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Kauai Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

MLE Travel Diary — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Kauai is one of the most stunning places on Earth, from its sandy beaches to jaw-dropping cliffs, every place you visit will take your breath away! It’s definitely the most remote Hawaiian island, and best spot to escape the real world.

This Kauai Travel Guide will help you plan your trip to Kauai, with recommendations for the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around.

Did you know about 97% of Kauai is undeveloped? This makes it so peaceful on the island, and feels like you truly get to disconnect from the rest of the world, and connect with all the natural beauty there.

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Things to do and see

1. Nā Pali Coast

Seeing the Nā Pali Coast should be the top priority when you come to visit Kauai. It is absolutely stunning and my biggest regret is not doing a boat tour to see the coast.

You have a couple options to explore the Nā Pali Coast: hike Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, take a boat tour, and/or take a helicopter tour.

Compare the top boat and helicopter tour options:

The most popular trail to hike the Nā Pali Coast is the Kalalau Trail. Although AllTrails says this is a 20 mile roundtrip hike, you can reduce this by hiking just to Hanakapiai Beach (4 miles roundtrip), or to Hanakapiai Falls (8 miles roundtrip).

Please note that you will need a hiking reservation to do any of the hikes you choose. Also keep in mind that this hike is pretty challenging, and I would be extra cautious if you’re visiting in rainy season, or if it just rained in the previous few days.

We visited Kauai in May, and skipped the hike as it had been raining the week before we arrived, causing the hike to be a lot muddier and more slippery.

2. Waimea Canyon State Park

If you’re nervous about attempting the Nā Pali Coast hike, then you should absolutely visit Waimea Canyon State Park. This is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and offers stunning views of Nā Pali Coast, without the hike.

We drove up to the Kalalau Lookout, and the Pu’u O Kila Lookout, both of which give you jaw-dropping views of the coast alongside the ocean. It can sometimes be cloudy and overcast throughout the day – I suggest bringing a book or something to do and waiting at the lookout for a while until the clouds clear.

Make sure you download Offline Google Maps for Kauai before you head out; there is not much cell service throughout the park. You can also get this Waimea Canyon driving tour app to do a self guided tour that will give you turn-by-turn directions, information on what to look for and where to explore.

3. Kīlauea Lighthouse

This is one of the most beautiful lighthouses I have ever seen! The lighthouse itself is closed, but you can stop by to check out the visitor center to learn more about the wildlife refuge and the lighthouse.

There is a $10 entry fee to the parking lot, and it can get busy so I would recommend booking your reservation in advance. Otherwise, you can get a great view from the parking lot above.

4. Queen’s Bath

Queen’s Bath is on the North Shore by Hanalei, and is a cool natural tide pool carved into the rocks. I would recommend stopping by here if it’s on your way, or if you’re staying on the North Shore!

5. Zipline over Kauai

This has to be one of the most fun options to see the island – by zip lining over the jungle canopy, with the option to go hands-free and try fun stunts like flying superhero-style. This 8-line course near Koloa also includes a scenic snack break among the eucalyptus trees.

6. Tour a Chocolate Farm

If you’re a chocolate lover (or just want a fun and unique experience), don’t skip a chocolate tour while you’re in Kauai!

There are a couple great options: one at Lydgate Farms, where you’ll taste fresh cacao fruit, tropical goodies, and learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar. The other is at Princeville Botanical Gardens, where you’ll explore lush gardens, sample raw cacao and single-origin chocolates from around the world, and discover how chocolate is grown and processed.

Both are super fun, educational, and (most importantly) delicious!

Where to stay

Kauai is a pretty small island, so regardless of where you stay you can really explore the whole island. My two favorite areas are Poipu Beach and Princeville / Hanalei Bay; both of these areas will take you a bit farther away from the airport and to some of the most beautiful beaches ever.

North Shore (Hanalei Bay, Princeville)

Hanalei Bay is located on the North Shore and has arguably the better beaches and natural beauty of Kauai. However, because of this you will likely be paying a bit more for your accomodations.

Luxury: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

If you’re looking to splurge, this is the place. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a luxury, eco-friendly resort with seriously stunning views of the mountains and ocean.

It’s designed to blend into the landscape, and everything feels super peaceful and intentional, from the farm-to-table dining to the dreamy infinity pool. Perfect for a wellness-focused getaway or a romantic stay on the North Shore.

Mid-Range: Hanalei Bay Resort

Hanalei Bay Resort offers a relaxed, condo-style experience with stunning views of Hanalei Bay. While it’s not a full-service hotel, it provides spacious accommodations with kitchenettes, making it ideal for longer stays or those seeking a homey feel.

