Ultimate Kauai Honeymoon Guide
Let’s help you plan your honeymoon in Hawaii with our deep dive into a Kauai honeymoon…
Aloha and welcome to the Garden Isle – a Kauai honeymoon awaits with it’s stunning natural beauty – ideal for adventure seekers!
From the emerald valleys and dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast to the tranquil beauty of Hanalei Bay and the Waimea Canyon, Kauai is the most laid back of Hawaii’s islands.
Wondering about the best time to visit Kauai for honeymoon? What area to stay? Need the lowdown on the best honeymoon resorts in Kauai? How to get there and how to get around? We’ve got you covered.
Immerse yourselves in the verdant charms of Kauai (pronounced kuh·wai) and let’s get planning with our Ultimate Kauai Honeymoon Guide.
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Best Time to Visit Kauai
Kauai has a tropical climate meaning it enjoys warm temperatures year round. It has a rainy and a dry season.
The best time to visit Kauai for a honeymoon is from May to September during the dry season, temperatures average 24°C (76°F)
As the most northerly island, Kauai is open to the elements of the Pacific Ocean and therefore gets more rain and the weather is unpredictable. Even in the dry season at least half the days of each month will see some rain showers.
Temperatures average 21°C (70°F) during the winter months / rainy season. The south, around Poipu, gets less rain than the north.
Despite it being the rainy season, December to March is a busy time as Americans try to escape the colder climates of continental USA. Prices peak over Thanksgiving and the holiday season of Christmas / New Year.
Prices then peak again from late June to August as schools are out.
Hawaii doesn’t experience hurricanes but cyclones and tropical storms can occur.
Where to stay in Kauai for honeymoon
When planning your Kauai honeymoon, you might be wondering about which area to stay! The island is 1,456.4 km2 and it only takes 60-90 minutes to drive from north to south.
There aren’t any big cities in Kauai but you’ll find smaller resort areas. Most luxury resorts are around Poipu on the south coast. It’s known for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches.
Princeville is located on the north shore of Kauai, and it’s known for its stunning natural beauty.
While this area might get a little more rain, the stunning Hanalei Bay, is a great spot for swimming, surfing, and snorkelling and is close to Hanakapiai Falls and the Opaekaa Falls. Some of the best beaches in Kauai are along the north shore.
Kapaa is another popular area although the hotels are a little more dated, it has easy access to several beautiful beaches, including Kealia Beach and Lydgate Beach Park.
Kapaa is also close to some of Kauai’s top attractions, such as the Wailua River State Park and Fern Grotto.
Best Honeymoon Resorts in Kauai
If you are planning your Kauai honeymoon, you want to make sure you stay in one of the top honeymoon resorts in Kauai!
It’s worth noting that all-inclusive is not really a thing in Kauai and there are less options for luxury honeymoon resorts.
Also check for ‘resort fees’ when you’re booking. These are a fee added on at check-in which can add up to a couple of hundred dollars over the course of a week.
Let’s introduce you to our top options for honeymoon resorts in Kauai.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Located on the north shore, 1 Hotels bring its stunning eco-friendly vibes to Kauai. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is not only one our top pick for honeymoon resorts in Kauai but probably in all of Hawaii.
While many Hawaii resorts are stuck in decades past, 1 Hotel brings a much needed dose of modernity!
You’ll find breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains. The resort features lush rooms with a zen Japanese meets modern Polynesian feel. Book the Within Ocean View Terrace Studio Suite.
There are multiple dining options including the signature restaurant, 1 Kitchen serving plant-forward, hyper-local and sustainably sourced cuisine from the island and its surrounding waters.
You can start your day with sunrise meditation. There’s an adults only infinity pool that overlooks Hanalei Bay with full service cabanas. The hardest part is tearing yourself away to explore the island.
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Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is one of the most popular honeymoon resorts in Kauai. This classic Kauai resort’s stunning location on Poipu Beach makes it a great choice for couples choosing the south coast on their Kauai honeymoon.
