Kauai Budget Travel Guide (14 Things to do + Budget Tips)

Dreaming of making your escape to tropical paradise? Check out this Kauai Budget Travel Guide!

Dreaming of a visit to Kauai? When you have the urge to escape to tropical island paradise, Kauai is the place to go!

There’s something about the island that keeps drawing visitors back over and over again. Perhaps it’s immersing in the slow place of life and enjoying the Aloha Spirit that the island is famously known for. Now, whether this will be your first visit or your tenth, there’s one thing for certain: you’ll already be planning your return visit before you leave!

All around, there’s no denying that visiting Kauai is one of the greatest Bucket List Trips you can take. And if you don’t know where to start on planning your visit, you’ve come to the right place! This Kauai Budget Travel Guide will show you the most amazing things to do in Kauai on a budget, plus budget tips for getting there, getting around, and more!

So are you ready to begin your Hawaiian adventure? Here’s everything you need to know before you go…

Kauai Budget Travel Guide

Kauai Budget Travel Guide – Things to do

#1: Waimea Canyon

Once dubbed “The Grand Canyon on the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon is a must-visit for any visitor to the island. Over 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, 3,000 feet deep, with vibrant colorful cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and draped with lush vegetation, it’s quite easy to see where it got its nickname!

Now, driving along the rim you’ll pass several lookouts including Waipo’o Falls Lookout, Waimea Canyon Lookout, and the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout. I’d recommend visiting all of these while driving North, as they’re all on the right side of the road. When considering pictures, keep in mind that the canyon is usually sunnier earlier in the day.

#2: Koke’e State Park

Just North of Waimea Canyon lies arguably the most breathtaking point on Kauai, if not in all of Hawaii! Koke’e State Park protects the land above the Nā Pali Coast, with views over the lush towering cliffs which seemingly drop into the azure Pacific Ocean. The two main lookouts here are the Kalalau Overlook and the Pu’u Kila Overlook, which are different viewpoints over the same valley. From the Pu’u Kila Overlook, you can also catch the Pihea Trail, which connects with the Alakai Swamp Trail to create a massive 11 mile loop.

#3: Polihale State Park

You’ll need a 4 wheel drive to get to this rugged and remote state park, but it’s worth extra effort! Usually listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the west-facing Polihole is backed by dramatic the dramatic towering cliff faces of the Nā Pali Coast.

#4: Kekaha Beach

This huge, uncrowded beach was by a long shot one of my favorites on the island. You get great views Ni’ihau, Kauai’s neighboring island, not to mention the lack of crowds. Plus, this part of the island gets very little rain. Just beware of that wild wind!

#5: Salt Pond Park

On the South-central part of the island lies the Salt Pond Park, a beautiful beach with bathrooms, shaded picnic tables, and other amenities. During high tide, the waves can actually wash all the way up to the buildings, as we witnessed!

#6: Poipu Beach

Poipu is on the Southeastern coast of Kauai, and is one of the island’s most iconic beaches. Because the beach is small in size, and surrounded by large resorts, it can get pretty crowded at times! Consider going to Kekaha or the Salt Pond Park for something a bit quieter.

#7: Wailuā Falls

Wailua Falls is a few miles inland, but you should definitely drive up there is you have a rental car. Laced with verdant vegetation, this 173-foot twin falls were all around my favorite waterfall on the island!

#8: Opaeka’a Falls

This double-waterfall is conveniently just 2 miles up Kuamoo Road from the Kuhio Highway, making it an easy stop if you’re driving past. Over 150 feet tall, the falls pour over a volcanic rock face creating a dramatic sight. Plus, it’s free to visit!

#9: Keālia Beach

This east-facing beach several miles North of Kapa’a is one of the island’s premiere surfing and boogey boarding spots. It’s easy to see why, as wild frequent waves create good conditions.

#10: Anini Beach

This North Shore Beach is a bit out of the way, totally worth visiting! There are bathrooms and even a campground so you can stay and enjoy the great ocean views.

#11: Hanalei Valley Overlook

Right before you begin the descent to Hanalei Valley, you’ll notice this South-facing pullout. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Hanalei Valley, a verdant green paradise that is now a National Wildlife Refuge.

#12: Wishing Well Shave Ice, Hanalei

If you go to Kauai and didn’t have Shave Ice… then did you really go to Kauai? While Shave Ice locations are a dime in a dozen on the island, the one that really stood out was Wishing Well Shave Ice in Hanalei. Located right off Hanalei’s main street, the Kuhio Highway, this quaint joint is a must visit. The casual outdoor ambiance make it a great spot to go to before or after the beach!

#13: Waioli Beach Park, Hanalei

Hanalei’s Waioli Beach is in one word… breathtaking. The warm water of the shallow Hanalei Bay, backed by the quaint town with towering green mountains and thundering waterfalls in the background creates a surreal scene, like you’re in a book or movie.

#14: Lydgate State Park

Located just south of Kapa’a and the Wailua River, this beautiful state park boasts a beautiful stretch of beach and picnic tables with great views. There are actually jetty-enclosed swimming areas here too. Plus, wild chickens. Lots and lots of wild chickens. Get ready to see many more of these on Kauai!

Kauai Budget Travel Guide: How to Get Free Airfare to Kauai

Why pay for airfare to Kauai, when you can score FREE airfare?!? When you use Swagbucks, you can get free gift cards for Delta, which flies into the Lihue International Airport. Overall, this is the the best way to reduce the cost of your airfare to Kauai. I’ve been a member of Swagbucks for about 10 years now, and it’s still one of my favorite ways to earn Free airline gift cards!

Here’s how it works:

Sign up with Swagbucks
Then start earning Swagbucks SB Points. There are so many EASY ways to earn Swagbucks! You can earn by Searching the Web {just like you would using Google}, Taking Surveys, Using Coupons, Shopping Online, Watching Videos, etc. I typically earn an easy $25 each month on Swagbucks!
Cash in your Swagbucks SB Points for Free Delta Gift Cards!

Kauai Budget Travel Guide: How to Get Free Uber Rides in Kauai:

If you don’t plan on renting a car in Kauai, you can simply call an Uber to come pick you up from the airport and take you into the city. My favorite trick is to cash in Swagbucks points for Free Uber gift cards!

Here’s how it works:

Sign up with Swagbucks
Then start earning Swagbucks SB Points. There are so many EASY ways to earn Swagbucks! You can earn by Searching the Web {just like you would using Google}, Taking Surveys, Using Coupons, Shopping Online, Watching Videos, etc. I typically earn an easy $25 each month on Swagbucks!
Cash in your Swagbucks SB Points for Free Uber Gift Cards!