The island of Kauai was originally inhabited by Polynesians, who arrived hundreds of years before European settlers would arrive. These original inhabitants lived undisturbed on the island for roughly five centuries before a new wave of people arrived from Tahiti. During the reign of King Kamehameha, Kauai (Kaua'i) was one of the last two islands to join the Kingdom of Hawai'i. There were two failed attempts by the kingdom to take the island by force, but its rulers eventually decided to join without bloodshed in 1810.
Today, there are close to 75,000 people living on Kauai, making it the fourth-most populous of the Hawaiian islands behind Oahu, Hawaii, and Maui. Although all of Hawaii's islands are known for their natural beauty, perhaps none of them are as breathtaking as Kauai. Some of the island's most stunning natural sites include Waimea Canyon, the Coconut Coast, and the Napali Coast.
Anyone visiting Kauai will have a huge selection of outdoor recreational opportunities to choose from. While you're there, you can enjoy some snorkeling at Ke'e Beach, hike the scenic Kalalau Trail, or just kick back and get some sun at the serene Poipu Beach Park. You could also play some golf at one of the breathtaking golf courses around Princeville, Hawaii, or go exploring in one of the island's many lush forest preserves.
Kauai is also highly regarded for its delicious food, and you'll find many of the best restaurants in the Kapa'a area. A few of the places definitely worth trying before you depart include JO2 Natural Cuisine, Hukilau Lanai, Duke's Kauai, and Tidepools.
Annual Floral Parade - Honolulu's Annual Floral Parade is one of the Aloha Festivals and takes place in late September. The lively event has been running for over 75 years and features a colorful procession of Hawaiian culture through Kalakaua Avenue.
Kapalua Wine & Food Festival - The annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival happens in Kapalua on the island of Maui in early June. The event features a great variety of gourmet food and wines with a Hawaiian theme.
Ukulele Festival - Oahu's famous annual Ukulele Festival is taking place in mid-July at Kapiolani Park. Attendees will enjoy internationally known musicians, local celebrities, and talented ukulele players from all over the world.
Haleakalā National Park is located on the island of Maui and features a fascinating variety of landscapes. Within the park, you'll find red rock deserts, beautiful waterfalls, and gentle streams. You'll also find the incredible Haleakalā Crater, which stands 10,023 feet high. The area is very remote, but there are guided tours offered for visitors who want to explore the park. Other popular activities include horseback riding, hiking, and stargazing.
If you travel to The Big Island, you can visit the incredible Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is home to the powerful Kilauea Volcano. The volcano erupted as recently as 2018, destroying many homes in the area and causing the park to temporarily close. However, it was reopened several months later, and visitors can once again explore its unique, stunning scenery and volcanic activity. One of the best ways to experience the park is by embarking on a guided hike.
Koke'e State Park is found on the west side of Kauai and covers 4,345 acres of scenic land. Visitors to the park will enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding Kalalau Valley, and there are some great opportunities for camping. There's also an on-site museum and many interesting birds and other wildlife species to observe.
Nā Pali Coast State Park lies on Kauai's breathtaking northern shore near the town of Hanalei. The park is most known for its impressive cliffs and unforgettable coastal views, and it also features several lovely beaches and many excellent places to camp. The park is a wonderful hiking destination as well, featuring several rugged and rewarding trails.
Another fantastic Kauai state park is Waimea Canyon State Park, which has lots of incredible scenery. Visitors will enjoy the memorable views of rugged canyons, lush jungles, and jagged red rock formations. The best way to explore the impressive park is by traversing one or more of its scenic hiking trails.
The Hawaiian Islands feature an amazing selection of monuments and landmarks, and if you're on Kauai, one that you should check out is Queen’s Bath. The fascinating sinkhole is located near Princeville and has been carved out of the rock around it for ages. You can take a short hike to reach the unique little body of water and use it to swim, sunbathe, or relax and watch the sunset over the ocean.
Another awesome Kauai landmark is the Kīlauea Lighthouse, which is located at the northern tip of the island. The lighthouse has been standing since 1913 and is located within a spectacular wildlife refuge. Visitors can look upon the historic lighthouse, enjoy the oceanfront views, and observe the local wildlife.
One of Hawaii's most famous landmarks is the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which is located on Oahu, near Honolulu. The site pays tribute to the victims of the notorious attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, and visitors can even climb aboard the USS Arizona. There are also a variety of educational museums at the site.
There are plenty of wonderful campgrounds on Kauai, and one that's worth considering is Lucy Wright Park. There, you can camp anywhere that you like on the premises as long as you've purchased a camping permit. The park is located conveniently close to downtown Waimea and lies adjacent to the Waimea River. There are also plenty of picnic tables found around the site.
Another camping option is Salt Pond Beach Park, which is another location where you can camp wherever you want if you buy a permit. The campground is perfect for those who enjoy water-based recreation, featuring several nearby pools that are great for snorkeling. There are several shaded pavilions on site where you can enjoy a picnic, and if you want, you can even pull your RV right up to the beach.
If you prefer some solitude, camping at Niumalu Beach Park might be a nice option. There, you can purchase a permit and park your RV in the lot to enjoy a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Plus, the nearby town of Lihue is the perfect place to launch your kayak or canoe.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Kauai, HI, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Kauai?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Kauai from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Kauai?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.