Every island in Hawaii has its own vibe, and travelers are often drawn to Kauai for its dramatic landscapes, abundance of outdoor experiences, and slower pace. You’ll find activities, accommodations, and dining options suited to a range of budgets and interests, but if you want to make the most of your time (and not, for example, discover you’re the only solo traveler at a hotel full of honeymooners), let your personal travel style and priorities be your compass. Travelers on a healing journey and those interested in connecting with the `aina (land) might consider hikes, watersports, and wellness activities, while families looking for a high-end home base for bonding can book a stay at one of the island’s well-equipped, family-friendly luxury properties such as Timbers Kauai in Lihue or The Lodge at Kukui`ula in Koloa. 

Kauai may be your dream vacation destination, but it’s important to remember that it’s also home—to Native Hawaiian people and culture as well as fragile ecosystems and endangered species (like sunbathing monk seals). Keeping this in mind, from the pre-trip planning stage to decision-making once you’re on the island, will help ensure a safe and meaningful trip. Educate yourself on Hawaiian history at local museums, such as the Kauai Museum. Engage in Native Hawaiian-led cultural workshops and learn a new skill like hula or ukulele. Carry a reusable water bottle, avoid touching or disturbing local plants and animals, use eco-friendly sunscreen (Little Hands is a great made-in-Hawaii option, and you’ll find Raw Elements aboard Holo Holo Charters boat trips around Kauai), and always heed local signage and advisories while enjoying the ocean and hiking trails.

There’s much more to Hawaii’s culinary scene than mai tais, poke (cubed raw fish seasoned with local ingredients such as Hawaiian sea salt, kukui nuts, seaweed, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions), and pineapples—though those are all ono (delicious) too! From farms and food trucks to fine dining restaurants, you’ll find endless opportunities to get a true taste of Kauai. You can join a farm tour and learn about superfoods and “canoe crops” that are central to Native Hawaiian culture and cuisine, savor Kauai-born Chef Noelani Planas’ seafood creations at Red Salt in Poipu, mingle with residents at the farmers' markets and grab some fresh produce for a beach picnic, and more.

Being an island, Kauai has limited space, so while some of the adventure of travel is about living in the moment, you might want to save the spontaneity for after you’ve secured your accommodations, car rental, and your preferred tours and restaurant reservations. Public transportation is extremely limited and car services such as Uber and Lyft can get pretty pricy if you plan to travel around the island, so you’ll likely want a rental car to get around. Other things you should consider when planning your trip to Kauai include festivals like the Koloa Plantation Days that you might want to attend, weather (for example, heavy winter rains can cause road closures and impact outdoor activities, particularly on the north shore), and popular sites that require reservations, such as Ha`ena State Park.

If you’re looking for big-city action, you won’t find it here. The total population of Kauai is less than 75,000 and its largest city, Kapa`a, has just around 11,000 people. Some joke that Kauai “rolls up the streets” by 9 p.m. (though you can definitely find some bars and restaurants open later in populated places like Lihue and Poipu). So if you’re planning a trip to Kauai, be ready to slow down. In fact, that’s a large part of the appeal; Kauai’s unrushed pace invites you to put your phone down, immerse yourself in the natural beauty, and enjoy life on island time.