Kauaʻi — Travelrags

Lonely PlanetAug 25, 2026

Hawaiʻi on a Budget

Keep your costs down on a trip to Hawaiʻi with these top money-saving tips.

25 things in this story

Waimea CanyonSightThe "Grand Canyon of the Pacific", 14 miles long and 3600ft deep.
Kōkeʻe State ParkNature reserveBoasts 45 miles of hiking trails and a restaurant.
Kōkeʻe LodgeRestaurantRestaurant located within Kōkeʻe State Park.
Kauaʻi Coffee Co.CaféLargest coffee farm in the US with free walking tours.
DJ’s Box LunchRestaurant
Elsewhere
Hanauma BaySightHonolulu, United StatesProtected marine bay in Honolulu, one of the best snorkeling spots.
Makapuʻu LighthouseTrailHonolulu, United StatesPaved 2-mile trek along rugged coastline with sweeping ocean views.
Electric BeachSightHonolulu, United StatesWarm waters teeming with marine life, recommended for stronger swimmers.
HaleakalāSightMaui, United StatesWitness sunrise or sunset from the 10,023-ft summit.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkSightHawaiʻi Island, United StatesView Kīlauea's episodic summit eruption from park lookouts.
Greenwell FarmsSightHawaiʻi Island, United StatesOne of the oldest Kona coffee farms, offers free tours and tastings.
Capitol ModernMuseumHonolulu, United StatesFree museum in Downtown Honolulu, formerly Hawaiʻi State Art Museum.
Bishop MuseumMuseumHonolulu, United StatesHouses Hawaiian objects, royal heirlooms, and natural history specimens.
Duke Kahanamoku BeachSightWaikiki, United StatesRecommended spot for best views of Friday night fireworks.
The BranchesPlaceMaui, United StatesOutdoor music venue under a banyan tree at Royal Lahaina Resort.
Rainbow Drive-InRestaurantHonolulu, United StatesServes loaded plates of teriyaki beef, shoyu chicken, hamburger steak.
Tin RoofRestaurantMaui, United StatesDishes include mochiko chicken, poke bowl, and pork belly.
FarmLovers MarketsMarketHonolulu, United StatesFarmers market to buy fresh local goodies and artisan products.
Sheraton Waikīkī Beach ResortHotelWaikiki, United StatesGuest room prices vary significantly by season.
Honu Waikīkī by ALOHHotelWaikiki, United StatesSlightly outside Waikīkī bustle, walking distance to beach and shopping.
Aloha Surf HostelHostelPāiʻa, United StatesIn Pāiʻa, offers free daily tours and pancake breakfast.
Hawaiian Style CafeRestaurantHawaiʻi Island, United States
Kawamoto StoreRestaurantHawaiʻi Island, United States
Fukuya DeliRestaurantHonolulu, United States
Honokowai Okazuya & DeliRestaurantMaui, United States

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Lonely PlanetAug 23

8 things to do in Hawaiʻi and the best way to do them

Experience the best of Hawaiʻi with this guide to the top things to do on the islands.

23 things in this story

Nāpali CoastSight17-mile cliff face with deep crevices and dozens of waterfalls.
Little Fish CoffeeRestaurantLocated on the South Shore.
Elsewhere
ʻIolani PalaceSightOʻahu, United StatesContinue Native Hawaiian education.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkNature reserveHawaiʻi, United StatesHome to the very active Kīlauea volcano, with steam vents and lava tube.
Volcano WineryRestaurantHawaiʻi, United StatesOffers wine tasting.
Kaʻiwa Ridge TrailTrailOʻahu, United StatesOverlooks the Pacific Ocean, Lanikai Beach, and Mokulua Islands.
Lanikai BeachSightOʻahu, United StatesPerfect place to cool off after a hike.
PipelineSightOʻahu, United StatesA pipeline is a system of pipes for long-distance transportation of a liquid or gas, typically to a market area for…
Da Hui Backdoor ShootoutFestivalOʻahu, United StatesA local favorite surfing competition with Pidgin-speaking commentators.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave IceIce cream shopHawaiʻi, United StatesMastered shave ice with house-made syrups and smooth ice.
Tidal TheoryPlaceOʻahu, United StatesOffers leather lei-making workshops.
Hook and HidePlaceOʻahu, United StatesLocation for leather lei-making workshops.
Hanapepe bon danceFestivalHanapēpē, United StatesFeatures taiko drumming, Japanese music, and traditional folk dances.
Kauaʻi Soto Zen TempleSightHanapēpē, United StatesHosts the Hanapepe bon dance.
Taro Ko ChipsMarketHanapēpē, United StatesFactory for delicious taro chips.
Kō Hana RumRestaurantOʻahu, United StatesOffers tasting of sugarcane-based rums and distillery tours.
Wahiawā Botanical GardenSightOʻahu, United StatesA place for a stroll.
Hanalei Dolphin Fish MarketRestaurantHanalei, United States
ʻEhukai Beach ParkSightOʻahu, United States
Ted’s BakeryRestaurantOʻahu, United States
Waikīkī BeachSightOʻahu, United States
Baby BeachSightOʻahu, United States
Shige’s Saimin StandRestaurantOʻahu, United States

