Island guide
The oldest of the main islands. Millions of years of rain carved the Nā Pali cliffs and Waimea Canyon. The north shore gets big surf in winter and the south shore gets it in summer. The road ends at Keʻe Beach, which needs a park reservation, and the Kalalau Trail requires a permit past Hanakāpīʻai. Hanalei Bay is backed by a river and wetlands that are easily damaged, so stay out of fenced and marked areas. Helicopter tour noise over Nā Pali and Waimea is a constant complaint from residents. Choosing a hike or a boat tour instead is one way to show respect.
East Side
A twin waterfall dropping into a deep pool, seen from a roadside overlook north of Līhuʻe.
View from the overlook only. The steep path to the pool is closed and dangerous, and people have died climbing near the falls.
East Side
Kauaʻi's sacred river valley, Wailua Nui a Hoāno, once the island's royal and religious center, lined with heiau and a favorite kayaking river.
Kayak with a licensed rental or tour. The heiau along the river are sacred; stay outside their walls.
North Shore
A two-mile crescent of sand beneath waterfall-streaked mountains, the heart of the North Shore.
Swim near the lifeguards; winter surf can be dangerous. Do not stand on the reef, and keep at least 50 feet from monk seals.
North Shore
A wildlife refuge on a dramatic point with the 1913 Kīlauea Lighthouse, seabird colonies and views of the North Shore.
Entry requires a reservation; check the refuge website. Stay on the paths, keep quiet, and never approach birds or monk seals.
North Shore
A garden and nature preserve in a lush valley in Hāʻena, with ancient taro terraces and native and canoe plants, run by the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
Admission is charged; reservations are recommended. Stay on the trail, and do not pick plants or step on the terraces.
South Shore
The last undeveloped stretch of the South Shore, with three sandy coves, lithified sand dunes and Makauwahi Cave.
Reached by a dirt road through private land; access may be restricted. Pack everything out. Do not disturb burials, fossils or nesting birds.
South Shore
A sheltered beach with a sandbar, shallow swimming pools and frequent visits from monk seals and turtles. The South Shore's main family beach.
Swim near lifeguards, and keep at least 50 feet from monk seals and 10 feet from turtles. Stay behind volunteer ropes.
Waimea Canyon
The Grand Canyon of the Pacific: a deep canyon of red and green walls ten miles long, viewed from lookouts along Kōkeʻe Road.
Stay behind the railings and on marked trails. Weather changes fast; bring layers. Fill up on gas before driving up.
West Side
An ancient irrigation channel faced with fitted, cut stones, along the Waimea River, attributed in legend to the menehune.
The ditch still carries water to taro fields. Stay on the road side and do not climb on the stone wall.
West Side
The end of the road on the west side: a vast beach with high sand dunes at the foot of the Nā Pali cliffs, reached by a rough dirt road.
The dirt road can trap cars; check conditions. Swimming is dangerous due to strong currents. The dunes and cliffs are sacred and hold burials.
The Premium version of Mochi adds the full story and narration for all 89 places on Kauaʻi, plus the curated Drives and Ask, the travel assistant. It's $4.99 for Kauaʻi, or $9.99 for all five islands.
