Quick Summary:

  • What is Kauai known for?
    • Kauai, part of the Hawaiian archipelago, is nicknamed "the Garden Isle" due to its lush tropical rainforest-covered mountains and valleys. The island is home to breathtaking scenery, including the dramatic cliffs and pinnacles of the Na Pali Coast and the ten-mile-long Waimea Canyon.
  • What kind of outdoor activities can you do in Kauai?
    • Floating in the middle of the Pacific, this Polynesian paradise offers an easy-going outdoor lifestyle. Visitors can enjoy activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking, surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife watching.
  • Are there family-friendly parks and recreation areas on Kauai?
    • Yes, the island is home to many spectacular parks, reserves, and recreation areas that feature family-friendly campgrounds and outdoor spaces.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Anahola Beach Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Anahola Beach Park | Kauai Campgrounds
© Mark/stock.adobe.com

2. Anini Beach Park Campground ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Accommodations
Anini Beach Park Campground | Kauai Campgrounds
© JacobMartin/stock.adobe.com

3. Camp Sloggett

Camp Sloggett | Kauai Campgrounds
© Ivan/stock.adobe.com

4. Hanalei Beach Park

Category: Activities
Hanalei Beach Park | Kauai Campgrounds
© steheap/stock.adobe.com

5. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area | Kauai Campgrounds
© Circumnavigation/stock.adobe.com

6. Kalalau Beach

Category: Beaches
Kalalau Beach | Kauai Campgrounds
© julie/stock.adobe.com

7. Kapa'a Beach Park

Category: Activities
Kapa'a Beach Park | Kauai Campgrounds
© norinori303/stock.adobe.com

8. Kawaikoi Camp

Kawaikoi Camp | Kauai Campgrounds
© Gary/stock.adobe.com

9. Keanakolu Ranger and Bunkhouse Cabins

Keanakolu Ranger and Bunkhouse Cabins | Kauai Campgrounds
© New Africa/stock.adobe.com

10. Ke'e State Beach Park

Category: Activities
Ke'e State Beach Park | Kauai Campgrounds
© Alan Klehr Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

11. Kiholo State Park Reserve

Category: Activities
Kiholo State Park Reserve | Kauai Campgrounds
© norinori303/stock.adobe.com

12. Koke'e State Park Campground

Category: Accommodations
Koke'e State Park Campground | Kauai Campgrounds
© cherryandbees/stock.adobe.com

13. Lydgate Campground

Category: Accommodations
Lydgate Campground | Kauai Campgrounds
© 06photo/stock.adobe.com

14. Manuka State Wayside

Manuka State Wayside | Kauai Campgrounds
© Evaldas/stock.adobe.com

15. Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

Category: Activities
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park | Kauai Campgrounds
© MNStudio/stock.adobe.com

16. Polihale State Park Camping Area 4

Category: Activities
Polihale State Park Camping Area 4 | Kauai Campgrounds
© New Africa/stock.adobe.com

17. Salt Pond Beach Park

Category: Activities
Salt Pond Beach Park | Kauai Campgrounds
© Janine/stock.adobe.com

18. Sugi Grove Campground

Category: Accommodations
Sugi Grove Campground | Kauai Campgrounds
© DragonImages/stock.adobe.com

19. Waimea Canyon State Park

Category: Activities
Waimea Canyon State Park | Kauai Campgrounds
© Maridav/stock.adobe.com

20. Camp Hale Koa

Camp Hale Koa | Kauai Campgrounds
© Camp Hale Koa

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