Lihue Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lihue showing a coastal town and a beach
Lihue featuring interior views
Lihue showing a sandy beach
Kilohana Plantation which includes interior views
Lihue

Relax on one of the many sandy beaches, visit varied cultural museums and historic plantations and try a traditional luau.  

Lihue is a picturesque town in the midst of sweeping, green valleys, with excellent views of the Pacific Ocean. Its white-sand beaches provide excellent sunbathing spots, while its large estates and museums introduce the Aloha culture. Increase your understanding of the early inhabitants to Hawaii in this dynamic town.

Take advantage of year-round warm weather with a trip to Kalapaki BeachOpens in a new window, where you can learn to surf. Sunbathe during the hottest and driest period from April through September. Rent canoes and catamarans and watch the boats leaving and arriving at Nawiliwili Harbor.

Other scenic stretches of sand include Nukolii Beach Park, secluded Hanamaulu Beach Park and Niumalu Beach Park, which has a charming stream that features in the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. Explore the southern coastline on foot to encounter such coastal gems as Ninini Point Lighthouse and Nawiliwili Park. Play a few rounds at the vast, picturesque Puakea Golf Course.

For a change of scenery, head into the town and visit the Kauai MuseumOpens in a new window. Here, learn about early Hawaiian life and the arrival of Captain James Cook on the island. Browse intriguing photo exhibits and admire the sculptures and paintings representing the island’s culture and traditions.

Among the region’s highlights is the Kilohana PlantationOpens in a new window, which has a rainforest, serene gardens and a spa. Ride the elegant, mahogany passenger cars of the train around the park and arrive at the luau center in time for a traditional meal and theatrical performance. Watch fire dancers and representations of deities.

Lihue is based in the southeastern corner of the island of Kauai. Fly to Lihue Airport in the town’s northeastern outskirts from airports across Hawaii and mainland United States. See other landmarks in the region, including the Kalepa Mountain Forest Reserve, the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge and the town of KapaaOpens in a new window. Enjoy a slow pace of life, with picturesque scenery and cultural hubs.

Where to stay in Lihue

Lihue which includes mountains, a lake or waterhole and forest scenes

Nawiliwili

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

While visiting Nawiliwili, you might make a stop by sights like Nawiliwili Harbor and Kalapaki Beach.

Nawiliwili
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Hanamaulu

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

You'll love the stunning beaches in Hanamaulu, and you might want to stick around to check out Hanamaulu Beach Park, a top place to visit.

Hanamaulu
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Kapaia

The beaches and restaurants are a few reasons travellers visit Kapaia. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Kauai Museum and The Ocean Course at Hokuala are a few top sights nearby.

Kapaia
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Puhi

Puhi is well liked for its beaches and restaurants. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Kilohana Plantation and Puakea Golf Course are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Puhi

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Reviews of Lihue

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 42%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice quiet island, away from the rush of Honolulu. Drive to Waimea Canyon, and a flight over the Na Pali Cliffs were absolute highlights.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nothing much in Lihue itslef except for the museum but everything is in the surrounding area so it is in a convenient spot.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Bad weather didn't stop us from driving the island and visiting all beaches and parks, although The traffic is unbelievable- 1 1/2 hours to go 8 miles.

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