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Plan Your Dreamy Kauai Honeymoon

Are you thinking about a honeymoon in Hawaii? All of the Hawaiian islands are beautiful, but Kauai, more commonly known as the Garden Isle, lives up to its name and is the perfect place for honeymooners to steal away and relax. You’ll understand what we mean when you visit the island for yourself. Everything is lush and green and beautiful. More than that, it feels otherworldly.

A popular opinion amongst the most experienced Hawaiian travelers is that Kauai is the best island. It is the fourth largest island and does not pull in the amount of tourism that the other islands do, which makes it quiet, relaxed and secluded; perfect for a romantic getaway. Their incredibly scenic mountains, clear blue water, adorable restaurants and breathtaking hiking views will make sure that honeymooners never want to leave.

The beach and mountains of Kauai

Interesting facts about Kauai

Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island: Kauai was created by a volcano almost six million years ago. It is also the smallest of the four main islands and has a population of around 65,000 people.

Casual is key: One of the best parts about this island is that you really don’t have to get dressed up. After a long day of hiking, biking, swimming or tanning, you can usually go from activity to dinner. Even at the nicest restaurants on the island, guys will be fine in khakis and girls can slip on a sundress and not have to worry about it. be fine in a casual sundress and sandals, and men will be okay with khakis and an aloha shirt.

Travel takes a while: Yes, Kauai is the smallest of Hawaii’s travelable islands. But just because it’s the smallest doesn’t mean it’s quick to get around. There aren’t many roads on the island so make sure to factor in driving times if you’re exploring the island.

Don’t leave without seeing the famous Napali Coast: You can find it on the north shore and it lives up the hype. The chiseled coast carved out of the cliff face is beautiful, almost otherworldly and so romantic. Most helicopter and see the coast from above. But some opt to hike it for a beautiful similarly beautiful, but more and active view.

Best time to honeymoon in Kauai:

June through September is high season and one of the best times to visit. However, weather stays warm all year round and there’s typically some tropical rain no matter which season you visit.

What kind of people honeymoon in Kauai?

a sunset on the beaches of kauai. perfect for honeymooners

The kind who love beaches, hikes and tons of natural beauty. Honeymooners who want to escape the hustle and the bustle of the fast paced city life will love Kauai and it’s small town feel. The population of the entire island is relatively small and it’s the perfect place to get lazy and relax.

How to get to Kauai

Flying into Kauai is relatively simple. Their main airport, Lihue Airport, on the southeastern part of the island is not difficult to reach. Most airlines also fly directly into Kauai. However, connecting in Honolulu at their international airport, or on Oahu, then taking a short flight over to Kauai is always an option, also.

How to get around while you honeymoon in Kauai

If you have plans to explore the island, renting a car is best. It will allow you to go where you want to, when you want to and change plans if you feel led. There is also shuttles and tours to consider, but stops are limited and you lose a measure of flexibility. If you plan to stick to one side, or even one town uber or lyft are always a viable option as well, although prices can jump if you’re traveling long distances.

Some of the most beautiful parts of the island are only accessible by air. This means that helicopter and small plane rides are pretty common in Kauai. But if the air isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to do on foot as well.  

What to do on your Kauai honeymoon:

Hit the beach: north, east, south and west!

A cove on Kauai
  • North Shore: Kee Beach is at the end of Highway 560 and the picturesque reefs are perfect for snorkeling. There are even parts of the Napali Coast which are visible from here. This is also a great beach to visit because the trail to hike Napali’s Coast, The Kalalau Trail begins here.
  • East side: Kealia Beach Park is a beautiful stretch of white sand and long sand bars that reside under water. Swimming here is easy because the waves aren’t strong or high. This is a great beach for honeymooners to layout and wade on.
  • South shore: Poipu Beach Park is one of Kauai’s most popular beaches. Crystal clear waters make this beach a natural tourist attraction. Plus, the picnic facilities, showers and sitting spots are a perfect spot for honeymooners to hang all day. Whether it’s swimming or people watching here, honeymooners will enjoy it.  
  • West side: Kekaha Beach is a favorite spot for local surfers and fishermen. Because the west side is less popular, it also makes it a great spot for honeymooners to slip away for some alone time. The beach can be dangerous for swimming at times, but the sunsets at Kekaha beach are romantic and breathtaking.

the kaui water

  • Kayaking/stand up paddle boarding: This is a great activity for honeymooners who get sick of sitting on the beach. Have you ever kayaked or paddle boarded on the open ocean? Get ready to work your shoulders and arms. But aside from being a great workout, it’s also a nice way to stay cool in the water while still being active.
  • Surfing lessons: What better place to get on a board and test your skill than in Kauai?
  • Whale watching: Whale watching is one of the most popular activities on the island. With boats that take you off shore and out into the open ocean, most travelers see whales pretty frequently, depending on the season.

on land kauai activities

Canyons and cliffs of Kauai
  • Explore Makauwahi Cave: Like we stated before, Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island. And along with that age comes some beautiful geology to back it up. Makauwahi Cave is a huge sinkhole that’s full of artifacts, fossils, rock and natural history. Explorers have even found animal bones and plants from past floods that no longer exist. It’s one of Kauai’s best kept secrets and absolutely worth the trip.
  • Biking/ATV tour: If you’re looking to do something adventurous on your honeymoon, a biking or ATV tour is a great idea. There are plenty of different tour companies that you can schedule through that leave throughout the day and pretty much promise to maximize honeymooner’s fun.
  •  Go on a hike: There is so much hiking on Kauai. The small towns, the plethora of lush green lands, and the sloping mountains provide plenty of picturesque territory to explore. Some of the most notable hikes are Waimea Canyon Trail and the Sleepy Giant Trail.
  • Horseback riding: This a great way for honeymooners to see the island. Whether it’s across a beach or on a trail, this romantic activity is a great way to stay busy and see a lot of what Kauai has to offer without having to walk.
  • Helicopter ride: There are plenty of companies on the island that will take you up in the sky and some will even let you stay up for a full hour. If you’re extra daring and ready to see some of the most beautiful sights that Kauai has to offer, book an open-door tour.

