Kauai

Hawaii's "Garden Isle": the sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and Jurassic Park filming locations — wilder and quieter than Oahu.

Kauai is the geologically oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, about a 30-minute flight from Honolulu. Roughly round and about 50 km across, it is known as the "Garden Isle" for its lush rainforests and abundant flowers. Mount Waialeale at the island's center is one of the wettest places on Earth, and its rains have carved the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. About 70% of the island cannot be reached by car, and it has served as a filming location for movies such as Jurassic Park and South Pacific. The coastal highway does not make a full loop (there is no road along Na Pali), and the island divides into four areas: the North Shore (Princeville, Hanalei Bay, Tunnels Beach, Ke'e Beach and the Kalalau Trail, the Kilauea Point Lighthouse); the East Side (Lihue Airport, Kapaa, the Wailua River and falls, the Sleeping Giant Trail); the South Shore (Poipu Beach, Spouting Horn, the National Tropical Botanical Garden, Old Koloa Town), which has the most reliable sunshine; and the West Side (Hanapepe, Waimea town, Waimea Canyon and Kokee, Polihale, and Port Allen, the departure point for Na Pali boat trips). Seasons: Apr–Oct is drier, and in summer the North Shore's calm seas are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and Na Pali boat trips; Nov–Mar brings big surf and more rain to the North Shore while the South Shore stays sunny, and whale watching runs Dec–Apr. Getting around: you need a rental car; driving from the North Shore to the West Side takes about 2 hours one way. Allow 4–6 days, splitting your nights between the South and North shores. Good to know: Haena State Park (Ke'e Beach, the Kalalau Trail) requires advance reservations at gohaena.com; state parks charge non-residents entry and parking fees; rip currents off the North Shore are dangerous in winter. After Hurricane Lowell passed through in September 2026, Kokee Road, state trails, Haena and Na Pali boat tours were suspended or closed and are gradually reopening — be sure to check Hawaii State Parks (DLNR) announcements before you go.

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