Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Hawaii Vacation Blog

Plan a Kauai Vacation

a bridge over a body of water with a mountain in the background

If you want to plan a Kauai vacation, consider the unique aspects the “Garden Island” can offer to Hawaii visitors. From hikes to helicopter rides, and from surfing to sun bathing, there are plenty of reasons to book a relaxing and invigorating trip to Kauai.

Most people visiting Kauai will fly into Lihue, a town on the southeastern coast. Once you arrive, consider what you’d like to do with your time on the island.

Check out these ideas!

Visit 50 Miles of Beaches

Kauai offers more than 50 miles of soft sand beaches from nearly all areas of the island. Not only that, but visitors find these beaches are not as crowded as those on more populated islands such as Oahu.

Kauai beaches offer various types of surf as well—from big waves to calm shores.

a beach with Polihale State Park in the background

Polihale State Beach Park offers summer swimming and fishing, as well as views of Nāpali Coast cliffs. Camping permits are also offered for overnight stays, but those accessing the beach must utilize 4 wheel drive vehicles.

Hanalei Bay Beach offers both amateur and advanced surfing, as well as a sunken ship for divers to explore. Beach goers can swim here all year long, or hop in a canoe and paddle off shore for a great view of the mountains.

These are just a few of the beaches to enjoy on your trip.

Plan a Kauai Vacation Helicopter Ride

Visitors may not realize that the most lush, tropical areas of Kauai are often inaccessible on foot or by vehicle. For aerial views of Waimea Canyon or Nāpali Coast, a helicopter ride can provide outstanding access, connecting travelers with an intimate look at pristine areas of this verdant island.

Manawaiopuna Falls is recognizable as the waterfall from the 1993 movie Jurassic Park. A helicopter trip to this waterfall can provide a unique look at one of nature’s true manifestations of beauty.

a canyon with Waimea Canyon State Park in the background

Small Town Feel on Kauai

As you plan a Kauai vacation, keep in mind that the largest town on Kauai is Kapaa, with a population of 11,000 people. Kauai provides a small town feel. Make some memories and pick up some art at Hanalei, or shop and check out old style buildings in Hanapepe. These small towns give you a cozy feel for life on the island.

If you hope to connect to a slower pace of life, plan a Kauai vacation to meet locals and escape the metropolis.

The “Garden Island”

The Hawaiian archipelago has several best kept secrets, and one of them is Kauai. Some residents want to keep it that way, so that the island’s unique vibe doesn’t change. Regardless, visitors always find themselves reminiscing after a refreshing trip to this peaceful, tropical paradise.

From beach lovers and surfers, to sight seers and nature enthusiasts, Kauai offers so much to love.

Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Group Tour with Downtown Honolulu From $79 $59

Enjoy an interesting 5-6 hour excursion to Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona and Downtown Honolulu. ONLY Pearl Harbor Tour including a guided walk through Downtown Honolulu, past Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha Statue and other Hawaiian sites. Small Group Self-Guided Pearl Harbor Tour with exclusive service.

Private Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Tour From $500

Private Pearl Harbor Tour & USS Arizona visit (Tickets Upon Availability). During this ~6-7 hour tour you have enough time to explore ALL of Pearl Harbor National Park. See Pearl Harbor, visit the USS Arizona Memorial, step on the submarine USS Bowfin, take a free guided tour on the Battleship USS Missouri and visit the Aviation Museum.