Kauai Map: Towns, Beaches, Regions & Where It Is
Kauai is the oldest and fourth-largest Hawaiian island, shaped like a rough circle with one main highway that nearly rings it. This map guide covers its regions, towns, and key facts.
Kauai's regions and towns
The island splits into the south shore (Poipu), east side/Coconut Coast (Lihue, Kapaa), north shore (Princeville, Hanalei), and west side (Waimea, Hanapepe).
How big is Kauai?
Kauai covers about 552 square miles. You can drive most of the coast in a few hours, but no road crosses the rugged, roadless Na Pali interior.
Where is Kauai located?
Kauai lies at the northwest end of the main Hawaiian Islands, about a 30-minute flight from Honolulu. It is the northwesternmost island visitors can freely visit; privately owned Niihau lies farther west.
Time zone in Kauai
Kauai runs on Hawaii Standard Time (HST) and does not observe daylight saving, making it two to three hours behind the US West Coast.
Interactive Kauai map
Tap any dot for details and a link to our guide. Use the boxes to show or hide beaches, hikes, resorts, towns and sights. Click the map to enable scroll zoom.
Status of parks and trails changes during the Hurricane Lowell recovery; see what's open on Kauai.
Kauai driving times
| Route | Distance | Typical drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Lihue Airport to Kapaa | 10 to 12 miles | 15 to 25 minutes |
| Lihue Airport to Poipu | about 14 miles | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Lihue Airport to Princeville | about 30 miles | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Lihue Airport to Haena (end of the road) | about 39 miles | about 1 hour 40 minutes |
| West Side towns to Poipu | varies | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Princeville to Poipu | about 42 miles | about 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Kee Beach to Polihale (end to end) | about 85 miles | 3 hours or more |
Approximate times in light traffic. You cannot drive all the way around Kauai: the Na Pali Coast has no road, so the highway ends at Kee Beach in the north and Polihale in the west.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kauai is about 552 square miles, the fourth-largest Hawaiian island, roughly 33 miles across.
Useful links
Keep planning
Car Rental
Plan
Kauai car rental prices by season, Lihue Airport pickup tips, and how to save, plus why you almost certainly need a car on Kauai.
Where to Stay
Stay
Where to stay in Kauai: Poipu vs Princeville vs Kapaa, best areas and places to stay for first-timers, families, and couples.
Things to Do
Do
The best things to do in Kauai: Na Pali boat tours, mountain tubing, luaus, ziplines, Wailua River kayaking, free activities and current closures.
Beaches
Do
Kauai's best beaches ranked: Poipu, Anini, Tunnels, Hanalei, Shipwreck, Glass Beach and Secret Beach, with parking, safety, snorkeling and closure notes.