KAUAI
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Kauai Tours
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Kauai is the northernmost and geological oldest main island of the Hawaiian archipelago. It carries the nickname “Garden Isle” because of magnificient emerald valleys, steep rugged cliffs, and tall tropical falls.
On a size of over 560 square miles (1,450 qkm2) visitors encounter a jaw dropping red dirt canyon, beautiful tropical vegetation, cascading waterfalls, pitoresque villages, and a breathtaking endless wild coastline with secluded beaches. Some say this island comes as close to Garden Eden as people can imagine. Like all other islands a volcano formed Kauai. About 10 milion years ago Olokele started to erupt and around 6 milion years ago started to accumulate landmass. By today the old volcano eroded down to two main peaks Wai’ale’ale and Kawaikini and to a crater, the home of Alaka’i Swamp. The Swamp is the largest high-elevation swamp in the world and includes the Waimea River. Kawaikini forms the highest peak on the island with 5,243 feet (1,598 m) and Wai’ale’ale is known as one of the wettest places on earth. The island’s center is located in Lihue, embedding the island’s main airport. The town is located in the Southeast and home of the county seat. Besides the human residents the island is populated with thousands of chicken and roasters whose ancestors came to the islands as foodsource of Polynesian settlers. Anyone afraid of chicken should reconsider his/her Kauai visit since the chicken dominate the area starting from the airport to the furthest corner on the island. |
Kauai is popular with water and outdoor enthusiats that love to kayak, snorkel, swim, windsurf, surf or hike. Since the famous NaPali Coast is almost inaccessible you should consider a boat tour along the magnificent shore where you can marvel at the emerald scenery or snorkel with fish, turtles and maybe dolphins. Besides, a hike through the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” the Waimea Canyon, along NaPali Coast, and a kayak tour through Wailua River are must dos on the island.
Similar to Big Island it is recommended to split your vacation into overnight stays in two areas. Contrary to Big Island Kauai is small but only has one highway that doesn’t circle the island. A time-consuming fact when you have to travel from the West or South to the North. Instead you should spend a few nights in the lush but rainy Northeast and the other half at the dry and sunny South or West shore. In both areas you will find high-class resorts, hidden B&B’s, and lovely condos for rent.
In the following Kauai travel guide I will give you ideas for day trips and activities, reveal the most beautiful beaches, best accommodations, and eateries. As usual you will also find a recommendation how to combine Kauai with your Hawaiian Islands visit and how to effectively plan your days on the island.
Similar to Big Island it is recommended to split your vacation into overnight stays in two areas. Contrary to Big Island Kauai is small but only has one highway that doesn’t circle the island. A time-consuming fact when you have to travel from the West or South to the North. Instead you should spend a few nights in the lush but rainy Northeast and the other half at the dry and sunny South or West shore. In both areas you will find high-class resorts, hidden B&B’s, and lovely condos for rent.
In the following Kauai travel guide I will give you ideas for day trips and activities, reveal the most beautiful beaches, best accommodations, and eateries. As usual you will also find a recommendation how to combine Kauai with your Hawaiian Islands visit and how to effectively plan your days on the island.
Kauai ‘No-Go’s’
Leaving valuables in your car
The most important advice I like to share is to not leave any valuables in your car but to take all your stuff with you. No matter which island you are staying on! Otherwise you will become a victim of one of the many car break-ins on the archipelago. Even if you lock your stuff in your car’s trunk it isn’t safe at all. There are thieves likely watching the common parking lots, e.g. at beaches, sights, etc. just waiting for you to leave before they start clearing your belongings.
Do not think average sunscreen is enough entering the water
It happens more often than you would think that tourists are burning themselves badly enjoying the Pacific Ocean at one of the beaches. The sun irradation in Hawaii is much stronger than on the US mainland or in Europe since the islands are located closer to the equator. The results are lobster-lookalikes spread over the islands ruining their vacations right from the start.
My recommendation – and so far very helpful for all family and friends - get yourself rash shirts (used by surfers) with sun protection fabric and wear them additionally to your sunscreen in the water. This really prevents serious sunburns.
BTW – for those who are visiting the islands only to get tanned as much as possible: you finally end up with a tropical tan that usually disappears within two weeks after returning home. You might want to think twice if it’s worth the effort. Better stay off the sun and enjoy your vacation instead of becoming a roasted chicken.
Getting from island to island
The only connection from Kauai to the other islands is by plane. Years ago a ferry connected the island with Oahu but, as mentioned in my other island guides, the residents stood up against the service. The result is that you have to charter a private boat or take the plane to/from Lihue airport.
