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Is Kauai a good island to visit?

Is Kauai a good island to visit? One of the most common questions I get as a Hawaii Travel Agent is, “Which island should I visit?” The truth is that it varies depending on your needs and preferences. 

Today, I am going to be a little bit selfish and tell you about my favorite island – Kauai. If you’re planning a Hawaii vacation, Kauai may not be on your radar – but it should be! Yes, Kauai is a fantastic choice for those who love adventure and exploring the great outdoors. In my opinion, Kauai is the prettiest island with epic scenery from the Na Pali Coast to Waimea Canyon.

Before we start, you’ll definitely need a rental car in Kauai. There isn’t much for public transportation, and you’ll need a car to see the sights anyway.

If you’re looking for the best way to rent a car in Hawaii, I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental.

You’ll find the best deals on any Hawaiian Islands and won’t have to pay anything until you pick up the car.

Why to consider Kauai for your Hawaii vacation

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Kauai is referred to as the “Garden Isle” for its lush landscapes, breathtaking beaches, and unparalleled natural beauty. Here are just a few reasons to consider Kauai as the island destination for your Hawaii vacation.

1. Stunning Scenery: From the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast to the majestic peaks of Waimea Canyon, Kauai boasts some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the world. Whether you’re hiking along rugged trails, soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, or flying high over the island in a helicopter tour, it’s hard to beat the landscape in Kauai.

1. Adventure Awaits: Kauai offers a wide range of outdoor activities for adventurers of all levels. Explore hidden waterfalls on a hike, embark on a thrilling zipline tour through the rainforest, or take to the waves for some world-class surfing. With options for hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and more, there’s no shortage of excitement.
2. Rich Culture and History: Immerse yourself in Kauai’s rich cultural heritage by visiting historic sites, attending traditional luaus, and exploring local art galleries and museums. 
3. Relaxation and Renewal: If your idea of a perfect vacation involves relaxation and rejuvenation, Kauai has you covered. There are plenty of beaches to spend a relaxing day, or take it up a notch and enjoy a spa day at one of the beautiful Kauai resorts.

Things to do in Kauai

The best way to see all of Kauai is to take a Kauai helicopter tour, so make sure to check that out after you read about happy hour.

Kauai is a small island, but only about 10% is accessible by car. There is a main road that goes around most of the island. Notice I said most, not all! At the top of the island, you’ll find the Na Pali coast, so there is no road connecting that side. If you’re staying in Hanalei or Princeville, it’s a long way to Koke’e State Park or Waimea Canyon.

Hiking is easily one of the best things to do in Kauai. If you’re looking for the best island in Hawaii for hiking, Kauai is it! Check out the top 10 Best Hikes on Kauai to learn more.

50 things to do on Kauai will help get you started with more options for Kauai activities than you could possibly do in one trip. If you’re a golfer, you won’t want to miss the 8 best golf courses in Kauai.

You might think that Kauai isn’t known for white, sandy beaches, but the island certainly has plenty of them! The 10 best beaches in Kauai will help you find the best beaches for you. 

The best restaurants in Kauai and The best happy hours in Kauai need very little explanation. The 6 best oceanfront restaurants in Kauai takes it a step further to dining with epic ocean views.

The very best thing to do on Kauai

As A Hawaii Travel Agent, here is my #1 recommendation for what to do in Kauai.

First, see the Na Pali Coast. Whether you hike it, view it from a helicopter (my favorite), go on a snorkeling tour, or take a sunset sail, the Na Pali Coast is a must!

The best resorts in Kauai

If you’ve decided on Kauai but need a place to stay, check out some of my favorite resorts:

• Grand Hyatt Kauai Review
• Koloa Landing Resort Review
• Ko’a Kea Resort Review (The best resort in Kauai for honeymoons!)
• The ISO Kauai Review

I have lists with even more options, including the 25 Best Resorts in Hawaii and the best Kauai honeymoon resorts.

Is Kauai a good island to visit?

I hope this blog post answered your question “Is Kauai a good island to visit?” If you love the outdoors, enjoy spectacular scenery, and would like a vacation where there are fewer crowds and no tall buildings, Kauai may be the place for you!

Wanting even more options for dining, places to stay, shopping, or nightlife? Hawaii has those things too! I’d love to help you plan your own Hawaii vacation, customized just for you.

As a Hawaii Travel Agent, I only take on a select number of clients per month to ensure the best service possible. You can contact me to inquire about availability.  

I also share tons of free information on this blog, so make sure to use the search bar to find Hawaii FAQ, the best time to go to Hawaii, how to survive the flight to Hawaii and more!

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