Kauai is known as the Garden Isle, and for good reason - it's lush greenery and rugged coastline make for some of the most scenic spots in the world. If you love to hike or backpack, few destinations can match the magnificence of Kauai’s abundant trails and footpaths. Between the unique coastal geography, tropical vegetation and resounding sense of adventure, attractions like the Kalalau Trail and Na Pali Coast are among the best exploratory experiences in the world.

We’ll cover trails and tons of other adventures in this guide, as well as everything else you might need to plan your trip to Kauai; from the best places to lodge and eat, to budget planning and money-saving tips. And, if you’re looking for further guidance, Shaka Guide offers four audio driving tours in Kauai covering every corner of the island. 

REGIONS

There are five distinct regions of Kauai:

• West Side
• North Shore
• East Side 
• South Shore 
• Lihue 

In this guide, we’ll break down the island into four, combining the South Shore and Lihue into one. 

• West Side, including Waimea Canyon and parts of the Na Pali Coast.
• The North Shore, home to Princeville and Hanelei -- two popular resort towns -- and the beginning of the Na Pali Coast (we’ll focus on the Na Pali Coast in this section).
• Wailua Valley, located on the island’s east shore.
• The South Shore, home to beachy neighborhoods like Poipu and Koloa Town.

Each has its own unique attractions and activities worth exploring. Whether you’re an active adventurer on the search for your next big hike or looking to spend days relaxing by the sea, Kauai’s got you covered! For each region we’ll discuss where to stay, beaches and hikes. 

This guide will also cover: 

• Activities, Things to Do
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Get Around
• Budgeting
• Visiting Kauai During the Covid-19 Pandemic

West Side

WHERE TO STAY 

Kauai’s western shore and inland are largely protected wilderness and natural reserves like the Alaka’i Wilderness and Halelea Forest Reserve, parts of Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, and Ku’la Natural Area Reserve. This means hotel and vacation rental options are limited. If you want to stay in this region camping is your best bet. 

West Kauai Camping

Thankfully, western Kauai is largely protected lands, which means development has been kept to an absolute minimum. This makes it one of the greatest places in the world to camp if you are really looking to get away. Aside from the Na Pali Coast (which we’ll talk about in the next section), western campsites like Polihale and Koke’e are the most remote on the island. Don’t expect a ton of facilities, though.

Koke’e State Park Campground has a few facilities, however, they aren’t the cleanest or best maintained among drive-up camping destinations. Here, you’ll have access to showers and bathrooms. Campsites are spacious with a BBQ pit and picnic table. If you’re looking for something more remote in the same general area, Kawaikoi Camp is a short drive and two-mile hike away. You can also try Camp Hale Koa or Camp Sloggett which are privately run in the same general area. 

Polihale State Park doesn’t have any designated sites or facilities, but you are allowed to camp anywhere on the beach. This location is great for drive-up camping that still feels remote since the undeveloped road discourages many would-be campers. 

Airbnb’s in West Kauai 

Wainiha to the west is a great place to stay if you’re looking to explore the western wildernesses, as well. Kauai’s westward wilderness and reserve areas are protected under local, state or federal law, which leaves these jungles, mountains and beaches untouched by development. If you enjoy nature, Wainiha has the best access to Kauai’s protected and conserved lands. Airbnbs in the Wainiha area generally run between $250-600 a night. 

BEACHES 

Polihale State Park; Jessie Chou / Unsplash

Because this section of the island is mostly park land, the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon State Park, accessible beaches are limited. Scroll down to the North Shore to find a variety of beaches for your Kauai vacation, including some along the Na Pali Coast. 

HIKING

Awa'awapuhi Trail

Awa'awapuhi Trail, Waimea; Scott Goodwill / Unsplash

This is one of the more difficult trails on the island but it’s well worth the effort. If you want to do the entire trail, plan to complete 10.5 miles in a single day, across steep terrain. The hike’s views can’t be beat which creates a lot of traffic despite the difficulty. If you’re a botanist, also be on the lookout for labeled plant species. The Awa’awapuhi trailhead can be found right off of Highway 550 in Koke’e State Park. 

