Getting In
Your best bet of reaching Kauai, or the Garden Isles, as it is better known as is on a flight with non-stop services operating daily from the mainland. This is the fastest way you can reach this paradise on the Pacific Ocean. However, if you are looking for a more leisurely route to take, you can go on a cruise via Ensenada or Vancouver. It will take you around five days to cross the ocean on any cruise liner and another five to six days to encircle the island before you finally get to set foot on the warm Kauai beach. If you have a lot of time to spend on your vacation and are not prone to sea-sickness, then you can enjoy your cruise to the maximum.
However, if you are desperate to reach Kauai then air travel is your only option. You can get non-stop flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco on the American Airlines and United Airlines while US Airways and Alaska Airlines operate from Phoenix and Seattle respectively. These flights will take you as far as Honolulu from where you have to take another 25 minute flight on Island, Hawaiian, or Go Air before you reach the Li Hue, Port Allen, or Princeville Airport on the respective west, south, and northern coasts of Kauai.
Staying Put
Now that you know how to reach Kauai, it is important to know the best areas on the island for you to stay. While we will not be offering you a clear result in this aspect, we will put forward the good and bad of every part (there are 4) of this island. You have the freedom to draw your own conclusion! A general note: If beaches and greenery are what you are looking for, there is very little to go wrong with in Kauai.
South Side (Poipu, Lawai, and Koloa)
- It remains dry and sunny almost all round the year
- There is a great selection of beaches available in this region
- You have a wide range of good restaurants and fine dining options in the area
- The beaches in the Southern side are more crowded compared to those on the Northern half
North Shore (Kilauea, Hanalei, and Princeville)
- This place abounds in amazing scenery against an equally amazing backdrop of gorgeous mountains for you to soak in visually. There are resplendent green valleys bursting with waterfalls and bountiful greenery all around
- For those who seek luxury accommodation, options are available at this location
- It is in close proximity to what may be regarded as the best trio of beaches in Kauai- Hanalei Bay Beach, Haena Beach Park, and Kee Beach
- The biggest problem in this part of the island is rain. The Northern shores are considerably wetter as compared to most of the other parts of Kauai. Although not an issue for the better part of the year, it gets considerably wet during the winter months with the island coming under influence of moisture-laden trade winds
The Coconut Coast on the Eastern Shore (Kapaa, Wailua, Lihue)
- The accommodation in this area is more affordable compared to all other parts of the island, even in the most in-demand seasons
- The area lies close to numerous destinations of cultural significance and is a convenient base from where you can take a trip to all other parts of Kauai. It is close to every part of importance on the island
- This region features mostly local beaches that lack the grandeur or convenience of the Southern and Northern beaches
Western Side (Hanapepe and Waimea)
- This is an ideal place for backpackers and hikers owing to its close proximity to the Waimea and Kokee Canyon State Parks
- It is geographically located very far from the other parts of Kauai. It will take you a two-hour drive to reach the Northern coast
- It is a barren and dry part of the island which is not a true reflection of the vibrant beauty abundant in every other part of Kauai
If you can plan ahead of your trip, nothing can stop you from enjoying your stay in the beautiful Garden Isles called Kauai.