The golden sand beaches of the Coconut Coast are its biggest draw, with Anahola as its northernmost beach. Another beach just a few miles down the road is Donkey Beach, where whale-watching is popular. Rooting on surfers at Kealia Beach is a popular activity among locals and visitors. Always remember "safety first" when visiting any beach. Another asset of East Kauai is Lydgate Park and its two lava rock enclosed ocean pools. They are a gentle welcoming for kids, families, and first-time snorkelers.

Secluded Hideaways Beach, with private access, is located just below our Pali Ke Kua unit and scores high for snorkeling, surfing and private sun bathing.

Be sure to make time for a leisurely stroll through Kapaa Town and enjoy its funky and fine items, including Hawaiian craft pieces, aloha-print shirts, jewelry and art objects.
Kapaa offers lifesize paintings of whales on a wall and clock tower. Don't leave without exploring Kauai's unique Coconut Coast.

Kauai's North Side

Kauai’s dramatic North Shore is a captivating myriad of rugged mountains, sparkling waterfalls, lush green fields, blissful beaches, alluring coastlines, and spectacular sea cliffs. It is amazing how much, for the pleasure of all your senses, is available on the North Shore of Kauai.

Perfect splashes of charming towns are here to delight every shopper. The historic lighthouse at the island's northernmost point, Kilauea, is also home for wildlife including migratory birds, seabirds, and Hawaii's state bird (the Nene goose). Humpback whales Hawaiian monk seals and spinner dolphins can also be observed from Kilauea Point and guided nature hikes are also available.

In the upscale resort of Princeville, perfect golf awaits you. Keep traveling toward the incredible Lumahai Beach, which served as the setting for filming "South Pacific". Hanalei is nearby to Princeville and it reveals the grandeur of valleys and mountains and highlights its charming sisters, Wainiha and Haena, blending perfectly with their colorful shops, galleries, and restaurants.

The end of the road means the beginning of more visual rewards -- Kee Beach, ideal for snorkeling; Limahuli Gardens with its tropical plants and ocean views; and the wet and dry caves with their enchanting myths. The grand finale is Kauai's magnificent Napali Coast; you'll be overwhelmed by its 17-mile stretch of coastline and 4,000-foot cliffs, accented with green valleys, waterfalls, and sea caves. Of course, none of this is accessible via automobile, so the journey is as adventurous as the destination.

Lihue is the county seat and it offers much in the way of culture -- Hawaiian music and hula performances and other heritage festivals. The Kauai Museum plays a role in showcasing art and island history. Grove Farm Homestead, the former home of George N. Wilcox and his descendents, is today a museum that provides visitors with a look at how plantation owners and workers lived more than a century ago. The Grove Farm was one of the most successful sugar plantations and Kilohana, Gaylord Wilcox's former home, houses distinctive shops and an open-air restaurant.

Kalapaki and Nawiliwili highlights include the Alekoko (Menehune) Fishpond, Kukui Grove Shopping Center, and Kalapaki Beach. The Alekoko Fishpond lies along Huleia Stream, which drains into Nawiliwili Bay. Championship golf courses, great restaurants, and a great beach for surfing, swimming, and boogie boarding.

West Side ~ Kokee, Waimea and Polihale

Go west and you’ll end up chasing endless rainbow hues enhanced to an intensity that is almost unreal. On the West side, you will discover Hanapepe Town's country charm, the grand gorge that is Waimea Canyon, hiking amidst rare plants and endangered birds, the rich history ranging from Captain Cook's landing to Kekeha's sugar mills.

Historic Hanapepe Town offers storefronts with artist studios, the Hanapepe Valley Overlook that reveals the classic beauty of a Hawaiian valley, and a swinging foot bridge.

Waimea offers history and as much adventure. The Waimea Canyon, is also considered the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Waimea Canyon's vast views and its imposing stature share similarities with its mainland cousin, but this canyon has its own island personality. The famous Kalalau Valley Lookout reveals a breath-taking waterfall, green pleated cliffs and a deep, carved valley. Kokee State Park and the Kokee Natural History Museum offer the key to appreciation of the culture and outdoors necessary to fully enjoy Waimea Canyon. Maps of hiking trails, guided hikes, and forest education/workshops are all available here.

Polihale State Park is the reward that lies at the end of a short rugged journey, but well worth the trip. Hawaii's longest stretch of golden beach is also a sunbather's paradise. Surrounded by etched cliffs, blue sky, and crashing waves, you could spend a whole day just basking in the beauty. Take lots of drinking water and please be aware of the undertow at this beautiful beach.


South Shore ~ Poipu Beach Resort

Poipu is the sunny side of our island. If you had to pick one, is its South Shore, filled with opportunities to luxuriate in the warmth of old Sol. You'll participate in a multitude of activities that all seem to have a special touch of luminosity. Poipu, the beautiful resort area, Old Koloa Town, rich with plantation history, and Kalaheo, know as "upcountry hamlet," make up the main areas of the South Shore. Numerous beaches, a quaint village area, upscale shopping, and the wonders of nature are some of the opportunities you'll enjoy on the South Shore.

Scenic rocky coastlines, walking trails, waterfalls, and picture-perfect beaches make it difficult to determine which activity to choose first. Kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding, bodysurfing, and swimming are among the activities all ages can enjoy. One of the nation's top 18 golf courses is Poipu Bay Golf Course, home of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf since 1994. Koloa Landing, an inlet of lava rocks where the river and sea meet, is great for snorkeling and good for turtle spotting. Poipu's incredible beaches include Shipwreck's Beach, Mahaulepu, Brennecke's Beach, Poipu Beach and Park, Lawai Beach, and Palama Beach. Other landmarks include Baby Beach, PK's surf spot, Koloa Landing, Keiki Cove, and Lawai Kai Bay

Allerton Garden, Prince Kuhio, McBryde Garden, Spouting Horn, and a Kauai Coffee Plantation's visitor center and museum are all significant spots to visit and tour.