Kauai Travel Guide: Reviews, photos, & videos

Estimated travel time: 5 hours, 45 minutes by plane (from Los Angeles, CA); 25 minutes by plane (from Honolulu, HI)  
 
Most visitors to Hawaii arrive at Honolulu International Airport on the island of Oahu. From Honolulu, you can connect to Kauai on Aloha Airlines, go!, Hawaiian Airlines or Island Air. The connection from Honolulu to Kauai takes 25 minutes. Three major domestic airlines service Kauai's Lihue Airport directly: American Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways.  

• Current conditions

  

  Partly sunny. Showers likely late in the morning...then scattered showers in the afternoon. Highs 68 to 78. Northeast winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
  Hi: 78° F, Low: 56° F.

• Tomorrow's forecast

  
  Partly sunny with scattered showers. Highs 67 to 80. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph with higher gusts. Chance of rain 50 percent.
  Hi: 80° F, Low: 58° F.


Weatherbug's weather page.

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  SusannaReviews: 1
  Posts: 0

  Jurassic Paradise

  10/15/2009

  Rating

  90%

  Kauai, HI, USA

  Native Hawaiians and their visitors seem unanimously agreed: when asked which island is the most beautiful, they all point west, to Kauai. Never one to follow a crowd, I nevertheless find myself compelled to stand with the majority and answer the same way, after having gaped in awe at the beauty of this Jurassic Paradise. After a honeymoon cruise with daily stops at four of the islands, my new husband and I rested our sea legs for a cozy week in Kauai. It was January – rainy season – and the weather was breezy bliss. We enjoyed sunny days spent roaming the island, and rainy nights when we left our porch door open to listen as the storm showered the palms and churned the ocean. We decided to splurge on a helicopter ride: at $200 per person, it was money well spent. The chopper flew us around the edge of the island, through the famous Waimea Canyon and its ribbon waterfalls, and out to the Na Pali coast –inaccessible by road and totally amazing with its height, hidden beaches, and untouched jungles. The ride had an island-themed soundtrack of Jurassic Park music (filmed on the island) and “Somewhere over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (the most famous Hawaiian artist) among others. The tour by flight gave us the perfect preview for our week of hiking through the muddy trails laden with the bright greens of tropical flora. After our Hawaiian Luau at Smith’s (located at a botanical garden) our island excursion was complete. We had experienced the garden isle.

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  Jessica_Nunemaker

  • Elite member

  Reviews: 16
  Posts: 100

  Kauai's Little Legends

  08/17/2008

  Rating

  100%

  Kauai, HI, USA

  Magical Creatures, Human Sacrifice, and Polytheistic beliefs only add to Kauai’s long and interesting history, steeped in the type of legends and lore that never fail to captivate and entertain. The Menehune are one such legend. A strong, amazingly hardworking yet diminutive people, the elusive Menehune came out only at night, performing advanced stonemasonry unlike anything else in Hawaii. One legend concerns the high chief of Waimea; Ola. Getting water from Waimea River to the taro crops was exhausting work so Ola asked the Menehune for help which resulted in an impressive irrigation system, the Menehune Ditch. Built with smooth lava stones from over six miles, some believe this system predates the Hawaiians. History buff or not, it is definitely an interesting sight to see! Menehune also had a hand building the freshwater Alekoko Fish Pond. Heavy volcanic rock was expertly fit together to make a nicely walled enclosure perfect for mullet to survive. Unfortunately the Menehune weren’t able to complete the task in time for the dawn quittin’ time, so they left it unfinished, where it remained unchanged for generations. Get there by Hulemalu Road or, for the more adventurous, kayak up Huleia Stream and check it out.

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  BobThurberReviews: 2
  Posts: 0

  Heaven on Earth!

  08/10/2008

  Rating

  100%

  Kauai, HI, USA

  Oh, Kauai! It seems as if God came down to earth and planted heaven right here on this pristine patch of sand. Breathtaking views, spectacular scenery, quiet, peaceful beaches: this is truly one of the most stunning places on earth. Don't tell anyone! Too quiet—too perfect? Not a problem if you're looking for the true Island experience. One trip we swam with turtles in a spectacular place, Ke'e Beach located at roads end. The Kalalau Trail by the Na Pali coast begins there. South Pacific was filmed there, so was Blue Hawaii and parts of Jurrasic Park. Most definitely soar over the mountains over the Na Pali coast in a helicopter: it is a mandatory rite of passage. Or you can take a boat: you can see dolphins, seals and whales: you'll find it breathtaking! O.K. lets review: Beautiful Mountains? Check. Crashing waves on beautiful beaches? Check. Fragrant flowers? Check. GO!!!

