Which side of the island is best on Kauai?

A good option for first time visitors is to stay on the East side, with equal distance to the North shore and the South and West sides. In the Kapaa or Lihue area, you are centrally located for sightseeing in either direction - and close to shopping for supplies for your longer stay.

Thereof, what side of Kauai has the best beaches?

Kauai's South Shore offers plenty of beaches, shops, restaurants and other amenities within an easy stroll, especially around Poipu. You're staying at Koloa Landing Resort where there is world-class snorkeling right outside your door and beautiful Kiahuna Beach is just a ten-minute stroll down a paved road.

Beside above, what is the best month to go to Kauai? While any time of year is an excellent time for this Hawaiian island, the best time to visit Kauai is from April to June and from September to November. In the pre-summer months the temperature is still ideal, without the summer vacation crowds.

Regarding this, what side of Kauai is Princeville?

The North Shore- including Princeville, Hanalei, and Kilauea. The East Coast- including Kapaa, Wailua and, in this case, the county seat of Lihue. The West Side- including the towns of Waimea and Hanapepe (It's worth noting that staying on the West Side is much less popular than the other locations)

Where should I stay on North or South Kauai?

On Kauai you basically have three main geographic areas to stay: North Shore including Princeville and Hanalei. East Shore including Kapaa and Lihue. South Shore including Koloa, Poipu and Waimea.

36 Related Question Answers Found

Which island is better Kauai or Big Island?

Big Island is a nice contrast but not very lush and lots of volcanic rock. Some nice beaches but still prefer Kauai. IMO, Kauai offers the best of Hawaii sights and activities on land, whereas the Big Island is best in the state in and under the water.

What's better Maui or Kauai?

The waters around Maui are calmer than the waters around Kauai, especially in winter. While both islands have good snorkeling, Maui has more top-notch sites and more are easily accessible from the beach. One particularity of this island are the black sand beaches which are made of ground lava rock.

Are there snakes on Kauai?

Are there dangerous critters on Kauai? There are no snakes in Hawaii. We do however have the mosquito that can be annoying, so use repellent when needed. We do have centipedes, but they are rarely seen.

Can you swim in the ocean in Kauai?

The warm is warm, the sand is soft and the beaches are amazing. But Kauai swimming requires more precautions than in lake or pool swimming. Dangers from currents and sea creatures may cause even a strong swimmer to panic, and waves make it more difficult to be seen.

Which side of Kauai is best to stay?

A good option for first time visitors is to stay on the East side, with equal distance to the North shore and the South and West sides. In the Kapaa or Lihue area, you are centrally located for sightseeing in either direction - and close to shopping for supplies for your longer stay.

Should I stay Princeville or Poipu?

both are visitor destination areas ( in other words, a large percentage of places for tourists to stay , dine, etc. The major difference is most of Poipu proper has accessible beaches and places to dine within walking distance. Princeville mostly involves a short drive to one of the beautiful north shore beaches.

Can you swim at Poipu Beach?

Swimming, boogie boarding, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving are all found within a one mile stretch of coastline. Poipu Beach Park is considered among the safest in Hawaii, with a lifeguard on duty seven days a week. However, you should always check ocean conditions before entering and never be in the ocean alone.

What are the beaches like in Kauai?

Since the island's major focus are its picturesque beaches, let us take a look at the best beaches in Kauai:

Hanalei Bay Beach. Source: Steve Heap / shutterstock.
Kee Beach. Source: Pierre Leclerc / shutterstock.
Tunnels Beach.
Baby Beach.
Anahola Beach.
Haena Beach.
Lydgate Beach.
Kealia Beach.

Is Kauai more expensive than Maui?

Kauai is cheaper. Just like Maui, food will depend on where you eat. Gas and electricity are a bit cheaper too. Residents find that Kauai is less expensive than Maui (energy costs, food, etc.), but my tourist dollar goes farther on Maui.

How is Kauai on a budget?

Kauai on a Budget

Stay at the Villas of Poipu Kai. Save. Vacation expenses come in a few places: Travel, Lodging, Food, and Activities.
Enjoy the beaches. Save. Kauai beaches are voted amongst the top in the world, and with good reason.
Hike. Save.
Take a Drive up Waimea Canyon. Save.
Buy gas at Costco. Save.
Visit the Gardens. Save.

What is Kauai best known for?

The Hawaiian islands are known for raging waterfalls, but Kauai is home to one of the wettest places on earth. Mount Waialeale has dozens of falls that pour into a deep canyon accessible via hike.

Do I need a car in Kauai?

Yes, it is recommended that you rent a car when you are visiting the Garden Isle of Kauai! A car is necessary to drive to many of the picturesque towns and beaches and waterfalls. You don't want to miss out on the scenic drive up to Waimea Canyon and the Kokee lookout!

What should I buy in Kauai?

Here you'll find local art, natural botanical products made locally, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more. Old Koloa Town is always a great place to spend an afternoon shopping or enjoying a shave ice with the family. Hawaii is known for its coffee, so pick some up as a souvenir on your Kauai vacation.

Is Kauai windy?

Yes it was windy while walking around but once on the beach you don't feel the wind much at all. In the south shore the trades blow off shore which makes for favorable ocean conditions. Plus at Kiahuna they have a hedge along the beach that blocks much of the wind when you sit on the sand.

How many days do I need in Kauai?

A Few Days in Kauai: A Guide for First-Time Visitors. Many first-time visitors stop in Kauai for four days while island hopping between two or three islands. Four days is enough time to see the best of the island (except for several days-long hikes like the Na Pali Coast).

What is the rainiest month in Kauai?

December

Why is Kauai The Best Island?

Kauai, in a way, is set apart. It's also the greenest of all the Hawaiian islands, and 97 percent of it is covered by forests or mountain ranges. It has the most dramatic landscape in its 4,000-foot-high Na Pali cliffs. And it has the biggest gorge in the Pacific, the ten-mile-long and 3,000-foot-deep Waimea Canyon.