Waimea Canyon Trails

There are three main trails with very different views of the Waimea Canyon. The first, shortest and easiest trail is the .1 mile Cliff Trail and takes you around a portion of the canyon rim. For an intermediate hike, the Canyon Trail takes you 3.4 miles down into the Waimea Canyon. For a more difficult adventure, the Kukui Trail takes you around the canyon walls for views of the river and swimming holes below before descending all the way to the bottom.

If you’re looking to discover this rugged region of Kauai, check out Shaka Guide’s Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Tour. It features 19 stops in this area including Waimea Canyon, Waipo'o Waterfall, and Hanapepe Swinging Bridge. 

The North Shore

WHERE TO STAY 

Hanalei & Princeville - Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ron Garnett (Barberstock)

Resorts and Hotels on Kauai’s Northern Shore

Perhaps you’ve heard of Hanalei or Princeville -- these are two popular resort and restaurant hubs located on the North Shore of Kauai. In terms of accommodation, you’ll mostly find hotels and villas in this region, especially in Princeville. You can find affordable options on the Northern Shore, but most of the accommodations are high-end.

A bit west, Wainiha is one of the best places to stay if you are looking to hike or backpack. The famed Kalalau Trail is less than two miles away, and you’ll have great access to all the western Kauai wilderness and reserve areas. 

RELATED: Princeville, Kauai Travel Guide and Hanalei Travel Guide

Airbnb’s on Kauai’s North Shore

Princeville is jam-packed with Airbnb’s at great prices. Whether you’re looking to save on a resort or hotel room or book an entire apartment, you’ll probably find exactly what you’re looking for in this area. You can even find rooms for under $100 a night! 

Camping on Kauai’s North Shore

Na Pali Coast State Park; Trailsource.com / Flickr; CC-BY-2.0

On the North Shore, you’ll have two great options for overnight outdoor adventures. The YMCA runs a great campsite with some amenities you might not be used to, such as hot showers, a dining hall, bunk houses and a volleyball court. Camp Naue by YMCA is about two miles from the start of the Na Pali Coast Kalalau trail so it’s a great place to stay before an early start into the wilderness. 

Camping in Na Pali Coast State Park 

Na Pali Coast - Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

If you’re into backpacking, you cannot skip the 11-mile journey along the remote northwestern Na Pali Coast. The first thing that you’ll want to know is that after a long closure, the Na Pali Park has reopened, with one major stipulation. Anyone who enters the park needs to make reservations at ahead of time, you can make that here. Only 900 people are allowed into the park and this includes backpackers and day hikers. 

The camping areas inside Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park are about as far from civilization as you can get in Hawaii. Pack everything you’ll need for your stay. Water is accessible near the campsites on Kalalau Beach, however bring iodine tablets or a filtration system since you’ll be collecting water from a waterfall that's inland from the camping beach. There are no restrooms or facilities of any variety in the park. No cell service. No on-duty staff. Just you, anyone you bring, and a big, fat slice of paradise. 

BEACHES

Anini Beach Park 

Anini Beach; Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Kirk Aeder

Anini has several miles of white sand, so you won’t have any trouble finding some real estate to claim for the day. The waters are calm and perfect for swimming or snorkeling along a protected reef. 

Hanalei Bay

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Hanalei Bay is convenient if you’re staying on the north part of the island. The crescent beach is called Waioli Beach Park, which is accessible from two points along Weke Road. This two-mile stretch of beach has a gorgeous mountainous backdrop. The curved bay creates calm waters perfect for swimming and other watersports. 

Tunnels Beach

Tunnels beach is just as beautiful as the rest of Kauai but usually has less of a crowd. This is an awesome beach for snorkeling since the waters are shallow and there is a live reef. The jagged mountains behind Tunnels are the perfect backdrop!

