Driving and Walking Around Kauai Island, Hawaii

Key Takeaways

Kauai offers several easily accessible roadside attractions worth stopping for during a driving tour
Spouting Horn is one of the most photographed blowhole spots on the island
Poipu Beach Park on the south shore was once voted “America’s Best Beach”
The Maluhia Road Tree Tunnel creates an otherworldly canopy that looks like a scene from a movie
Wailua Falls is visible from the roadside viewing area but there is limited parking and not much else nearby

Exploring Kauai by Car

Kauai is a compact island, and driving around it is one of the best ways to experience its diverse landscapes. Unlike the other Hawaiian islands, Kauai has no road that completely circles the island — the Na Pali Coast is too rugged for road construction. This means you explore the island by driving out-and-back from different directions, discovering distinct environments as you go.

Spouting Horn

Spouting Horn is a natural blowhole on Kauai’s south shore and one of the most photographed spots on the island. Water forced through a narrow opening in the lava rock creates a dramatic plume of spray that can shoot 50 feet or more into the air. The blowhole also produces an eerie hissing and moaning sound as air is forced through a second, smaller hole alongside the main vent.

The viewing area is easily accessible from the parking lot, and there are local vendors selling jewelry and crafts nearby. Visit when the surf is up for the most dramatic displays. The sunset views from this location are also exceptional.

Poipu Beach Park

Located on Kauai’s sunny south shore, Poipu Beach Park was once voted “America’s Best Beach” by the Travel Channel. The beach features a natural breakwater created by a tombolo — a sandbar connecting a small island to the shore — that creates a protected swimming area perfect for families with children.

The south shore receives more sunshine than other parts of Kauai, making Poipu a reliable destination even when the north shore is experiencing rain. Monk seals occasionally haul out onto the sand to rest, and green sea turtles can often be spotted in the nearshore waters.

Maluhia Road Tree Tunnel

The Tree Tunnel on Maluhia Road is one of Kauai’s most iconic drives. Hundreds of eucalyptus trees planted in 1911 create a dense canopy that arches over the road, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns and creating an atmosphere that truly looks like it belongs in another time and world.

The tunnel is most impressive when driven slowly with windows down. The effect is subtle in photographs but striking in person. We drove through it a couple of times, once keeping the camera centered and once angled to the side, and both perspectives revealed different aspects of this living tunnel.

Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is a beautiful 80-foot double waterfall visible from the roadside viewing area near Lihue. Made famous as the waterfall in the opening credits of the television show Fantasy Island, it remains one of the most visited attractions on Kauai.

The viewing area offers a direct overlook of the falls and a pool below. Unfortunately, there is not much else to see once you have taken in the falls — the road dead-ends shortly after the viewpoint. Parking is limited with a small turnaround area, so visit early to avoid crowds.

Practical Driving Tips

Kauai’s roads are generally two-lane and speed limits are low. Traffic can be congested around Lihue and Kapaa, especially during morning and evening commutes. Give yourself more time than the map suggests. The island rewards slow driving — you will spot viewpoints, fruit stands, and hidden beaches that you would miss at higher speeds.

For more travel content, check out our guide to the Carnival Breeze cruise ship or read our tips on internet access when traveling to Europe.