Kauai Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

Kauai Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

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Kauai Parks and Outdoors Travel Tips

By Kim Lipker
  • Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island and it is also the most lush, giving it the nickname "The Garden Isle." Visitors to Kauai coming from the other islands will immediately recognize the green contrast, especially if just leaving the lava-filled landscape of the Big Island.
  • If you are in Kauai from late November to early May, you have an excellent change of spotting a humpback whale. Most people visiting Kauai agree that the best place to see a humpback whale up close is in a boat. I have seen most humpback whales from land and have had my best views of them from a deck, balcony, or the sand—usually when I am least expecting it. Either way, binoculars are a must.
  • Some whale-watching companies offer a sea-kayak option where you can paddle to hidden beaches and watch for dolphins, sea turtles, and whales.
  • No trip to Kauai would be complete without seeing the famed Na Pali Coast. Kauai's lush east side is magnificent and unforgettable. It's towering, fluted mountain peaks covered in greenery are worth the trip on a chartered boat, sea kayak, or helicopter.
  • The tropical waterways of the Wailua River are a personal favorite. Take a kayak or a boat tour and see the secret falls and jungle scenery up close. Some groups will include musicians and hula dancers on your boat to round out a truly Hawaiian experience.

Kauai Travel Guide

On any list of the world's most spectacular islands, Kauai ranks right up there with Bora Bora, Huahine, and Rarotonga. All the elements are here: moody rainforests, majestic cliffs, jagged peaks, emerald valleys, palm trees swaying in the breeze, daily rainbows, and some of the most spectacular golden beaches you'll find anywhere. Soft tropical air, sunrise bird song, essences of ginger and plumeria, golden sunsets, sparkling waterfalls—you don't just go to Kauai, you absorb it with every sense. It may get more than its fair share of tropical downpours, but that's what makes it so lush and green—and creates an abundance of rainbows. Read More

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Hotels

from: $164

ResortQuest Waimea Plantation Cottages

9400 Kaumuali Highway
Waimea, HI 96796 Map

Distance: 19.6 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
3.0
from: $220

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

1571 Poipu Road
Lihue (Island of Kauai), HI 96756 Map

Distance: 9.1 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 5 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
from: $189

Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club

Kalapaki Beach, 3610 Rice Street
Lihue (Island of Kauai), HI 96766 Map

Distance: 0.5 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
4.0
4.0
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Attractions

Fern Grotto

expert favorite attraction
Wailua Marina, at the mouth of the Wailua River
Wailua, Hawaii

Distance: 8.2 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

This is one of Kauai's oldest (since 1946) and most popular tourist attractions. Smith's... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
3_0
3_0

Waimea Canyon Trail

expert favorite attraction
Kaua'i, Hawaii

Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: This trail is located within the Waimea Canyon Area. Proceeding from the bottom of the Kukui Trail,... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
4_0

Na Pali Coast

expert favorite attraction
(end of Highway 56)
Northwest shore
Na Pali, Hawaii 96714

Distance: 17.7 mi. (from destination center)
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
5_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Kauai

Distance (mi.)
Kauai Island Lihue Airport 1.4 map
Honolulu/Oahu International Airport 102.7 map
Maui Kahului Airport 203.4 map

Other Smaller Airports near Kauai

Distance (mi.)
Hoolehua Molokai Airport 168.3 map

Flight Deals to Kauai

Originating From
Honolulu (HNL) to Kauai (LIH) $103
Portland, OR (PDX) to Kauai (LIH) $388
Seattle (SEA) to Kauai (LIH) $422
San Francisco (SFO) to Kauai (LIH) $484
Los Angeles (LAX) to Kauai (LIH) $505

Feature Articles

More Kauai Parks and Outdoors Feature Articles (5) »
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Kauai Vacation Rentals

check rates
from: $975

Splendid Hanalei Bay View Villa

Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Sleeps: 12
Amenities: BBQ, DVD Player, Full kitchen, Hot Tub, Internet Access, Laundry, Linens, No Pets, Non-Smoking, Phone, Pool Table, Swimming Pool, TV
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from: $91

Beautiful Villa in Gated Community

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6
Amenities: BBQ, CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Ceiling fans, Coffee Maker, DVD Player, Dishwasher, Garage, Hair Dryer, Hot Tub, Internet Access, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, No Pets, Non-Smoking, Oven, Phone, Refrigerator, Stereo, Stove, Swimming Pool, TV, Utensils, Wireless Internet Access
check rates
from: $475

Dolphin Hale / GET EVERY 4TH NIGHT FREE *

Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Sleeps: 8
Amenities: CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, Computer Access, DVD Player, Dishwasher, Full kitchen, Hot Tub, Internet Access, Jacuzzi, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, Phone, Refrigerator, Stereo, Stove, TV, Utensils, VCR, Wireless Internet Access
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