RELATED: Five Most Instagrammable Places in Kauai

Ke’e Beach

Ke’e Beach is right at the Kalalau trailhead, which means you’ll have awesome views of the Na Pali Coast. The water can get a bit choppy (lifeguard on duty), but on calm days it clears up for some excellent snorkeling.

Want to explore this vibrant region of the island? Check our Shaka Guide’s North Shore Kauai tour. It features 84 audio points and visits multiple beaches, Princeville and Hanalei. 

HIKING 

Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

Kalalau Trail; Alain Bonnardeaux / Unsplash

If you’re looking for even more adventure, the Na Pali Coast is probably right up your alley. The Kalalau Trail, which takes you along the world-renowned Na Pali Coast, is one of the best backpacking experiences that Hawaii has to offer. You’ll need to be in pretty good shape to make it through this 22-mile backpacking journey. And, you’ll also need to make a reservation. You’ve always needed a permit to backpack the Na Pali Coast, however requirements have become more strict since the parks recent reopening. 

There are no facilities available for the entirety of your stay in Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. You’ll need to pack everything you need including food, shelter and a water treatment system (iodine works, but a filtration system is preferable). If you’re just going for a day hike along the trail, bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Light boots or hiking sandals are a must. 

The trail becomes steep and is rated difficult at various points, but the experience is surreal. The uniquely gradient land created by millennia of constant weathering is quite possibly one of the most beautiful things you’ll see in your life. At various points, you’ll find yourself in valley jungles, dry deserts and lush mountains as you traverse through the Na Pali Coast. 

You’ll pass by two main beaches, both of which you are able to camp at. Most people choose to camp at the end of the trail on Kalalau Beach. Keep in mind that you’ll be an 11-mile hike from civilization, so be careful and don’t take any chances. Even a minor injury could spell real trouble since there is no cellular service. Even inter-network “emergency calls” might not connect.

RELATED: Kalalau Trail Travel Guide

Hanakapi’ai Trail

Hanakapi’ai; Roy Luck / Flickr; CC-BY-2.0

If you want to hike Kalalau but aren’t looking for an 11-mile, multi-day adventure, the Hanakapi’ai Trail follows the same initial pathway along the Na Pali Coast. The trail starts with a steep elevation gain, but the rest of the two-mile trip to Hanakapi’ai Beach is relatively easy. Keep in mind, that you are no longer allowed to enter the park for hiking without a reservation, even if you don’t plan to stay overnight. Crowds grew too large before the park closed for 14 months. The park has reopened but henceforth only 900 hikers, backpackers, and beach goers are allowed into the park daily. 

Powerline Trail

If you’re looking for a great hike near Princeville, head all the way to the end of Kapaka Street off of Kuhio Highway. The trail stretches 13-miles to Arboretum, so you take this trail as far as you wish, just be sure to leave yourself enough time for the journey back and watch out for mountain bikers. This hike is rated difficult as it is both physically demanding and hard to correctly navigate due to overgrown conditions. 

If you want to catch a glimpse of the Na Pali Coast, check out Shaka Guide's Waimea and Na Pali Driving Tour (the tour doesn't visit the Na Pali Coast). If you're looking to hike a bit of this epic coastline, check out the North Shore Kauai Driving Tour. 

East Side

WHERE TO STAY 

Resorts and Hotels on Kauai’s Eastern Shore

Between Hanamaulu to Wailua, you’ll have more hotel and resort options on the eastern shore than any other region of Kauai. In this area, you’ll have a few choices at around $100 a night, but you should plan to spend around $200 a night.  

Kauai Palms Hotel and Tip Top Motel Cafe and Bakery are outstanding budget options near the airport. If you’re looking for something upscale, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons is also in a convenient location. Further north, Kauai Lani Resort is quite nice. We can also recommend Waipouli Beach Resort, Aston Islander on the Beach, and Hilton Garden Inn Wailua Bay.