The rooms, albeit a little dated, are very spacious with lanai (balcony). Opt for the Ocean View Suite for the best in honeymoon luxury.
There are acres of lush gardens and pools and multiple dining and drinking options including the beautiful Tidepools, set in thatched-roof bungalows floating above a koi-filled lagoon at the base of a waterfall.
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Ko’a Kea Resort On Poipu Beach
Koa Kea Resort On Poipu Beach is a gem on the south coast. This adult focussed resort has lovely Oceanfront Guest Rooms with your own private lanai.
You’ll find a sprawling pool area, a beachfront spa and a Tiki Bar. Learn how to snorkel, surf, stand-up paddle board, or use a traditional outrigger canoe for island experts.
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Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
Koloa Landing Resort is one of our top picks for honeymoon resorts in Kauai. The resort features large studios and spacious villas, each with its own private lanai with tropical palm tree and ocean views.
If you’re not on the heavenly beach, you’ll find a beautiful infinity pool and an adults only tranquillity pool complete with waterfall.
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Things to do in Kauai for honeymoon
For couples planning a Kauai honeymoon, you’re in for a treat. There are so many unique, fun and romantic things to do in Kauai on honeymoon. Read on for our round-up.
Helicopter Tour of Napali Coast
One of our top picks for things to do in Kauai on honeymoon is taking a helicopter tour of the Napali Coast, one of the most photographed sites in all of Hawaii.
This stunning coastline is so remote and a helicopter tour is the perfect way to take in its beauty. You’ll soar over towering cliffs, lush valleys, and crystal-clear waters, and get a bird’s-eye view of the island’s hidden waterfalls.
Movie Tour
Kauai was the filming location of blockbuster movies like Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean movies and you can visit the film sets on a tour.
Sunset Cruise
You can see the Napali Coast from the sky but don’t miss it on a romantic sunset cruise. Sail along the coast of Kauai with stunning views of the sunset over the ocean, and may even spot dolphins or whales. It’s one of our favourite things to do in Kauai on honeymoon.
Whale watching
For couples travelling from December to May, one of our top recommendations for things to do in Kauai on honeymoon is a whale watching tour.
Catch a glimpse of not only the magnificent kohola (whales), but of dolphins too.
Experience a Luau
A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-add on to your list of things to do in Kauai on honeymoon.
Enjoy a feast of local dishes, watch hula dancers perform, and learn about Hawaiian culture. Many luaus also include fire knife dancing and other entertainment.
Snorkelling & Diving
Kauai has some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots in Hawaii, with clear waters and abundant marine life. You can explore coral reefs, swim with sea turtles, and even spot dolphins and whales. Some of the best spots include Tunnels Beach, Poipu Beach, and Ke’e Beach.
Whether snorkelling or scuba diving is your jam, exploring the Pacific Ocean is a must do on your Kauai honeymoon activities list.
Surfing
Is it even a honeymoon in Kauai if surfing isn’t involved? You’ll find beginner waves in sunny Poipu making a great place to try the waves for yourselves.
Want to watch the pros? Then the north has the best surf spots including Hanalei where you’ll find huge waves during winter.
Go hiking
One of our top picks for things to do in Kauai on honeymoon is to take to some of its spectacular trails.
Hit the ground in the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, Waimea Canyon. Explore Kōkeʻe State Park. The Hanakaipai Falls trail is strenuous, but worth it.
Visit Wailua River State Park, home to Opaeka‘a Falls and Wailua Falls.
Got more time? The tough Nā Pali Coast (Kalalau) Trail is one of the most unique things to do in Kauai on honeymoon. Advanced booking needed.
Hit the beach
Kauai has some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, with crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and beautiful views.
Poipu Beach on Kauai’s South coast is great for relaxing and beginner surfing.
In the north of the island Tunnels Beach is a haven for surfers, divers, and snorkelers, with its underwater caverns and lush mountainscape.
Hanalei Bay is a picturesque bay with white sandy shores and a tropical mountain backdrop, perfect for summer swimming and winter surfing.
