Hawaii has quickly become one of my top destinations. After visiting Maui and the Big Island, a trip to Kauai felt like a must. We opted for another camper adventure with Hawaiian Overlanders after the incredible experience we had on Big Island. This post highlights some of the places we stayed, ate, and explored with a focus on camping and traveling the island by car. I hope it helps as you plan your own Kauai adventure!
Where to stay in Kauai (Camping)🌺🌴
As I mentioned, we camped on this trip so you won’t find any 5-stat hotels here. Instead you’ll find places with 5 million stars instead. ✨
Book a vehicle with Hawaiian Overlanders whose rooftop tents make it easy to explore the island and experience the island’s raw, untouched beauty. If you choose this option, be sure to research local laws, plan your route, and book your camping permits in advance.
I learned quickly that Kauai’s many beach parks only allow tent camping which means rooftop tents aren’t permitted everywhere. That said, there are still plenty of excellent options for vehicle-based camping. Here are a couple of my favourites:
Polihale State Park
Located on the west side of the island, Polihale State Park is one of the most unforgettable places we stayed. A permit is required, and its remote location means fewer people. This is what makes it so special.
The park offers solid amenities, including washrooms (with flushing toilets) and shower facilities. Getting there is adventure in itself. The road getting in is rough, a4X4 is highly recommended and it takes roughly 45 minutes from the pavement to the campsites.
There are no lifeguards at Polihale. We visited in December, and the swells were high, take caution swimming here. We were able to wade in to our knees to cool off.
Make sure to stock up on supplies before heading in. The closest town is Kekaha, which is only a small general store. Beyond that, you’ll need to drive all the way back to Waimea for groceries.
Camp Kumu
Is a centrally located campground just east of Lihue, making it an excellent base for exploring the north shore and nearby towns. It provides amenities including:
- A kitchen area for clean up
- Bathrooms
- Indoor and outdoor showers.
Some sites are beach front, others are set farther back at a lower price point. This campground is on Anahola Beach which is a great location for swimming.
If you’re hoping for a beachfront site, be sure to book early. Those spots are the first to sell.
Where to eat in Kauai 🌮🍔🍣
Kauai may be laid-back, but the food scene is anything but. From quick grocery-store bites to memorable sit-down dinners, here are some of the spots we loved:
Foodland Princeville
A camper and road-trip essential. Foodland Princeville is more than a grocery store. Their poke and ready made food counter is one of the best on the island and perfect for easy, affordable beach meals.
Bubba Burgers
A classic Kauai stop known for no-frills, made-to-order burgers. Juicy patties, fresh toppings, and a laid-back vibe make this a perfect post-adventure meal.
Tidepools
Located at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, Tidepools is ideal for a special night out. An open-air setting surrounded by koi ponds, elevated seafood dishes, and a classic Hawaii luxury vibe. Reservations recommended.
Big Monster Sushi
Casual, quick, and filling. Big Monster Sushi lives up to its name with massive rolls and fresh fish.
Wishing Well Shave Ice
One of the best shave ice spots on the island. Organic syrups, ultra-fine ice, and the perfect post-beach cool-down.
Da Crack
A Kauai staple for satisfying Mexican food. Tacos and burritos are the go-to. Easy, casual, and delicious after a long day of exploring.
Best adventures in Kauai 🌊🌿
From jungle hikes to ocean adventures, Kauai is made for exploring. These were some of the highlights from our trip:
Hanakāpīʻai Falls (~6 hours)
One of Kauai’s most iconic hikes. The trail starts along the Nā Pali Coast before heading inland through lush jungle to a stunning waterfall. Muddy, challenging, and absolutely worth it. Be sure to check weather and flash flood conditions before you go and book your permit/shuttle in advance (30 days).
Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls) Kayak (~3 hours)
A must-do adventure. Paddle up the Wailua River, then hike through tropical scenery to reach Secret Falls. It’s a fun mix of kayaking and hiking and a great way to see Kauai from a different perspective. We aren’t huge kayakers so this part was more challenging than we expected.
Awaʻawapuhi Trail (~3.5 hours)
This ridge hike offers some of the most jaw-dropping views on the island. The trail itself is fairly steady, but the payoff at the lookout of sweeping Nā Pali cliffs and endless ocean is unforgettable. Go early for cooler temps and fewer crowds.
Nā Pali Coast Boat Tour (~5 hours)
Seeing the Nā Pali Coast from the water is an absolute must. We did the Blue Dolphin Charters raft tour, which was fast, thrilling, and got us up close to sea caves, dolphins, waterfalls and dramatic cliffs. A bucket-list Kauai experience. They offer more casual catamaran tours as well.
Kauai has a way of slowing you down while still filling your days with adventure. From camping under the stars to hiking through lush valleys and seeing the Nā Pali Coast from both land and sea, this island quickly earned a spot among my favourite places in Hawaii.
Traveling by camper gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace and experience Kauai in a more grounded, immersive way. One tool that really enhanced our road trip was Guide Along, a self-guided audio tour that shared local stories and pointed out scenic stops as we drove around the island. If you’re exploring Kauai by car, you can check it out here. If you are exploring other islands of Hawaii you can get a bundle and save some money.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate link with Guide Along. If you book through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only affiliate with companies I have used and would recommend!
Whether you’re planning a similar road-trip style adventure or mixing camping with hotels, I hope this guide helps you shape a trip that feels equal parts adventurous and unforgettable.
Kauai truly is the Garden Isle and once you visit, it’s hard not to dream about going back.