This is a convenient, affordable region in which to stay. The eastern shore boasts the islands only airport in the town of Lihue. Depending how far north you go, you’ll be at most 15 minutes from the airport if you stay in a hotel in this area. The eastern shore is also the island’s main commercial hub which gives you great access to necessities, shopping and affordable lodging. 

Airbnb’s in Eastern Kauai 

Nawiliwili Bay; John Loo / Flickr; CC-BY-2.0

Eastern Kauai has more Airbnb hosts to choose from than any other part of the island. You’ll find a wide range of accommodations including homes, rooms and discounted hotels at almost any price point. 

If you’re looking to stay close to the airport, Nawiliwili Bay and Downtown Lihue are beautiful and conveniently located. Further north, in Wailua, you can find tons of discounted hotel, resort and condo accommodations from $100-200 a night. Papaloa Road and Aleka Loop are particularly saturated with awesome deals. 

Camping in Eastern Kauai 

Tree tunnel linking the east side of Kauai to Koloa and Poipu - Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

There are a few great drive-up campsites on the eastern shore of Kauai. Lydgate Park has excellent beach camping just a few miles north of the airport. The bathrooms and facilities are extremely well maintained. 

There is also a privately run campground further north called Kumu Campground. Private campgrounds are nice as they often have amenities you might not be used to at public, government-run campsites. At Kumu Beach, there are hot showers, electricity at pavilions and bathrooms, as well as a range of camping styles to choose from including tent camping, yurts, bungalows and cottage.

BEACHES

Kealia Beach Park

Kealia Beach Park on the eastern shore of the island features .5 miles of stunning green coastline. If you’re looking to surf, paddle out past the sand bar to find a nice break. This is also a great area to do some boogie boarding or other water recreation as there are lifeguards on duty.

Lydgate State Park

The salt-water pool in Lydgate State Park is an awesome destination for families. The water is some of the safest for swimming in all of Hawaii since it is largely cut off from the ocean -- this makes it awesome for snorkeling too.

Kalapaki Beach

Kalapaki Beach, just south of the airport, is a lovely cove that is perfect for swimming. The crescent cliff protects the cove from any rough waters, so it’s an awesome place to take a relaxing dip in the ocean.

HIKING 

Sleeping Giant Trail

Sleeping Giant, also known as Nounou East, is the perfect hike if you are looking to jump right into Kauai’s unique topography and vegetation. This two-mile hike takes you up into the Kauai mountains through lush Hawaiian jungle. You’ll get awesome views of the surrounding area, all the way to the ocean. Conveniently located in Wailua on east Kauai. This is a short but steep intermediate to difficult hike. 

Ho’opi’i Falls Hike

If you want to tour Kauai’s waterfalls, Ho’opi’i is a great place to start. This two-mile hike takes you through two picturesque waterfalls. This is a relatively easy trail, however it’s best to go on a dry day as the mud can make the hike significantly more difficult. The trailhead can be found near the end of Kapahi Road in Kawaihau.

RELATED: Kauai Waterfalls Guide

Want to explore this lush region? Check out Shaka Guide’s Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Tour. It features 84 audio points and visits historic sites, beaches, hikes and waterfalls. 

South Shore

WHERE TO STAY 

Resorts and Hotels on Kauai’s Southern Shore

Grand Hyatt; Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

On the Southern part of the island, most people stay in Poipu. The hotels and resorts in this town are all on the luxurious side and about 45 minutes from the airport. Further West, in Waimea, there are a few more budget-friendly options. 

For Poipu, you can’t go wrong with any of the accommodations. We would specifically recommend Koloa Landing Resort and Grand Hyatt, but almost anyplace you stay will be extremely nice. In Waimea, consider the Inn Waimea, West Inn Kauai, West Kauai Lodging or Waimea Plantation Cottages, which all have rates around $200-250 a night.

People flock to this particular area for its large number of resorts, but also for the Leeward Coast’s constant sunshine. If you’re looking for sun, and beaches on which to enjoy it, you’ll have better luck on the south shore than more precipitous northern resort towns like Princeville. There are also tons of great surf spots right on Poipu’s coast such as Shipwreck and Poipu beaches.