Amenities include multiple pools, tennis courts, and easy access to the beach via a short walk or golf cart ride. It’s a great base for exploring the North Shore’s beaches, hiking trails, and the charming town of Hanalei.

Budget: Makai Club Resort

If you’re looking for something more low-key and budget-friendly on the North Shore, Makai Club Resort is a great pick. The condo-style units have full kitchens, laundry, and plenty of space to spread out, which makes it perfect for longer stays or families.

It’s not directly on the beach, but you’re just a quick drive from Hanalei and tons of amazing beaches. Plus, there’s a pool, hot tub, and BBQ area for relaxing after a day of exploring.

South Shore (Poipu Beach)

Poipu Beach is on the South Shore, is a bit more budget-friendly, and is closer to Waimea Canyon State Park. This is where I stayed the first time I visited Kauai and we absolutely loved it!

Luxury: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

If you want a classic, full-on resort vibe with tons of amenities, the Grand Hyatt is an amazing choice. It’s huge, with gorgeous gardens, multiple pools (including a lazy river and waterslide!), and a beautiful beach just steps away.

There’s a spa, a bunch of great restaurants, and even activities for kids if you’re traveling as a family. Basically, everything you need for a fun, all-in-one stay on the south shore.

Mid-Range: Ko’a Kea Resort

If you want a chill, romantic spot right on Poipu Beach, Ko’a Kea is the spot for you. It’s adults-only, boutique, oceanfront, and just feels really relaxing without being too big or busy.

The rooms are comfy and stylish, and there’s a great restaurant onsite plus a spa if you want to treat yourself. Perfect for couples or anyone who wants easy beach access and a peaceful vibe on the south shore.

This is where we stayed for our anniversary and absolutely loved it!

Budget: Prince Kuhio Resort

If you want a simple, no-fuss spot right near the beach without breaking the bank, Prince Kuhio Resort is a solid choice. The condos have full kitchens and lanais, so it feels like a little home away from home.

There’s a pool and BBQ area, plus you’re super close to some great beaches and restaurants. Perfect if you want to be on the South Shore but keep things chill and affordable.

Where to eat and drink

1. Koloa Fish Market

Koloa Fish Market has amazing, fresh poke bowls with generous portions and reasonable prices.

2. Beach House Restaurant

Beach House Restaurant is perfect for a fancy dinner where you can get dressed up and watch the sunset over the ocean. The service was amazing and the food was delicious!

3. Big Monster Sushi & Thai

This was a convenient spot right by the airport! We got takeout sushi and thai to eat in our hotel room, and it was incredible.

4. Little Fish Coffee

We were able to walk here in the mornings from our hotel to grab coffee and bagels – it was so convenient! However, the line in the mornings does get insanely long so if you’re on a time crunch I would recommend ordering ahead.

5. Red Salt

This was the restaurant at our hotel, the Ko’a Kea Resort, and it was actually really good. The prices were a bit high, but that is to be expected in Hawaii and I felt that the food was cooked to perfection.

To save all of these spots and more, drop your email below and I’ll send you my Google Maps list!💌

How to get around Kauai

By Car

If you want to explore Kauai on your own terms, renting a car is pretty much a must. Public transportation is limited, and the island’s best beaches, hikes, and towns are spread out.

Just keep in mind that rental cars can be pricey and in high demand, especially during peak seasons, so book early! The roads are mostly two-lane highways winding through mountains and along the coast, so take it easy and enjoy the views.

We didn’t have any issues with parking, but some areas like Hanalei can get busy.

Kauai does have Uber and taxis, but they’re not as common or reliable as on the mainland. Depending on where you are, it can sometimes be hard to get a ride quickly, especially in more remote areas or late at night.

If you don’t want to rent a car, I suggest planning ahead; book rides in advance when possible, or check with your hotel about shuttle services.

For short trips in towns like Kapaa or Poipu, taxis can work, but for anything more adventurous or off-the-beaten-path, a car rental gives you way more freedom.

By Walking / Running

Since so much of Kauai is undeveloped, there are not a lot of long running or walking trails, besides the hikes in the state & national parks. I did not go for a run during my time in Kauai – I do think it is possible if you really want to, but you may find yourself on the actual road instead of a sidewalk.

By Bike

If you’re into biking, Kauai offers some pretty amazing rides – but FYI, it’s not always easy. Poipu is a good place to start if you want a longer ride, and the highway on the west side generally has decent shoulders. Avoid Poipu Road for getting to the highway, it’s narrow with fast traffic and some gnarly potholes.

The back roads around Kalaheo are great for punchy climbs and pretty views, and you can even cruise the golf course paths there for a fun mid-ride break. On the east side, the bike paths are flatter and shorter, good for a relaxed ride along the coast, especially if you catch a tailwind.

