Why Kauai is Hawaii’s Best Island For Fun & Food

Hawaii is definitely a tropical paradise, but my favorite island is Kauai, also known as Hawaii’s “Island of Discovery.” We went there on our honeymoon 35 years ago and fell even deeper in love – with each other and the island. We’ve been back several times and will continue to visit because 1) it’s beautiful and unspoiled, 2) there’s SO much to do in the way of activities, and 3) the food is amazing! 

Kauai offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Emerald valleys sliced by ribbon‑thin waterfalls, sea cliffs draped in tropical green, and crescent beaches where monk seals nap under a lazy sun—Kauai isn’t just another Hawaiian island. It’s the place Hawaiians escape to when they need a breath of quiet beauty, and the spot where first‑time visitors swear they’ll retire someday. Whether you’re flying solo, exploring with your partner, or vacationing with your family. While it’s a top honeymoon destination, Kauai is far more than sunset strolls on the beach. This lush island invites visitors to hike scenic canyons, zip through treetops, taste local chocolate, and splash down into hidden waterfalls. 

Below, I’ve laid out my favorite places to play, stay, and eat for an unforgettable Kauai getaway.Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor activities, peaceful moments on stunning beaches, or a taste of island culture, Kauai delivers it all with lush landscapes and warm aloha spirit.

Check out my prior articles on Kauai
Orbitz: The best of Kauai for every traveler type
Just Luxe: Looking for a Romantic Yet Adrenalin-Fueled Honeymoon? Kauai Has the Perfect Balance

My Favorite Things To Do In Kauai

Sail the Napali Coast – The rugged and breathtaking Napali Coast is a must-see. The coastline’s emerald valleys, hidden waterfalls, and secret beaches have starred in famous films like Jurassic Park. The best way to take it all in is by catamaran. Cruise along the towering cliffs, snorkel in crystal-clear waters alongside tropical fish and sea turtles, and then unwind with a cocktail as you soak in the ocean breeze and spectacular views. (Note: The waters can be rough, so seasickness-prone travelers should plan accordingly.)

Hike the Kalalau Trail (or at least the first two miles to Hanakāpī‘ai Beach) – This legendary cliff‑hugging path along the Nāpali Coast is equal parts jaw‑dropping vistas and quad‑burning climbs. If you’re up for the full 11‑mile epic, you’ll need a permit and solid hiking chops. Not ready for that commitment? The shorter out‑and‑back to Hanakāpī‘ai delivers ample drama—think sea caves, secret sand pockets, and the thunder of distant waterfalls—without the overnight gear.

Bike Down Waimea Canyon – Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon offers dramatic vistas of red cliffs and lush valleys. Embark on a downhill bike tour starting at sunrise for a serene yet exhilarating ride through this majestic landscape. Guides enrich the experience with fascinating Hawaiian history and culture, and frequent stops offer perfect photo ops overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Zipline Over Kauai’s Jungles – For those craving an adrenaline rush, the Poipu 8-Line Zipline Adventure provides a unique vantage point of Kauai’s verdant mountains and cascading waterfalls. Tandem options make it a memorable shared experience, soaring at speeds up to 50 mph high above the treetops.

Kayak the Wailua River to Secret Falls – Glide past emerald jungle walls and heiau (ancient Hawaiian temples), then trek a short trail to 120‑foot Uluwehi “Secret” Falls. Pack reef‑safe sunscreen and a dry bag—your camera will get splashed.

Off-Road to a Secret Waterfall – Discover Kauai’s hidden backcountry on an ATV waterfall tour. Traverse rugged trails, lush jungle paths, and even a hidden tunnel before arriving at a secluded waterfall oasis. Protective gear is provided, so you can embrace the thrill while staying safe and relatively clean.

Soar above Waimea Canyon in a helicopter – Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea is 14 miles of rust‑red ravines and Jurassic Park backdrops. A doors‑off flight spins you over the canyon, the Weeping Wall, and—if weather permits—the Blue Hole at Mount Waiʻaleʻale, one of the wettest spots on Earth.

Where to Stay on Kauai

We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa and it was absolutely perfect! The resort is set on 40 acres of tropical gardens along Poipu Beach. The resort combines luxury with laid-back island charm, featuring spacious ocean-view rooms with private lanais, a beach entry pool, a lazy river, and an adults-only, no cell phones allowed pool for pure relaxation. Dining options range from casual poolside fare to the elegant, award-winning Tidepools restaurant, where contemporary Hawaiian cuisine meets spectacular ocean views. For late-night bites, Stevenson’s Sushi & Spirits offers a lively atmosphere to unwind.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is perched above Hanalei Bay with living green walls, carbon‑negative operations, and farm‑to‑fork dining, this newly reimagined resort lets you wake to waterfall views straight from your bed.

Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipū features oversize villas (some with private plunge pools) give families room to sprawl. The lagoon‑style pool, complete with swim‑through waterfalls, is a vacation in itself.

Kōke‘e Cabins in Waimea Canyon is for those who want to unplug and go rustic. There’s no Wi‑Fi ,no A/C—just pine‑scented air, the night sky splashed with stars, and sunrise hikes right outside your door. Perfect for unplugging and hitting canyon trails before the tour buses arrive.

The Palmwood in Moloa’a is three suites on five acres of breadfruit trees. Breakfast arrives on your lanai: coconut‑crusted French toast with liliko‘i syrup and a side of ocean mist.

Where to Eat On Kauai

Food trucks are a beloved part of island life, offering everything from fresh seafood to tropical treats. 

Check out Warehouse 3540, a vibrant food truck village on the island’s southern side, where you can sample diverse local eats and browse artisan shops. 

Tiki Tzatziki at Kapa‘a Food Truck Park serves Hawaiian‑Greek fusion, which sounds odd until you taste kalua‑pork gyros drizzled with passion‑fruit tzatziki and side of taro fries dusted in oregano. A cult favorite with late‑night surfers and vegetarians (killer jackfruit souvlaki).

For a romantic dinner, Gaylord’s Plantation House is set in a 1930s Tudor mansion serves superb cuisine paired with stunning views of Mt. Waialeale. 

And no trip to Kauai is complete without a shave ice treat—try popular spots like Tege Tege in Kapaa or Fresh Shave at Warehouse 3540.

Start your morning with a cold‑pressed Dragon Heart (dragon fruit, pineapple, and mint) juice at Kauai Juice Co. and grab their house‑fermented hot sauce line—fiery, probiotic‑rich souvenirs that won’t gather dust at home.

Pick today’s catch from the market counter (opakapaka, uku, perhaps even onaga) at The Dolphin Restaurant & Fish Market, then enjoy it sashimi‑style on the lanai while the Hanalei River glides by. Their poke bowls are a masterclass in “just‑caught” texture.

Midnight Bear Breads is the spot for wood‑fired sourdough loaves, croissant‑pupus stuffed with local ulu (breadfruit) and goat cheese, and Saturday’s brioche “malasada” knots rolled in lilikoi sugar. Come early; by 10 a.m. the shelves echo.

Best Time to Visit Kauai

Kauai runs on two unofficial seasons: winter (November–March) when surf swells pound the North Shore and humpbacks breach offshore, and summer (April–October) when seas calm and sunshine dominates. The sweet spot? Mid‑April to mid‑June or September to early October. Crowds thin, accommodation rates dip, and you still snag balmy beach days. If chasing waterfalls is on your bingo card, aim for April—winter rains have recently topped off every cascade from Wailua to the Weeping Wall. Avoid late December if solitude matters; holiday travelers pack flights and trails alike.

Getting To Kauai from the U.S.

Most visitors touch down at Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai’s east coast. Non‑stop routes fan out from West Coast hubs (LAX, SFO, SEA, OAK, SAN, PDX, SJC, and seasonal DEN). If you’re departing the East Coast, the fastest itineraries connect through Honolulu (HNL) or a California gateway, landing you on Kauai by early evening. Pro tips:

1. Book a single‑ticket itinerary so checked bags transfer automatically in Honolulu if you must change planes.
2. Grab a window seat on the left side when flying into LIH from Honolulu—the aerial reveal of Wailua River meeting sapphire sea is your unofficial welcome lei.
3. Skip long car‑rental lines by joining loyalty programs (most are free) and using the express kiosk at LIH—valuable minutes when sunset hits at 6:45 p.m.

Kauai may be the oldest Hawaiian island, but its appeal is evergreen: cliffs that appear painted each dawn, a food scene marrying plantation history with modern island ingenuity, and lodging options that range from five‑star sustainability to stargazer cabins. Whether you’re paddling jungle rivers, tasting passion‑fruit‑laced pastries, or simply watching the trade‑winds ruffle palm fronds outside your lanai, the Garden Isle invites you to slow down and savor. Pack reef‑safe sunscreen, a hearty appetite, and an open heart—Kauai will do the rest.

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I truly believe in and use myself. 

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