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The Ultimate Kauai, Hawaii Travel Guide
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items Planning a trip to Kauai, Hawaii? This ultimate guide has everything you need for the perfect island escape—from when to visit and what to pack, to the best things to do and where to stay on Kauai. Whether you're looking for beaches, adventure, or re... I have visited all of the Hawaiian islands and Kauai is still my favorite. Find out why!
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Kauai Travel Tips and Planning Essentials
Top Things To Do In Kauai: Beaches, Hikes & Hidden Gems
Best Places to Stay in Kauai: Top Resorts & Rentals
What to Pack For Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai Travel Tips and Planning Essentials
Learn the best time to visit Kauai, how to get around, what to expect weather-wise, and tips to help you plan a smooth, unforgettable Hawaii vacation.
My comprehensive itinerary for Kaua, including important travel t\ipsi--a must-read before planning your trip!
The Ultimate 8 Day Kauai Itinerary - Postcards From Carrie
For anyone planning a Hawaiian island-hopping adventure, this was our itinerary for Maui & Kauai
OUR 10 DAY KAUAI & MAUI ITINERARY
Join this fantastic Facebook Group Pass It On Kauai-people post beach items they have to leave behind (boogie boards, beach chairs, coolers, rafts, umbrellas, etc) for free. You take them and then when you are ready to leave, you post them to pass them on. This is great since you can't take any of these items on the plane.
Pass It On - Beach Gear and More - Kauai | Facebook
Top Things To Do In Kauai: Beaches, Hikes & Hidden Gems
Discover must-do activities in Kauai, including scenic hikes, stunning beaches, helicopter tours, waterfall adventures, and boating adventures
My favorite thing we did in Kauai--the Na Pali Coast boat tour
The Most Incredible Na Pali Coast Boat Tour In Kauai - Postcards From Carrie
My favorite tours in Kauai, from boat and helicopter tours to exploring secret waterfalls by kayak or paddleboard, there is something for everyone on this list!
The Absolute Best Tours In Kauai, Hawaii - Postcards From Carrie
Highly recommend this zipline in Kauai, the views are just incredible
Koloa Zipline in Kauai
This helicopter tour is a MUST-DO! Seeing the Na Pali Coast from the helicopter is absolutely breathtaking and a once in a lifetime experience--can't recommend highly enough!
Kauai Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour
Doors-off helicopter tour is even more incredible! Not having the doors on gives you much better photos. It definitely adds another level of thrill as well!
Hughes 500 4-Passenger Doors-Off Helicopters
Cheaper alternative to a helicopter tour
Kauai Deluxe Sightseeing Flight
The Wailua River is a must-experience in Kauai, and this guided kayak tour takes you to secret waterfalls along the river.
Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide
Explore sea caves along the Na Pali Coast in this raft tour. One of the best ways to see the Na Pali Coast. The bigger catamarans are a smoother ride, but can't go inside sea caves or close to the shore. This tour is a bumpier ride but being able to explore the sea caves is INCREDIBLE!
Half-Day Raft and Snorkel Adventure to Na Pali
Private helicopter doors off tour, no need to share the ride with strangers
Private Doors-Off Kauai Helicopter: Ultimate Waterfalls & Canyons
Catamaran tour of the Na Pali Coast for those needing a smoother boat ride. You won't be able to go inside the sea caves, but you will have a much more comfortable ride.
Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady
This snorkel tour is great for beginners, no boat ride necessary
Kauai’s Ultimate Guided Shore Snorkel: South Poipu
Must-see in the North Shore, the gardens are stunning
Princeville Botanical Gardens Tour and Chocolate Tasting Ticket
A trip to Hawaii is incomplete without experiencing a luau. This fabulous luau gives you the welcome leis upon arrival.
Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting
Biking tour in Waimea Canyon--known as the Grand Canyon of Hawaii. Unforgettable views and an epic experience.
Waimea Canyon Downhill Bike Ride
Learn to surf at Poipu Beach in the South Shore
Surf Lesson in Po'ipu--South Shore
Surf Lessons in the North Shore at Hanalei Bay
Surf Hanalei: Surf Lesson in Hanalei Bay, North Shore
Go on a chocolate tasting farm tour in Kauai!
Kauai Chocolate Farm Tasting Tour
Known as the Grand Canyon of Hawaii, Waimea Canyon is a MUST-VISIT spot in Kauai and this guided tour is the perfect way to do it!
Private Waimea Canyon Tour
Snorkel and sunset catamaran tour of Na Pali Coast
Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady
Best Places to Stay in Kauai: Top Resorts & Rentals
Explore where to stay in Kauai—which part of the island is best and the best hotels, resorts & beachfront rentals in the North Shore, South Shore and Eastern Shore.
These are the top-rated vacation rentals in Kauai by region. If you are traveling as a family, these will be perfect for you!
Top Rated Vacation Rentals in Kauai, Hawaii - Postcards From Carrie
Top Rated Hotel in the South Shore-Poipu
Whalers Cove in Poipu, Koloa
Top-rated hotel in the south shore, Poipu
Koloa Landing Resort at Po'ipu, Autograph Collection
Which parts of the island to stay in along with hotel recs for each region
Where to Stay In Kauai, Hawaii: Which Part Of The Island - Postcards From Carrie
What to Pack For Kauai, Hawaii
Everything you need to pack for your trip to Kauai, including the essentials that most people forget to pack!
Explore my post on the things most people forget to pack for Hawaii.
10 Things People Forget To Pack For Hawaii - Postcards From Carrie
Shop my Hawaii essentials on my Amazon Storefront
Postcards From Carrie - Hawaii Vacation Essentials
Every time I wear this dress I get compliments on it. Perfect dress for Kauai!
