Kauai Town Guide

Kauai Towns

Find Kauai towns for beach stays, historic communities, local shops, scenic coastlines and island day trips, from Hanalei and Princeville to Kapa'a, Lihue, Poipu, Koloa, Waimea and Hanapepe.

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Town directory

Kauai Towns

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

Anahola

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

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Ele'ele

Ele'ele is a small south Kauai town known for Kauai Coffee Company, Port Allen Harbor, Glass Beach, Red Dirt Shirt history and west-side road access.

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Ha'ena

Ha'ena is a lush north Kauai community known for Ha'ena State Park, Ke'e Beach, Tunnels Beach, Kalalau Trail access and limited-entry conservation rules.

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Hanalei

Hanalei is a lush north Kauai town known for Hanalei Bay, mountain views, the one-lane bridge, local shops, restaurants and far north shore access.

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Hanapepe

Hanapepe is a historic west Kauai town known for Friday Art Night, local galleries, old storefronts, the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge and nearby Salt Pond Beach Park.

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Kalaheo

Kalaheo is a quiet south Kauai community known for Kukuiolono Park & Golf Course, local restaurants, hillside views and access to Koloa, Poipu and west Kauai.

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Kapa'a

Kapa'a is a lively east Kauai town known for Coconut Coast beaches, shopping, restaurants, coastal path access, nearby Wailua River and central island convenience.

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Kaumakani

Kaumakani is a quiet west Kauai community known for its former Makaweli name, plantation-era history, rural scenery and location between Hanapepe and Waimea.

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Kekaha

Kekaha is a quiet west Kauai town known for Kekaha Beach Park, Niihau views, sunset scenery, former sugar plantation history and far west-side access.

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Kilauea

Kilauea is a north Kauai town known for Kilauea Lighthouse, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, seabird viewing, local shops and nearby beaches.

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Koloa

Koloa is a historic south Kauai town known for Old Koloa Town, Hawaii's early sugar plantation history, local shops, dining and nearby Poipu access.

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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.

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Lihu'e

Lihu'e is Kauai's county seat and main travel hub, known for Lihue Airport, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kalapaki Beach, Kauai Museum and central island services.

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Po'ipu

Po'ipu is Kauai's sunny south shore resort area, known for Poipu Beach Park, Kiahuna Beach, Shipwreck Beach, golf, dining and nearby Spouting Horn.

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Princeville

Princeville is a scenic north Kauai resort community known for Hanalei Bay views, vacation rentals, golf course scenery, beaches and north shore access.

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Wailua

Wailua is a lush east Kauai community known for Wailua River, Fern Grotto, Opaekaa Falls, Wailua Falls, sacred sites and Coconut Coast access.

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Waimea

Waimea is a historic west Kauai town known for Waimea Canyon access, Kokee State Park routes, Captain Cook landing history and southwest shore services.

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Wainiha, Kauai Wainiha is a small community located on the north shore of Kauai, between Hanalei and Ha'ena on Kuhio Highway 560. There is a hotel, the Hanalei Colony Resort, as well as a spa, the Hanalei Day Spa. There are also a few vacation rentals in Wainiha. Shopping options include a general store with […]

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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.