North, South, East & West - What to Do on Every Side of the Island

Welcome to our Kauai Vacation Guide—the only resource you’ll need to plan your time on the Garden Isle. Offering the perfect mix of oceanfront paradise, breathtaking scenery, and utter relaxation, you can make your days in Kauai as busy or as calm as you want and still have an incredible story to tell at the end of each one.

Use this guide to explore top activities by region and discover mini-guides that help you plan each day with ease.

One of the best ways to plan your trip is to dedicate a day to each region. These quick overviews give you insight into what’s nearby and which activities are the most popular.

Come Home to Kauai

Planning a vacation is easier once you know where you'll stay. Book a Poipu Beach vacation rental and experience what keeps our guests coming back. As one recently said, "This is a beautiful place and area, and we plan on booking again with our next trip. It was clean, spacious, very comfortable, and had everything we needed for a great stay on the island." - Caroline H reviewing Regency 620

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Explore Kauai by Region

The beauty of visiting Kauai is that it’s easy to explore the entire island while you’re here. Relatively short drive times from coast to coast mean nothing is ever too far out of reach.

North Shore & Nā Pali Coast

3,000-foot-tall cliffs and miles of shoreline collide with rolling waves and lush farmlands to create a landscape unlike anywhere else on the island.

Top North Shore Things to Do:

Kalalau Trail / Keʻe Beach – In summer, Keʻe Beach is tranquil and perfect for snorkeling and swimming. In winter, large waves keep people on the shore or enjoying the easy Kalalau Trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. *Reservations are required prior to entering the park and must be made no later than the day before your visit.
Tunnels Beach - A favorite snorkeling spot in calm summer conditions. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and check surf reports before swimming.
Hanalei Bay & Town – The heart of the North Shore, Hanalei Bay has art galleries, historic landmarks, restaurants, and beautiful views.
Nā Pali Coast Tours – The best way to see the Nā Pali Coast is via boat or helicopter. You’ll find plenty of local tour companies departing from Hanalei and Port Allen.

The Wailua River in Kauai's South Shore area

East Side (Royal Coconut Coast)

The East Side of Kauai sits between Līhuʻe and Kapaʻa, offering easy access to waterfalls, river adventures, and local dining.

Top East Side Things to Do:

Wailua River and Secret Falls - Join a kayak or guided canoe tour to explore one of Hawaii’s only navigable rivers.
ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls – Located off Route 280, this is one of Kauai’s largest and easiest to reach waterfalls: 151 feet high and 40 feet wide.
Lydgate Beach Park – Two protected lagoons make this a favorite spot for families and kids who want to swim and snorkel in calm water.
Kapaʻa Food Trucks – You’ll find east side food trucks like Wailua Shave Ice and 3 Girls Local Grill all around the area. Great for a mid-day fuel-up or evening snack.

South Shore (Poipu Beach)

Proximity to restaurants, shops, beachfront rentals, and calm water make South Shore the go-to home base for families and first-time visitors.

Top South Shore Things to Do:

Poipu Beach: Consistently ranked one of the best beaches in America, Poipu is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surf lessons, and even viewing Kauai monk seals!
Spouting Horn – Photographers love to catch this lava tube blowhole as it creates giant spouts of ocean water that can reach up to 50 feet.
Mahaʻulepu Heritage Trail – This four-mile round-trip hike rewards you with incredible views of the ocean, caves, and the Makawehi Lithified Cliffs.
Historic Koloa Town - Walkable shops, plantation history, and tons of island charm. It’s a perfect easy afternoon visit.

View of Waimea Canyon in Kauai's west side

West Side & Waimea Canyon

Home to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific as well as quaint small towns, Kauai’s west side is full of unbelievable scenery and deep cultural roots.

