National Geographic has just published their world-wide list of places you need to visit in 2017 and Kauai goes to the top of the list. This is the only Hawaii pick and comes as all of the Hawaiian Islands continue to appear in top rankings from Travel and Leisure, Islands Magazine and others.
Kauai is the island that Beat of Hawaii chooses to call home. This 550 square mile gem is the oldest and fourth largest of the Hawaiian Islands and arguably the most beautiful. With sixty-some thousand residents, Kauai still manages to retain much of its prior charm and unique albeit quirky character.
Look for some hidden gems of Kauai below.
Our Favorite Things To Do On Kauai
Kauai Hiking Trails.
Great hiking on over 200 square miles of trails is easily accessible at Waimea Canyon. There’s a helpful trail map available from the Kokee Museum. If you’re looking for a 3 hour return hike with incredible canyon views and even a waterfalls, our recommendation is Waipo`o Falls Trail.
On the Eastside of the island you’ll find Sleeping Giant with beautiful views over Kapaa and the ocean. Allow two hours for this hike that takes you to the top of the giant’s profile.
Head to North Shore and enjoy the 2 mile trail to Hanakapiai Beach that starts from Ke`e Beach. Allow a half day for this journey.
For South Shore hiking, try the famous Mahaulepu Trail that starts from Shipwreck Beach at Poipu. This oceanfront walk can be enjoyed in half a day and ends at Mahaulepu.
Golfing at Kukuiolono is still $9.
This 9-hole for nine dollars Kalaheo course has spectacular views. In the old days it operated on the honor system and you would just drop the green fee in a lock box. Located at 854 Puu Road. Phone 808-332-9151 for details.
Swimming at Hanalei, Poipu and Salt Pond Beaches.
Read our popular guide to Hanalei Bay. Hanalei has also been a Dr. Beach number one pick. It’s our pick for quintessential Kauai every summer. During winter months when north shore waves can be large and dangerous, head to the sheltered south shore beaches like Poipu Beach Park and Salt Pond Beach in Hanapepe.
Driving to Polihale.
If you can survive the remaining bumps on this five mile sugar cane road, you’ll be rewarded with miles of uninterrupted sand beach ending at the Na Pali Coast. Allow 30 minutes for the 5 mile drive. If you have a bad back you may want to sit this one out.
The Na Pali Coast.
For viewing, hiking, kayaking and whale watching in season and so much more. The trail is spectacular. It’s still a dream come true to hike the 11 mile trail (22 miles round-trip).
Special Events.
Art Night in Hanapepe, every Friday from 6pm to 9pm. Enjoy the art galleries, food and festive atmosphere. Stop at Talk Story Bookstore which has entertainment outside. Another popular destination is Banana Patch Studio which sells hand painted tiles. Seconds are also offered for half price, tucked in a back room.
For events during your stay on Kauai, visit the Kauai Festivals website sponsored by the visitor bureau. If you’re lucky you may be here for Lei Day in May, Lights on Rice holiday parade or the Waimea Town Celebration to name a few.
Farmer’s Markets.
Check out our farmers market pick, the Community Market at Kauai Community College, from 9:30am to 2:00pm every Saturday morning. Another find is the gourmet Culinary Market each Wednesday afternoon from 4pm to 6pm at Poipu’s The Shops at Kukuiula. Also consider the Sunshine Markets around the island weekly. Tip: there’s also a new and interesting Friday morning cooperative market with dining taking form in Lawai. Be the first of your friends to know about this unique spot.
What’s Not Hot On Kauai?
The only thing that comes to mind is the eyesore Coco Palms Resort. Things are very slow to change here but even that is scheduled to see a rebirth. We previously toured this once grand property and reported on its status at the time. Kauai locals and fans are currently awaiting word on start of the long anticipated reconstruction.
Everyone has their own idea of the best things about the island. Â What are your Kauai favorites?
My family of four, two little boys ages 10 and eight, are currently on Kauai until mid February. Upon arriving, we discovered that the pool in the property we rented is under construction. We are looking for another pull my boys can swim in, and we’re willing to pay but have been unable to find a property that will sell us a day pass or a community pool. Are you aware of any properties that will sell a past other property for the day? We, of course, have been at the beach and will continue to go but my boys would also like to swim in a pool.
Hi, we’re going to Kauai for the holidays and going to have Christmas dinner at The St. Regis Princeville. (Fine dining, not the buffet).
I know it is extremely nice, but does anyone know the holiday dining attire there for both my fiance and I? I don’t want to be under (or over) dressed and am only familiar with normal dining attire at normal Hawaiian restaurants.
Mahalo in advance for any suggestions 🙂 Brooke
I have been to Kauai before but I don’t remember any snorkelling boat tours? We will be there first 2 weeks of March 2018. Thanks for any info.
Hi William.
A lot of the boat tours have snorkeling. Suggest you check the Kauai Revealed guidebook.
Aloha.
aloha!
