October 2026 access update: Hāʻena State Park reopened on October 15 after storm closures, but access beyond Hanakāpīʻai on the Kalalau Trail and some other Kauaʻi parks and trails remain closed. Check Hawaiʻi State Parks’ current notices before each outing; reservations are required for non-resident access to Hāʻena.
In my unofficial opinion, Kauai is one of the most stunning, varied, and photogenic islands in the world - it wasn't nicknamed The Garden Isle for nothing. Much of the island is lush and green, but beyond the jungles there are jaw-dropping ridgelines, barren hills of red rocks, endless sand beaches on the West Side, waterfalls, stunning beaches, and even its own Grand Canyon. We drove the island from end to end in search of the most photographable places - read on for the short list.
And if you need more information, don't miss our Ultimate Kauai Adventure and Travel Guide for in-depth information on where to stay, hike, sun, and eat.
Not sure on what to wear or what you'll need to bring? Don't miss the Complete Hawaii Packing List for everything I've learned over the years.
1. Tunnels Beach
If you're looking for the ultimate snorkeling and scuba divers beach, Tunnels Beach is the place to go. Located far up on the North Shore and known for its crystal clear aqua water, Tunnels beach often draws big crowds especially during busy travel months. The golden sand is set against a backdrop of lush jungle and mountains making this the perfect beach for all your IG photos. The North side of the island is often covered in clouds (it is very close to one of the rainiest places on earth) But, if you're lucky, you can catch it on a sunny day for unbelievably aqua waters that look more like Bora Bora than most Hawaiian beaches. Check current road and beach access before visiting.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hanalei Colony Resort - A beachfront resort west of Hanalei, convenient for exploring the quieter northern coastline.
2. Waimea Canyon Trail
Waimea Canyon is often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. When open, the Canyon Trail offers dramatic views toward Waipoʻo Falls, though the trail reaches the area above the falls rather than a view from their base. Stay on marked trails and behind barriers. Check current park and trail closures before driving up, and do not fly a drone in the state park.
Where To Stay Nearby: Waimea Plantation Cottages - Stay in a waterfront cottage in Waimea, a west-side base for the separate drive toward Polihale.
3. Wailua Falls Viewpoint
Wailua Falls is best photographed from the roadside lookout at the end of Māʻalo Road near Līhuʻe. Morning light can catch a rainbow in the mist. The descent shown in older photos is not a maintained public hiking route: stay at the designated lookout and respect the closure signs and barriers below it.
Where To Stay Nearby: The Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort - Stay directly on Kalapaki Beach, with a large pool and Lihue’s conveniences close by.
4. Taro Fields of Hanalei
If you're looking for a scenic wow moment, head over to the Taro Fields of Hanalei. The Hawaiian taro fields of Hanalei are one of the main sources of cultivation for the taro root, one of Hawaii's most popular crops. Taro is a traditional root vegetable in Hawaiian culture. Photo Tip: for one of the best views of the Taro fields, head to the Hanalei Overlook on the way to Hanalei Bay. The lush green vegetation set against the backdrop of the mountains, makes for an ideal photo. If you're interested in learning about the cultural significance of these crops, there are many tours of the fields such as the Ho`opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill Tour.
Where To Stay Nearby: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay - Stay above Hanalei Bay in Princeville, with ocean views and access to the beach below.
What To Do Nearby: Princeville Botanical Gardens and chocolate tasting - Explore the nearby botanical gardens on a guided walk with a chocolate tasting.
5. Polihale State Park
If you're looking for a little more privacy, head over to the western side of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. While it’s more challenging to access than many other beaches, Polihale State Park is a great location if you’re looking for a place with fewer people. You can access the beach by driving through five miles of rough, unpaved road - renting a Jeep or other 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. But once you get there, you will be rewarded with an expansive stretch of beach. The gorgeous beach is backed by large sand dunes and a picturesque backdrop of the sunset and high cliffs of Nāpali Coast. Check current park access and your rental-car agreement before taking the rough approach road.
Where To Stay Nearby: Waimea Plantation Cottages - Stay in a waterfront cottage in Waimea, a west-side base for the separate drive toward Polihale.
