Kauai Vacations

Kauai

Your Kauai vacation

Ready to experience paradise on your next vacation? Kauai’s plantation-days pace and land-that-time-forgot landscape rekindle the romance that put Hawaii on the map. Bronze like a beach babe on Poipu Beach or escape to dreamy Anini Beach. Charter the dramatic Na Pali Coast, blow a kiss on Hanalei Pier and enjoy the charm of roadside chickens.

Your Kauai vacation takes flight at Orbitz. With best places to stay, top 10 must-sees and behind-the-scenes island scoop, you'll be saying aloha in no time.

Vacation Packages

Kauai Vacation Packages

The St. Regis Princeville Resort

5 stars
4.3 / 5 22 reviews
Five-star resort on emerald cliffs, overlooking sand and seaFeatured in the Conde Nast Traveler 2011 Gold List, the St. Regis Princeville Resort offers guests a full resort experience on the enchanting shores of Hanalei Bay, considered one of the most beautiful spots in Hawaii. Located in the exclusive resort community of Princeville, this five-star resort offers guests exclusive access to one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Guests also have access to incredible snorkeling on the island of Kauai; the world-class 18-hole Makai Golf Club; a 5,000 sq. ft. infinity pool, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and natural lava rock; and a large number of dining and drinking options. Guests can relax with a cocktail poolside or beachside. The Mailani Dinner Show features traditional Hawaiian hula, chanting, and storytelling. 3 Reasons to Stay:Full-service resort; beautiful beach location at Hanalei Bay, on the exclusive North Shore of Kauai Island, Hawaii 10,000 sq. ft. Halele'a Spa features 12 treatment rooms; a 5,000 sq. ft. infinity pool; the Makai Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Dining options include Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Kauai Grill; Mediterranean cuisine at Nalu Kai; local fare at Manaka Terrace St. Regis Princeville Resort RoomsThe St. Regis Princeville Resort offers 252 guestrooms and suites. Units range in size from 540 square feet to a massive 2,400 square feet in the Royal Suite. All guestrooms and suites have a contemporary Hawaiian décor featuring custom furnishings that guests will find relaxing and peaceful. All units have a view of either the ocean or the large gardens with the Na Molokama mountain range in the distance. Many rooms and suites feature private balconies. Rooms contain either a king-size bed or two double beds complimented with embroidered linens. Suites feature a separate seating area and original artwork. All guestrooms at the St. Regis Princeville Resort have a full marble bathroom with oversized bathtub, double vanity, and complimentary bath amenities. High-speed Internet access and room service are available (fees apply). Things to Do:Hanalei Beach Park (0.3 mi/0.5 km) Waioli Mission House Museum (1.4 mi/2.2 km) Limahuli Garden (5.1 mi/8.2 km) Koke'e State Park (12 mi/19.3 km) Snorkel Bob's Kauai (16 mi/25.7 km) National Tropical Botanical Gardens (23 mi/37 km) Policies and feesValet parking: $30.00 per day
Value Daily Breakfast for 2 + Complimentary Upgrade
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Nightly rates from $490

Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages

3 stars
4.3 / 5 25 reviews
Plantation offers the grace of yesteryear for de-stressing todayA 30-acre historic property on Kauai's west coast, Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages is a step back in time. Lovingly restored vintage houses are outfitted with period furnishings in rattan, wicker and mahogany. Each cottage is uniquely decorated and offers its own charm. While a handful of cottages are oceanfront, most are set among the coconut palm and banyan trees, fronting graceful manicured lawns. A restaurant, pool and spa add contemporary comforts, but the draw here is a feeling of being transported to a simpler, quieter time. Highlights Overall ambiance of idyllic restfulnessAuthentic sense of Kauai historySpa with indoor and outdoor treatment areasA 4,000-square-foot, five-bedroom Managers House LocationKauai's west coast, which serves as a gateway to Waimea Canyon, Koke'e State Park, and raft and kayak tours along the iconic Na Pali Coast RoomsRestored one- to five-bedroom vintage homes from Kauai's plantation era are clustered about the 30-acre Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages property. Period furnishings and architectural details evoke a bygone era and exude romance. For larger families or groups, top choice is the Managers House, a 4,000-square-foot, five-bedroom oceanfront home with AC in the master bedroom. The five-bedroom Kruse House, built circa 1920, was moved to this property in 2002. It is fully air-conditioned and each bedroom has a private bath. FeaturesThose looking for a place to relax and recharge in utterly peaceful surroundings will see this historic property as paradise. Plantation-era cottages set the tone, aided by inviting hammocks beneath the trees. Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages isn't the place for exuberant nightlife, though the on-site pub sometimes brings in local talent to complement its handcrafted brews. The antithesis of activity and action, there's a slow-down-and-breathe ethic here -- in the quiet, at the pool, at the full-service spa. While the black-sand beach is not for swimming, Kekaha Beach, five minutes away, has white sand and a lifeguard. Transportation Lihue Airport (25 mi/40.2 km)Taxis and limousines available Attractions Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park (0.9 mi/1.4 km)Waimea Canyon State Park (7 mi/11.2 km)Captain Andy's Raft Expeditions (7.5 mi/12 km)Outfitters Kauai Na Pali Coast Kayak Tours (17.7 mi/28.5 km)Koke'e State Park (18 mi/29 km) Business Grove Conference Center and several other venues accommodate up to 400 peopleComplimentary Internet is available in the "Breezeway," the Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages lobby area Policies and fees Amenity fee of $15 will be charged for all new bookings for arriving from January 3, 2013.All Aston Hotels & Resorts managed hotels and condominiums are non-smoking.
Value Every 5tth Night Free
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Nightly rates from $223

Sheraton Kauai Resort

Low-rise resort for beach lovers on Kauai's sunny south coast Sheraton Kauai Resort is the ultimate gathering place boasting magnificent oceanfront views of Poipu Beach, a convenient distance from the famous First Break Surf Spot and trendy on-site restaurants like Rumfire Poipu Beach Kauai and Lava's at Poipu Beach offering surf and turf cuisines that satisy the cost-conscious food lover. Sheraton Kauai Resort offers a perfect setting to relax, unwind and enjoy a casual or an intimate dining experience. Guests may also enjoy a light "pupu" appetizer coupled with a refreshing cocktail as they are serenaded by live local Hawaiian music amdist mango - colored skies. The Sheraton Kauai Resort offers adventure, fun-filled memories, romance and relaxation all in one place; satisfying every travel personality and providing the ultimate vacation experience.   Highlights Poipu Beach location, with gorgeous sunsetsBroad choice of activities included in daily resort feeFitness center open 24 hours LocationThe sunny south shore has what may be Kauai's most perfect vacation weather, plus shopping and an array of dining options. It also has one of the famous Kauai landmarks, Spouting Horn, Kauai's answer to Old Faithful. Families can walk to Poipu Beach Park where a protected ocean lagoon is safe enough for young children. Rooms The Sheraton Kauai Resort is the South Shore's iconic gem. Spanning over 20 acres and offering 394 rooms, that span across pristine Poipu Beach, a playground for those who embrace sun and waves, ocean front pools, and tropical gardens flowing with winding waterways and romantic bridges that create a sense of serenity. All rooms have a fresh and airy feel and offer air-conditioning, television, telephone, bath, shower, coffee making facilities, fridge and balcony or terrace. Garden view and Partial ocean view rooms are set back from the beach – with views as their respective names suggest. Deluxe oceanfront rooms are beachfront with full views of the Pacific. FeaturesThe Hawaiian Cultural Center at the Sheraton Kauai Resort is part gallery displaying the work of local artists, part classroom where guests learn Hawaiian arts and crafts (artist demonstrations, lei-making and hula classes included in daily resort fee). The resort supports local entertainers with its Flavors of Island Music initiative. Guests can sync with Kauai's natural side and rhythms in yoga classes on the beach several mornings each week (included in daily resort fee) and spa treatments utilizing Hawaiian techniques (fees apply). The on-site Lava's on Poipu Beach serves a selection of cocktails, local and imported wines and appetizers. Transportation Lihue Airport (16 mi/25.7 km)Taxis and limousines at airport Attractions Koloa Heritage Trail (2 mi/3.2 km)Poipu Bay Golf Course (3 mi/4.8 km) National Tropical Botanical Garden Visitor Center (2.4 mi/3.9 km)Spouting Horn (2.5 mi/4 km) Business Sheraton Kauai Resort offers 9,900 square feet of flexible function space Four thousand square feet of outdoor function spaceWi-Fi throughout resort (included in daily resort fee)
Value 48 Hour Sale-Book Air + Hotel and Save Up To 45%
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Nightly rates from $249