Airbnb’s in Southern Kauai

Aerial of Waimea; Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

In the island’s southern region, Koloa has the largest selection of Airbnb hosts. Airbnb’s in this area are generally homes, rooms and condos, which means you’ll have an awesome range of price points to help customize your vacation budget. 

Further west, Waimea and Kekaha both have an abundance of great accommodations with various styles. These are also ideal locations for accessing the island’s western wilderness and natural reserves. 

RELATED: Koloa Travel Guide

BEACHES

Poipu Beach

Poipu Beach, right in the town of Poipu, is one of Kauai’s most popular beaches both for its convenience and beauty. It has a range of amenities and facilities including picnic tables, lifeguards and showers. This is one of the best family beaches with a natural pool that’s great for children. If you’re lodging on the southern part of the island, we’re sure you’ll find yourself on this beach at least once during your stay! 

Want to explore these vibrant neighborhoods? Check out Shaka Guide’s Poipu & Koloa Town tour. It features 62 audio points and visits multiple beaches, Hawaii’s largest limestone cave, and a botanical garden. 

RELATED: Poʻipu Beaches for Morning, Noon and Night

HIKING 

Mahaulepu Beach Trail

Mahaulepu Trail; Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i / Flickr; CC-BY-2.0

If you’re looking for a hike on the southern part of the island, Mahaulepu Beach Loop is just outside of Koloa. You’ll trek past several awesome beaches, historical sites and geological formations on this 6-mile coastal adventure. Crossing beach sand with a daypack can exhaust you quickly, however we’ll still rate this one as easy since it’s mostly flat. With an elevation gain of just 95 feet, almost anyone can safely complete this hike with enough breaks. 

Looking to visit the beautiful beaches and historic towns in this region of the island? Check out Shaka Guide's Poipu and Koloa Driving Tour! 

Activities

There is plenty of adventure and relaxation to be had on Kauai depending on what you’re looking for. If you want to channel your inner beached-whale, there are tons of great sandy spots to soak up the sun. Or, if you’re excited to see some of Hawaii’s natural beauty, you’d be hard pressed to find better hiking anywhere in the world. In this section, we’ll discuss activities to help you start planning your trip.

1. Camping 

Hikers Along Kuilau Trail; Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

Kauai is the best Hawaiian Island for camping and overnight backpacking. The Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast, for instance, is world-renowned for its unique jungle adventures. Since Kauai is less developed than other popular islands like Oahu and Big Island, there are options for camping on most parts of Kauai with the exception of the southern coast. 

If you don’t want to pack your own gear, don’t worry, Kauai has several companies that offer camping rentals. 

RELATED: Kauai Camping Guide

2. Hiking

You simply can’t go wrong with any of the adventures that await on Hawaii’s oldest island. Whether you’re looking for mountainous views, jungle trailblazing or waterfall swims, Kauai has what you need to get your adventure fix. Check out the map below for some of our favorites.

3. Beach Hopping

If you’re coming to Hawaii, we are going to assume you plan on visiting a few beaches and there are a selection of award-winning ones that call this island home. Check out the map below for some of our favorites. 

4. Whale Watching

Among all the other surreal attractions, Hawaii is also a world-class whale watching destination. You have several options for whale watching boat tours available just off of Kauai’s coast. You might also spot a random whale from land or while driving the northern coast. Whale watching season starts in late winter and ends in early March.

5. Skydiving

Skydiving is also quite popular on Kauai. There are a variety of companies to choose from and each has several packages. If this is your first time, you’ll need to book a tandem jump, which is usually a bit more expensive. 

6. Kayaking

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

If you’re looking for a river kayak experience, the island has loads of jungle flows to choose from. Of course, you might also consider ocean kayaking since you are positioned along one of the most scenic coastlines in the world.

