Kauai By Car

Kauai, also known as the "Garden Isle", is a favorite destination, offering many activities that will make your vacation even more memorable. A somewhat circular island, Kauai was originally formed by a volcano and is one of the less developed main islands of Hawaii, leaving the natural beauty undisturbed and at times hidden unless you know where and what to look for.

The two main towns of Kauai are Princeville and Lihue, each with its own airport. Also located in Lihue is the port of call for all Cruise Ships. Kauai's major Highway accesses most coastal regions and almost completes an entire loop around the island, except where it is dissected by The Na Pali Cliffs.

From Princeville to the Na Pali:

Princeville was developed as an exclusive resort area and today has many nearby activities to indulge in including golf, Na Pali Coast cruises and boat tours, ATV Tours, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Snorkeling, and various Movie Tours. Below Princeville you will see the beautiful Hanalei Bay, which includes Puupoa Beach, featuring white sandy beaches, incredible views and a great swimming. Surfers and snorkelers flock to the nearby Hideaways Beach (Palike and Kua Beaches).

Another must-see is the Hanalei Valley, with great views from the Kuhio Lookout along Highway 56. Other points of interests are Lumahai Beach, making it's movie debut in the film South Pacific, and also Haena and Kee Beaches. Comprised within Haena Beaches is Tunnels Beach, which is one of Kauai's most popular places for snorkeling.

Further northwest of Princeville is where Highway 56 ends due to the towering cliffs of the Na Pali Coastline. For the adventurous hiker, the Kalalau Trail leads another eleven miles with breathtaking vistas at Makana Peak, Hanakapiai Valley, Hanakapiai Falls (an extra hours hike inland) and ending at the dramatic sight of the Kalalau Valley Lookout. Hiking this trail is not something to take lightly, so plan accordingly.

If you prefer to see the above areas of interest in less time and effort, you may want to consider a Helicopter Tour, leaving from the Princeville Airport. There are also several Na Pali Cruises or Boat Tours that venture the Na Pali Coastline and explore the sea caves, cascading waterfalls and secluded beaches. ATV Tours, Horseback Tours and Movie Set Tours also explore some of the beautiful North Shore of Kauai.

From Princeville towards Lihue:

From Princeville, travelling East and then South on Hwy 56, more Kauai must-sees are the Kilauea Point Lighthouse and the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Further south on Hwy 56 other points of interest are the numerous beaches including Larsen's Beach, Donkey Beach, Kealia, Kalapaki and Lydgate State Park Beaches. Make sure you take time to see the "Sleeping Giant", and the Wailua Falls (Kalapaki Falls). Kayak tours or boat tours are available to take you up the Waialua Falls where you can see the Fern Grotto, a lava rock grotto covered with tropical forests and ferns.

Just off the main Hwy and onto Rte 50, leads you to Polihale Beach where you'll witness the longest stretch of beautiful Hawaiian beaches and the teasing backdrop of the Napali Cliffs. Back on the main Hwy and heading toward Waimea Canyon (also known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"), you will see the vast beauty and depth of the mountains and canyons with cascading waterfalls in the distance. To truly explore the area of the canyon you can take a Helicopter tour leaving the Lihue airport.

Rightfully so, Kauai has also gained the nickname of the "Discovery Island", as there always seems to be an area of interest just around the corner that tops the previous "must-see". The activities and possibilities of Kauai seem endless yet at times these activities and places of interest are not well marked so plan ahead. It is not uncommon for popular tours and activities to sell out months in advance during the High Season.