Aston Aloha Beach Hotel

Resort beckons families and couples to Kauai's sweet side on Wailua BayAston Aloha Beach Hotel is a super choice for families in part because of its setting -- above one of the most child-friendly beaches on Kauai. The boulder-encircled lagoon of Lydgate Beach Park offers families and others a sweet beach and protected waters for wading, floating, swimming or snorkeling. Resort accommodations include spacious one-bedroom cottages, and there are two pools, two restaurants and a lounge on property. Highlights Location by Lydgate Beach Park and Wailua RiverHotel rooms, suites and one-bedroom cottages to choose from Ten acres of landscaped grounds with two pools and a tennis court LocationThe Aston Aloha Beach Hotel overlooks Wailua Bay on the Coconut Coast of Kauai. Less than five miles from Lihue Airport, the resort is central to all there is to do on Kauai, from kayaking the Na Pali Coast and hiking Koke'e State Park to playing golf and dining out in Poipu. RoomsThe 190 rooms and suites and 26 one-bedroom cottages at the Aston Aloha Beach Hotel evoke old Hawaii with rattan accents and fabrics that recall patterns stitched into Hawaiian quilts. Air conditioning and a small refrigerator are among the room niceties. Cottages offer a dining area, microwave and toaster for quick snacks and meals. Request adjoining rooms prior to arrival. FeaturesAston Aloha Beach Hotel combines the service of a hotel and convenience of a condo resort. A full complement of services, including an on-site event and catering staff ready to help with wedding celebrations, makes vacation life easy. Activity options include a tennis court and fitness room. The resort's 10 acres lie along peaceful Wailua River and adjacent to Lydgate Beach Park, where lifeguards watch over a superb snorkel spot. The hotel's airy lobby showcases Hawaiian artifacts and quilts for an unmistakably Hawaiian ambiance. TransportationLihue Airport (4.9 mi/7.9 km) Attractions Smith's Fern Grotto Wailua River Cruise (0.1 mi/0.2 km)Wailua Golf Course (1.1 mi/1.8 km)Wailua Falls (8.3 mi/13.4 km)Na Pali Coast State Park (32.4 mi/52 km)Koke'e State Park (42.9 mi/69 km) Business Offers 13,562 square feet of indoor space, including venues for small receptions or banquets of 300Includes 7,047 square feet of outdoor function spaceBusiness Center with Internet access, four computer terminals and a printerOn-site meeting/convention specialists Policies and feesAll Aston Hotels & Resorts managed hotels and condominiums are non-smoking.Amenity Fee: $15 plus 4.416% Hawaii State General Excise daily. Resort Amenities covered by this fee include Playstation 2 console in each unit, Unlimited access to DVD movies and Playstation 2 games, Continental Breakfast, WiFi, In-room safe usage, Daily newspaper and In-room coffee and tea provided daily
Value Hawaii Sale-Save 30% Off!
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Nightly rates from $98

