Lawai

Lawai is a charming and historic town located on the southeastern coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. With its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and laid-back atmosphere, Lawai offers a unique and authentic Hawaiian experience for visitors. One of the most notable landmarks in Lawai is the Lawai International Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural and spiritual significance of the area. The center features a series of sacred temples and shrines, as well as a museum and cultural center that offers workshops, classes, and events.

 Visitors to Lawai can also explore the town’s rich history and heritage by visiting the Lawai Jodo Mission, a Buddhist temple that was established in the early 1900s. The temple features a beautiful Japanese garden and a pagoda-style bell tower. Lawai is also home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes on Kauai. The town is located near the base of the majestic Mount Haupu, a towering volcanic peak that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and ocean. Visitors can hike through the lush forests and valleys of the mountain, taking in the sights and sounds of the island’s diverse flora and fauna.

 Lawai offers several beautiful and secluded beaches that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. One of the most popular beaches in the area is Lawai Beach, a picturesque crescent-shaped beach that is surrounded by towering palm trees and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can also explore the nearby Kukuiula Harbor, a bustling marina that offers a variety of water sports and activities, as well as several restaurants and shops. 

Overall, Lawai is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique and authentic Hawaiian experience. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and laid-back atmosphere, Lawai is the perfect destination for travelers looking to escape the crowds and experience the true spirit of Hawaii.

Flights To Lawai

Tip For Booking Cheap Flights To Lawai

  • Book in advance: Airfare prices tend to go up as the departure date approaches, so it’s generally a good idea to book your flights several months in advance if possible.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: Airfare prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of day, and time of year. If you have flexibility in your travel dates, try searching for flights on different days and times to find the cheapest options.
  • Use flight comparison websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, Earlytrips, Ticketsaway, Mycityflights and Google Flights can help you compare prices across different airlines and find the best deals on flights to Lawai. You can also set up price alerts to notify you when prices drop.
  • Consider alternative airports: While Lihue Airport (LIH) is the closest airport to Lawai, flights to Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on the island of Oahu may be cheaper. From there, you can take a short inter-island flight or a ferry to Kauai.
  • Look for flight deals and promotions: Airlines and travel agencies often offer flight deals and promotions, especially during off-peak travel times. Sign up for email alerts from your preferred airlines and travel agencies to stay informed about the latest deals.
  • Consider using travel rewards credit cards: If you travel frequently, using a travel rewards credit card can help you earn points or miles that you can redeem for free or discounted flights.

Places To Visit

Beaches
  1. Lawai Beach: Lawai Beach is a picturesque crescent-shaped beach that is located in front of the Lawai Beach Resort. The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and stunning ocean views. Visitors can go swimming, snorkeling, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore.
  2. Kukuiula Beach: Kukuiula Beach is a beautiful white sand beach that is located in the heart of Poipu. The beach is popular among families and offers a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Visitors can go swimming, sunbathing, or take a dip in the nearby natural ocean waterslide.
  3. Poipu Beach: Poipu Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Kauai and is located just a few miles from Lawai. The beach is known for its calm waters, soft sand, and stunning ocean views. Visitors can go swimming, snorkeling, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore. The beach is also home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and monk seals.
  4. Brennecke’s Beach: Brennecke’s Beach is a small but popular beach that is located near Poipu Beach. The beach is known for its excellent surf conditions and is a popular spot for bodyboarding and surfing. Visitors can rent equipment from local shops and enjoy the waves.
  5. Shipwreck Beach: Shipwreck Beach is a scenic beach that is located near the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. The beach is known for its rugged coastline, rocky cliffs, and stunning ocean views. Visitors can go swimming, sunbathing, or take a hike along the nearby Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.
Cultural Sites
  1. Lawai International Center: A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural and spiritual significance of the area. Visitors can explore the sacred temples and shrines, attend workshops and events, and learn about the history and traditions of the area.
  2. Lawai Jodo Mission: A Buddhist temple that was established in the early 1900s. The temple features a beautiful Japanese garden and a pagoda-style bell tower, as well as a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Outdoor Activities
  1. Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail: A scenic hiking trail that offers stunning ocean views and a variety of wildlife sightings. The trail is located near Shipwreck Beach and is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching.
  2. Poipu Bay Golf Course: A championship golf course that offers stunning ocean views and a variety of amenities. The course has hosted several professional tournaments and is a popular spot for golf enthusiasts.
  3. Kukuiula Harbor: A bustling marina that offers a variety of water sports and activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours. Visitors can rent equipment from local shops and explore the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.
  4. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Lawai offers a variety of scuba diving and snorkeling spots, including the nearby Tunnels Beach and Koloa Landing. Visitors can rent equipment from local shops and explore the island’s vibrant marine life.
  5. Mount Haupu: A majestic volcanic peak that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and ocean. Visitors can hike through the lush forests and valleys of the mountain, taking in the sights and sounds of the island’s diverse flora and fauna.
  6. Allerton and McBryde Gardens: Located in the nearby town of Poipu, these gardens feature a variety of tropical plants and flowers, as well as scenic walking trails and picnic areas.
Dining and Shopping
  1. Lawai General Store: A historic general store that has been serving the community since 1919. The store offers a variety of snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, as well as a deli and a seating area.
  2. The Barking Sands Bar and Grill: A popular restaurant and bar that offers a variety of Hawaiian-inspired dishes, including poke bowls, kalua pig, and fresh seafood.
Events and Festivals
  1. Lawai International Center’s annual festival: A cultural festival that celebrates the history and traditions of the area. The festival features live music, local cuisine, and cultural performances.
  2. Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival: A two-day event in October that celebrates the island’s chocolate and coffee industries. The festival features tastings, workshops, and demonstrations.