7. Snorkeling 

Kauai has plenty of great snorkel spots. Many of the beaches featured in this e-book have vibrant reefs with an abundance of tropical fish and sea turtles. If you happen to spot a monk seal, count your lucky stars, but give them plenty of room. Changing a monk seals course even slightly can have far-reaching environmental impacts since these seals are extremely endangered. You can also get thousands of dollars in fines for disturbing these wonderful creatures!

RELATED: Nine Kauai Snorkel Spots

8. Surfing

In case you didn’t know, Hawaii is one of the world's premier surfing destinations. For Kauai’s part, there are plenty of great surf beaches to choose from. If you’re a beginner, consider Hanalei Bay or Kalapaki for gentle, long rides. Give Kiahuna Beach a go if you’re looking for something more intermediate. If you’ve been surfing for a long time, try Tunnels Beach, Rock Quarry Beach, Secret Beach, Kalihiwai Beach, or Kealia Beach. 

9. Boat Tours 

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Blake Bronstad

If you aren’t into hiking but love a pristine view, you might consider a boat tour. Boat tours of the Na Pali Coast are particularly surreal and offer a uniquely complete perspective that you would not see along the Kalalau Trail. The view of the rigid Na Pali Coast from sea is truly unforgettable. 

10. Driving Tours

If you really want to get to know Kauai, you’ll need to find yourself a guide that understands the island inside and out. But don’t stress it -- Shaka Guide’s got you covered for the whole island with our audio tours. Download the Kauai app for turn-by-turn directions and expert advice with plenty of cultural, historical and geographical intrigue along the way.

Shaka Guide offers four driving tours of Kauai including North Shore Kauai, Waimea & Na Pali, Wailua Valley & Waterfalls, and Poipu & Koloa. 

RELATED: Things to do on Kauai

Best Times to Visit Kauai

Kauai is great any time of year. It is less visited than other islands, so you don’t have to worry quite as much about crowds. That being said, lodging and airfare are still significantly less expensive during the lull months. Certain months are also better if you’re looking to avoid the rain as the island tends to get more rainfall thant he other Hawaiian Islands.

Kauai gets the most tourists in June, July, August, and December. The off-season months are January, February, April, September, October, and November. 

Temperatures are relatively stable throughout the year in Hawaii. As a tropical destination, it really only has two seasons: a dry summer from April to September and wet winter from October to March. 

Best Ways to Get Around Kauai

Cristofer Jeschke / Unsplash

Kauai doesn’t have as many options for getting around as more populated islands like Oahu. You won’t have rideshares at your disposal, for instance (although there are some). 

However, there is still a bus system. Buses cost $2 per ride or $40 for a monthly bus pass. Seniors and children pay $1 per ride. You can find a map of all the island’s routes here. 

If you really want to explore, you’ll want to rent a car. Most major agencies have locations near Lihue, so you won’t have any trouble finding a car near the airport. Poipu and Kokoa also have a couple of agencies if you find yourself in need of a rental in these areas. 

Budgeting for Kauai

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

In general, the Hawaiian Islands are an expensive destination. And, even among the islands, Kauai stands out as a particularly pricey place to visit. Of course, the money you’ll put towards experiencing Kauai is well worth it. 

Food Costs

Food is a major consideration when traveling to the Hawaiian Islands since prices are so much steeper in the middle of the pacific ocean than most other destinations. You can expect to pay marked-up prices due to the island's remoteness. For instance, you might find milk for $7-$10 dollars or a dozen large eggs for $6-7.

Restaurants are also going to cost more than you are likely used to. When eating out, you’ll probably spend around $20 per person per meal for a casual restaurant, not including tip and tax.

Lodging Costs

If you are flexible, you can save tons on lodging in Hawaii. Hotels and resorts can be great experiences, but they are also usually pretty expensive. Airbnbs or campsites are a much better option for saving money while maintaining your comfort level. 

For a hotel, you can expect to pay anywhere from around $150 to $800 a night. If you are diligent about finding discounts, you can potentially find a budget hotel for around $100 a night. 

