As the closest American state to Australia, Hawaii draws many visitors, but often they stick to Oahu, especially Honolulu. It took me quite a while, even visiting for over 30 years, to finally make it to Kauaʻi, and I can tell you it’s truly one of its most beautiful spots. Often called “The Garden Isle,” Kauaʻi lives up to its name with lush, green landscapes thanks to plentiful rainfall. Mount Waiʻaleʻale, one of the wettest places on Earth, is on the island, but you’ll find more than just greenery. The scenery shifts dramatically from vast canyons to open plains, showcasing an ecosystem that’s remarkably varied for an island of its size. Waimea Canyon State Park, known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is a must-see, and a quick look at photos will show you why. With about 90% of the island inaccessible by car, exploring requires a mix of different transport and sightseeing methods.
Getting Around Kauaʻi
While you can’t drive everywhere, renting a car is still the best way to reach many of Kauaʻi’s main attractions and connect to other transport options. The island is even working towards becoming carbon-neutral by 2045. I opted for an electric rental car, which was convenient, though I learned that finding charging stations can be a challenge, especially if you need to return the car with a specific battery level. It’s a good idea to plan your charging stops in advance.
An unforgettable drive is up to the Kūlālaʻau Lookout. Unless you’re on a guided tour, a rental car is your only option to get there. Along the way, you’ll find numerous viewpoints offering stunning looks into the canyon and out towards the Pacific Ocean. Just be prepared for wind and some rough patches on the road; driving this route after dark might be tricky.
As I drove around, I passed through the historic town of Hāʻena, which inspired the setting for the film Lilo & Stitch. You can find a mural dedicated to the iconic movie on the main street. The island also offers incredible food. I highly recommend trying some fresh poke from Kauaʻi Poke Co., which is conveniently located near the Poʻipū Bay Golf Course. Keep an eye out for natural wonders like the tree tunnel, a beautiful spot that makes for a fantastic photo, though it’s a bit tricky to capture while you’re driving!
Exploring by Boat
Since so much of Kauaʻi is inaccessible by road, boat tours are an essential way to experience its beauty. Many companies offer trips around the island’s perimeter. I went with Holo Holo Charters, which took me along the spectacular Nā Pali Coast on the island’s northwest side. This coastline has been the backdrop for many famous films, and seeing it from the water is breathtaking.
My early morning departure from Port Allen started with a briefing and a walk to the dock. As we boarded the catamaran, Leila, with about 40 other guests, breakfast was served, featuring donuts, cheesy eggs, and fruit salad. The journey towards the Nā Pali Coast, the highlight of the trip, included a snorkeling stop in a small inlet. While the visibility wasn’t the best on my particular day, I did spot a sea turtle or two. For better snorkeling, Holo Holo also offers a trip that includes the island of Niʻihau, which I’ve heard has fantastic underwater visibility.
The boat provided snorkeling gear, including prescription goggles, which was very thoughtful. They also offered reef-safe sunscreen. After snorkeling, the trip continued along the Nā Pali Coast. Alcohol became available around 9 am, and it wasn’t long before we encountered a pod of spinner dolphins. The early morning timing is perfect for wildlife viewing and experiencing the ocean before it gets too rough later in the day.
Lunch, a build-your-own sandwich bar with pasta salad, was served before 11:30 am as we sailed back, offering panoramic views of the Nā Pali Coast. The mist from the crashing waves created an ethereal fog against the dramatic mountains – a truly awe-inspiring sight. The Holo Holo crew were excellent hosts, sharing fascinating facts about the area and ensuring everyone had a drink and a memorable experience. Lying on the net at the bow of the catamaran as we traveled was pure bliss. This boat tour is an absolute must-do for any visit to Kauaʻi.
Experience from the Air
For a truly unforgettable perspective, consider a helicopter tour. Although it’s the most expensive option, the experience is unparalleled. I took a 50-minute trip with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, soaring over many of the same places I’d seen from the water, but this time flying directly into the dramatic mountainous landscape. There were moments I felt I could almost touch the towering peaks surrounding us.
It was the best helicopter ride I’ve ever taken. The company’s attention to detail and the wealth of knowledge shared made it an incredibly rich experience that instantly became a core memory. Lifting off from Līhuʻe International Airport with the Hawaii Five-0 theme song playing through our headphones was a magical start to a journey none of the passengers will forget.
Exploring on Foot
Don’t underestimate Kauaʻi’s size; while it’s not a place you’d explore entirely on foot, there are numerous hiking opportunities. Some trails are easily accessible by car or tour, while others require a boat and have limited annual visitor numbers. If hiking is a priority for you, make sure to research and book these in advance, as spots can fill up quickly each year.
Public Transport Options
The Kauaʻi Bus offers a limited service around the island, with most rides costing a nominal fee for adults. If you’re staying near Līhuʻe, some hotels, like the Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi where I stayed, offer complimentary transportation to and from the airport and can even take you to nearby restaurants. I’ve added Hualani’s to my list for my next visit.
Ride-Sharing Services
While a rental car was essential for my plans, Ubers are available on the island. If you’re staying closer to Port Allen or have only a few specific destinations in mind, this could be a more economical choice than renting a car. However, for those staying further out, like myself near the airport, a rental car is usually the most practical solution.
Adventures with a Canine Companion
One of Kauaʻi’s most unique offerings comes from the Kauaʻi Humane Society: their dog fostering program, called “Field Trip.” This program allows you to take a dog that’s looking for a home out for a day of adventure. There are some restrictions, but for the most part, you’re free to bring your temporary furry friend along for the ride.
It’s a wonderful way for the dogs to get exercise and experience different human and scenic interactions, and it also helps them find adoptive families. I took out a sweet dog named Iko Iko for the afternoon. The Humane Society provided a bag with everything we needed, including treats, water, and cleaning supplies. Iko Iko was a real sweetheart, and I hope he has found his forever home since my visit.
Reaching Kauaʻi
From Australia, direct flights land in Honolulu on Oʻahu. From there, you can catch connecting flights to Līhuʻe (LIH) on Kauaʻi with Hawaiian Airlines or Southwest Airlines. If you’re flying from mainland USA, look for direct flights from cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle on airlines such as United, Delta, and Alaska Airlines.
What’s the best way to experience the Nā Pali Coast?
A boat tour, like the one offered by Holo Holo Charters, is highly recommended. You’ll get to see the dramatic cliffs and potentially wildlife, and many tours include snorkeling opportunities.
Are there any specific areas of Kauaʻi that are difficult to access?
Yes, about 90% of the island is not accessible by car, which is why boat and helicopter tours are so popular for exploring remote areas like the Nā Pali Coast.
Explore Places to Stay
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.