Lihue

Travel Guide
Lihue which includes interior views
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 Beach, 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 Museum. 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 Plantation, 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 Kapaa. Enjoy a slow pace of life, with picturesque scenery and cultural hubs.

Where to stay in Lihue

Lihue featuring a lake or waterhole, mountains and forests

Nawiliwili

4.5/5(17 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(38 area reviews)

Travelers to Hanamaulu praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Hanamaulu Beach Park and Nukolii Beach Park.

Hanamaulu
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Kapaia

The beaches and restaurants are a few reasons travelers visit Kapaia. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Kauai Museum and Kukui Grove Shopping Center, a few notable attractions nearby.

Kapaia
Saturday market at Kauai CC brings farmers from all over the island. Amazing range of food, flowers and people.

Puhi

The beaches and restaurants are just a few features travelers like about Puhi. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Kilohana Plantation and Puakea Golf Course are a few top places to visit.

Puhi
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 CA $546 per night from May 17 to May 18
CA $546
CA $711 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18
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! (1,005 reviews)
"This was a wonderful experience at the Royal Sonesta in Kauai, Hawaii. The staff were incredibly friendly and the overall atmosphere was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would definitely choose this hotel for my next vacation."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa
OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
4331 Kauai Beach Dr, Lihue, HI
The price is CA $373 per night from May 28 to May 29
CA $373
CA $497 total
includes taxes & fees
May 28 - May 29
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Resort was nice, but food very expensive! Beach was not swim friendly. Staff was excellent!!"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $284 per night from May 30 to May 31
CA $284
CA $375 total
includes taxes & fees
May 30 - May 31
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Lihue. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Perfect location"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
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 pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (371 reviews)
I’d stay here again!
"Great location. Beach was fine. Pool was fine, access to Outrigger pools and restaurants made it easy to relax. Drive 20-30 minutes in either direction lots of beaches, sights and restaurants."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Kauai Beach Villas
CASTLE Kaha Lani Resort
CASTLE Kaha Lani Resort
3 out of 5
4460 Nehe Rd, Lihue, HI
Book a stay at this 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! (680 reviews)
"Overall impressed. Office hours not great check in at 3:00 pm office closes at 4:00 booking confirmation said 5:00 pm. Suite included full kitchen able to have breakfast and most dinners at suite cost savings. Centrally located no destination more than 45 minutes away. Walking distance to Ocean. ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 27, 2024

CASTLE Kaha Lani Resort
Oceanfront Kauai Beach Resort 75 foot waterslide, 4 pools, Jacuzzis, restaurants
Oceanfront Kauai Beach Resort 75 foot waterslide, 4 pools, Jacuzzis, restaurants
Lihue
Book a stay at this beach condo in Lihue. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Kalapaki Beach and Nawiliwili Bay are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Great!
"The location is great, close to the airport, hiking trails and beach. Room is nice and clean. Check in and out was easy as was communication. No early check-in though...per front desk they need to stick to check-in time privided by owner, not really a big deal, just thought some people may find that ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 21, 2024

Oceanfront Kauai Beach Resort 75 foot waterslide, 4 pools, Jacuzzis, restaurants
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

Things to do

Reviews of Lihue

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
29
" "5 - Excellent 40.84507042253521%
4 - Good
35
" "4 - Good 49.29577464788732%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 8.450704225352112%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.408450704225352%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Mar. 19, 2020

The town was not particularly interesting to tourists. Would recommend Wailua or Kappa’a if staying on the East coast.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Feb. 17, 2020

Lihue is OK, but probably the least desirable town on the island. I would recommend Kapaa, Hanalei, Poipu, or Kalaheo as they all have more to see and do

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Feb. 16, 2020

There are so many beautiful places to see near Lihue. We enjoyed Kapa'a and Shipwreck beaches, the Allerton Garden, and a nearby luau too.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jan. 25, 2020

Had all the conveniences we need. Very well located :)

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jan. 6, 2020

This was our second visit to Kauai. We love the island and feel that splitting the vacation between Poipu and Lihue means you don't face the traffic jam crossing the island to go site seeing up the west coast and the north coast.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Dec. 28, 2019

Had all amenities we were looking for

Cities near Lihue