If you’re feeling strong, the Waimea area has some serious climbs and rolling hills that are tough but rewarding. Just watch out for gravel patches on the descents. Overall, Kauai’s roads aren’t full of bike lanes, so you need to be confident sharing the road with cars and handling some wind.

One thing to keep in mind: water stops and bike shops are sparse, so bring extra water and plan ahead. Locals recommend grabbing water at tourist spots or shops with outdoor counters since it’s hot out there.

If you’re used to riding urban or highway roads, you’ll probably be fine, but if you usually stick to bike paths, Kauai will be a challenge, and a beautiful one at that. Just ride smart, be prepared, and enjoy some incredible views!

By Metro / Bus

Kauai does have a public bus system called The Kauai Bus that drives around the island. It’s a budget-friendly option if you’re not renting a car, but keep in mind the buses don’t run super frequently, and service hours can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays.

The bus is best if you’re staying in town or planning to hop between a few main spots, but it’s not the most convenient way to explore the whole island since stops can be spread out and schedules aren’t always easy to navigate. If you want to give it a try, plan your day around the bus times and be ready for a slower pace.

If you’re planning a trip to Kauai, feel free to send me an email or DM on Instagram with any questions or for personalized travel tips!

mariss

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9 Stunning Things To Do In Oahu and Waikiki

MLE Travel Diary — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0000

There are so many incredible things to do in Oahu and Waikīkī! I can’t believe that this time last year, I had never even been to Hawaii! But then, my best friend moved to Honolulu for a year, and I was able to visit her a couple times. I also spent a month working remotely from Waikīkī Beach last fall, and really got to see a lot of the island!

I’ve compiled a list of my favorite 9 things I have done so far in Oahu. This list includes restaurants, hikes, beaches and shopping. I’m hoping to go back to Hawaii again one day soon, and especially to explore the other islands!

Save all of my Hawaii recommendations more by dropping your email below, and I’ll send them straight to your inbox!

Activities

1. Take a UTV Raptor Tour at Kualoa Ranch

Visiting Kualoa Ranch was truly a once in a lifetime event. The jaw-dropping landscapes are nothing like I’ve seen before. Highly recommend coming out here if you are spending at least a few days in Oahu, and especially if you are a big movie buff

2. Watch the sunset from a boat cruise

The first time I came out to Oahu was to celebrate my best friend’s birthday (featured in the first pic)!! We went on this really fun boat cruise at sunset, which took us out into the ocean. We saw the entire downtown skyline plus a great view of Diamond Head from the water. This was such a fun experience; there are multiple options offered in the Go City Pass as well.

3. Shop on Kalākaua Avenue

Kalākaua Ave is a popular street that runs through Waikīkī and has a ton of restaurants, cafes, and shopping from upscale stores to department stores to boutique and souvenir shops. I recommend spending at least half a day walking around to see all there is. There are a ton of hidden gems and something for everyone; happy exploring!

Hikes & Beaches

4. Hike to the Lanikai Pillboxes

This may have been the most beautiful hike I’ve ever done. It was a somewhat shorter (1.6 mile roundtrip) hike, but decently challenging as it was uphill almost the entire way up. Although, we did see people hiking in flip flops and one couple with a baby strapped to them!

The views during the hike and at the top from the pillboxes are stunning. Just look at how blue / green the water is! I could not believe my eyes; we got really lucky with the weather too, the day was perfect.

Parking was pretty easy; there is a lot of street parking around the base of the hike. Just remember to be respectful of all the homes and locals who live in that area!

5. Swim at Kūhiō Beach

We got really lucky with our monthly rental; it was located right off of Kalākaua Ave, and across from Kūhiō Beach! It’s pretty unique, as it actually felt sort of like a tide pool. It is surrounded by two large concrete walls; you can sort of see them in my photos. As a result, it’s protected from big waves.

We had bought a couple of pool floats, and it was so nice to float around in the water. This is a great spot to come watch the sunset as well! The beach is not too long, so there won’t be a ton of people in front of you.

6. Watch the sunrise while hiking Diamond Head Crater

Another quicker, but moderately challenging, hike is Diamond Head Crater Hike. My sister came to visit for a weekend, and we did this early one morning to catch the sunrise! It was so worth it.

You get a full view of Waikīkī, plus 360 views of the whole island from the top viewpoint. It was also so crazy to see the gigantic crater on our way up and down.

Dining

7. Enjoy sunset dinner at House Without a Key

Okay first and foremost, although this will be the last part of your meal, you must get the coconut cake. It is phenomenal. I’m pretty sure you can get slices of the cake to go for later as well. My boyfriend liked it so much we also came back to House Without a Key for our last meal in Hawaii.

