What to see and do in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii

Lihue is the second largest town on the island of Kauai in Hawaii

 It is home to the Lihue Airport, the island's main airport and Nawiliwili Harbor, the island’s cruise ship port. Many parts of the island of Kauai are only accessible by air or sea.  So, Lihue is the starting point for exploring the numerous natural wonders on what is called the garden island of Hawaii.  

We traveled to Kauai on 12/21/2023 on NCL's Pride of America and spent two days at the Lihue port in Nawiliwili Harbor.  The first day we took a helicopter tour of the island with Safari helicopters which we booked in advance through Viator. After the helicopter tour, we had Safari drop us off at the shops outside the port where we visited the shops and ate lunch before walking back to the ship.  On the second day, we arranged for a private tour by taxi to some of the more popular destinations on the island.

Some of the places to visit in Kauai include the Ninini Beach which is home to a lighthouse which has been in operation since 1897.  Wailua Falls which was in the opening scene of the TV show Fantacy Island. The Alekoko Fishpond is a 1,000-year-old aquaculture reservoir. Kilohana is a historic plantation and home to one of the island’s most popular luau. Museums include the historic Kauai Museum and the Grove Farm Homestead Museum. Kalapaki Beach is the home of the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club and the Hokuala Golf Resort. 

Nawiliwili Harbor

Lihue Airport

Safari Helicopter tour

Anchor Cove shopping center near the port

Harbor Mall shopping center

Kalapaki Beach 

Hokuala Golf Resort