Kauai is a pristine paradise and one of the most captivating islands in the Hawaiian archipelago—from its jagged Na Pali coast to picture perfect Hanalei Bay to tumbling Wailua Falls. Kauai was the first Hawaiian island to rise from the Pacific Ocean millions of years ago, and travel to Kauai still evokes that prehistoric wilderness. (It’s no surprise that Steven Spielberg favored the island for his epics: Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Hook.) Fifty miles of immaculate, white sand beaches ring the island beckoning to surfers and sun-tanners alike. But not everything is wilderness--luxury resorts abound, as do world-class restaurants and golf courses with spectacular ocean views. Check out the Travel + Leisure Kauai travel guide to get the best hotels, restaurants and sights.
Things Not to Miss in Kauai
• Hike the sweeping Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast
• Take a helicopter ride over Waimea Canyon State Park
• Munch on a shave ice from one of the beachside food trucks
• Try surfing at Poipu Beach or Hanalei Bay
• Enjoy lunch in the charming old towns of Hanapepe and Koloa
• Swim at Wailua Falls
When to Go to Kauai
The weather in Kauai is pretty consistently hot and humid year-round with temperatures sitting between 70°F to 85°F. High tourist season is during the winter holidays from December to March. However, the driest and most pleasant seasons in Kauai are the spring and fall, when the tourists have gone home, and prices are cheaper. It’s best to visit Kauai during April-June or September-November.
-
The Best Beaches in Hawaii
One of the many reasons we love Hawaii—aside from an incredible mai tai, fresh seafood, and laid-back surf culture—is that it can easily lay claim to... Read More
-
The Top Islands in Hawaii
It turns out you can have it all, and at one time — at least when you spend time at one of the best islands in Hawaii. Visitors can hike up volcanoes... Read More
-
Kauai's Coastal Kuhio Highway Finally Reopened — Here Are the Restrictions Road Trippers Need to Know
After an extensive recovery period, the Kuhio Highway on the island of Kauai in Hawaii reopened to the public on Monday, but with some precautions in... Read More
-
The Best Beaches for Camping in the U.S.
Grab your tent and your swimsuit.When it comes to making weekend travel plans for the summer, you have a lot of options. Perhaps you want to sit in the... Read More
-
One of Hawaii's Best Hiking Trails Reopens a Year After Major Volcanic Eruption
Hikers in Hawaii can finally revisit the popular Kilauea Iki Trail in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, which has been closed for nearly a year since the... Read More
-
You Can Now Spend the Night on the Beaches of Hawaii in a Retro Volkswagen Campervan (Video)
People go to Hawaii for the island experience, but quite often end up in high-rise hotels without beach views and a shuttle to the beach. For... Read More
-
12 Mesmerizing Places to Watch Flowers Bloom This Spring
While heavenly in the first few weeks of spring, flowers are rarely the focus of an entire trip. Sure, you may be lured by a renowned botanical garden,... Read More
-
Kauai Is a Paradise on Earth — Here's What to Do When You're There
Few places on Earth possess the sublime beauty of Hawaii's Kauai. Vacationers with their eye on golden sand and Pacific water will find refuge along... Read More
-
10 Islands Filled With Adorable Animals You Can Visit
Whether you’re a bird nerd or a crazy cat person, there’s a destination with a high concentration of your favorite animal beckoning you to visit. Maybe... Read More
-
These State Parks Have All the Beauty of National Parks — and None of the Crowds
Every year from Maine to Alaska, throngs pour into U.S. national parks and preserves to climb towering cliffs, hike through misty forests and capture... Read More
-
Visit the Real Locations Behind Jurassic Park for the Film’s 25th Anniversary
Hold onto your butts.In honor of Jurassic Park’s 25-year anniversary, you can explore the real-life places where the movie was filmed.Related: The New... Read More
-
Hawaii’s Kauai Island Is Recovering From Major Flooding
One of the worst floods in years on the Hawaiian island of Kauai stranded dozens of tourists earlier this week. The National Weather Service reported 28... Read More
-
This Is Where You Should Take Your Vacation in 2018, According to TripAdvisor (Video)
If you’re searching for your next vacation in 2018, other travelers are happy to give you plenty of suggestions.But if you want a truly spectacular... Read More
-
15 Warm-weather Getaways to Escape the Next Winter Blizzard
In December, snowy forecasts conjure images of twinkling lights in shop windows, ice skating children and hot chocolate by the fire. By the time the new... Read More
-
This Secret Volcanic Pool in Hawaii Is a Thrill-seeker's Paradise
You can bathe like a queen in this tide pool, if you’re brave enough to get there.The Queen’s Bath, located in Princeville, on the north shore of Kauai,... Read More