Romantic accommodations for your honeymoon in Kauai:

The South Shore

The south shore is the most dry and sunny part of the island, which makes it a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of large resorts to choose from on the south side and honeymooners will find lots of shopping and restaurants as well. The south shore beaches are beautiful, but often more crowded than beaches found across other parts of the island.

Koloa

Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipu: This Autograph Collection Hotel offers a fitness center, floor-to-ceiling windows in the suites, and a great continental breakfast. The landscape of this hotel is gorgeous and perfect for honeymooners who are looking to get away amongst a beautiful setting.

Lawai

Lawai Beach Resort: This property is located on the south shore and contains 176 condominium units set on 7 acres. Lawai Beach resort overlooks one of the best snorkeling and surfing spots and has three swimming pools and spas, mini golf, tennis court and fitness center on the rooftop, a BBQ area by the pools, and a rooftop deck and garden. If you ever want to leave your hotel, it won’t be for long.

Poipu

The Grand Hyatt Resort: is one of the best Kauai resorts whose famed breakfast will be a great way for honeymooners to wake up in the morning. Their extensive pools, lazy river, saltwater lagoon and waterslide all boast the property’s activity and while the beaches aren’t swimmable, their spa, golf course, tennis courts, and horse-riding stables make up for the short walk to a swimmable beach.

a beautiful sunset on the beaches of Kauai

The North Shore: honeymoon in kauai

Many say that the north shore is one of the most gorgeous places in Kauai, if not one of the most beautiful places on the entire planet. Their white sand beaches and beautiful mountains are worth seeing 100%. The island keeps it’s beautiful color because it rains more here than any other part of the island. The small surfing town of Hanalei have some wonderful resorts and hotels and while it is breathtakingly beautiful, it’s also slightly more secluded, thus more romantic for honeymooners.

Princeville

Wyndham Bali Hai: this beautiful hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Princeville and is perfect for honeymooners looking for all the amenities of a modern hotel with plenty to explore close by the hotel as well.

Hanalei

Hanalei Colony Resort: If you want to be as close to the ocean as possible, this is a great choice for honeymooners to make. The Hanalei Colony Resort is found on a quieter part of the north shore, not far from Hanalei Town. This quiet vibe and romantic atmosphere is the perfect combination for honeymooners who are looking to relax and unwind amongst sand and seclusion.

the rocky mountains of Kauai

Kilauea

Hanalei Bay Resort: This resort has a large outdoor pool and spacious rooms with private balconies. The Hanalei pier is only a fifteen-minute drive away and their apartment style rooms come with full kitchens. The 24-hour front desk and concierge service is available whenever you need an extra towel or dinner recommendation. Plus, their hot tub, tennis courts, spa and health club are all great amenities that will help honeymooners relax and enjoy their trip.

The East Coast: honeymoon in kauai

Many have deemed the east Coast the Coconut coast. It’s the most developed part of the island which means hotels and resorts will be most reasonably priced here, but is still small in size compared to other Hawaiian locations like Oahu. It’s a convenient location from which to explore the north and south shores and while the beaches are just as beautiful, they’re deemed more local than they are tourist.

Kapaa

Aston islander on the beach: This property features plantation-style verandas, relaxed rooms and suites and a beautiful beach. This low-key beach front hotel isn’t far from Wailua Bay and also offer an outdoor pool, a poolside bar, a hot tub and a BBQ area.

Wailua

The Kaha Lani Resort: provides their guests with furnished homes. These homes come with private pools, ocean views and complete kitchens. If you don’t want to check into a hotel for your honeymoon and would prefer the romantic privacy and seclusion of a home, this resort is the way to go.  

Lihue

The Napali Coast in Kauai

Kauai Beach Resort: This beautiful beachfront resort has traditional rooms with ocean views and private balconies. If honeymooners choose to upgrade to a suite, they’ll be given living rooms and a wet bar. Their four outdoor pools include two waterfalls, and an airport/area shuttle that is complementary so honeymooners don’t have to worry about a ride to and from their flight. Their upscale pan-Pacific restaurant has good reviews and their laid-back lounge and poolside bar are fun places to relax after a day on the beach. There’s also a salon, a spa and a fitness center and nightly entertainment that are all on site.

The West Side: honeymoon in kauai

The west side of Kauai is the least visited part of the entire island. Aside from tourists exploring Waimea Canyon, not many people choose to lodge here. It’s dry and more isolated than the rest of the island and typically adventurous honeymooners who are interested in hiking and backpacking are the only ones who stay on the west side of Kauai.

Waimea

Castle Kiahuna Plantation & The Beach Bungalows: This property is only a 3 minute walk from the beach and is surrounded by 35-acres of lush tropical gardens. The Castle features complimentary and exclusive access to The Poipu Beach Athletic Club which has a resort-style swimming pool with a slide, a hot tub, a sand bottom children’s pool, a terrace with lounge chairs and 10 tennis. Hours are between 9 am-6 pm daily and closed on Monday.

Hanapepe

A sunrise on the beaches of Kauai

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach: This property is Set on Poipu Beach, near Kauai’s southernmost point. While it’s about a 20-minute drive from Hanapepe, this hotel offers either ocean or garden views and have private balconies or patios. All also include iPod docking stations, Nespresso machines, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Th Ko’a also offers a pool with ocean views, an upscale seafood restaurant, a pool bar and a spa along with an activities hut on the beach for ocean gear.