Kauai Beach Resort

Plantation-style goes upscale on Kauai's Royal Coconut CoastSet on 25 acres along a three-mile beach -- Kauai's longest -- this resort evokes the graciousness of the plantation era but with a host of contemporary amenities. The beach, which is perfect for sauntering or sunning, is not for swimming. No problem. Kauai Beach Resort has four pools, a beachfront sand-bottomed pool and a fantasy pool with a 75-foot lava-tube water slide among them. Two restaurants, a lounge, a fitness center and a spa round out the facilities. And when guests want to explore further afield, Kauai's east coast is an ideal spot from which to do it. Highlights Fantasy pool with 75-foot lava-tube water slideSeries of concerts and programs promoting Hawaiian arts and artistsHawaiian Rainforest SpaComplimentary bocceComplimentary airport shuttle LocationKauai's Royal Coconut Coast is rife with sacred sites and groves of slender coconut palms, with its character shaped in part by long, curving Wailua River, the only navigable river in all of Hawaii. A stay here should include visits to a trio of sites, Fern Grotto, Secret Falls, and 80-foot Wailua Falls, made famous in the opening scene of TV classic "Fantasy Island." RoomsAccents such as louvered doors and wood floors recall plantation style, but the old plantation homes didn't have what these rooms at Kauai Beach Resort have: travertine marble in the bathrooms and iPod docks in the living rooms. FeaturesThere's a distinctly Hawaiian feel to Kauai Beach Resort with its island architecture, but also a culture of sharing and promoting authentic Hawaiiana that sets it apart. The resort hosts events all year, including local musicians who share their art and stories, benefit concerts supporting the perpetuation of Hawaiian language and music, and a festival featuring the state's top slack-key artists. Check the annual calendar and plan your trip accordingly.   Although the beach out front isn't safe for swimming, Lydgate Beach Park, a couple of miles away, offers excellent swimming and snorkeling. Transportation Lihue Airport (3 mi/4.8 km)Complimentary airport shuttle Attractions Wailua Golf Course (2 mi/3.2 km)Lydgate Beach Park (2.5 mi/4 km)Fern Grotto (3.5 mi/5.6 km)Wailua River (3.5 mi/5.6 km) Business Four rooms, 13,000-plus square feet of flexible indoor spaceFind 15,000 square feet of event-ready courtyards, lawns and poolside venuesA small business centerHigh-speed Internet (fee applies)
Value Hawaii Sale- Save 30%
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Nightly rates from $129

Kauai Beach Villas

3 stars
4.3 / 5 8 reviews
In addition to the pool and the sunning area, you will find tennis courts and outdoor barbecue and picnic areas. You will also find winding pathways, where you can enjoy lush flower gardens and a private lagoon, and wander onto the beautiful walking beach fronting the resort. Or, you can stroll to the adjacent hotel and enjoy either of their two pools, poolside and indoor restaurants, workout facilities, and spa. Our concierge staff is available to schedule whatever Kauai activities are in your plans. The informal elegance of Kauai Beach Villas is reflected in every vacation suite. Bold flower patterns blend with the understated richness of the floor and wall colorings to create a welcoming hideaway for your tropical vacation. You will find comfort and luxury in these spacious villas, which are equipped with a fully functioning gourmet kitchen, free Internet access, three televisions, and much more, that will perfectly compliment your vacation in paradise. Check-in is from 4 pm to 11 pm. Check-out is from 7 am to 10 am. Guests must call in advance to inform the front desk of late arrivals. Please call 1-808-241-1000. Kauai Beach Villas is centrally located on Kauai, only minutes away from the Lihue airport. We are just footsteps away from beautiful Kauai Beach, and within easy reach of golf courses, restaurants, shops, and more.
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Nightly rates from $218