My husband and I want to bring our two sons, ages 20 and 18 years at Christmas 2017 or at March 2018. One son is an avid west coast surfer, and the rest of us like paddle boarding and snorkling. So…. which island? I was hoping Kauai for the quiet but don’t see surfing. We have stayed at Wailea in Maui and loved it but it is a drive to surf. My ideal? is a place where we can walk to surf and snorkle!
Also would like a simple cabin with the option to cook and house 4 of us.
Wow! tall order – let me know when you can
Flying out of Vancouver Canada
Mahalo Tammi
Hi Tammi.
Oh gosh yes there is great surfing on Kauai. Big waves on north shore in winter, so you’ll need to do your research. Obviously paddle boarding and surfing require rather opposite ocean conditions.
Aloha.
Golfing at Kukuiolono is now $10.:(
Still a great deal!
I will be arriving Kuaii November 12 2016. I will be staying at the south shore but will have a car. I am interested in seeing Waimea Canyon,Fern Grotto and Na Pali coast. As suggested above I think I would like to book a helicopter ride either as part of one of these or separate. I am totally unfamiliar with any part of Hawaii. There was a suggested company for booking activities and I thought I had saved it but can’t find it. Could you give me a suggestion.
On our 5th trip to this island, we finally hiked Awaawapuhi Trail out to the end and thoroughly enjoyed the view of Na Pali from that high perch. We had attempted on a previous trip but gave up way too soon. It was 3.25 miles each way and gave us sore legs the next day, but was well worth every achy muscle. Had we been more than couch potatoes, it might have taken a lesser toll on us. 🙂 We will be back on this island in September 2016 and will do this hike again…this time with a little more exercise under our belts.
Will be visiting Kauai in June and wondering if there are whale sighting boat tours there? My friend who goes to Maui frequently, says the tour they took was super and they really enjoyed it. As we’re getting up in years, the hiking doesn’t sound to attractive anymore. I really appreciate the information you share. Thanks a million! Pam
Hi Pam,
Sorry but whales are seen in Hawaii in the winter. The good news is you’ll have to come back again to see them.
Aloha.
I love to walk The Path that starts at the Wailua River and ends past Kealia.
We really enjoyed kayaking on Wailua river.
Thanks guys! I’ve appreciated all of the updates as we’ve been planning our first visit to Hawaii (Kauai) since last summer. We’ll be spending nine days in the Poipu area during Spring Break with our 7 y.o and 3 y.o. Besides the various beaches and botanical gardens, any other kid friendly recommendations? We’re big hikers, but we know our youngest isn’t quite ready for the half-day ventures.
Hi Joe.
Thank you. Baby beach is great for the keiki. You can start the hike/walk to Mahaulepu from Shipwreck beach. It’s lovely whether you go a little or a long way.
Aloha.
Kids activities: Be sure to take them on the train ride at Kilohana Plantation. Also the Hyatt has an interesting exotic bird show at 9:30 am Tuesday morning. Also the kids can feed the koi at 9:00 am daily (I think), check the schedule with Hyatt at 742-1234. Need not be guests of the Hyatt.
Poipu Beach Park and Salt Pond are great kid-friendly, life guarded beaches. Enjoy!!
Catherine
We are heading to Hanalai for Easter week. Where is the nearest Catholic Church? We would like to know about the best place to swim at this time of the year. thank you for your great blog!! Much appreciated. We live in Maui. It has been VERY windy here with tremendous currents!!
Hi Mary,
There is a catholic church right in Hanalei. April is the time when waves start to switch from the north shore to the south shore so it isn’t as easy as saying go to one or the other. Just check the surf forecasts.
Aloha.
Kauai is probably the best island to pop for the helicopter tour. All around the island, there is so much that is beautiful. We’ve toured several companies and flown multiple times (each tour tends to be different even within the same company). Several companies offer the “doors-off” tours in the smaller 4 passenger birds. Be aware that if you’re the lucky couple appointed to sit in front, that seat is small and the outboard passenger is really “out there.”
Thanks Tom.
Aloha.
I’m disappointed that you have allowed non-Hawaii related ads to interrupt the articles. The nice thing about your website is that like much of Hawaii (but not Waikiki), you have, up until now, resisted the commercial intrusions, despite the financial advantages for you.
Hi Sherri,
In reality, at this point there would be no Beat of Hawaii were it not for the support we receive from advertising.
Aloha.
Thanks for these great articles. We are trying to determine the best time to visit Kauai. We are looking at Thanksgiving time period. Love to hear your responses.
Lana, our very favorite time to visit Kauai is Thanksgiving and the 2 weeks after. The weather is typically warm, sunny and dry (even on the north side!) and it’s quiet on the island. Try to depart by mid-December before the California families start arriving for Christmas break. Kauai is the best of the Hawaiian Islands!
The north shore of the island can be very rainy in the winter months so if you go at Thanksgiving stay on the south shore in the Poipu area.