Lihue is the government and commercial center of the island as well as a cultural and historical area. This may be the most traveled town on Kauai since its home to Kauai's main airport (the Lihue Airport) and Nawiliwili Harbor, the island's major commercial shipping center and cruise ship port.
Lihue has a variety of beaches and natural wonders to explore. Kalapaki Beach is the home of the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club and the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club. Bodysurfing, windsurfing and swimming make Kalapaki a popular destination. Ninini Beach is home to an automated lighthouse, operating since 1897. And just north of Lihue, don't forget to stop at the Wailua Falls lookout for an amazing waterfall view.
The Lihue area also has numerous historical spots including Alekoko (Menehune Fishpond), a roughly 1000-year old aquaculture reservoir; Kilohana, a historic plantation estate; and both the historic Kauai Museum and Grove Farm Homestead Museum. Lihue is your gateway to adventure on Kauai.
Lihue, Kauai Highlights:
- Kauai Museum, Kauai - Located in Lihue, the Kauai Museum features amazing collections from the artisans of Kauai and Niihau.
- Alekoko, Menehune Fishpond, Kauai - According to legend, the Menehune built Alekoko Fishpond on Kauai’s southeast shore in one night.
- Kilohana Estate, Kauai - Past Lihue is Kilohana, a restored plantation estate that provides a glimpse of life in the 1930s.
- Grove Farm Homestead Museum, Kauai - Founded in 1864, this 100-acre sugar plantation museum in Lihue provides a fascinating look into Kauai’s plantation past.