Koa Kea Hotel and Resort

4 stars
4.7 / 5 72 reviews
Intimate resort on Poipu Beach evokes the pleasures of island romanceThe antithesis of cookie cutter, Koa Kea Hotel & Resort is an intimate, 121-room boutique hotel on 3 serene acres. It conjures up romance at every turn, offering services and amenities galore so guests can simply sit back and enjoy. Everything here says Hawaii. Spa treatments meld island therapies with native ingredients like Kauai red clay, and chefs at upscale Red Salt flavor fragrant dishes with coconut creme fraiche and lilikoi. Elegant yet utterly relaxed, Koa Kea Hotel & Resort is quintessential island luxury. Highlights Steps from beachSpa focuses on local ingredientsFine-dining restaurant LocationIntimate Koa Kea Hotel & Resort sits at the edge of Poipu Beach on the southern coast of Kauai. This is arguably the sunniest region of the island, and the coastline here harbors many of the best beaches on the island for swimming, snorkeling and young families. RoomsAccommodations at Koa Kea Hotel & Resort are sleek and elegant with accents that evoke the rich colors of Kauai, from vibrant coral reefs offshore to the deep blues, greens and earth tones of land and sky. Garden view or oceanfront, all rooms have a lanai and wall-to-wall sliding doors to bring the breezy tropics in. Niceties include iPod docking stations, Nespresso machines, air conditioning, mini refrigerators and flat-screen HD televisions. Service includes twice-daily housekeeping. FeaturesThis resort is about a personalized experience. While relaxing and enjoying the spa may be the choice for many guests, Koa Kea Hotel & Resort is for active vacationers, too. A beach activity hut has snorkel gear and surf and boogie boards for rent, and surfing lessons are available. Workout buffs can maintain their routine in the well-equipped fitness center. Come evening, guests at the resort slip into custom beds for the ultimate in sleep comfort. Transportation Lihue Airport (15.2 mi/24.5 km)Taxis availabl Attractions Poipu Bay Golf Course (1.5 mi/2.4 km)Allerton Garden Tours (2.6 mi/4.1km)Spouting Horn Beach Park (2.6 mi/4.2 km)Kayak Kauai Wailua River Paddle (20.4 mi/32.8 km)Kokee State Park (32.1 mi/51.7 km) BusinessWi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and all rooms have Internet access, which is included in the daily resort fee.
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Nightly rates from $368

Aston Islander on the Beach

Utterly relaxing condo haven on the east shore of KauaiVacationers looking for nice, affordable beachfront digs in one of the top locations on Kauai will find much to love at Aston Islander on the Beach. Low-key and peaceful, the resort sits on six landscaped acres along a strand of golden sand. Strolling the beach and lounging poolside are pleasant ways to while away vacation days, and sunrise doesn't get much better. Grills are available for guests and the hotel rooms and one-bedroom suites offer home-away-from-home conveniences. The adjacent Coconut Marketplace has dozens of shops and restaurants. Highlights Relaxed oceanfront settingWalking distance to Coconut MarketplaceFree in-room Internet accessComplimentary parking LocationKauai's Coconut Coast is the most central and convenient for vacationers who want to explore all that the Garden Isle has to offer -- which is to say, a lot. Aston Islander on the Beach is located almost mid-way between Waimea Canyon to the west and the riveting cliffs and dramatic topography of the Na Pali coast to the north. Poipu Beach is about 15 miles southwest. The eastern shore has its own compelling sights, too. Peaceful Wailua River, Wailua Falls, and Kauai Backcountry Adventure's Lihue tubing are just a short drive away. RoomsTeak furnishings, private lanais, air conditioning and free Internet access give accommodations an inviting island ambiance with contemporary appeal. Aston Islander on the Beach offers 198 units -- hotel rooms to one-bedroom suites -- in the low-rise, walk-up buildings set around the pleasant property. FeaturesThe beach at Aston Islander on the Beach is perfect for strolling and sunning and the pool is a peaceful respite from the frenetic world. But sports, sights and restaurants are nearby, allowing guests to choose how to spend their time. Lydgate Beach Park, for example, draws swimmers and snorkelers of all ages to its protected, sandy lagoon, and nearby Wailua Golf Course was named by Golf Digest as one Hawaii's 15 best courses. DiningThere are no on-site restaurant but grills on property offer family cookouts. Guests can walk to restaurants at Coconut Marketplace. TransportationLihue Airport (6.2 mi/10 km) Attractions Lydgate Beach Park (1.6 mi/2.6 km)Kauai Backcountry Adventures (5 mi/8 km)Wailua Falls (9.6 mi/15.5 km)Na Pali Coast State Park (31.4 mi/50.5 km)Waimea Canyon State Park (36.9 mi/59.4 km) BusinessComplimentary Internet access in rooms keeps working guests connected. Policies and feesAmenity fee of $15 plus 4.416% Hawaii State General Excise Tax will be charged daily for all new bookings arriving from January 3, 2013.
Value Every 5th Night Free
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Nightly rates from $132

