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.

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
4 out of 5
3610 Rice Street, Lihue, HI
The price is NZ$779 per night from 13 May to 14 May
NZ$779
per night
13 May - 14 May
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Lihue. Enjoy a full-service spa, 4 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Loved every moment!"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
4.5 out of 5
1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI
The price is NZ$1,493 per night from 24 May to 25 May
NZ$1,493
per night
24 May - 25 May
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"There were some areas that needed upgrading, such as the carpet in the room was pretty old, etc. Service staff were very good. Entertainment was good. It’s a big resort with lots of stairs which could prove difficult for people with mobility issues. Over all though we had a great time and it was ..."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
5 out of 5
5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville, HI
The price is NZ$1,932 per night from 6 Jun to 7 Jun
NZ$1,932
per night
6 Jun - 7 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! (78 reviews)
"Really great transformation of the St Regis. Beautifully redone everywhere including the rooms in a modern Hawaiian style. Great service and fantastic restaurants"

Reviewed on 3 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! (1,456 reviews)
Beautiful Kauai
"Friendly & responsive staff, strong Aloha spirit. However, the place is dated, ie still popcorn ceilings. Need pest control (roaches), asked us to take shoes off but floor carpet felt uncomfortably moist, couldn’t really decide the cleanness of carpet due to color, bathroom smells odd, slippery bathtub, ..."

Reviewed on 30 Apr. 2024

Plantation Hale Suites
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! (25 reviews)
Honeymoon haven
"We were married during our stay in Kauai and stayed at this location during our visit. The home was spacious and met our needs for a private place to celebrate our union. If you’re looking for a super bougie place with nearby conveniences, this is not the spot for you. The layout was perfect for ..."

Reviewed on 24 Sep. 2023

Moloa'a Bay Cottage: 1 BR, 1 BA Cottage in Anahola, Sleeps 4
Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER
Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER
3 out of 5
2253 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (848 reviews)
"Beautiful grounds. Walkable to beautiful beaches and dining choices. So quiet. We will be back!"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER
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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