6. Moloa'a Beach
If Moloa'a Bay looks familiar, it's because scenes for the pilot of Gilligan’s Island were filmed here! Located on the northeast shore of Kauai, Moloa`a Beach is one of the lesser-known beaches. The hilly dunes and green vegetation give the spot great contrasting colors for all your photos. If you're feeling more adventurous than just lounging on the beach, you can walk along Moloa'a Trail to Larsen's Beach. The trail is believed to be part of an ancient network of footpaths that once surrounded the entire island.
Where To Stay Nearby: Kauai Shores Hotel - A relaxed east-coast hotel with pools, handy for Kapaʻa and drives toward Anahola.
7. Awaʻawapuhi Ridge Trail
When open, the Awaʻawapuhi Trail in Kōkeʻe State Park descends about 3.1 miles each way to a ridge viewpoint above the Nā Pali valleys. The return is uphill, and the trail can be muddy and slippery. Stay behind the safety railings at the viewpoint and check the park’s current closure notices before setting out.
Where To Stay Nearby: Waimea Plantation Cottages - Stay in a waterfront cottage in Waimea, a west-side base for the separate drive toward Polihale.
8. The Roads north of Kapaa
If you keep driving north from Kapaa on Highway 56, you'll drive through the Anahola area of Kauai. Google map location here. Make it a road trip and discover some hidden gems. If you take the first right turn onto Wailapa Road and enter through an iron gate, you'll arrive at the Orchid House Visitor Center of Na Aina Kai Botanical Garden. There's a beautiful maze, waterfall, forest of trees as well as a white sand beach. Other places for some photos include the Kilauea Lighthouse and Kauapea Beach, also known as the Secret Beach. Driving around the inner-island roads gives you a look into the real lives of the local Kauaians, and stunning views like these!
Where To Stay Nearby: Kauai Shores Hotel - A relaxed east-coast hotel with pools, handy for Kapaʻa and drives toward Anahola.
9. Queen's Bath (And the hike to it)
Queen’s Bath is a dramatic lava-rock shoreline in Princeville, but it is not a safe swimming pool. Waves can sweep people from the rocks even when the water looks calm, and access is seasonally closed during hazardous surf. These photos document an earlier visit; check county notices, obey locked gates, and choose a staffed beach for swimming instead.
Where To Stay Nearby: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay - Stay above Hanalei Bay in Princeville, with ocean views and access to the beach below.
10. Baby's Beach, Poipu
Everyone loves a secret beach. Baby's Beach is a hidden gem with its white sand, shallow coast, and calm waters. The beach gets its name from being a favorite among families with children. The cove is protected from a reef offshore, making it a popular family beach, though children still need close supervision and ocean conditions can change. The beach is tucked away, and offers unobstructed sunset views over the tide pools - which look especially dramatic at low tide! Check current road and beach access before visiting.
Where To Stay Nearby: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa - An oceanfront Poipu resort beside Shipwreck Beach, with pools and nearby coastal walks.
What To Do Nearby: Poipu zipline adventure - Swap the beach for a guided zipline course with views over Kauai’s south shore.
11. The Kapaʻa Shops
Set aside a day to explore the small beach town of Kapaʻa on the east side of Kauai. The area has shops that sell everything from water sports gear to Hawaiian antiques and of course, some of the island’s yummiest eats. Here's a list of some of our favorites!
Locals and tourists will tell you to make sure to stop by Java Kai during your visit to the Kapaʻa Shops. It's the coffee aficionados heaven. All of their drinks are handcrafted and they offer traditional as well as twists to classical drinks such as macadamia nut latte and Maui Mocha ( a combo of mocha and coconut). They have an extensive healthy food menu ranging from breakfast foods to acai bowls and smoothies. It's a great spot to soak in the sun and grab a meal while exploring the rest of the shops.
A trip to Kauai wouldn't be complete without some poke! Head over to Pono for some adored by locals. Like most great poke places in Kauai, it's located in a small convenience store and packs the flavor.
Now that you've satisfied your poke craving, head over to Wailua for some shave ice. Their desserts are definitely IG worthy!
Where To Stay Nearby: Kauai Shores Hotel - A relaxed east-coast hotel with pools, handy for Kapaʻa and drives toward Anahola.
12. Ke'e Beach
Kēʻē Beach sits at the end of the north-shore road inside Hāʻena State Park. Non-Hawaiʻi residents need advance park-entry reservations, plus a parking or shuttle reservation as appropriate, through Go Hāʻena. The mountains and beach make beautiful photo subjects, but swimming depends on the day’s ocean conditions and lifeguard advice. Check current park notices before traveling.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hanalei Colony Resort - A beachfront resort west of Hanalei, convenient for exploring the quieter northern coastline.