PRETTYGARDEN Women's Summer Floral Maxi Dress
Love the print on this bikini!
BIKINX Womens Sexy Thong Micro Bikini Set
The cutest flat sandals
Greatonu Women’s Flat Gladiator Sandals
My must-have travel item. I wear it cross-body and it keeps my hands free but my phone accessible for all of the photos and videos I take. Perfect for hiking the Kalalau Trail in Kauai.
CACOE Phone Lanyard 2 Pack
My favorite towels to bring on vacation. They are lightweight, quick-dry and easy to pack in a backpack or beach bag. Great to use at the beach, on hikes, as a picnic blanket and even as a blanket on those cold airplanes.
BAY LAUREL Turkish Beach Quick Dry Mat
Athletic water shoes are a must for Kauai if you will be hiking in waterfalls or kayaking. Don't bring the cheap “barefoot” water shoes--you need good grip and traction when you are walking on rocks.
SEEKWAY Water Shoes Men Women
A portable phone charger is a must-- you will use up your battery on all of the photos and videos you take throughout the day. If you have a mag-safe phone case, this magnetic charger is perfect, no cords needed!
ANKER 633 Magnetic Battery, Magsafe
Don't forget to bring snorkel masks! You can snorkel at all of the beaches in Kauai. I bought these two packs for everyone in my family.
Snorkeling Gear for Adults
Reef-safe sunscreen is a law in Hawaii, all other sunscreens are banned. Sun Bum is reef-safe and Hawaii compliant.
Sun Bum Hawaii Sunscreen 104 Act Compliant
My favorite beach bag, lightweight, stylish and I love the pockets inside.
Nylon Mesh Beach Bag
A Go-Pro is a must for all of your snorkeling videos and photos. Be sure to get a floating handle. This bundle comes with a floating handle, extra batteries, 2 adhesive mounts, a memory card and a carrying case.
GoPro HERO13 Bundle w/ 2 Batteries & 64GB Card
I only bring cheap sunglasses on vacation, and these are my favorite cheap sunglasses. They are polarized, look cute, are low profile enough to wear with a hat and I love that they come in a 2-pack.
DUSHINE Women's Polarized Retro Sunglasses
I love this suit, the criss cross back keeps it secure, perfect for swimming in waterfalls
CUPSHE Women's Two Piece Bikini Set
If you don't have a GoPro, this is another option for underwater photos. Make sure you get a floating pouch, not all waterproof pouches float.
Waterproof Phone Pouch Floating
Flip flops with arch support are a must for me--whether you have plantar fasciitis or just get painful feet after walking on flat sand, these are great!
Reef Women's Cushion Breeze Flip Flop Sandal
Selfie stick for all of those gorgeous photo opportunities around Kauai.
ATUMTEK 3-in-1 Bluetooth Selfie Stick Tripod
Rash guard is great for snorkeling, waterfall hiking or just protecting your skin from too much sun. I love that this one zips and you don't have to pull it over your head when you are sticky and wet.
ATTRACO Women's Rashguard Swimsuit Zip Front UPF 50+
Love these Keen closed toe shoes for hiking in waterfalls, kayaking and rafting. I wore them when we hiked the first 3 miles of the Kalalau trail in Kauai
KEEN Women's Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandal
A portable charger is essential for your Kauai vacation with all of the videos and photos you will take. This one comes with built in cords.
2-Pack 6000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank
I have this hat and it is my go-to vacation hat. The brim is foldable for packing and I love the strap, perfect for boat tours or windy hikes.
FURTALK Womens Beach Sun Straw Hat UV 80+
I have this dress in Navy Blue and love it! I just ordered it in red. It is the perfect summer sundress.
ZESICA Women's 2025 Summer Bohemian Maxi Dress
I am a huge fan of Cupshe bathing suits. They are great quality and have become my go-to brand.
CUPSHE Bikini Set for Women
Ponytail straw hat--perfect to wear when your hair is in a ponytail or a messy bun!
Beach Hat Straw Visor Ponytail Summer
Cute cover up for the beach!
CUPSHE Women's V Neck Striped Swim Cover Up
This is a great all around bag for the beach or for hiking-love the deep pockets for water bottles on the side.
Hoedia Sports Drawstring Backpack with Shoes Compartment
Cheaper version of the GoPro. While it's not the “real deal," the reviews are fantastic and a great option if a GoPro is out of your budget, but you want something more than a plastic phone pouch.
Waterproof Underwater Camera Remote 4X Zoom
Great dress for hiking, with built in shorts and bra. Looks great in photos, too!
Womens Athletic Dress w/ Built-in Bra & Pockets
Reef-Safe Sunscreen is the law in Hawaii. Don't wait to buy sunscreen on the island, it is much more expensive there.
Kokua Sun Care SPF 50/80 Hawaiian Reef Safe Zinc Sunscreen
My favorite backpack for hikes. Ultra lightweight, folds into a packable bag, the side pockets hold 40 oz water bottles and you can really stuff them full with out getting heavy. I have this in both this size and the bigger 40L size. I prefer this size for the front zipper pocket
Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Foldable Backpack
Dry bags are essential for kayaking, boat tours (especially raft tours) and waterfall hikes
HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag 5L-40L with Phone Case
A fold-flat collapsible cooler bag that you can pack easily in your suitcase. This is perfect for packing drinks and food for the beaches.
Soft Sided Cooler Bag, Collapsible
Prevents chafing from sand, surfboard, etc.
The Original Belly Jelly- Aloe Vera Rash Gel