Popular destinations

Kauai
Pacific
4.8

Kauai

Hawaii, USA

Best Season

Apr - May, Sep - Oct

Hotels

3 Properties

Activities

4 Things to Do

Best Value

2.4¢via Hyatt

Overview

Kauai is Hawaii's oldest and most naturally dramatic island -- nicknamed the Garden Isle for its lush emerald valleys, towering sea cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. The Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon (the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific'), and the misty peaks of Mount Waialeale make Kauai arguably the most scenic island in the Hawaiian chain.

For points travelers, Kauai is dominated by the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, one of the most beloved Hyatt properties in the world. At 29,000 World of Hyatt points per night for a resort that commands $700+ in cash, it delivers strong CPP value on Poipu Beach.

Kauai is the quietest and least developed of Hawaii's four main tourist islands. There are no buildings taller than a coconut tree and vast stretches of coastline accessible only by boat or helicopter. It is raw, wild, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Best Time to Visit

Apr - May, Sep - Oct (Recommended)

Year-round destination with consistent 75-85°F temperatures. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer the best balance of weather, pricing, and crowds. The South Shore (Poipu) stays sunny even in winter.

Top Hotels on Points

The best hotels in Kauai you can book with loyalty points, ranked by CPP value.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Hyatt
4.6
2.0¢

Top Pick

Points: 35,000/night
Cash: $700/night
Best Value
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
Marriott
4.5
0.8¢

Points: 60,000/night
Cash: $500/night
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
Hilton
4.1
0.7¢

Points: 40,000/night
Cash: $280/night

Things to Do in Kauai

NATURE
5 hours
Na Pali Coast Boat Tour

Cruise along the dramatic Na Pali Coast with emerald cliffs rising 4,000 feet from the Pacific. Watch for dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales (winter).

$200

ADVENTURE
4 hours
Waimea Canyon Hike

Hike the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific' — 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, and 3,600 feet deep with stunning red-rock vistas.

Free

WATER_SPORTS
3 hours
Poipu Beach Snorkeling

Snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish at Poipu Beach, voted America's Best Beach.

Free

CULTURAL
3 hours
Grand Hyatt Luau

Traditional Hawaiian luau with fire dancing, hula performances, kalua pig, and poi under the stars.

$165

Getting There

Flights & Transfers

Fly into Lihue Airport (LIH). Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest, United, and American offer direct flights from the US West Coast (5-6 hours). A rental car is essential -- Kauai has no public transit. Some areas like the Na Pali Coast are only accessible by boat, helicopter, or on foot.

Plan Your Kauai Trip

Have questions about traveling to Kauai with points? Our AI advisor can help you compare hotels, find transfer strategies, and plan the perfect island getaway.