Definitely make a reservation at least a month in advance; it is super popular and books up quickly. I would recommend trying to get a reservation 30 minutes to an hour before sunset, so you can watch it from your table. Starting at 5pm there is live entertainment, including a hula dancer!

8. Sip a pineapple drink at Barefoot Beach Cafe

Just look at all those pineapples! I searched long and hard for a drink out of a pineapple near Waikīkī Beach, and was so excited to find this spot. You can get whatever type of smoothie you’d like in the pineapple!

Barefoot Beach Cafe also has a lot of good food options; it’s perfect for an easy meal when your day is more flexible. No reservations required. You can check out their menu here!

9. Get at least one poke bowl from Poke Fix

Poke bowls are absolutely a must when you are on the island. I highly recommend Poke Fix; my friend showed us this place and I’m not kidding when I say I came back at least once a week. So delicious! Make sure to get there early enough to beat the crowds; they do usually sell out of certain fish each day!

The best part of Poke Fix is that you can easily walk to the beach and eat your poke bowl there. Hard to complain when you’re sitting on Waikīkī Beach, eating the freshest poke bowl you’ll ever have!

Any spots I missed? Comment below! If you’re planning to go to Oahu soon and have any questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram or email me!

mariss

The post 9 Stunning Things To Do In Oahu and Waikiki first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

You Need to Add Kualoa Ranch to Your Bucket List

MLE Travel Diary — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Looking for the coolest place to visit in Oahu, Hawaii? Look no further. Kualoa Ranch was hands down one of my favorite stops during my time on the island. They have so many different activities you can choose from; from horseback riding to zip lining to UTV and e-bike tours. Check out their website here for more.

We opted for the UTV Raptor Tour and it was AWESOME. Read all about my experience at Kualoa Ranch below! For more things to do in Oahu, check out my 9 favorite things to do on the island!

Photo Gallery

Honestly, I’m not even sure words can do this place justice. They say a photo is worth 1000 words, so I am going to start off with this photo gallery. These are my favorite photos of the scenery and tour we went on:

Arrival

First off, parking here is super easy. They have a large lot and it’s free. Also, check out that view from the lot – from the moment we pulled in we knew this was going to be an unreal experience. There was a local horseback riding competition when we arrived that anyone could watch from the stands. And there were these baby goats – how cute!

UTV Raptor Tour

You go on the tour with ~5 other groups, mostly couples. Our tour guide was hilarious and was cracking jokes the entire time. At the first stop we were able to get out, walk around, and chill with the cattle. So crazy, you have to be careful not to get too close to them or they might chase you!

Kualoa Ranch was such a unique experience! I highly recommend checking it out on your next Hawaii trip. As always, remember to be respectful of the land and its natural beauty. It is so gorgeous, and a really special way to experience the history and Hawaiian culture.

mariss

The post You Need to Add Kualoa Ranch to Your Bucket List first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

How My First 24 Hours Working Remotely in Hawaii Went

MLE Travel Diary — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000

arrival

Aloha! Welcome to my first travel diary entry from October 24, 2022. Hope you enjoy, and make sure to check out my Hawaii Travel Guide for my recommended list of places to go in Oahu!

After 15 long travel hours from Chicago…we finally made it! And WOW. Check out this view from the condo we rented for the month. I cannot get over this view We booked through Ali’i Beach Rentals and I would definitely recommend. Our original condo rental was actually canceled a few weeks before we were supposed to leave, as the owner removed it from their site. Within 24 hours they had found this replacement, which was a huge upgrade, and changed our reservation for no extra charge. It was really so nice of them and we were so thankful.

My best friend was kind enough to pick us up from the airport, and took us to our first stop: poke bowls! We ate these bowls from Five Star Poke on the beach (although I forgot to take pics there) and watched the sunset. It was incredible. I am sooo excited for our month long stay here

daytime

I woke up very early at 4 am to start work, which was definitely a little wild. The sun hadn’t even risen and it was pitch black. But as a result, I was able to log off early in the afternoon around 12 pm. I started off strong with a little run through Waikiki, then went for a quick dip in the ocean!!

I would also like to note that I left behind my phone when I went back to the beach hehe. This gave me some much needed nice time away from my screens.

nighttime

I then went back to the apartment for a bit and rested while my boyfriend wrapped up his work. Then we went for a little walk before sunset!

We sat down on these rocks at the beach and enjoyed the sunset. OMG it was sooo pretty!

I feel so lucky to be here right now and am really thankful this all worked out the way it did.

mariss

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