Arriving on Kauai I highly recommend renting a car with 4WD since there are many dirt roads to explore. The most common car you will see is a Jeep Wrangler. A fun car but make sure you know how to put up the roof again. I recommend trying it out several times in a row or ask the car rental for advice. Why? Well, it is not unlikely that you are surprised by a heavy rain shower and I guess you won’t like to end up like all other tourists standing helpless at the curb fighting with the roof. Taking the top down is easy putting it back up a pain…
If you are planning to do some island hopping the interisland fares are usually moderate with exceptions during the major holidays. For the lowest rate I would compare the prices amongst the following three main operators:
Hawaiian Airlines - http://www.hawaiianair.com/Services/Pages/interisle.aspx
Go! Mokulele by Mesa Airlines - http://www.iflygo.com/
Island Air Hawaii (propeller aircraft) - http://www.islandair.com/
Please note that some operators do not allow foreigners outside the U.S., Canada or some Asian countries to purchase tickets online.
Leaving valuables in your car
The most important advice I like to share is to not leave any valuables in your car but to take all your stuff with you. No matter which island you are staying on! Otherwise you will become a victim of one of the many car break-ins on the archipelago. Even if you lock your stuff in your car’s trunk it isn’t safe at all. There are thieves likely watching the common parking lots, e.g. at beaches, sights, etc. just waiting for you to leave before they start clearing your belongings.
Do not think average sunscreen is enough entering the water
It happens more often than you would think that tourists are burning themselves badly enjoying the Pacific Ocean at one of the beaches. The sun irradation in Hawaii is much stronger than on the US mainland or in Europe since the islands are located closer to the equator. The results are lobster-lookalikes spread over the islands ruining their vacations right from the start.
My recommendation – and so far very helpful for all family and friends - get yourself rash shirts (used by surfers) with sun protection fabric and wear them additionally to your sunscreen in the water. This really prevents serious sunburns.
BTW – for those who are visiting the islands only to get tanned as much as possible: you finally end up with a tropical tan that usually disappears within two weeks after returning home. You might want to think twice if it’s worth the effort. Better stay off the sun and enjoy your vacation instead of becoming a roasted chicken.
Getting from island to island
The only connection from Kauai to the other islands is by plane. Years ago a ferry connected the island with Oahu but, as mentioned in my other island guides, the residents stood up against the service. The result is that you have to charter a private boat or take the plane to/from Lihue airport.
Arriving on Kauai I highly recommend renting a car with 4WD since there are many dirt roads to explore. The most common car you will see is a Jeep Wrangler. A fun car but make sure you know how to put up the roof again. I recommend trying it out several times in a row or ask the car rental for advice. Why? Well, it is not unlikely that you are surprised by a heavy rain shower and I guess you won’t like to end up like all other tourists standing helpless at the curb fighting with the roof. Taking the top down is easy putting it back up a pain…
If you are planning to do some island hopping the interisland fares are usually moderate with exceptions during the major holidays. For the lowest rate I would compare the prices amongst the following three main operators:
Hawaiian Airlines - http://www.hawaiianair.com/Services/Pages/interisle.aspx
Go! Mokulele by Mesa Airlines - http://www.iflygo.com/
Island Air Hawaii (propeller aircraft) - http://www.islandair.com/
Please note that some operators do not allow foreigners outside the U.S., Canada or some Asian countries to purchase tickets online.
How to combine Kauai with your Hawaiian Islands vacations:
Kauai is a gorgeous and diversed island that needs at least 4-5 full days to be explored. I recommend spending at least 2 nights in the Northeast and 2-3 nights along the West or South shore.
If you are planning to visit several Hawaiian Islands think first how important excitement is for you during your vacations. There are islands that offer a perfect mix between tropical settings, secluded areas, entertainment, and activites that other islands might lack. Kauai has a marvelous landscape but is very quiet. Except the major tourist areas like Princeville, Kapaa or Poipu you won’t find bars and restaurants that are open after 9pm. Those who have been to Maui e.g. Lahaina won’t find something similar on Kauai.
Coming back to the scenery, dissapointments might be pre-programmed if you start your vacations on Kauai or Big Island before you continue to Oahu for example. Oahu is a fantastic island, but, if you can say it like this, the least attractive compared to the other Hawaiian Islands. In short, if you want to go to Oahu as well, don’t start with Kauai but save it as last or second last destination.
In case you cannot make it to all islands I recommend the following ranking: Maui (including Lanai and Molokai), Big Island, Kauai and finally Oahu and the smaller islands like Molokai or Lanai. Please note that this is my personal opinion and might differ from your interests.
If you spend the first days in the Northeast of Kauai you should plan one day to hike NaPali Coast and to explore Hanalei, Princeville, and the surrounding beaches afterwards. Another day is necessary for Wailua River, Wailua Falls and to visit Kapaa for example.
In the West and South you need one day for the Waimea Canyon and half a day for a boat trip along NaPali Coast leaving from Waimea or Eleele harbor. Another half-day is needed if you want to visit Polihale Beach. For Poipu, Koloa, the spouting horn, and the South shore, including some swimming or snorkeling I would plan another day.
The golfers amongst you should schedule a tee time at Poipu Bay Golf and the beginner and intermediate surfers should check out the North of Poipu Beach and Brenneke’s Beach.