Lihue, HI

Travel Guide

Lihue showing a beach and a coastal town
Lihue showing interior views
Lihue which includes a sandy beach
Kilohana Plantation showing interior views
Kilohana Plantation

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 BeachOpens in a new window, 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 MuseumOpens in a new window. 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 PlantationOpens in a new window, 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 KapaaOpens in a new window. Enjoy a slow pace of life, with picturesque scenery and cultural hubs.

Where to stay in Lihue

Lihue featuring a lake or waterhole, mountains and forests

Nawiliwili

4.5/5(181 area reviews)

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

Nawiliwili
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Hanamaulu

4.5/5(338 area reviews)

You'll love the stunning beaches in Hanamaulu, and you might want to stick around to check out Hanamaulu Beach Park, a top place to visit.

Hanamaulu
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Kapaia

The beaches and restaurants are a few reasons travelers visit Kapaia. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Kauai Museum and The Ocean Course at Hokuala, a few notable attractions nearby.

Kapaia
Saturday market at Kauai CC brings farmers from all over the island. Amazing range of food, flowers and people.

Puhi

The beaches and restaurants are just a few features travelers like about Puhi. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Kilohana Plantation and Kauai Museum are a few top places to visit.

Puhi
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
3.5 out of 5
3-5920 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI
The price is ¥27,736 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥27,736
¥37,067 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Lihue. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Having only a pool bar and no restaurant, was a major downside. Also, the woman that checked me in was not very kind and very limited in her customer service, but the gentleman was so lovely and amazing!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
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 ¥58,773 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
¥58,773
¥77,156 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Lihue. Enjoy a full-service spa, 4 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Great experience with stay but very poor experience with the car rentals"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
Kaua'i Palms Hotel
Kaua'i Palms Hotel
2 out of 5
2931 Kalena St, Lihue, HI
The price is ¥22,989 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
¥22,989
¥27,119 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lihue. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Nawiliwili Harbor and Huleʻia National Wildlife Refuge ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (163 reviews)
"Clean property great staff, funky old motel but comfortable enough"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Kaua'i Palms Hotel
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.
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 helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (470 reviews)
"I liked everything about the condo and friendly office service. I would definitely come back. Walking distance to famous Outrigger resort and restaurants"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Kauai Beach Villas
Castle Kaha Lani Resort
Castle Kaha Lani Resort
3 out of 5
4460 Nehe Rd, Lihue, HI
Stay at this 3-star 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! (760 reviews)
"Nice central location to access the north shore or Poipu or Wailua. Eating options are limited for vegetarians - you have to go to Kapaa or Poipu (much better variety). Loved the walkable beach next to the property and the quiet vibe. Front desk staff were a bit cold in the way they explained stuff ..."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Castle Kaha Lani Resort
Banyan Harbor Resort
Banyan Harbor Resort
3 out of 5
3411 Wilcox Rd, Lihue, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lihue. Enjoy a 24-hour business center, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,049 reviews)
"Great location! Convenient to shops and eateries nearby!"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Banyan Harbor 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

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
411
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
248
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
51
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Small rustic town. Keep it this way

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Everything closes early around the island but this place closes a little bit more late I could say

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wonderful island. Lots of things to do close by.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Very expensive compared to the other islands in hawaii

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love Lihue definitely choosing different place to stay though, lots of hidden fees

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Relaxing, enjoyable, beautiful, great restaurants

Cities near Lihue