Known as Hawaii’s “Garden Isle,” the island of Kauai is known for its lush and dramatic landscapes — jagged, verdant peaks of the Nāpali Coast rising from the ocean and casting shadows over deep canyons and the red earth below. The Wailua River, once a site reserved for Hawaiian royalty, winds through the island’s heart, and Waimea Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” offers mystical primordial views. Kauai is the oldest of Hawaii’s islands, historically home to native Hawaiians who cultivated its land and preserved its natural beauty with practices reflecting a deep respect for the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
In more recent years, Kauai has continued to creatively evolve — serving as a hub for local artisans, farmers, and chefs dedicated to preserving Hawaiian traditions as well as innovating in their crafts — while never losing connection to the land’s wild, unbound force. Most excitingly, the island has become a paragon of sustainable tourism, whether through pushing forward eco-conscious local policies or investing in cultural and sustainable programs, including a new grant system that rewards local businesses for their community stewardship or for their regenerative experiences. Promoting these eco-friendly practices offers visitors a chance to connect with the island’s spiritual energy while leaving a light footprint — whether you’re hiking ancient trails, sampling produce grown on generational farms, or sailing down the coast.
Stays
Eco-inspired hotels rooted in the Hawaiian practices of mālama
Accommodations in Kauai reflect the island’s natural beauty and relaxed charm, with many properties emphasizing sustainability and a deep connection to the land. In the native Hawaiian language, this ethos is encapsulated in the word mālama, which conveys a deep sense of care, protection, and stewardship. Expect eco-friendly designs, and experiences and amenities drawing from that rich, wet terroir. For those seeking a place on the South Shore, Koʻa Kea Resort offers a relaxed boutique experience on Poi’pū Beach — one of the island’s most famed for catching glimpses of sea turtles basking on its sands. The atmosphere here exudes relaxed coastal elegance and romance, and many who stay at Ko’a Kea are couples on a personal retreat or honeymoon.
Each of the 121 rooms is designed with earthy Hawaiian-inspired decor and offers private lanais, many of which overlook the sparkling Pacific. The resort’s award-winning dining at Red Salt highlights local ingredients with its refined, island-inspired cuisine by Kauai-native chef Noelani Planas. “It’s always been important to me to bring flavors into Red Salt’s menu that represents our Kauaian culture and supports local businesses, and lately I’ve been very inspired by Kauai Nectar Farms honeycomb, local opakapaka, and Kauai Permaculture’s edible flower garnishes,” he says. For those looking to be still, there’s a pool with direct access to Poʻipū’s golden sands. For those looking to sweat, activities like surf lessons and outrigger canoeing are on offer.
The journey to 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay might take a bit more time post-arrival to the island, as the North Shore is around a one-and-a-half-hour drive from the airport, but guests are rewarded with misty beachfront views of turquoise waves and muscular, moss-green mountains. A luxurious, eco-conscious retreat that seamlessly blends with Kauai’s natural beauty — this newly reimagined property by the 1 Hotel brand (it was previously known as the St. Regis Princeville) sets a high bar for sustainability, incorporating reclaimed materials, native plant landscaping, and energy-efficiency into its design.
Guests here enjoy serene rooms and suites featuring organic linens, sweeping ocean or mountain views, and biophilic amenities like in-room greenery that bring the outdoors in. Multiple swimming options on-property include an adults-only infinity pool, the family-friendly main pool, and, of course, Pu’u Poa beach beyond. The beach for which the property is named, Hanalei Bay, has also been ranked amongst the top ten beaches globally. Wellness also takes center stage here, with offerings such as yoga on the beach, guided hikes through nearby trails, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The resort’s culinary program highlights Kauai’s bounty, with dishes such as coffee-crusted yellowfin ahi tuna and pork belly served with a fermented cabbage slaw and ulu (breadfruit).
Timbers Kauai is located on the scenic southeastern coast in Līhuʻe — less than a ten-minute drive from the airport. There, three distinct residences offer guests a personalized, private home, and remains the only residential offering on the island to receive a Michelin Key. The oceanfront property, set within the Hokuala resort, features spacious residences with contemporary island-inspired designs, full kitchens, and expansive lanais with panoramic views of the Pacific or the proud Haupu mountains.
