Why Kaua‘i Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
Hawai‘i’s lushest island serves up dramatic scenery, historic towns, and a spectacular food scene that is as diverse as it is delectable
Imagine standing on towering cliffs and soaking up forever views of tropical greenery while listening to waves crashing on the beach. The sweet perfume of plumeria flowers combines with the freshness of sea salt, and calm envelopes you. Down below, pure bliss awaits on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i.
From the drama of the Nāpali Coast and majestic Waimea Canyon to a dining scene that’s making a splash, this enchanting island has all the makings of paradise. It’s why I’ve returned to Kaua‘i time and again.
A Food Scene to Savor
Kaua‘i is a robust culinary destination, and in recent years, I’ve been honored to join a panel of judges for the annual Poke Festival at the Koloa Landing Resort on Poipu Beach, tucked on the island’s sunny south side. Hosted by chef Sam Choy, known as the “Godfather of Poke,” the event celebrates the iconic poke bowl, which starts with raw, sushi-grade tuna and a flavorful combination of salt, pepper, soy sauce, scallions, rice vinegar and rice and continues on from there.
The event invites contestants from across Hawai‘i to serve up new, creative and surprising recipes for this beloved dish. The festival is always a fun experience for locals and visitors alike; after all, who can resist tasting an assortment of delicious fresh poke? (Dig into this beloved specialty at the 2025 Poke Festival on June 14.)
If your visit doesn’t coincide with the poke fest, no worries. From beach cafés to upscale restaurants, Kaua‘i serves up gastronomic experiences that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Restaurants across the island celebrate farm-to-table cuisine, island-grown fruits and vegetables, and locally sourced ingredients.
Some of my go-to restaurants on the island’s South Shore treat guests to a picturesque setting as memorable as their flavorful selections. Overlooking Poipu Beach is the stylish Red Salt, which features floor-to-ceiling windows, modern decor and plenty of light. Specialties such as seared Hokkaido scallops, Kona lobster gnocchi and crispy game hen are fan favorites. (There’s also a sushi bar, and enticing vegan dishes are offered as well.)
The legendary Beach House attracts repeat guests with its Pacific Rim menu featuring macadamia-crusted Hawaiian fish (always the freshest catch of the day) and seared ahi tuna steaks. This acclaimed restaurant is especially busy at sunset as, true to its name, it’s situated on the shoreline—and the ocean views are unparalleled.
Another top dining destination is Merriman’s with its array of sustainable seafood and meat dishes, including garlic-roasted wild shrimp, Maui Nui venison with shrimp kabobs, and taro falafel with lentils. Located on the upper floor of an old plantation-style building, this eatery has indoor/outdoor seating and a bar with glorious panoramic views of taro fields and the ocean beyond.
Island-Only Flavors
While exploring Kaua‘i, you’ll also find unassuming cafés for casual bites like refreshing shave ice and fruit-filled acai bowls. On my last trip, I stumbled upon Island Taco in the neighborhood of Waimea, where I enjoyed the most delicious grilled shrimp tacos.
Kaua‘i is also home to a multitude of farmers markets with an abundance of just-picked tropical fruits and other island-fresh produce. Market vendors also sell locally sourced honey, freshly cut coconuts, homemade chocolate and candy, spices and nuts, baked goods, coffee and tea, fresh fish and more.
For a deeper dive into Kaua‘i’s food culture, visit a few of the island’s exceptional culinary-focused destinations that provide a behind-the-scenes look at local food production while sharing a taste of the island’s rich agricultural heritage.
Stop by Kauai Coffee to sip fresh-roasted java with locally harvested beans. While there, take a guided tour of the expansive plantation in an open-air vehicle that cruises through the fields and along the breezy coast.
If you prefer premium spirits, check out Koloa Rum craft distillery, which schedules daily tastings of its varietals made from sugar cane. Those with a sweet tooth may want to swing over to Lydgate Farms, the island’s chocolate factory and cacao farm, for a bean-to-bar tasting and tour.
Your Pick of Nature’s Playground
Adventure and serenity go hand-in-hand on Kaua‘i and can be experienced through peaceful nature walks as well as thrilling adventures. Some of my favorite ways to explore the island include admiring the tropical gardens, sailing along the Nāpali Coast and driving along the majestic Waimea Canyon.
