Rainforests, sheer sea cliffs, and laid-back towns make Kaua‘i feel like a paradise worlds away, even though it’s one of Hawaii's easiest islands to reach. Known as the Garden Isle, it has a dreamy blend of nature, boutique hotels, inventive restaurants, and local experiences that actually feel local. From hikes that drop straight into the Pacific to sprawling coffee farms, Kaua‘i is the epitome of effortless island cool. Ahead, explore the best of Kaua‘i’s stays, food, and adventures.
Where to Stay
The Lodge at Kukui’ula
Tucked into Kaua‘i’s sunny South Shore, The Lodge at Kukui‘ula feels more like a private villa than a traditional hotel. It has spacious cottages, bungalows, and villas, a spa surrounded by lava rock walls, and even a 10-acre organic farm where guests can pick flowers and produce. Add in one of the best golf courses in Hawaii, tennis courts, pools, and more, and it’s a stay like no other.
Ko’Kea Hotel
Perched right on Poipu Beach, Ko‘Kea Hotel is boutique, breezy, and effortlessly stylish. With 121 rooms, it feels intimate without giving up any luxury. Lounge by the ocean-view pool, sip cocktails at the lawn tiki bar, or enjoy sushi at the award-winning restaurant. Steps from the sand, it’s the perfect base for travelers who want a laid-back vibe with a cool design edge.
Where to Eat
Small Town Coffee
A Kaua‘i favorite since 2004, Small Town Coffee is a little red bus that’s become a true community staple. Stop by for a strong dose of caffeine alongside fresh-baked pastries and one of the best affogatos on the island. The sunny outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching, catching up with friends, or just plain relaxing.
AMA Restaurant
Located in Hanalei with mountain views that practically beg for photos, AMA is a design-forward hotspot. The menu is fresh and modern (think ramen, seafood, and produce-driven plates), while the cocktails and wine list are just as thoughtfully crafted. Perfect for lunch or an early dinner, AMA is a favorite for good reason.
Where to Drink
1 Hotel Hanalei
Head to the bar at 1 Hotel Hanalei for island-inspired cocktails and some of the best views on the island. When the sun dips behind emerald cliffs and casts golden light over the crescent-shaped beach, it’s proof that this is hands-down the ultimate sunset spot. Live music and Japanese-inspired shared plates add the finishing touches.
Where to Visit
NaPali Coastline & Waimea Canyon
The NaPali Coastline and Waimea Canyon are two of Kaua‘i’s most iconic landscapes, and it’s easy to see why. The Na Pali Coast is downright jaw-dropping, with cliffs that plunge into the Pacific and hidden beaches only reachable by boat or hiking trails. Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is equally impressive, with rust-red valleys, tons of greenery, and cascading waterfalls. Twisting trails wind through both landscapes, making them a playground for hikers and anyone who loves getting lost in nature.
Koloa
Once a sugar plantation town, Kōloa now has a mix of history and hyper-local spots. Grab homemade scoops at the fan-favorite Kōloa Mill Ice Cream & Coffee, browse and shop unique artisan goods at Warehouse 3540, and stop into Kōloa Rum Company for tastings and a solid buzz.
Kaua‘i Coffee Company
As America’s largest coffee farm, Kaua‘i Coffee Company spreads over 3,000 acres of volcanic land, and it’s worth wandering every acre. Taste a variety of roasts, stroll through the orchards, and learn how Kaua‘i’s soil and climate shape some of the best coffee you’ll ever drink.
Hanalei Bay
A crescent of sand framed by mountains and ocean, this is arguably Hawai‘i’s most incredible beach. Swim, paddleboard, or lounge on the sand, then hit local staples like Hanalei Bread Company for fresh-baked goods, Tahiti Nui for live music and casual bites, and Hanalei Poke for a mouthwatering, fish-forward bowl.
Kauai Museum
Want to go beyond the beaches? This Līhu‘e museum is a great go-to. Exhibits cover Native Hawaiian heritage, plantation-era history, and rotating cultural programs, giving visitors a full picture of the island’s past and present.
Cooking Kaua‘i
More than just a class, Cooking Kaua‘i is a full-on island experience. Guests get to make traditional Hawaiian dishes like poke and lau lau, as well as modern island-inspired plates, all while a local chef shares tips, stories, and the secrets behind the ingredients. It’s fun, interactive, and a great way to get a true taste of the island.
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