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  BobThurberReviews: 2
  Posts: 0

  Heaven on Earth

  08/08/2008

  Rating

  100%

  Kauai, HI, USA

  Please don't read this review! If you do you will drop what you are doing and head straight for the north shore of Kauai! And then it might ruin it for the rest of us who know this is one of the last unspoiled destinations in Hawaii...well, actually on the planet. Its literally as if God came to earth and planted heaven right here on this pristine patch of sand so we would all have a place to remind us of our final destination (Well some of us). So, don't go there...don't even think about it! Maybe just read about it on some website some day. Ha! You want unspoiled? How about this: No building on the Island can be taller than the tallest coconut tree!!! Breathtaking views abound, spectacular scenery yours for the asking, and quiet, peaceful beach walking always available! This is truly one of the most stunning places on earth. With more rainfall than anywhere else save Sierra Leone on the West Coast of Africa! But that's Kauai's secret strategy: all this rainfall just acts to keeps most everyone away. Try it in July, then you'll have no moisture to speak of. And no people! Are you thinking downside? Well, it might be too quiet, too tranquil, too perfect. Not a problem if your looking for the true Island experience. In fact there are really no problems on Kauai...unless you think finding too many fish while snorkeling a problem! On an early trip there I found myself swimming with the turtles at Tunnels beach! "Wow", I could be heard to exclaim (and very few things in this day and age can make me say "Wow"). I've had this experience many times since. How 'bout beaches? Literally located at the end of the road, Ke'e Beach is probably the most spectacular and beautiful beachs on Kauai. It is also one of the most well visited . The famed Kalalau Trail through the Na Pali coast begins at the western end of the beach. South Pacific was filmed here, so was Blue Hawaii and parts of Jurrasic Park. Do you need more? There is a reef about 300 yards out that protects swimmers from the tiger sharks (Oh, I forgot to mention this is where they like to hang out). One other beach worth mentioning (well there all like '11' on a scale of '10') is located in front of the Princeville Hotel and is called Pu'u Pao. This great, white sand beach is seasonal - best during the summer when the surf is calm. You can get to it through the hotel or, if you like adventure, just before you hit the hotel gate there is a trail over the cliff to the right that takes you to a very secluded spot. There is also a beach called "Secret Beach" but I can't tell you where it is (no really, I promised). If you want to find it (and you do) ask a local (politely). Most definitely soar over the mountains or the Na Pali coast in a helicopter. Anywhere else this is just tourist stuff...here it is a mandatory rite of passage. Forget the costs just do it! You can thank me later. If you get airsick, then take a boat from the other side of the Island. The trip takes 4 hours but they feed you (and not to the sharks). You can see dolphins, seals and whales in the right season. Last, but not least, is the charming little town of Hanalei. This is where the mystical dragon Puff was said to have lived and I am sure this is true. Dragons must have come here at one time, it is sweet. And mystical, and really a nice port for large mythical creatures. PS: you'll find it breathtaking as well. Kayak up the river to the bay, an experience you will never forget...and if you somehow find my sunglasses floating in the water please call! OK, lets review: Beautiful Mountains? Check. Crashing ocean waves on beautiful beaches? Check. Fragrant flowers and an over-abundance of Fruits? Check.

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  MCAReviews: 2
  Posts: 0

  Kauai's Simple Sweet Spirit

  08/02/2008

  Rating

  100%

  Kauai, HI, USA

  I’m with my family at Lydgate State Park beach in Kauai with fresh guavas, a bag of “Maui Onion” potato chips and bottled water. When I close my eyes I hear the thunderous ocean, children squealing and a ukulele. When I open my eyes I see the teal ocean with white-capped waves and a luscious beach. What makes Kauai unique? With the Na Pali coast, the roaring ocean, and Waimea Canyon, the natural resources are what makes Kauai optimal for outdoor-lovers and for those who harbor an adventurous spirit. Don’t bother searching for hoity-toity restaurants or upscale shopping. Simple is what keeps it real in Kauai. Pack a lunch and head to Ke’e Beach. Enjoy the local atmosphere at the Tip-Top, a no-frills restaurant that serves scrumptious banana macadamia pancakes. With sun, surf and outdoor activities including whale watching and tubing, Kauai is fun – pure and natural.

