Attractions Nearby Kauai and Island Hopping

(Kauai, Hawaii - HI, USA)



Maui coastal pictureThere are a number of stunning Hawaiian island attractions located relatively close to Kauai, being connected by either regular ferries or flights. However, these don't really lend themselves to day trips from Kauai and most neighboring attractions are more suitable for island-hopping weekends or longer excursions, which allow you to properly explore and do the island justice.

Niihau is often nicknamed the 'Forbidden Isle' since it is privately owned and generally off limits to tourists, although at certain times, visitors are permitted. The attractions of Oahu are also particularly close to Kauai, where you will encounter some of Hawaii's most famous holiday destinations, such as Honolulu and the legendary Waikiki Beach


Further Maui coastal view

Maui

The island of Maui can be found to the far south-east, lying directly north of the Hawaii Big Island. Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian islands, after the Big Island, and famed for its beaches and breathtaking coastal scenery. Once a busy whaling port, Lahaina is the main town on Maui and home to an array of different attractions, which are often based around the tourist strip of Front Street, and also the busy harborfront. Lahaina is conveniently situated alongside the beach resorts of Kapalua and Kaanapali, and near to Papapwai Point, a good lookout spot where you can watch visiting North Pacific humpback whales in the winter months.

Molokai picture showing the scenic Papohaku Beach

Molokai

Molokai is relatively close to Kauai to the south-east, being sandwiched between the Hawaiian islands of both Oahu (north-west) and Maui (south-east). With a population of around 7,500 people, Molokai is the fifth-largest of the Hawaiian islands and features just a few relatively small resorts and related attractions, which are generally quite undeveloped and offer a true taste of Hawaii. Kaunakakai is the biggest town on Molokai and the main face for its tourism, with a good selection of restaurants and hotels. The Kamakou Preserve marks the very center of the island, while around the coastline, the Halawa Beach Park and neighboring Halawa Valley stand out.

Niihau

Niihau is a charming tropical island, situated extremely close by to the island's westerly shore. Actually the smallest of all Hawaii's inhabited islands, Niihau is a native Hawaiian reserve, with just over 200 people calling this island their home. Although Niihau is a private island, each year there are a small number of supervised tours, which all the island's attractions to be enjoyed by a small number of lucky visitors, who are able swim, scuba dive, hike and explore the main beaches.

Oahu photo of the world-famous Waikiki Beach

Oahu

Oahu is the number three Hawaiian island in terms of overall size and remains extremely popular. Recently, the northern shoreline of Oahu featured extensively in the movie blockbuster 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall', which was filmed extensively around the beautiful Turtle Bay Resort. Home to around 900,000 islanders, Oahu offers it visitors some truly world-class attractions, with the most famous including Honolulu's Aloha Tower Marketplace, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, amongst many others. Surfers will find plenty of opportunity to test the waves around Oahu, particularly at Kahaloa, Ulukou and Waikiki.