Kauai Regions and Areas

There is much talk, if not controversy, about how to split up Kaua'i by region so that it can easily be described on a website such as this. Why the controversy you ask? Well, Kaua'i, like all the Hawaiian islands, is part of a county politically divided into several districts, clockwise: Hanalei, Kawaihau, Lihue, Koloa, and Waimea (seen here). Quite honestly, to the modern day traveler these districts serve no purpose.

The remedy then is to find a way to divide the island into segments that are easy to recognize, describe, and access via the major roads of the island. This is where much of the debate comes from. Every "expert" has their own way of dissecting the island into pieces.

Our way is pretty simple and it's a method we've followed religiously in all of our physical guidebooks. We like to take the North, East, South, and West approach and we've stayed as true as possible to that format here online (see the map above). In general, we've adjusted some region names as needed and kept others to preserve common reference. I'm sure some of you will disagree and send off an email to us, but this system has worked rather well for us and as noted, we're aware others have their own preferred method of dividing up the island.

Ultimately we've divided the island in a manner that helps us group spots together so that they are easily accessible along the major routes of the island. This allows us to use our mile by mile directions to easily and accurately describe each spot here on our website.

Via the links below we'll cover each of those areas in detail so you will know exactly what to expect in each region of Kauai. The map to the above right shows our divisions, versus the District Map. They are, clockwise: Na Pali, North Kauai, East Kauai, South Kauai, West Kauai, and Northwest Kauai.

Below is a general synopsis of what you can expect in each region of Kauai, along with a variety of links providing you quick access to the most popular attractions in that region or area.

Na Pali Coast / Area (Na Pali Kauai Highlights)
Na Pali Coast Area
---Kalalau Trail
------Hanakapi'ai Beach
---------Hanakapi'ai Falls Trail
------------Hanakapiai Falls

North Kauai Region / Area (North Kauai Highlights)
North Kauai Area
Kilauea Area
---Na 'Aina Kai Garden
---Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge
Princeville Area
---Queen's Bath
---Kalihiwai Falls
Hanalei Area
---Hanalei Valley Scenic Lookout
---Hanalei Town and Hanalei Bay
Wainiha to the end of the Highway
--->Tunnels Beach and Reef
---Wet/Dry Caves
---Ha'ena Beach Park
---Limahuli Garden and Preserve
---Ke'e Beach State Park

East Kauai / Area (East Kauai Highlights)
East Kauai Area
---Lihue Town
---Nawiliwili Harbor
---The Kauai Museum
---Wailua Falls
---Opaeka'a Falls
---Wailua River Lookout
---Poli'ahu Heiau and Wailua River Overlook
---Wailua River
------Fern Grotto Tour
---Smith’s Tropical Paradise Garden
---Kipu Falls (KAPU)
---Kapa'a Town
---Sleeping Giant

Central Kauai / Area (Central Kauai Highlights)
Central Kauai Area
---Wai'ale'ale Crater

South Kauai / Area (South Kauai Highlights)
South Kauai Area
---Tree Tunnel
---Prince Kuhio Park
---Spouting Horn
---National Tropical Botanical Garden
---Po'ipu Beach Park
---Shipwreck Beach
---Lithified Cliffs of Makawehi

West Kauai / Area (West Kauai Highlights)
West Kauai Area
---Russian Fort Elisabeth
---Waimea Town
------Menehune Ditch
------Waimea Swinging Bridge
---Polihale Beach State Park
Northern West Kauai along Highway 550 (Waimea Canyon)
---Waimea Canyon Drive
---Kukui Trail
---Waimea Canyon Lookout
---Waipo'o Falls
---Pu'u Ka Pele Overlook
---Pu'u Hinahina
---Ni'ihau Lookout
Koke'e State Park Area
---Koke'e Museum and Lodge
---Kalalau Lookout
---Pu'u o Kila Lookouts
---Pihea Trail
---Alaka'i Swamp Trail to Kilohana Lookout

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