13. Hanalei Pier
North Shore locals love to head to the Hanalei Pier to watch the sunset - and when the weather is nice, jump off the end. It's windy out here, but a great place to drink a glass of wine and end your day on the North.
Where To Stay Nearby: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay - Stay above Hanalei Bay in Princeville, with ocean views and access to the beach below.
What To Do Nearby: Hanalei Bay Kayak and Snorkel Tour - Meet in Hanalei for a guided river-and-bay paddle followed by snorkeling when ocean conditions allow.
14. Whaler's Cove in Poipu
We spent our stay in Kauai at Whaler's Cove in Poipu Condo Hotel, and loved it! While Poipu is generally the most touristy part of Kauai, it is also the sunniest, and one of the easiest spots to base yourself in for traveling around the island. Our room here overlooked the ocean, and had its own kitchen so we could make a few of our own meals. We shot the grassy lawn filled with palm trees, our balcony overlooking the ocean, and the pool here - there is a ton to work with! Head down to the pool and hot tub at sunrise to catch the steam in the light rays like we did here.
Where To Stay Nearby: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa - An oceanfront Poipu resort beside Shipwreck Beach, with pools and nearby coastal walks.
What To Do Nearby: Nā Pali Coast Snorkel and Sail - Drive to Port Allen for a sailing and snorkeling trip along the Nā Pali Coast, weather permitting.
15. Red Rocks at Waimea Canyon
One of the most unique features in Kauai is the Red Rocks on your way up to Waimea Canyon State Park - the road opens up to these insane rock features on both sides, you can't miss them! So different and varied from the jungles and beaches the island is known for, this is a sight not to miss.
Where To Stay Nearby: Waimea Plantation Cottages - Stay in a waterfront cottage in Waimea, a west-side base for the separate drive toward Polihale.
16. Hanalei Town
Hanalei is the most upscale area of Kauai - with nice restaurants, unbelievable views, and high dollar real estate. But! It is still in the sleepiest island of Hawaii, so the area is full of fruit stands, food trucks, and so much undeniable charm. Spend an afternoon strolling through the town to find some hidden gems!
Where To Stay Nearby: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay - Stay above Hanalei Bay in Princeville, with ocean views and access to the beach below.
What To Do Nearby: Hanalei walking food tour - Taste seasonal dishes at local restaurants, cafés, and food trucks on a guided walk through Hanalei.
17. The Roadside Jungles
There is just SO MUCH to the island of Kauai - on some days it felt like we could only drive a quarter mile before we had to stop for the next fruit stand, unbelievable view, or natural wonder. Take your time and find the hidden gems - both out in nature, and in the neighborhoods and small towns surrounding the island.
Where To Stay Nearby: Kauai Shores Hotel - A relaxed east-coast hotel with pools, handy for Kapaʻa and drives toward Anahola.
18. Views from a Helicopter
Some of the best views may be from the bird's eye view! If you have the time, book a private helicopter ride with Kauai ECO Adventure Helicopter Tour and see the most amazing aerial views of Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is another company that does private tours. Head out for a midday tour to see more of the deep blue color of the waters with the sun reflecting overhead. Later afternoon has its own charm, highlighting the setting sunlight against the Na Pali coast bringing out the golden tones. Views and flight routes depend on the weather. Unfortunately, we were unable to make our helicopter tour due to rainstorms. Definitely book yours early in the trip in case of weather, we booked ours for our last afternoon, and I was heartbroken when we weren't able to take the trip. It's the first thing I'm doing when we head back!
Where To Stay Nearby: The Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort - Stay directly on Kalapaki Beach, with a large pool and Lihue’s conveniences close by.
Get Inspired:
Tunnels Beach on a perfect day.
Poke and wine for dinner at Polihale State Beach
Whaler's Cove Hotel, Towards Baby Beach
end of the Waipoo Falls Trail in Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon
Baby Beach tide pools at sunset
Running through small towns & island roads
Unswimmable Pools near Queen's Bath
End of Awawapuhi Ridge Trail
Hanalei Taro Fields
Mars Scape in Waimea Canyon
Roadside Jungles are always a good idea!
LIVING For Tunnels beach with blue skies!
Polihale State Beach after dark
the feeling of nature's power underneath Wailua Falls is an experience not to miss.
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