One moment
Your island adventure starts here
Travel& Stay
A little planning, a lot of paradise.
Here's everything you need to get to Kauai, find your home away from home, and make the most of your time on the island.
01
Getting there
First stop: Paradise.
Your destination is Lihue Airport (LIH), Kauai's main airport.
You can fly directly from several mainland cities or connect through Honolulu (HNL). If you're traveling from the mainland, we recommend arriving at least a day before the festivities so you have time to settle in, grab a drink, and get into island mode.
A little tip: Kauai is a popular destination, so booking flights and rental cars early is a good idea.
02
Where to stay
Find your little slice of paradise.
From beachfront resorts to charming vacation rentals, Kauai has plenty of places to call home for a few days.
We're still finalizing our event locations and will share more specific lodging recommendations once everything is confirmed.
In the meantime, here are a few areas worth exploring:
Poʻipū & Kōloa
The Sunny South Shore
Beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and plenty of resort options. A wonderful home base if you're planning to spend your days by the water.
Princeville & Hanalei
The Lush North Shore
Dramatic mountains, tropical scenery, and some of the island's most spectacular views. Perfect for anyone dreaming of a picturesque Hawaiian escape.
Kapaʻa & Wailua
The Coconut Coast
A convenient location for exploring different parts of the island, with casual restaurants, local shops, and plenty of places to stay.
Līhuʻe & Kalapakī
Easy Island Access
Close to the airport, with beaches, hotels, and convenient access to the rest of Kauai.
We'll share recommended hotels and any group booking information once our venues are confirmed.
03
Getting around
Take the scenic route.
Kauai is made for exploring, and we recommend renting a car if you plan to see more of the island.
The beaches, restaurants, and scenic spots are spread out, and getting from one side of the island to another can take longer than you might expect.
A few things to know:
- Rental cars: Your best option for exploring at your own pace.
- Rideshares & taxis: Available in some areas, but less dependable for remote destinations or late-night returns.
- Event transportation: We'll share details once our venues are finalized.
- Island time: Leave a little extra time for traffic, winding roads, and spontaneous stops along the way.
There's no road all the way around Kauai, so plan your adventures accordingly.
The island guide
Explore Kauai
A few of the places and experiences that make this island so special. Whether you're here for adventure, relaxation, or your next great meal, there's something for everyone.
Beaches
Find your spot in the sun.
Poʻipū Beach
South Shore
A South Shore favorite for swimming, snorkeling when conditions allow, and spending a lazy afternoon in the sun.
Hanalei Bay
North Shore
A beautiful crescent of sand surrounded by green mountains. Worth visiting for the scenery alone.
Anini Beach
North Shore
A peaceful North Shore stretch of coastline with shallow, reef-protected areas. Great for a relaxed beach day when conditions are safe.
Restaurants
Come hungry.
Merriman's Kauai
South Shore
A lovely choice for a special dinner, featuring Hawaiian regional cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.
Kōloa Fish Market
South Shore
Fresh poke, plate lunches, and an excellent excuse to plan a picnic.
Bar Acuda
North Shore
A cozy Hanalei restaurant serving creative, shareable dishes. Make reservations.
Duke's Kauai
East Side
A classic Hawaiian beachfront dining experience. Save room for the Hula Pie.
Hanalei Bread Company
North Shore
Coffee, pastries, and a leisurely morning on the North Shore.
Scenic Drives
The journey is half the fun.
Waimea Canyon
West Side
Often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, with dramatic red cliffs, green valleys, and spectacular overlooks.
The Road to Hanalei
North Shore
Wind through lush scenery, cross little bridges, and stop whenever something catches your eye.
Kōkeʻe State Park
West Side
Continue beyond Waimea Canyon for cooler mountain air, beautiful viewpoints, and views toward the Nā Pali Coast when the clouds cooperate.
Hiking
Take a walk on the wild side.
Mahaʻulepū Heritage Trail
South Shore
A beautiful coastal walk near Poʻipū with dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain)
East Side
A rewarding hike with sweeping views of Kauai's East Side.
Hanakāpīʻai Trail
North Shore
A spectacular, challenging hike along the Nā Pali Coast. Advance reservations are required for access through Hāʻena State Park, and conditions should be checked before heading out.
Activities
A little adventure never hurt.
Nā Pali Coast Boat Tour
Nā Pali Coast
See towering green cliffs, sea caves, and hidden valleys from the water. One of Kauai's most unforgettable experiences.
Snorkeling
Island-wide
Explore Kauai's underwater world at an appropriate beach or on a guided tour. Conditions vary, so always check before getting in.
Wailua River Kayaking
East Side
Paddle through lush scenery and explore one of the island's most beautiful waterways.
Botanical Gardens
South Shore
Wander through tropical flowers, towering trees, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Allerton and McBryde Gardens are especially worth exploring.
Local Favorites
The little things make the trip.
Shave Ice
Island-wide
A Hawaiian essential. Try Wishing Well in Hanalei, JoJo's Shave Ice, or Wailua Shave Ice.
Poke Bowls
Island-wide
Grab a fresh poke bowl from Kōloa Fish Market or a local Foodland and head somewhere scenic.
Coffee & Pastries
Island-wide
Start your morning slowly at Java Kai (our favorite!) or Little Fish Coffee.
Old Kōloa Town
South Shore
Spend an afternoon browsing shops, grabbing a snack, and enjoying a little old-Hawaii charm.
Hanapepe Town
West Side
A charming little town with art galleries, local shops, and a Friday evening art walk.
Before You Go
A Little More Island Time
If your schedule allows, we hope you'll stay a few extra days and explore.
Go somewhere beautiful, eat something delicious, take the long way back, and enjoy a little vacation while you're here.
See you in paradise!
Kate & Akshay