Ke’e Beach is a paradise at the end of the road on the North Shore with crystalline waters for snorkelling and magical sunsets.
One of our top picks for things to do in Kauai is Haena Beach. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Makana, this beach is a gem and one of the most beautiful in Hawaii.
Polihale Beach is the longest beach in Hawaii, stretching over 25 kilometres along Kauai’s west coast with the most incredible sunsets.
Get your adventure on
A kauai honeymoon is ideal for adventure seekers. For couples who want more than surfing, snorkelling and hiking, you’re in luck.
Zipline adventures, waterfall rappelling, kayaking rivers, stand up paddle boarding, ATV tours, mountain biking and even outrigger canoe expeditions can all be found on Kauai!
Eat everything
From chocolate tasting tours, to small group food tours, poke bowls and shaved ice, Kauai packs a punch when it comes to food.
Don’t miss the food truck scene like Porky’s Kauai and Hanalei Taro & Juice Co and Hawaiian favourite, shaved ice from The Fresh Shave and Wishing Well.
Visit Koloa Rum Company and pick up a bottle of rum to take home as a souvenir. If you’re in the mood for a craft beer, head to Kauai Beer Company.
Good to know about Kauai
Time Zone: GMT -11
Language: Hawaiian & English
Population: 73,454
Currency: US Dollar US$
A few phrases:
Hi: Aloha
Please: Ke ‘olu’olu
Thank you: Mahalo
Goodbye: A hui hou
Kauai Honeymoon Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kauai good for a honeymoon?
Absolutely! A Kauai honeymoon is ideal for couples who love nature. The island’s natural beauty including the pristine beaches, lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls make for a super romantic getaway.
It may be less visited than its more famous neighbours but that is no bad thing if you’re looking for a laid-back vibe. Luxury accommodation is a little more limited though.
How long should we stay in Kauai for our honeymoon?
The duration of a honeymoon in Kauai will depend on several factors, including your available time, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking to have.
When planning your Kauai honeymoon itinerary, remember that 2 nights will only give you 1 full day to explore/relax, 3 nights = 2 full days, 4 nights = 3 full days, and so on.
Make sure you plan some chilled out beach days along with days to explore. We’d recommend at least 4 nights if you’re then adding on other Hawaiian islands. You’ll get to see some highlights and have a beach day, too.
How do we get to Kauai?
Kauai’s airport, Lihue Airport (airport code: LIH) is not only connected to the other Hawaiian islands but you can also fly direct from the major west coast airports.
Once you arrive, you can rent a car, take a taxi / Uber or book a transfer with a traditional lei greeting to get to your Kauai honeymoon resort.
Do we need a passport and/or visa to enter Hawaii?
Most nationalities need either a visa or an ESTA (visa waiver) to enter the USA. Apply via iVisa.com
United States citizens can enter and depart the state using their state-issued driver’s licence or identity card.
Do we need travel vaccinations for Kauai?
Hawaii is a malaria-free and Zika free state. Some travel vaccinations may be needed.
We encourage you to visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date travel vaccination recommendations or speak to a registered medical practitioner.
How do we get around Kauai?
Renting a car is recommended for Kauai as the public transport is limited. Plus, it will allow you to explore Kauai at your own pace.
Book in advance, as rental cars can be in high demand, especially during peak seasons.
If you don’t or won’t drive, there are options for excursions and ride-sharing like Uber and Lyft and locally owned Holoholo are available, too although might be more limited compared to Oahu for example.
Is a Kauai honeymoon package expensive?
Hawaii, in general, is not the cheapest destination.
If you’re planning a budget Kauai honeymoon, then you might consider travelling outside peak season.
Or, take a look at the Caribbean / Central America for cheaper honeymoon destinations instead.
Work out the cost of a honeymoon in Kauai with our honeymoon calculator.
Should we use a travel agent to book a honeymoon in Kauai?
Booking a D-I-Y Kauai honeymoon package is relatively straight forward but we’d recommend choosing a flexible hotel rate with free cancellation with Booking.com. You can get great discounts with their loyalty programme.
