It’s common to hear people say they are enamored with Poʻipū. With its picturesque beaches, top-notch restaurants and interesting archaeological sites, it’s no surprise. The sunny town on the island’s south shore exudes the warmth and laid-back vibes characteristic of many beach communities in Hawaiʻi. And while Poʻipū is a popular destination among travelers, it […]
Kaua‘i is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands—and one of the most beloved by travelers. From verdant valleys to the majestic Nāpali Coast, the Garden Isle makes for an idyllic vacation. Although a top destination, the island remains dotted with secluded beaches and home to some of the best under-the-radar businesses. You just need to
*This story was originally published on Aug. 2, 2016 and updated on Aug. 11, 2025. The next time you go to Kapaʻa, listen to the locals. The 8-mile drive from the Līhuʻe airport to the district’s historic center was the only set of directions I had upon arriving to Kauaʻi, and turns out it
Whether you’re tacking on to your vacation or just hopping over from a neighbor island, Kauaʻi is a great destination for a weekend getaway with your ʻohana. Known for its lush landscapes, there are plenty of family-friendly activities that show off the natural splendor of the Garden Isle. Here’s a simple itinerary to create a
There may not be any national parks on Kauaʻi, but the island does boast five—yes, five—state parks with some of the island’s best beaches, trails and vistas. One of the most popular is Kōkeʻe State Park, perched 3,600 feet above sea level on the island’s west side. It’s truly a hiker’s paradise, with 45 miles
The forecast called for sunshine—after all, this was Kaua‘i—and we planned accordingly. That meant leaving rain jackets and backpack shells behind. Luckily, that was the only mistake we made that weekend. When I turned 40, my husband took me on a hiking adventure to Kaua‘i. We stayed in one of the rustic cabins at Kōke‘e
Once you cross the historic one-lane steel bridge over Hanalei River, you can feel it, the magic of this rural town on the north shore of Kaua‘i. It’s laid-back in the best way. No big resorts, no chain restaurants, no stoplights. It’s just you, a two-lane road and endless ways to unwind and relax. This
Kauaʻi, also known as the Garden Isle, is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Considered by some as the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands—other sources cite Ni‘ihau, by a couple of hundred thousand years—Kauaʻi is chock-full of culture, activities and ʻono (delicious) restaurants. It’s a great place for visitors to travel to, especially
Kōkeʻe State Park is a hiker’s dream, with 45 miles of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of Kauaʻi’s fabled Nāpali Coast. But as someone who has made all sorts of travel mistakes in my life—including thinking we could grab dinner at the park’s restaurant only to find out it closes at 4:30 p.m. and
Kauaʻi is for those who truly want to get away. Lush mountains, cascading waterfalls, remote beaches — the island offers the Hawaiʻi vacation of your dreams. Hike through tropical rainforests or along breathtaking pali (cliffs). Kayak through verdant valleys to hidden waterfalls. Walk along more than 50 miles of beaches. If you want get away,
Like most of the neighborhoods on Kauaʻi, the quiet town of Kīlauea is a tranquil respite—and not to be confused with the active Kīlauea volcano on Hawaiʻi Island. While it’s home to the historic Kīlauea Lighthouse, it’s a town often bypassed on the drive to Hanalei. But it’s worth the detour to stop and wander
You won’t notice the old sugar mill right away as you drive through and exit the eucalyptus tree-lined tunnel of Maluhia Road, a shady canopy that’s like a portal to a historic sugar town. Instead, you’ll see a gathering of food trucks on a grassy field catering to locals and visitors alike with plates of
