Lihue

Travel Guide
Lihue showing 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 mountains, a lake or waterhole and forest scenes

Nawiliwili

4/5(5 area reviews)

While visiting Nawiliwili, you might make a stop by sights like Nawiliwili Harbor and Kalapaki Beach.

Nawiliwili
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Hanamaulu

Hanamaulu is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Hanamaulu Beach Park and Nukolii Beach Park, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Lihue.

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 Kukui Grove Shopping Center 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 Kukui Grove Shopping Center are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Puhi
Kauai Inn
Kauai Inn
3 out of 5
2430 Hulemalu Road, Lihue, HI
The price is HK$2,105 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
HK$2,105
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lihue. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
"We stayed here at the last minute after a snafu with another reservation. The place and staff were great - definitely a relaxed vibe to the check-in/check-out process. There were some oddities: a king size bed but only 1 chair and 1 bedside table, the key to the room took some effort to get in and ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Kauai Inn
OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa
OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
4331 Kauai Beach Dr, Lihue, HI
The price is HK$2,360 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
HK$2,360
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Lihue. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,019 reviews)
"Be aware that there are extra parking costs if a person rents a car while on Kauai.There is also a fee expense that was added in, but I knew about that once I made reservations. Overnight parking was something like $ 29 per night which I thought was a little high, staying at The Outrigger."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa
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 HK$3,043 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
HK$3,043
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Lihue. Enjoy 4 restaurants, a beach locale, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"I really enjoyed my stay at the Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort and would highly recommend to anyone interested in a family friendly resort by the beach."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
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.
CASTLE Kaha Lani Resort
CASTLE Kaha Lani Resort
3 out of 5
4460 Nehe Rd, Lihue, HI
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! (672 reviews)
"Comfortable and colorful decor. Loved the artwork. Being an artist, felt like hosts were kindred spirits. STEVE the security guard gave us great dining reccomendations"

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2024

CASTLE Kaha Lani Resort
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! (361 reviews)
"We stayed in A18 and it was clean, well decorated and had all necessities. Beautiful pool view. You are also welcome to use all amenities at the beautiful Outrigger hotel next door! Stunning pool and hot tubs with a quick walk to the beach. A few restaurants are in the hotel. About 15 minutes to ..."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Kauai Beach Villas
Ground floor, step to pool/beach via private lanai. 4-Star Beachfront Resort,
Ground floor, step to pool/beach via private lanai. 4-Star Beachfront Resort,
Lihu?e
Stay at this beach apartment in Lihue. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Kalapaki Beach and Nawiliwili Bay are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (60 reviews)
Good Accommodation.
"Overall, the Accommodation was good. But, (1) lot of illegal parking along the Resort entrance to avoid Parking Fees (I paid USD $35.00 ++/ per night), (2) the Bedding/ pillows need some improvements (3) as conditions of stay, we have to carry all rubbish (in clear plastics bag) to the Compactor ..."

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2024

Ground floor, step to pool/beach via private lanai. 4-Star Beachfront 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

Things to do

Reviews of Lihue

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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4/5 - Good

Kanta
6 Sep 2019

Lihue is beautiful. It’s so green people are nice and friendly.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
31 Jul 2019

no