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 featuring 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 Kauai Museum are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Puhi
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
3.5 out of 5
3-5920 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI
The price is NZ$388 per night from 23 July to 24 July
NZ$388
23 July - 24 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Lihue. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"It was a nice place."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
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$866 per night from 19 July to 20 July
NZ$866
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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! (1,007 reviews)
"Great experience with stay but very poor experience with the car rentals"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
Kaua'i Palms Hotel
Kaua'i Palms Hotel
2 out of 5
2931 Kalena St, Lihue, HI
The price is NZ$308 per night from 24 July to 25 July
NZ$308
24 July - 25 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lihue. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Nawiliwili Harbor and Huleʻia National Wildlife Refuge ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (162 reviews)
"Great location, clean and great staff. The room was small but we managed just fine."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Kaua'i Palms Hotel
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.
Kauai Beach Villas
Kauai Beach Villas
4 out of 5
4330 Kauai Beach Drive, Lihue, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach villa in Lihue. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (470 reviews)
"I liked everything about the condo and friendly office service. I would definitely come back. Walking distance to famous Outrigger resort and restaurants"

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Kauai Beach Villas
Banyan Harbor Resort
Banyan Harbor Resort
3 out of 5
3411 Wilcox Rd, Lihue, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lihue. Enjoy a 24-hour business center, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,047 reviews)
"So nice. Peaceful. Everybody minds there own business and the staff is bar non!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Banyan Harbor Resort
Castle Kaha Lani Resort
Castle Kaha Lani Resort
3 out of 5
4460 Nehe Rd, Lihue, HI
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Lihue. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (760 reviews)
"Nice central location to access the north shore or Poipu or Wailua. Eating options are limited for vegetarians - you have to go to Kapaa or Poipu (much better variety). Loved the walkable beach next to the property and the quiet vibe. Front desk staff were a bit cold in the way they explained stuff ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Castle Kaha Lani Resort
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

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.

Cities near Lihue