Top Kauai holiday deals
OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa
Holiday In Kauai Island
Welcome to Kauai, the most laid-back member of the Hawaiian island family. A little late but worth the wait (hey, we’re poets and we didn’t know it!), this island was the last to join the native Hawaiian kingdom.
Kauai still has a relatively low population (of humans, that is the wild chicken population is booming!) and plenty of seemingly untouched vegetation. Towns are small here, and include Kapa`a, Lihu`e, Po`ipu and Waimea. See them all on your Kauai Island holiday!
Things to Do In Kauai Island
There’s tons to do in Kauai, so snag one of lastminute.co.nz’s Kauai Island car hire deals and start exploring! Drive out to Wailua Falls for a look at a triple waterfall, or check out the Opaekaa Falls vista point right off Route 580. In fact, just driving around the island on your holiday in Kauai Island offers beautiful views of lush green mountains, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay and Wailua River. Bring your camera—your selfie game will be strong here!
Along the way, visit the National Tropical Botanical Gardens for some of Hawaii’s famous plumeria flowers and Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge for a glimpse at the island’s seabirds. For a chicken’s-eye view of the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, hike through Waimea Canyon and Koke`e State Park.
For a dinosaur’s-eye view (and a swim), visit the Na Pali Coast, which was featured in Jurassic Park. Hike, spelunk and explore with lastminute.co.nz’s Kauai Island package deals—cute dinosaur friends unfortunately not included.
Kauai Island: Shopping, Dining and Nightlife
Not surprisingly, most of the shopping in Kauai Island is near city centres like Lihue, Kapaa and Kilauea. Surf shops, local craft stores and art galleries are on almost every corner, so check out all the apparel, pearl jewellery and botanical plants you can ship back home. Pro Tip: Look for a purple “Kauai Made” logo to ensure you’re purchasing a locally produced souvenir. Similarly, the “Kauai Grown” program brings you locally made cheese, soaps, chocolate and more.
Bet you’re hungry. We’ve got good news for you: More than any other Hawaiian island, Kauai is known for its plate lunches. Stay close to town to enjoy one of these simple yet delicious meals from a small local eatery, or get one to go. There aren’t many places to buy prepared food outside of city centres, but there are plenty of fresh produce stands, so load up a picnic basket and enjoy local favourites on the beaches, mountains or trails of Kauai.
The delicious food will tide you over for evening festivities, and Kauai Island holidays excel at unconventional nightlife. We’re talking moonlight walks along the beach and the Hawaiian guitar music flowing from beachfront bars and venues. Sandy floored, barefoot bars are common, and so are mai tais, tiki torches and ocean breezes. And did somebody say Luau?! BYO grass skirt and lei to hula dance late into the night. How many Blue Hawaiis can you drink?
What’s Next?
Despite the fact that Waimaea Canyon prevents construction of a road all the way around the island, you can experience the wetter, lusher windward side of the island, as well as the dryer leeward side, all in one day. But why rush it when you can book Kauai Island packages on lastminute.co.nz and save enough money to take your time? In fact, you can make it to all the islands with our Hawaii holiday packages. So what are you waiting for? Your tropical getaway is calling!
Top hotels for your Kauai holiday
Kauai Shores Hotel
Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
Reviewed on 29 Oct. 2024
OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa
Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024
Popular places to visit
Hanalei Bay
Explore the great outdoors at Hanalei Bay, a popular spot to commune with nature in Hanalei. Wander the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area.
Poipu Beach
Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Poipu Beach, a popular beach in Koloa. Wander through the seaside and picturesque gardens in this romantic area.
Nawiliwili Bay
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Nawiliwili Bay during your travels in Lihue. Stroll along the seaside in this romantic area or seek out the local tours.
Book your Kauai holiday package
Top picks
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on lastminute.co.nz from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.