Kauai Town Guide

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.

Kaumakani, Kauai

In the Hawaiian language, Kaumakani means "place in the wind." For more than 40 years, however, the town was called Makaweli, which literally means "fearful features." It was only in 1956 that the town name was officially changed to Kaumakani.

Kaumakani has no white-sand beach, resorts or museums seen in other Kauai towns. It is a rather quiet and rural town surrounded by several sugar plantations. Tours around the plantations are being offered. Kaumakani is located 20 miles (32 km) from Lihue, between Hanapepe and Waimea on the southwestern shore of Kauai.

Key Features

West Kauai setting: Small rural community between Hanapepe and Waimea

Former name: Officially known as Makaweli before the Kaumakani name change in 1956

Name meaning: Commonly translated as place in the wind

Plantation history: Former sugar-era area tied to west Kauai agriculture

Quiet character: Limited visitor services and mostly residential surroundings

Route context: Useful west-side landmark on the drive toward Waimea

Nearby planning: Close to Hanapepe, Waimea and canyon routes farther west

Population: 672 at the 2020 Census

Zip code: 96747

Plan Your Visit

Use Kaumakani as a quiet west Kauai route stop rather than a full visitor destination. Plan fuel, meals and services around Hanapepe, Waimea or your chosen west-side base.

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Location, Parking and Directions

Kaumakani is located on Kauai's west side along Kaumualii Highway, between Hanapepe and Waimea. From Lihue, drive west through Kalaheo, Lawai and Hanapepe toward Kaumakani. From Waimea, drive east along the highway toward Kaumakani and Hanapepe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kaumakani on Kauai?

Kaumakani is on Kauai's west side, between Hanapepe and Waimea. It sits along Kaumualii Highway in a rural area tied to old plantation lands.

What is Kaumakani known for?

Kaumakani is known for its former Makaweli name, plantation-era history, rural west Kauai setting, windy location and quiet residential character.

Was Kaumakani once called Makaweli?

Yes. The community was officially known as Makaweli for many years before the name Kaumakani became official in 1956.

Are there plantation tours in Kaumakani?

Do not assume plantation tours are currently offered in Kaumakani. Kauai's commercial sugar era has ended, so visitors should check current west-side attractions and tours before planning.

Is Kaumakani a good visitor base?

Kaumakani is quiet and residential, with limited visitor services. Most travelers use nearby Waimea, Poipu or other west and south Kauai areas for accommodations.