Kauau02bbi
Lonely Planet writer Andy Murdock takes his kids to the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi for some outdoor adventures. After playing botanist in Limahuli Garden, taking a dip in the azure waters of Hanalei Bay and contemplating the sheer cliffs of the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific', he discovers he might not want to leave.
About 90% of Kauaʻi is inaccessible by road, so one of the best – and only – ways to experience the natural beauty of the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is by foot.
There are only two main roadways on Kauaʻi – KūhiŠHighway (Route 56) and Kaumualiʻi Highway (Route 50) – and the island is 25 miles long and 33 miles wide. This means getting around the Garden Island isn’t very difficult – if you have a car.
From the magical shores of Hanalei Bay to stunning sunsets on the remote beach at Polihale State Park, Kauaʻi boasts some of the world’s best beaches.
Don’t let the median cost of a single-family home ($1 million) or the price of gas (nearly $5 a gallon) in Hawaii scare you: You don’t have to spend a lot to have a great time in the Islands, Kauaʻi included.
A visit to Kaua‘i is never a bad idea. But we get it. Life is so busy, even on vacation – which is why you should take advantage of our recommendations for the best way to maximize a visit to Kaua‘i.
