kauai, and enjoy a buffet dinner with open bar and Luau Kalamaku show.
Kauai, Hawaii – Where to stay with points?
Staying in a hotel in the archipelago, no matter which island you visit or what time of year it is, can be quite expensive!
For my part, having already used my points and my free night certificate obtained with my Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card, I opted to stay in two small apartments unearthed on the AirBnb platform.
Both were located in Princeville, which was my headquarters for the duration of my trip! That said, the resorts are closer to Poipu and Lihue and, whether in terms of points or money, you need to be on the lookout for promotions to get the best prices, as your stay could be very expensive.
Bottom Line
If I had to choose one island in the Hawaiian archipelago, it would definitely be Kauai for its lushness and unrivalled beauty. Tunnels Beach was a real favorite, with its fascinating underwater scenery and idyllic setting. Also, hiking through Kauai’s breathtaking landscapes is simply dazzling, offering breathtaking views and total immersion. Finally, the island’s warm and welcoming atmosphere adds an extra dimension to this unique experience, making Kauai a must-see destination.
For more photos and videos, visit my Instagram page @johnriverin
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$700Total$700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $700
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get to the island of Kauai?
You’ll need to fly to Lihue airport (LIH), in the southeast of the island.
Where is Kauai?
Kauai, the fourth largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, is located in the Pacific Ocean.
Where to swim in Kauai
There are many beaches on Kauai, including Poipu Beach Park with its crystal-clear waters, and Kee Beach, ideal for snorkeling.
Why visit Kauai?
Kauai is renowned for its natural beauty. Nature lovers will love its hiking trails, turquoise lagoons, lush valleys, tropical forests and majestic waterfalls.
Where to surf in Kauai?
Kekaha Beach, at the western end of the island, is a popular spot for surfers.
What does LIH stand for?
LIH is the code for Kauai’s main airport.
Where is Waimea Canyon State Park?
Waimea Canyon lies to the west of the island of Kauai.
Which restaurant to choose with a sea view?
On the south coast, Poipu Beach Park is the ideal place to stroll, swim and eat! At Brennecke’s Beach Boiler, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the sea.
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