Best Vacation Spotss

  1. Poipu Beach: This world-famous beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and stunning ocean views. Visitors can go swimming, snorkeling, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore.
  2. Allerton and McBryde Gardens: These beautiful gardens are located in the nearby town of Poipu and feature a variety of tropical plants and flowers, as well as scenic walking trails and picnic areas.
  3. Lawai International Center: This non-profit organization is dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural and spiritual significance of the area. Visitors can explore the sacred temples and shrines, attend workshops and events, and learn about the history and traditions of the area.
  4. Kukuiula Harbor: This bustling marina offers a variety of water sports and activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours. Visitors can rent equipment from local shops and explore the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.
  5. Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail: This scenic hiking trail offers stunning ocean views and a variety of wildlife sightings. The trail is located near Shipwreck Beach and is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching.
  6. Poipu Bay Golf Course: This championship golf course offers stunning ocean views and a variety of amenities. The course has hosted several professional tournaments and is a popular spot for golf enthusiasts.
  7. Lawai General Store: This historic general store has been serving the community since 1919 and offers a variety of snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, as well as a deli and a seating area.
  8. The Barking Sands Bar and Grill: This popular restaurant and bar offers a variety of Hawaiian-inspired dishes, including poke bowls, kalua pig, and fresh seafood.
  9. Lawai Beach Resort: This beachfront resort offers a variety of accommodations, including hotel rooms, suites, and villas. The resort features a swimming pool, hot tub, and a variety of amenities.
  10. Koloa Landing Resort: This luxury resort offers a variety of accommodations, including villas and residences. The resort features a lagoon-style swimming pool, a spa, and a variety of amenities.

Hotels

Top Hotels

  • The Lodge at Kukui’ula: This 5-star resort offers a luxurious retreat on 1000 acres of lush gardens, providing guests with privacy and seclusion. The resort’s villas and bungalows feature private pools and hot tubs, and guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including golf, tennis, and hiking.
  • Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach: Located on the sunny south shore of Kauai, this 4-star resort offers luxurious rooms and suites with private balconies and stunning ocean views. Guests can relax by the swimming pool, hot tub, or enjoy the resort’s spa, fitness center, and restaurant.
  • Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa: This 4-star resort is a tropical oasis, situated on 50 acres of lush gardens. Guests can enjoy luxurious rooms and suites with private balconies and ocean views, a lagoon-style swimming pool, a spa, and a variety of amenities, including tennis courts, several restaurants, and a fitness center.
  • Sheraton Kauai Resort: Located on 20 acres of lush gardens, this 4-star resort offers luxurious rooms and suites with private balconies and ocean views. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool, hot tub, spa, fitness center, and several restaurants. The resort also offers a variety of activities, including a luau, golf, and tennis.
  • Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu Beach: This 4-star resort offers luxurious villas and residences on 25 acres of lush gardens, providing guests with privacy and a sense of seclusion. The resort features a lagoon-style swimming pool, a spa, and a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, tennis courts, and several restaurants. Guests can also enjoy water sports and activities like snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking.

Budget Frienly Hotels

  • Regency at Poipu Kai: This 3-star hotel offers affordable rooms and suites with private balconies and ocean views. The hotel features a swimming pool, hot tub, and a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, tennis courts, and a barbecue area.
  • Poipu Kapili: This 3-star hotel offers affordable condos with full kitchens, private lanais, and ocean views. The hotel features a swimming pool, hot tub, and a variety of amenities, including a barbecue area and a tennis court.
  • Castle Kiahuna Plantation & The Beach Bungalows: This 3-star hotel offers affordable bungalows with full kitchens, private lanais, and ocean views. The hotel features a swimming pool, hot tub, and a variety of amenities, including a barbecue area and a tennis court.
  • Waikomo Stream Retreat & Spa: This 3-star hotel offers affordable rooms and suites with private lanais and garden views. The hotel features a swimming pool, hot tub, and a variety of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and a barbecue area.
  • The Cliffs at Princeville: This 3-star hotel offers affordable rooms and suites with private lanais and ocean views. The hotel features a swimming pool, hot tub, and a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, tennis courts, and a barbecue area.

Best Time To Visit

  • Weather: Lawai has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The peak tourist season is from December to April when the weather is dry and the temperatures are slightly cooler. However, the rainy season from May to October can also be a great time to visit, with fewer crowds and lush, green landscapes.
  • Activities: Lawai offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, snorkeling, surfing, and golfing. The best time to visit for these activities depends on the specific activity and your skill level. For example, winter is the best time for surfing and advanced hikers may prefer the wetter months when the trails are less crowded.
  • Crowds: Lawai can be quite crowded during peak tourist season, with higher prices and limited availability for accommodations and activities. If you prefer a quieter and more affordable experience, consider visiting during the shoulder season or off-season.
  • Events: Lawai hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Lawai International Hongwanji Bon Dance in July, the Koloa Plantation Days in August, and the Christmas Light Parade in December. If you’re interested in attending a specific event, plan your trip around it.
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