Known as the Garden Island for its lush tropical foliage and home to miles of postcard-perfect white sand beaches, the Hawaiian Island of Kauai boasts some pretty amazing scenery. Whether you’re soaking in the views from a lookout point after conquering a rugged trail or lounging along a world class beach with a stunning backdrop, Kauai has something new to offer everywhere you turn. Be sure to bring along your camera and prepare to be awed at these top 5 spots for a gorgeous Hawaii view on Kauai!
Hanalei Beach
Located on Kauai’s North Shore, Hanalei Beach offers stunning Hawaii views everywhere you look. Along the eastern end of the beach, a fishing pier juts out into the bay, providing great perspective for photo backdrops. As you shift your gaze to the west, waterfalls can be seen cascading down the emerald mountains that form the bay’s edge, especially when there have been recent rains. And then there is the beach itself – aqua blue waters curl up against the soft white sand to form one of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai. Whether you’re heading to Hanalei Beach to take a leisurely oceanside stroll, to try your hand at surfing or boogie boarding, or to simply soak up a day in the sun, you’re sure to enjoy the gorgeous views!
Polihale State Park
Just when you think you can’t drive any further along Kauai’s west coast, the paved road gives way to rough gravel and dirt for five more miles of bumpy terrain. For those who persevere to the end of this jolting drive, stunning views await. Polihale State Park boasts miles of white sand beach, and the cliffs at the northern end of the beach begin the 20-mile stretch of coastline known as the Na Pali Coast. Polihale Beach is as remote and rugged as it gets, with no development in sight. With sand dunes along the back of the beach and the island of Ni’ihau off the coast, you’ll want to take plenty of time to soak in the panoramic views seen here. With conditions that are often too rough for swimming, a late afternoon visit when temperatures have cooled and sunset is approaching is a great way to end the day. This west-facing beach is perfectly situated for taking in an unforgettable Kauai sunset.
Waimea Canyon Lookout
Heralded as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon stands at ten miles long and 3,000 feet deep. The red-brown cliffs of the canyon stand in stark contrast to the terrain in other parts of the island, making you feel as if you’ve been transported to another location. Waimea Canyon State Park can be accessed from the west side town of Waimea, and as you travel up into the mountains on Waimea Canyon Drive, plenty of lookout points line the right side of the road offering views into the canyon. Waimea Canyon Lookout is situated near mile marker 10, and here you can soak in panoramic views of the canyon as well as of Waipo’o Falls, a stunning 800-foot waterfall that cascades into the canyon. Enjoy additional canyon vistas and a closer view of the falls at the smaller Pu’u Hinahina Lookout between mile markers 13-14.
Kalalau Lookout in Koke’e State Park
The largest valley on the island at two miles wide, the Kalalau Valley is a sight to behold. Inaccessible by road due to the sheer cliffs that surround, the only way to experience the beauty of Kalalau is by taking on an extremely strenuous hike, seeing it by boat, or catching a glimpse from a bird’s eye view. Perched above the valley in Koke’e State Park, the Kalalau Lookout allows you to do the latter with minimal effort required. The drive to Koke’e State Park offers ample scenery along the way, with the Kalalau Lookout being the second to last stopping point before the road dead ends. From 4,000 feet of elevation, soak in panoramic views of the emerald valley below.
Ke’e Beach – Hawaii Views
Driving west on Kuhio Highway along Kauai’s North Shore, the road eventually dead ends into Ha’ena State Park. This marks as far as one can travel on the North Shore before the Na Pali Coast begins, which is inaccessible by road. The beautiful Ke’e Beach is located within Ha’ena State Park. This secluded beach is known for the glimpses it provides of the alluring Na Pali Coast, which can be seen to the left when facing the ocean. There is also a vibrant reef system here, making it a great beach for snorkeling.
The Island of Kauai is filled with spectacular views everywhere you look. Prepare to relax and stay awhile as you soak in the sights at these top 5 spots for gorgeous views on Kauai! Contact us to learn about our Kauai, HI Airbnbs with a pool, our oceanfront Airbnbs in Kauai, and our Airbnbs with a hot tub in Kauai, HI.