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Lonely PlanetJul 28

Which Hawaiian Island is best for you?

Our guide showcases the pleasures of Hawai‘is’s six major islands.

25 things in this story

Nāpali CoastSightDeep, lush ridges and cascading waterfalls accessible by foot.
Kalalau TrailTrail22-mile round-trip trail through Nāpali Coast's emerald landscapes.
HanapēpēNeighborhoodHistoric town bursting with cafes, shops, landmarks, and festivals.
Talk Story BookstorePlaceShop in historic Hanapēpē.
Elsewhere
Punaluʻu Black Sand BeachSightHawaii Island, United StatesBeach with sand from pulverized lava rock where turtles lounge.
ʻAkaka FallsSightHawaii Island, United StatesOne of the most eye-catching natural features on the Big Island.
KilaueaSightHawaii Island, United StatesKīlauea is an active shield volcano in the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkSightHawaii Island, United StatesFilled with steam vents, lava tubes, and occasional lava streams.
Mauna KeaSightHawaii Island, United StatesTallest mountain in the world measured from seafloor to peak.
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical ParkSightHawaii Island, United StatesLearn about ancient Hawaiians' way of life through ruins.
HonoluluNeighborhoodOʻahu, United Statesstate of Hawaii, located in the Pacific Ocean.
ʻIolani PalaceSightOʻahu, United StatesOnce home to Hawaiian royalty, later site of kingdom's overthrow.
Pearl HarborSightOʻahu, United StatesSite of the 1941 bombing, prompting US entry into WWII.
USS Arizona MemorialSightOʻahu, United StatesThe USS Arizona Memorial, at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors…
Hanauma Bay State ParkSightOʻahu, United StatesProtected bay with safe snorkeling and abundant marine life.
Lanikai PillboxTrailOʻahu, United StatesShort, steep hike for amazing views of Kailua and islands.
Mauna LoaSightHawaii Island, United States
Manta Ray Dives of HawaiiPlaceHawaii Island, United States
Kona Snorkel TripsPlaceHawaii Island, United States
Waik ī k īNeighborhoodOʻahu, United States
USS Missouri MemorialSightOʻahu, United States
Waiahole Poi FactoryRestaurantOʻahu, United States
Helena’s Hawaiian FoodRestaurantOʻahu, United States
Triple Crown of SurfingFestivalOʻahu, United States
Eddie Aikau Big Wave InvitationalFestivalOʻahu, United States

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Lonely PlanetJul 10

How to choose a helicopter tour in Kaua‘i

From key safety tips, choosing the best operator, typical costs and more, this is what you need to know before your helicopter tour of Kauaʻi.

16 things in this story

Nāpali CoastSightView from a helicopter.
Waimea CanyonSightWaimea is Hawaiian for "reddish water", a reference to the…
Island HelicoptersPlaceOffers landing on Mānāwaiopuna Falls.
Jack Harter HelicoptersAttractionFly with a pioneer of flight tourism.
Safari HelicoptersPlaceLands at Olokele Canyon for 30 minutes.
Blue Hawaiian HelicoptersPlaceFlies high-end choppers, said to be less noisy.
Mauna Loa HelicoptersPlaceNoteworthy for the chance to take doors off.
Olokele CanyonSight
Kēʻē BeachSight
HanaleiSight
Mt WaiʻaleʻaleSight
Elsewhere
Mānāwaiopuna FallsSightHanapēpē, United StatesIt is 122 metres (400 ft) tall.
Nāwiliwili HarborSightLīhuʻe, United States
Alakoko FishpondSightLīhuʻe, United States
Kīpū KaiSightLīhuʻe, United States
Tunnel of TreesSightLīhuʻe, United States

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