Kauai Marriott Resort

Luxury resort entices with gentle waves and challenging fairways Spread across 800 acres edging Kalapaki Beach, swanky Kauai Marriott Resort has what it takes for a fabulous tropical vacation, not the least of which is a 26,000-square-foot mega pool and Jack Nicklaus championship golf course. The resort's 10-story building holds 356 stylish rooms with views across flowering gardens and the blue waters of Nawiliwili Bay. On the sand, the famed Kalapaki Beach Boys have water sport rentals and surfing pros waiting to teach. Not that action is everything, because this is a fine place to kick back and do nothing. Highlights Largest single-level pool in HawaiiDaily surfing lessons with the Kalapaki Beach Boys (fee applies)Sublime Alexandra SpaKauai Lagoons Golf ClubKalapaki Kids Club for ages 5-12 (fee applies) LocationSet on the eastern shore of Kauai, the Kauai Marriott Resort is just five minutes from Lihue airport. It is centrally located for exploring, from Waimea Canyon 31 miles west to the Na Pali cliffs 38 miles north. The shops and restaurants of Poipu Beach are just 15 miles southwest. FeaturesAfter a $50-million renovation in 2010, this luxury gem shines anew. Rooms feature bold colors and sleek, contemporary furnishings with an island vibe. All rooms have new luxury bedding, Internet access (fee applies) and a refrigerator among the upscale touches. There are six restaurants, including a morning coffee bar, with Italian, Japanese, seafood and international in the culinary mix. The Kauai Marriott Resort has long catered to romance -- an average of 100 couples a year tie the knot here -- and one option is a private waterfront dinner in a gazebo or cabana (reserve three months out). RecreationKalapaki Beach entices swimmers and snorkelers and is one of the best spots for beginning surfers. Kauai Lagoons Golf Club is also one of the best courses on Kauai, a 7,055-yard beauty designed by Jack Nicklaus. Resort guests pay discounted greens fees. Transportation Lihue Airport (3 mi/4.8 km)Complimentary shuttle on request Attractions Kauai Backcountry Adventures (3.7 mi/6 km)Kipu Ranch Adventures (6.3 mi/10.1 km)Wailua Falls (6.5 mi/10.5 km)Waimea Canyon State Park (31.5 mi/50.6 km) Business 24/7 business centerThirteen rooms, including Kauai's largest ballroom, totaling 20,230 square feet of meeting spaceNearly 60,000 square feet of outdoor function spaceOn-site AV supportWired and wireless Internet access (fee applies)
Value Book Now and Save 25%
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Nightly rates from $239

Wyndham Grand Koloa Landing at Poipu Beach

4 stars
4.2 / 5 12 reviews
Kauai's newest residential resort situated on 25 acres with exclusive shoreline access. Located on the island's south shore alongside Poipu Beach, the deluxe resort villas offer a choice of ocean views or tropical garden/Resort views. The one to three bedroom accommodations offer luxury resort amenities including, separate living/dining areas, full kitchens, in-suite laundry, Hawaiian inspired artwork and spacious open-air lanais. Resort amenities include a Gourmet marketplace/deli, Lobby Bar, two lagoon pools, two hydro-spas, lush landscaping with cascading streams and waterfalls, fitness center, business services, direct walking access to adjacent dining and retail outlets, on-site activities desk offering a host of activities from water sports to nearby championship golf. Phase II of Koloa Landing Wyndham Grand Resort is progressing with one new building currently at the foundation stage. Management monitors the construction daily with work limited to weekdays 9 am- 5 pm. Very few Villas are impacted with either construction noise or the view. With these few Villas, we are offering a very favorable Promotional Construction Rate in consideration of some construction noise during the day when many guests prefer to be out of their villas at the pool and exploring Poipu Beach or Kauai. Please let us know if this is of interest to you when booking your reservation. We welcome any questions you many have concerning our Phase II Project and we promise to make your visit to Kaloa Landing Resort both peaceful and memorable. Mahalo!
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Nightly rates from $260
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Flights

