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United States: travel guide to Kauai, Hawaii | Itineraries and must-sees

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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 valuation
$1,700
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-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.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This metal credit card is the Best Premium Aeroplan Credit Card in Canada. For a limited time, you can earn up to 150,000 Aeroplan points as a welcome bonus (an estimated $2,550 value). With this Card you can earn:
  • 3 points per dollar on purchases made with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
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Also, as a Cardmember, you get many benefits such as:
  • Unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in North America
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Finally, you are covered with reliable insurance for your travels and purchases.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

With this welcome offer for American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card, you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Here’s how:

  • Earn 60,000 points after you spend $7,500 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in the 13th month

With this Amex Aeroplan Card, you earn 3X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations. And 2x the points on Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada. Everywhere else, you will earn 1.25X the points.

With this Amex Aeroplan Premium Card, you receive many Air Canada travel benefits, such as access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America for you and one guest, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling. It’s the best Amex Aeroplan Card for frequent Air Canada flyers.

With this American Express Aeroplan Card, enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$599
Additional card$199

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 3xAir Canada flights
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 1.25xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,938
2nd Year Value$430

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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 valuation
$1,700
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-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.
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Up to 100,000 points
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The Platinum Card® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points:

  • 70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
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With this Card, you get:

  • 2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
  • 2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases charged to the Card
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You can use your Membership Rewards® points in many ways:

  • Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.
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  • And more!

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards® points to a partner loyalty program, you could earn up to:

  • 100,000 Aeroplan points
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  • 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

  • $200 Annual Travel Credit
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  • A $100 statement credit for NEXUS membership
  • Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
  • Hilton Honors Gold status
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Last but not least, The Platinum Card® offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$799
Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xTravel
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,482
2nd Year Value$470

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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

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Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
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on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply 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”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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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Our valuation
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Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
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Annual fee

Primary card$150
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Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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