Located on leafy Kauai island, which sits within the idyllic Hawaiian archipelago, Lihue is the cultural and commercial center of ‘the garden isle’. It’s definitely worth exploring the city, with its intriguing museums and historic landmarks - but you certainly won’t regret straying further afield. Kauai is renowned for its stunning natural scenery. Make the most of a Lihue car rental and take a road trip around the breathtaking island, which is blanketed in tropical rainforest, peppered with waterfalls, and boasts a dramatic, mountainous coastline.
The Kauai Museum showcases eye-catching work from local artists, sculptors, and craftsmen, and provides a fascinating insight into Hawaiian history. Browse its incredible collections to find out about the geological formation of the Hawaiian islands, the Hawaiian monarchy, early Native Hawaiian life, and Captain Cook’s arrival on Kauai’s shores. Fittingly, the museum itself is located in a lava rock structure.
One of the greatest examples of ancient Hawaiian aquaculture, Alekoko Fishpond dates back nearly 1,000 years. It is said that the mythical Menehune - Hawaii’s mischievous little people who hid from humans but were brilliant engineers - built the entire pond in one night. The pond is surrounded by luscious greenery and rolling hills. It is perhaps best enjoyed from a kayak.
After renting a car from Lihue Airport, take a trip into Hawaii’s past with a visit to Grove Farm - one of the earliest sugar plantations in Hawaii, founded in 1864. The 100-acre estate was once the home of George N Wilcox and his descendants, but now remembers life during Kauai’s plantation era. Take a tour through the property and learn more about how sugar plantations influenced Hawaii’s history.
Motor up the coast to Kauai’s East Side - also known as the Royal Coconut Coast for its vast coconut palm groves - to find Wailua. Just a 13-minute drive from Lihue, Wailua boasts sensational golden sandy beaches within the Lydgate Beach Park. Here you can snorkel and swim within two lava rock enclosed ocean pools. Wailau’s incredible sightseeing opportunities include the Fern Grotto, the sacred Poliahu Heiau, and spotting the Sleeping Giant in the Nounou Mountain. Feeling active? Kayak down the Wailua River.
A 1 hour, 10 minute car journey will transport you to Kauai’s otherworldly North Coast. Visit the Daniel K Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse - a wildlife sanctuary and whale watching spot on the island’s northernmost point. The magnificent 17-mile stretch of coastline known as the Napali Coast boasts 3,000-ft tall cliffs, lush green valleys, sea caves, and thundering waterfalls. Don’t miss Lumahai Beach - the setting for the film South Pacific - and the charming Hanalei Town, where green taro fields sit alongside vibrant shops, galleries, and restaurants.
From the Lihue Airport car rental hub, drive one hour and you’ll hit Kauai’s West Side, where you can glimpse a part of the island usually only seen by locals. Hikers at Waimea Canyon are rewarded with sweeping panoramas of rugged crags and plummeting valleys. Close by, Kokee State Park features 45 miles of trails and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. If you have time, swing by the small town Hanapepe - the island’s quirky art capital.
A convertible car is perfect for enjoying Hawaiian scenery and sunshine.
Lihue Airport
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August, at 263.5 hours on average.
December, with 132.08 mm on average.
Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival, Kauai Chocolate & Coffee Festival