Flights to Kauai

Departure Arrival Travel dates Round-trip
Honolulu Lihue (Island of Kauai) Fri, Apr 12 - Fri, Apr 19 $127
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Best time to take a vacation to Kauai

  • Best Time to Go on a Kauai vacation

    With a year-round temperature averaging 70 to 85 degrees, even summer spends the winter in Hawaii. On Kauai, the Poipu area is often sunniest, while the tropical North Shore’s more frequent showers create waterfalls and rainbows.

    Winter and early spring are the highest seasons for prices and crowds, which decrease come early summer as well as September through November. Rates and crowds peak again in December as the holidays and humpback whales arrive.

    You may want to time your trip with a local event such as the Koloa Plantation Days Celebration in July, Kauai Mokihana Festival in September or December’s cheery Festival of Lights.

Insider tips for Kauai travel

  • Allerton, Limahuli and McBryde Gardens

    Explore a tropical-paradise trio of seriously scientific botanical gardens, with diverse landscapes ranging from estate statues and fountains to ancient Hawaiian archeological sites.

  • Ke Ala Hele Makalae Trail

    East Kauai opens to the ocean along miles of connected coastal pathway, perfect for long walks and biking. Meet the locals and savor some of Kauai’s best views.

  • Pali Ke Kua Beach (aka Hideaways)

    This dreamy duo of pocketsize beaches on the North Shore is a snorkeler’s paradise in summer’s calm seas. The reckless cliff-route down deters the crowds, too.

  • Pono Market

    Drop by this Kauai gem for local-style grinds such as fresh-made laulau, manju, poke and Spam chorizo, made right in Kapaa.

  • Koloa Rum Co

    Kauai makes some seriously yummy rum. Learn how it's made from Island-grown sugarcane and mountain rainwater. An onsite tasting room also sells bottled goods.

Kauai highlights

  • Kauai
  • Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

    Clouds of swirling seabirds, a vintage lighthouse and offshore whales in winter make this stop a nature-lover's bliss.

  • Na Pali Coast

    Mother Nature went all tiger-momma when she etched this remote coastline, a panorama of needle-sharp peaks, virgin beachlets and mysterious valleys. Worth every minute (and dollar) on a boat or helicopter tour.

  • Anini Beach

    Cry a tear for beauty’s sake at Anini, a turquoise-sea, golden-sand, nature-fringed beach beauty. The offshore reef creates shallow swimming-lagoon conditions.

  • Wailua River State Park

    Kayak up a lazy river to Fern Grotto, the romantic subject of 1950s postcards. Explore archeological sites at Wailua Complex, a National Historic Landmark.

  • Opaekaa Falls

    A tropical-island cascade in Fantasy Island fashion, Wailua River’s Opaekaa Falls offers the perfect brag-on-Facebook views.

  • Waimea Canyon - Kokee State Park

    The great green flanks of the Na Pali Coast hide a deep-red canyon interior that you've got to see to believe. The park also hosts a surreal collection of Jurassic Park-style trails.

  • Kalalau Trail

    The legendary (and strenuous) 22-mile-roundtrip trail presents Kauai’s most picturesque coastline in epic proportions. Sample it with a daytrip, turning around after two miles at Hanakapiai.

  • Poipu Beach

    Find your corner of paradise at the haute couture of Kauai beaches: ultra sunny, style-perfect and hemmed with a low-rise-resort coastline.

  • Hanalei

    Old Hawaii emerges from the watercolor-painting mist in Hanalei, a dreamscape of verdant taro patches, narrow bridges, plantation-style architecture and sleepy beachfront.

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