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HawaiiBest
A waterfall pouring down the sea cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast on Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi · Regions

Kauaʻi, region by region

The green North Shore and Hanalei, the sunny South Shore at Poʻipū, the Coconut Coast around Kapaʻa, Līhuʻe in the middle, and the dry west side toward Waimea.

Where to base yourself

Good places to stay

Hanalei town at the foot of Mount Namolokama on the North Shore

North Shore

Taro fields, Hanalei Bay, and the end of the road

Good base
Surf breaking along the Kapaʻa coast beside the coastal path

East Side

The central, good-value base on the Coconut Coast

Good base
Aerial view of Līhuʻe and the coast toward Nāwiliwili

Lihue

Airport town with a beach, a harbor, and history

Good base
Waves breaking along the palm-lined Poʻipū coast

South Shore

Resorts, sunny beaches, and monk seal sightings

Good base
Kaumualiʻi Highway running through the town of Waimea on Kauaʻi’s west side

West Side

Small towns below the Grand Canyon of the Pacific

Good base

Day trips

Worth the drive