Here’s why we think that you should spend your next tropical getaway in Kauai:

1)    It’s relatively easy to get there.  There’s convenient air service to Honolulu from almost every city in the U.S.  And from Honolulu, it’s an easy connection to Lihue Airport.   If you’ve never been to Honolulu, plan to spend one or two nights there before or after going to Kauai.

2)    Once you get to Kauai, it’s easy to get around.  There are only a few main roads, so it’s nearly impossible to get lost.

3)    There’s a lot to see and do in a relatively compact space.  Most attractions are no more than a two-hour drive from wherever you’re staying.  So even if you stay in Princeville, Waimea Canyon is an easy day trip.   With a little advance planning, you should be able to see all of Kauai’s top sights in a week.

4)    Relatively speaking, accommodations are less expensive than on Maui or the Big Island.  Prices at the top resorts on Maui are nearly 50% more than they are in Poipu or Princeville.  You can spend a fortune here if you want.  But a room that would cost $600 a night in Wailea would go for $400 on Kauai.  Many Kauai hotels are a good deal.

5)    Compared to Maui and Oahu, Kauai is still pretty laid back.  A local ordinance bans buildings taller than a coconut tree, so there are no huge high-rises.  And most of the island is still undeveloped.

6)    Kauai’s diversity is astonishing.  There are broad, sandy beaches, rocky coves, volcanic ridges, rain forests, a 3,600-ft-deep canyon, waterfalls, rivers, and dunes.  You can see more in a week here than you can imagine.  And most of Kauai’s natural wonders are free.

7)    If you’re active, you’ll never run out of things to do.  At the beach, you can swim, surf, snorkel, boogie board, windsurf, parasail, jet ski, scuba dive, or body surf.  If you like to kayak, you can paddle along the Na Pali Coast or glide down the Wailua or Hanalei Rivers.   Hikers can do the legendary Kalalau Trail, explore Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, or hike to countless waterfalls and then cool off with a dip beneath the cascade.

8)    Some of the best beaches in Hawaii are on Kauai.  From 17-mile Polihale Beach to secret pools carved into lava shelves, there’s a beach for everyone.  And if you’re willing to walk 10 to 15 minutes, you can usually find one that’s practically deserted.   If you want lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, equipment rentals, and fast food, head for Hanalei or Poipu Beach.  If you want peace and quiet, try Donkey Beach

9)    Kauai is a great place to relax.  Kauai vacation rentals with a kitchen not only save you money on meals, they eliminate the hassle of going out for every meal.  If you have an ocean-view lanai or balcony, you can have a leisurely breakfast at your place, enjoy a full day of sightseeing, and then return to toast the sunset with a glass of wine or a cocktail before heading out to dinner.  The North Shore can be rainy, especially in winter, so bring a good book and plan to lay back and enjoy the sound of the rain on the roof.

10)  The locals are extremely friendly.  Hawaiians are known for their warm welcomes and aloha spirit.  But it’s especially true on Kauai, where the natives really go out of their way to make sure your visit is everything you want it to be.

Now that you know why we love it, we hope you agree that your next vacation should be to Kauai Hawaii.