Top West Side Things to Do:

Waimea Canyon – While not as large as the Grand Canyon, Waimea is still spectacular to behold. The 14-mile-long gorge plunges more than 3,000 feet deep and is known for excellent hiking, sunrise sights, and scenic drives.
Waimea Town – After you’ve hiked some trails, head to Waimea Town for a bite to eat and a look at the island’s past at The West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center.
Hanapēpē Friday Art Night – Travelers looking for a taste of local community will love this weekly gathering. Shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, enjoy live entertainment, and grab a bite from popular food trucks. The fun lasts from 5 PM to 8 PM.

Mini-Guides to Top Kauai Attractions

These short guides dive deeper into a few experiences that make Kauai special. Use them to plan the details of your stay or to add a new stop to your itinerary.

Where to See Hawaiian Monk Seals on Kauai

Hawaiian monk seals are native to the islands and often rest along Poipu Beach. The best viewing times are early morning and late afternoon. Always keep at least 50 feet away and never cross ropes or get close for photos. Volunteers from the Kauai Monk Seal Response Team monitor resting areas daily. You can ask questions if you see them on-site.

woman on bench overlooking Sleeping Giant hike in Kauai

Sleeping Giant Hike (Nounou Trail)

Located near Kapaʻa on the East Side, this popular trail climbs about 1,000 feet to a ridge shaped like a giant lying on his back. The views stretch toward Wailua River and the coastline. Bring water, sunscreen, and hiking shoes with good traction. Plan for two to three hours round-trip.

Length: 4 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 958 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Guide

Kauai Whale Watch Tours: Best Season & What to Expect

Humpback whales migrate annually from Alaska to the warm Hawaiian waters. They've been spotted as early as October, though most arrive closer to December and stay through April or May to breed and birth their calves. Captain Andy's is one of the best tour operators on the island. Choose from two whale watching experiences:

Raft Whale Watch: $99 per adult | $79 per child | 2-hour tour.
Star Whale Watch: $135 per adult | $105 per child | 2-hour tour.

Take a Shelter Dog on a Field Trip

Missing your best friend on vacation? Swing by the Kauai Humane Society to hang out and play with socialized shelter dogs or you can even take one with you for a field trip! What could be better than a breathtaking hike in Kauai with a new furry buddy?

Tube Down a Mountain

Get outfitted with a tube and headlamp for this adventure! You'll tube through canals, tunnels , and flumes, all part of the Lihue Plantation's old sugarcane irrigation system, which was hand-built around 1870. To complete the tour, enjoy a natural swimming hole and lunch. Some restrictions apply; see site for more details.

Age Requirement: 5+
Tour Length: 3 Hours
Included: Lunch

Beaches at a Glance

Each side of the island has its own standout beaches. Here’s a quick look at where to go based on what you want most out of your beach day.

Best for Families and Swimming: Poipu Beach – gentle waves, lifeguards, and picnic areas. Lydgate Beach Park is great too thanks to protected shallows.
Best for Snorkeling: Tunnels Beach or Poipu – clear water and reef fish in calm summer months.
Best for Surfing: Hanalei Bay – long breaks and surf schools for beginners to pros.
Best for Sunsets: Keʻe Beach – easy parking and wide shorelines

Plan Your Trip

A few quick tips can make exploring Kauai easier and more enjoyable.

Getting Around - A rental car is the best way to see the island. Public transportation is limited, and rideshares aren’t always available in remote areas. Parking can be tight near popular beaches, so arrive early and obey posted signs.

When to Visit - Kauai’s warm weather makes it a year-round destination. The dry season (April–October) offers calmer surf and clearer skies, while winter months (November–March) bring bigger waves to the North Shore and great whale watching

Safety & Etiquette - Ocean conditions change quickly. Check local surf reports before getting in the water, stay behind safety ropes near cliffs and blowholes, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.

Book Your Poipu Vacation Rental

At Suite Paradise, we specialize in Poipu Beach vacation rentals designed with your family in mind. Our local team is based right on the South Shore, so help is never far away. Each property is professionally maintained and fully equipped for your stay, whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends. Check out our full inventory and book your getaway directly with us today!

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Kauai Vacation Guide

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