The National Tropical Botanical Garden is a nonprofit that comprises several individual gardens. If you’re staying in Poipu Beach on the South Shore, the ideal gardens to visit are the Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden, as both are located in the beautiful Lāwa‘i Valley. The Allerton Garden welcomes guests into an 80-acre private estate with a landscaped oasis developed by philanthropist and art collector Robert Allerton in the 1930s. The mansion’s garden features sculptures, fountains and an outdoor bamboo “room” for entertaining. The nearby McBryde Garden is home to the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian plants and features a conservation center for endangered species.
A cruise along the world-famous Nāpali Coast should be on your must-do list while on Kaua‘i. The rugged cliffs, emerald valleys and turquoise waters make for a stunning backdrop as you glide along the shoreline taking in panoramic views. Be on the lookout for playful dolphins, graceful sea turtles and other marine life. Guided cruises along the Nāpali Coast range from small, inflatable Zodiac-style boats to larger catamarans complete with food, shade and restrooms.
Depending on the cruise, you might explore secluded beaches, enter small sea caves and admire cascading waterfalls that can be accessed only by water. My favorite part of cruising the Nāpali Coast is watching the sunset paint the sky in a vivid canvas of pinks and tangerines.
Waimea Canyon, with its vibrant red rock formations juxtaposed with deep green valleys, has been called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” A steep, scenic drive twists uphill along narrow roads that open into sweeping vistas at every turn. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, revealing magnificent mountain views, gushing waterfalls and a multitude of observation decks along the canyon rim overlooking rugged terrain below. On a recent early afternoon visit, we arrived at the summit only to find that cotton-ball clouds had gathered below us like a soft white carpet, stretching out as far as the eye could see. While the cloud cover obstructed our view of the canyon, it created a surprisingly heavenly vista all its own.
Time-Travel in Historic Towns
Strolling through Kaua‘i’s historic towns offers a slower-paced way to spend a little time. On the South Shore, Old Koloa Town and, on the north, Hanalei offer quaint shopping and a glimpse into the island’s history.
Old Koloa Town, a short drive from the popular resort area of Poipu, was built for the sugar cane industry in the 1800s. Browse the small wood-framed shops along the compact main street of the island’s oldest town, and find locally made jewelry, artwork, clothing, beauty products and more. Stop by the tiny Koloa History Center to learn a bit about the area’s past.
On the North Shore, the sleepy town of Hanalei is a laid-back community with a few cute shops and eateries. Close by is the world-famous Hanalei Bay, which you may have seen on a postcard, as it’s a big-wave surfing destination in winter and ideal for swimming or sunbathing in summer. (It’s also featured in the 1953 film South Pacific).
Even if you’re not planning a beach day, it’s a great place for a brief stop. For up-close waterfront views, walk along the historic Hanalei Pier that stretches more than 300 feet into the sapphire ocean. A short drive away, soak in the panorama at the Hanalei Valley Lookout, set high above the hills and taro fields.
Scenic Adventures by Air and Boat
Taking a helicopter ride over Kaua‘i is an unforgettable experience that allows you to see normally inaccessible parts of the island. You’ll fly above picturesque waterfalls, verdant valleys, rugged cliffs and pristine beaches—and you’re bound to see rainbows. With knowledgeable pilots providing informative commentary throughout the journey, this adrenaline-pumping adventure provides a unique perspective on the island’s geography and history.
Another can’t-miss excursion is to Fern Grotto, an ancient destination lush with hanging ferns. You reach the area by taking a leisurely two-mile cruise up the Wailua River, with onboard musicians playing traditional Hawaiian melodies. Once the boat docks at the grotto, you can explore the fern-lined paved pathways of this picturesque site that was once reserved for Hawaiian royalty.
I’ve visited Kaua‘i numerous times, and I always discover something new and special, whether it’s a rainbow stretching across the brilliant blue sky, a sublime beachfront dining experience, a unique food festival or a thrilling ocean cruise. The island’s dramatic scenery and delectable delights keep me coming back.
Where to Stay
The expansive Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa features 600 rooms, including luxurious beachfront accommodations. This AAA Four Diamond resort also offers several dining options on 50 tropical acres on the island’s sunny South Shore.
The oceanfront Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue has 300 rooms, several restaurants and a world-class spa.