Kauai Town Guide

Kauai Towns

Kauai's towns reflect the island's diverse landscapes and history. From the beaches of Hanalei and Poipu to the plantation-era streets of Hanapepe, the farming communities of the North Shore and the historic centers of Waimea and Lihue, each town has its own character and connection to the island.

Browse Below Find Kauai Activities Book Kauai Rentals

Town directory

Kauai Towns

Browse Kauai towns, from lively visitor hubs and historic communities to quiet local areas with island character.

Anahola

Anahola is an east Kauai community known for Hawaiian Home Lands, Anahola Beach Park, Kalalea Mountain, local food stops and a quiet shoreline setting.

Explore

Eleele

Eleele is a west Kauai town above Port Allen Harbor, known for plantation history, local services, harbor access and its position between Hanapepe and Waimea.

Explore

Ha'ena

Ha'ena is a small North Shore community at the end of Kauai's road, known for Ke'e Beach, Ha'ena Beach Park, caves, reef views and Kalalau Trail access.

Explore

Hanalei

Hanalei is a north Kauai town beside Hanalei Bay, known for mountain views, taro fields, surf, small shops, the pier and wet-season beauty.

Explore

Hanapepe

Hanapepe is a west Kauai town known for art galleries, Friday Art Night, the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, plantation-era storefronts and nearby Salt Pond Beach.

Explore

Kalaheo

Kalaheo is an upcountry south Kauai town above Lawai and Poipu, known for cooler air, local cafes, hillside homes, coffee country and west-side road access.

Explore

Kapaa

Kapaa is Kauai's busy east-side town, known for oceanfront paths, local shops, food stops, beach parks, central island access and nearby Wailua landmarks.

Explore

Kaumakani

Kaumakani is a small west Kauai community near Makaweli, known for plantation history, dry-side weather, local homes and its position between Hanapepe and Waimea.

Explore

Kekaha

Kekaha is Kauai's westernmost town, known for dry sunny weather, long beach views, plantation history, sunsets and the road toward Polihale.

Explore

Kilauea

Kilauea is a north Kauai town known for its lighthouse, wildlife refuge, plantation history, small shops, nearby beaches and access toward Princeville and Hanalei.

Explore

Koloa

Koloa is a historic South Shore town known for Old Koloa Town, sugar plantation history, shops, food stops and its location near Poipu beaches.

Explore

Lawa'i

Lawa'i is a quiet south Kauai community known for local shops, Koloa Road scenery, Hawaiian Trading Post and convenient access to Koloa and Poipu.

Explore

Lihu'e

Lihue is Kauai's main civic and transportation hub, known for the airport, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kalapaki Beach, shopping, museums and central island access.

Explore

Poipu

Poipu is Kauai's sunny south shore resort area, known for beaches, oceanfront walks, snorkeling, sunsets, restaurants and easy access to Koloa.

Explore

Princeville

Princeville is a planned North Shore community above Hanalei Bay, known for cliffside views, golf, vacation rentals, shopping and nearby beaches.

Explore

Wailua

Wailua is an east Kauai community between Kapaa and Lihue, known for the Wailua River, sacred sites, waterfalls, beach parks and easy access to inland valley views.

Explore

Waimea

Waimea is a historic west Kauai town known for Captain Cook history, Waimea Canyon access, red-dirt scenery, small-town shops and nearby beaches.

Explore

Wainiha

Wainiha is a small north Kauai community west of Hanalei, known for lush valley scenery, narrow roads, stream crossings and access toward Haena and the Na Pali Coast.

Explore

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main towns on Kauai?

Kauai towns include Hanalei, Princeville, Kapa'a, Lihue, Poipu, Koloa, Waimea, Hanapepe, Kapaa, Wailua and other coastal and inland communities.

Which Kauai towns are best for beach stays?

Poipu, Princeville, Hanalei, Kapaa, Wailua and Haena are popular areas for beach-focused stays, depending on the side of the island you want to explore.

Which Kauai town is closest to the airport?

Lihue is Kauai's main travel hub, with Lihue Airport, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kalapaki Beach, shopping, services and central access to other parts of the island.

Which Kauai towns are known for history?

Koloa, Hanapepe, Waimea and Lihue all have strong ties to Kauai history, including sugar plantation heritage, local landmarks and historic town centers.

Which Kauai towns are on the north shore?

Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Haena and Wainiha are north shore communities known for lush scenery, beaches, mountain views and access to the far north coast.