Kauai Vacation Rentals

Whether your ideal vacation home is a cozy, beachfront cottage or a breathtaking, luxury villa, you'll have the perfect base for exploring magical Kauai.

Flying to Kauai

Flying is the easiest way to get to Kauai and a few airlines offer direct flights. Flight time is around six hours from the West Coast.

Delta: This airline offers five flights per day from Seattle and two from Los Angeles.

American: You can fly directly from Dallas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix with American.

Hawaiian: Fly with the state carrier from Los Angeles and Oakland to Kauai.

Alaska: You can fly to Kauai from Oakland, Portland, San Jose, and San Diego with Air Alaska.

United: Fly out from San Francisco and Denver with United.

Fresh, Local Flavors

Head to the Koloa Fish Market in the town of Koloa to buy freshly caught fish and other seafood. It's a small, family-run shop where you'll find excellent local delicacies.

For great vegan and vegetarian options, check out Java Kai in Kapaa. They're especially well known for their tasty breakfasts and unique coffee blends, while their refreshing tropical smoothies are delicious too.

Where to Eat for Cheap on Kauai

1. Dani's Restaurant

This is a local favorite and features a no-frills cafeteria-style atmosphere. Try the Loco Moco, a Hawaiian dish of rice topped with a burger, fried egg, and gravy.

2. Puka Dog

Rated one of the top 10 hot dog stands in America, Puka's unique hot dog involves the bun being baked around the sausage, then topped with Hawaiian mustard and relishes.

3. Makhai Sushi

A Japanese/Hawaiian fusion restaurant that serves some of the best poke bowls on the island. The Gorilla Poke Bowl is so large that it can easily feed two.

Local Sights Around the Island

Located on the South Shore of Kauai, Hanapepe Town is home to several great art galleries. Every Friday night local art galleries stay open late, so why not make an evening of it and peruse some local art as part of an after-dinner stroll through town?

At the northernmost tip of the island you'll find the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse. Although it's no longer working, the lighthouse remains one of Kauai's iconic landmarks. It's located in Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for seabirds and a fantastic place for a peaceful nature walk.

7 Best Things to Do With Children on Kauai

1. Lydgate Park

This beach is popular with families thanks to its two safe beach swimming pools, lifeguard, and fantastic playground just across the road.

2. Mountain tubing

Go tubing through an old sugar plantation's irrigation canals on a guided tour. Have fun and learn about the history of the island at the same time.

3. Kamokila Hawaiian Village

Built on the site of an ancient village, this modern equivalent is designed to teach visitors about Hawaii before Western contact. Learn about cloth-making, poi-making, and early religion.

4. Koke'e State Park

A 4345-acre park with hiking trails, a museum, and visitors' center. There are short trails that are ideal for small children to explore the natural beauty of the mountains.

5. Zip lining

Do a tour with Koloa Ziplines to see Kauai from above, including from a half-mile long option.

6. Kilauea Lighthouse

The area around this lighthouse is a designated whale-watching sanctuary. Bring binoculars!

7. Wailua Falls

The whole family will love seeing this beautiful double waterfall.

Where to Party Close to Your Kauai Accommodation

1. Duke's Barefoot Bar

The beachfront location plus live music, delicious food, and an open-air dance floor make this a popular place.

2. Rob's Good Times Grill

Dance, sing karaoke, and listen to live music while you try some of the 50 beers on tap.

3. Stevenson's Library

A club with a Victorian gentleman's club vibe. Try one of the many excellent cocktails and enjoy the music.

Endless Surfing and Stunning Vistas

Hanalei Bay on the North Shore is the perfect spot for surfing. You'll find Hawaiian Surfing Adventures here, offering lessons that will get you up on your board and feeling the cool ocean spray in no time. Try kite surfing and stand up paddle boarding too, or simply sunbathe and sip on a refreshing cocktail at one of the many gorgeous beaches around Kauai. Kahili Beach is a great spot for advanced surfers with a good swell and occasional beach breaks in the winter months. Pakala Beach can be a bit crowded, but it offers one of the longest left shore breaks on the island.

Aside from the beaches, make sure to visit the waterfalls. One you won't want to miss is Opaeka'a Falls, a 151-foot waterfall that is situated on the eastern side of the island and is easily accessible by car. For a thrilling and unique experience, try tubing through tunnels and down natural water slides with Kauai Backcountry adventures.

Where to See Turtles and Where to Snorkel on Kauai

1. Turtles on Kauai

The best time to see endangered green sea turtles is between May and September. At all times of the year, you have a good chance of seeing Hawksback and Leatherbill turtles. The best beaches for seeing turtles on the sand or in the water are Whaler's Cove, Brennecke's Beach, Lawa'i Beach, and Turtle Cove.

2. Snorkeling

The best places to go snorkeling are Keiki Pond for children, Poipu Beach Park, Kee Beach, and Nualolo Kai. For the best snorkeling, head out on a boat to Napali and Niihau on guided tours of the reef. Expect to see a wide variety of marine life and corals.

Frequently Asked Questions