Kilauea Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens showing wild flowers
Hawaii’s northernmost point is renowned for its dramatic coastline, abundant bird and sea life, and for being the “Guava Capital of the World.”

Kīlauea is located on Kauaʻi’s northeastern shore and is set amid mountainous terrain and dense rain forests. Kīlauea shares its name with one of Hawaii’s most active volcanoes, which has been erupting steadily since 1983.

Take in the dramatic view at Kīlauea Point, a former volcanic vent that marks the northernmost point of all of Hawaii’s main islands. Kīlauea Point was designated a National Wildlife Refuge in 1985. Sit for a while beneath the Kīlauea Point Lighthouse and watch for humpback whales and dolphins. Or, pack your binoculars and go in search of native birds like the red-footed booby and the Laysan albatross. Stop by the visitor center to learn more about the area’s rich history and wildlife.

Kīlauea’s perpetually warm, sunny weather is best appreciated on one of its beaches. Whether you’re an avid surfer or prefer to sunbathe, Kīlauea’s clean sandy shores are an ideal place to pass the afternoon. Secret Beach is dotted with lava rocks and affords a beautiful view of the lighthouse. Kalihiwai Beach and Rock Quarry Beach are two other popular oceanfront destinations. Take a diving or snorkeling lesson to see vividly colored coral gardens, schools of tropical fish and graceful sea turtles.

Head to the town center to enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. Boutiques, galleries and cafés make the compact downtown area a perfect place to spend an afternoon. Each week the street is closed off to make room for a farmer’s market, where you can sample fresh produce and regional delicacies. Kīlauea is nicknamed the “Guava Capital of the World” thanks to the large number of plantations growing the fruit. Make sure to sample freshly squeezed juice or a smoothie, which is something of a local specialty.

No trip is complete without experiencing a luau, where you can enjoy local dishes and learn more about the musical and cultural traditions from the area.

Kīlauea is less than an hour’s drive southwest of Lihue Airport. Public transportation is limited, so rent a car, motorbike or bicycle to get the most out of your visit.

OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa
OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
4331 Kauai Beach Dr, Lihue, HI
The price is NZ$584 per night from 7 Jun to 8 Jun
NZ$584
per night
7 Jun - 8 Jun
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Lihue. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Awesome place. Great pools even with a long water slide. Right on the beach with wonderful views. Only 10 minutes from the airport (but no noise from planes). Lovely landscaping. friendly and helpful staff. immaculately clean."

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa
Spacious tropical getaway with lanais - just steps from the ocean
Spacious tropical getaway with lanais - just steps from the ocean
Kilauea
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Kilauea. Enjoy private spa tubs, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Hanalei Bay and Anini Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Wonderful week
"Our family spent a lovely week staying at this property. Absolutely loved the super short walk to the beach. Anini beach was great. Shallow and warm, good snorkeling and we watched lots of sea turtles. Home is a dated—fun to daydream and discuss possible updates."

Reviewed on 14 Oct. 2023

Spacious tropical getaway with lanais - just steps from the ocean
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
5 out of 5
5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville, HI
The price is NZ$1,872 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
NZ$1,872
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Princeville. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Hanalei Bay and Puupoa Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (83 reviews)
"best hotel ever"

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Plantation Hale Suites
Plantation Hale Suites
3 out of 5
525 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Kapaa. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, 2 spa tubs, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,447 reviews)
"Large spacious rooms. Nice kitchen. Very close to walking/biking paths and very close to shopping and dining."

Reviewed on 23 Apr. 2024

Plantation Hale Suites
Spacious tropical getaway with lanais - just steps from the ocean
Spacious tropical getaway with lanais - just steps from the ocean
Kilauea
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Kilauea. Enjoy private spa tubs, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Hanalei Bay and Anini Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Wonderful week
"Our family spent a lovely week staying at this property. Absolutely loved the super short walk to the beach. Anini beach was great. Shallow and warm, good snorkeling and we watched lots of sea turtles. Home is a dated—fun to daydream and discuss possible updates."

Reviewed on 14 Oct. 2023

Spacious tropical getaway with lanais - just steps from the ocean
Moloa'a Bay Cottage: 1  BR, 1  BA Cottage in Anahola, Sleeps 4
Moloa'a Bay Cottage: 1 BR, 1 BA Cottage in Anahola, Sleeps 4
Anahola
Book a stay at this beach cottage in Kilauea. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Moloaa Bay and Moloaa Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Wonderful place and beach
"Loved the location -- had the beautiful beach almost to ourselves. Cottage was comfortably and nicely furnished with everything you could need to fix meals and relax. If you want to be out of the crowds at Poipu in a beautiful setting, this is the place for you. Spent time in and around Kileaua since ..."

Reviewed on 20 May 2024

Moloa'a Bay Cottage: 1 BR, 1 BA Cottage in Anahola, Sleeps 4
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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