For Airbnb you can expect to pay anywhere from less than $100 to $1000s per night. Keep in mind that many hotels on Kauai charge “resort fees” which will not be included in their stated price. Expect to tack on an extra $25-$50 onto the list price for resort fees.  

Ticketing and Airfare

Kauai is one of the more expensive islands to fly to. But with any destination, you can save a lot by visiting in a lull season and by buying tickets early. If you’re looking to save, the best months to fly to Hawaii are January, February, April, September, October, and November. 

Ticketing from Portland or Seattle International Airports might cost anywhere between $450 to $1,000 for a standard seat. For flights from Dallas or Chicago International Airports, you might spend somewhere between $600 to $1,200 depending on the time of year and how early you purchase your ticket. Direct flights from airports in California cost around $500. Flights from east coast cities like New York and Boston can cost between $600 and $1,700 depending on the time of year. 

Other Transportation Costs 

You can find rental cars for as little as $40 a day on Kauai, which is probably going to be your best bet for getting around the island quickly. Book your rental car in advance to save. Renting a car at the airport can cost you! Buses are $2 per ride or $40 for unlimited rides per calendar month. Most hotels offer free parking, however some state parks charge non-residents an additional parking fee. 

Entertainment Expenses

The great thing about the Hawaiian islands is that once you’ve accounted for travel, transportation, food, and lodging, much of your entertainment is free. When you’re on Kauai you can visit every beach and hike you wish, as many times as you want. 

Of course, you might also be interested in some paid experiences. To help out we collected a few price tags for adventures you might be interested in purchasing. 

Here are some approximate rates to help get you started:

RELATED: Five Affordable Family Activities in Kauai

Money-Saving Tips

Enjoying the view from Kalalau Lookout; Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

If you are looking to save some extra cash, we’ve got a few ideas that can help you save big! 

Stay in an Airbnb

Airbnb is a great way to save money wherever you stay. You’ll often get an entire house to yourself for less than half of what you might pay for a hotel or resort. 

Plan with a Friend or Group

Check Groupon before you leave for awesome deals on some of the adventures mentioned in this guide. If you’re traveling as a group, many agencies can give you huge discounts. 

Or, Travel Alone

Flexibility is also a great way to save money on Kauai, and you’ll never be more flexible traveling than when alone. If you can adjust your plan easily, you’ll be able to take advantage of surprise deals and unexpected budgeting options like flying standby. 

Military, Senior, Resident, Children Discounts

If you are in the military, a senior, a child or a resident of Hawaii, you can save a lot on many experiences and adventures. If you’re in school, make sure to check out student discounts, as well. 

Traveling to Kauai during the Covid-19 Pandemic

If you are traveling to Kauai in 2022 amidst the ongoing pandemic there are some things you need to know. Check out our guide with all the pretravel requirements you'll need to make prior to visiting Hawaii. 

If you've been to Kauai before, please note that many of your beloved restaurants may have closed and many attraction may still be closed or have modified hours. Make reservations in advance if there's something you'd really like to do or a restaurant you'd love to try. 

Also, please remember to practice aloha on your trip. Understand that Kauai is an isolated island with limited medical resources. Respect locals by adhering to local mask mandates, social distancinng, and following all state protocols. For more on the latest Covid-19 travel updates for Hawaii, click here. 

RELATED: 12 Ways to Be a Respectful Traveler to Hawaii

Conclusion

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

Now, you’ve got everything you might need to start planning a trip to Kauai. If you’re afraid of missing any must-see spots, check out our driving tours which offer in-depth information about the most popular attractions as well as some off-the-beaten-path destinations. 

We at Shaka Guide would like to add that we are excited to have you at one of the most beautiful places on earth. The rigid jungled mountains that descend sharply into striking beaches and coastline offer one-of-a-kind scenery and adventure. Unless you’re chicken-phobic, you’ll cherish your time in Kauai for the rest of your life.