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  jreid3Reviews: 1
  Posts: 0

  Hiking the Kalalau Trail- Worth Every Minute

  07/31/2008

  Rating

  100%

  Kauai, HI, USA

  When wanting to experience the native Hawaii, one should look no further than Kauai otherwise known as the Garden Isle. Kauai is the greenest and friendliest of all the Hawaiian Islands and has things to offer every traveler. For those travelers who are on a shoestring budget, one must simply rent a car (or hitchhike as I did) to the Kalalau Trailhead on Ke’e Beach to hike the most beautiful trail in the world. All one needs to hike the NaPali Coast is a good pair of trail shoes, a bathing suit, a rain jacket, and a sleeping bag. It also helps to be in decent shape to do this trail, as it is not for the weak hearted. Hike this trail to travel throughout lush jungles with the wafting smell of guava to aid your travels and to swim in isolated waterfalls which fulfill many fantasies. This trail ends roughly 11 miles (one way) along the coast to the jewel of the entire trip: Kalalau Beach. At this location, knife-edged cliffs tower above this secluded beach and encapsulates the weary hiker with sand, sun and water. It is here where the hiker may rejuvenate by swimming in the waves or by simply soaking in the panoramic views. However as every vacation is finite, I had to leave my private Shangri-la. One may arrange their exit by boat (as long as this is done before you leave the trailhead) or must hike out the way you came. I highly suggest the hike back as you are able to relive those moments of paradise once again. During my entire 7-day stay, I did not see a single soul and for somewhere that is as crowded as Planet Earth, that accomplishment is hard to find. Safe travels.

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  Tsung ChiReviews: 2
  Posts: 0

  Kickin' it in Kauai

  07/25/2008

  Rating

  95%

  Kauai, HI, USA

  True or False? Kauai is the least developed Hawaiian Island. True of course, which makes it the ideal choice is you're having trouble deciding which island to visit. Sure, you can't go wrong with any of them, but Kauai's got that "Lost" feeling (as long as you avoid the Walmart). Seriously, when you're scaling the Na Pali coast you may feel like Kate or Sawyer hicking it to the Radio Tower. And speaking of the Na Pali coast, don't cut it short: the longer you walk the better it gets. Or travel inland and take in the Waimea Canyon(stopping along the way for some shave ice), the grand canyon of Hawaii. Love to golf? Here's a secret. Suck up a one hour time share presentation at Princeville; (warning: if you're not tough you may walk out with a million dollar beachfront time share, even if you've only got 30 bucks to your name) it's worth the harrassment from the sales manager for the free round at the Prince course. Yes, it's the best course (no offense to Mauna Kea) on the island. Enjoy!

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  IBleedWords

  • Top member

  Reviews: 9
  Posts: 20

  The Sistine Chapel of the Islands

  07/10/2008

  Rating

  100%

  Kauai, HI, USA

  I wasn't going to take a helicopter ride in Kauai...it was so expensive. But as I read in a well-known guidebook, "going to Kauai and not taking a helicopter ride is like going to the Sistine Chapel and not looking up." Well, whoever wrote that was right. I wish I could show you some amazing photos from above, but I was so awe-stricken by the beauty I saw that I only snapped a few pictures before the beautiful-awe-inspiring-drool-provoking-dream-inducing lusciousness that is Kauai unfolded before my eyes. At that point, I was so stricken by the beauty that lay before and beneath me that I could barely speak, let alone adjust my camera for photos. What is there to say except that I think that Kauai is a masterpiece and I was fortunate to have witnessed it from such a vantage point!

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  donReviews: 1
  Posts: 0

  Perfect West Coast Beach Destination

  06/06/2008

  Rating

  95%

  Kauai, HI, USA

  We traveled with a group of friends to Hanalei Bay on Kauai in May. Kauai is a great all-around destination because the weather is great, there is a wide range of accommodations and the beaches beautiful. The dining options are not the best, but renting a house where you can cook fresh fish is the way to go.

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  VacationHmQueen

  • Top member

  Reviews: 24
  Posts: 6

  Kauai Realtor Association

  08/29/2008

  This link will connect you with realtors in Kauai.

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