You can book transfers and ferries easily, along with tours and excursions on GetYourGuide or Viator. Book car hire on RentalCars.com
When you’re booking flights, if you can’t fly directly and are booking connecting flights, give yourself enough time to change airplanes.
We’d recommend at least a 2 to 3-hour layover for a stress-free experience (if travelling on one ticket).
Don’t forget to have travel insurance in place before booking and if not a US citizen you’ll need a visa / visa waiver.
However, if all of this seems too daunting, a good travel agent who books romantic honeymoon getaways in Hawaii regularly, will be able to take care of the nitty gritty details and might even have a relationship with hotels there.
This means they may have preferential rates, so it’s definitely worth checking things with a trusted travel agent. Plus they can provide extra benefits and offers, taking care of all the nitty gritty details.
What about travel insurance?
Here at The Honeymoon Guide, we want you to have the best honeymoon possible. Safety is paramount when you’re planning a Kauai honeymoon itinerary.
It’s important to have travel insurance in place when you book your honeymoon. If you don’t have travel insurance, check out WorldNomads.com to learn more.
World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance from World Nomads.
What should we pack for a honeymoon in Kauai?
When you’re packing for your Kauai honeymoon, you’ll need comfortable clothing for hiking and exploring, plus swimwear, sunglasses, reef friendly sunscreen, and a hat.
Sturdy shoes and a backpack are essentials, too.
Get our free Hawaii packing list for a honeymoon in Kauai and discover our packing list bundle in the shop!
Should we bring cash / should we tip in Kauai?
It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for tips and small purchases although cards are widely accepted.
Tipping is customary in Hawaii, as it is in the rest of the U.S. and it’s expected in restaurants, hotels, and other service-related industries. The standard tip is around 15-20% of the total bill.
Where can we tag on to Kauai for a multi destination honeymoon?
As you can see whether you have 4, 7 or 10 nights, Kaui has so much to do you could easily spend your whole honeymoon here.
However, many couples visit Kauai as part of a Hawaii island hopping honeymoon, tagged on to Oahu (Honolulu), Maui and Big Island.
Kauai is well connected to many major western North American cities. Think of a few fun days in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco.
Got more time? How about combine a California road trip with Kauai, the Canadian Rockies or a cruise to Alaska from Vancouver.
Things to consider before booking a Kauai honeymoon
While we love to recommend Kauai for honeymoon, there are some potential downsides that you might want to consider so you can make a well-informed decision and plan your dream honeymoon!
- Weather Vulnerability: While you would be unlucky to encounter extreme weather, Hawaii does have a cyclone season which can occasionally lead to regular heavy rains and winds which could spoil your honeymoon. Kauai is also the rainiest Hawaiian island.
- Cost: Hawaii is not the cheapest destination and, compared to the other Hawaiian islands, there isn’t as much choice of honeymoon hotels in Kauai. Plus, it’s not ideal for an all-inclusive honeymoon and the hotels can be dated.
- Distance: Kauai is further away and if you only have a short time for your honeymoon, it may not be worth travelling so far away. You don’t want to have to deal with jet lag for your whole honeymoon!
- Over Tourism: Hawaii is one of the planet’s most popular and famous honeymoon destinations and over tourism can be an issue for local people and the environment although Kauai receives less tourists than other Hawaiian islands.
Map of Hawaii
TL;DR?
too long, didn’t read? some key Points…
If you are planning a Kauai honeymoon, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know if this guide was useful or if we left out any essential information.
Check out more of our Ultimate Honeymoon Guides series. We’re always adding new guides and please contact us if there is somewhere you’d love to see on The Honeymoon Guide!
Happy Planning x
Related Hawaii honeymoon articles:
Best Time to Visit Hawaii by Month
Ultimate Kauai Honeymoon Packing List
Ultimate Hawaii Honeymoon Planning Guide
Honeymoon Planning & Booking resources
(including the travel companies we’ve used and recommend!)
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