Adventure, Culture and Relaxation on Kaua'i

Hiking

Kauai is home to the most beautiful hikes in the world (in my honest and totally un-biased opinion). Whether you are planning a hike for a day, or to camp for a few days, or just a way to spend the afternoon, we’ve got you covered! While AllTrails.com has many suggestions, here are a couple of my favorites:

For beginners: A walk down to Makauwahi Cave is a unique experience and a way to learn more about the geology of Kaua'i. You’ll drive down the dirt road past the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i, turn right at the CJM stables sign and park on the road to the left before reaching the stables (be sure to rent an off-road capable vehicle and check with your rental company first! Otherwise you can park at Shipwreck’s beach and walk along the road for added exercise!).

For those taking an afternoon hike: Koke’e is home to a multitude of hikes! One of my favorite short jaunts is the Waipo’o Falls Black Pipe trail. This trail starts at the “Koke’e State Park” sign just around the bend from mile marker 14. You’ll hike to a beautiful and refreshing waterfall on this approximately three-mile out and back hike and enjoy gorgeous views of the Waimea Canyon (the Great Canyon of the Pacific!)

When hiking please bring plenty of water and obey all signs and warnings. Hiking on wet and rainy days can be treacherous. When in doubt, don’t go.

Tours

Some of the best ways to get to know the island and its historic culture are from the residents themselves! We have some amazing tour options all over the island. A couple of my favorites are:

The Smith’s Family Garden Luau is my all time favorite dinner and a show. Learn about the ancient Hawaiian culture and get to have the best local buffet meal on the island! To add more to your trip, I would suggest starting with their river boat cruise on the Wailua River to Fern Grotto!

Boat tours of the famous Na Pali Coastline: Holoholo charters have the best tours of the iconic coastline and the best tour guides on the island. They have full day tours and sunset tours available to fit your travel schedule.

Go on an adventure

With mountains and rivers all around, Kaua'i is a thrill-seeker’s destination! Two of my favorite adventure guide companies are:

For a four-wheeling adventure with a touch of movie buff sightseeing - Kipu Ranch’s Ultimate Kauai Off-Road Ranch ATV tour. This tour will take you all around the historic landscape of Kipu Ranch to see famous backdrops from movies like Jurassic Park, The Descendants, and some of the inspiration for Lilo and Stitch.

For a little more thrill-seeking adventure, Koloa Zipline boasts the longest zipline on the island. Fly over 22,000 acres of Kaua'i’s historic sugar plantation land on eight different ziplines. You can zip any way you want on these lines - backwards, upside down, hands-free, and even superhero-style!

Learn to surf

If you don’t already know how, the best place to learn to surf has got to be in Hawai'i!

If you are traveling in the late Spring/Summer - the best place to learn to surf is on the south side of Kaua'i. I personally took lessons from Endless Summer Surf School Kaua'i they have great local coaches who are ready to share all their wisdom on skills and tips to find your best wave.

If you’re traveling to the island in the Winter, the south side will be a bit calmer so the best waves will be up in Hanalei Bay where Hanalei Surf School has got you covered.

Relax at the beach

Some of the best days are spent just relaxing on the beach. Top spots to go would be:

Poipu Beach Park - With a reef-enclosed shallow water area this is the best place to go with young kids and also has some great snorkeling. And if you stay past sunset you can even spot the turtles coming into shore for the night (In respect for our native wildlife please do not touch or approach the turtles or monk seals that come to the beach).

Hanalei Pier and Beach - On the north side of the island, Hanalei bay is home to a gorgeous view of the mountains behind the beach where you can often spot waterfalls trickling down between the valleys. You can also jump off the pier if just swimming and surfing is a little too relaxing for you!

At the beach, listen to all lifeguard instructions and keep an eye on currents and tides. Kaua'i is famous for its surfing because we can get some pretty big waves at certain times of the year. Be cautious on the north shore during the winter months and on the southside in the summer. When in doubt, don’t go out!

Visit the historic towns of Kaua'i

Take note of the historic pacific architecture and maybe find some insta-worthy backdrops all over Kaua'i.

Hanapepe town - the biggest little town on Kaua'i hosts an art walk night every Friday night starting at 5 pm. With local artists and food spots you can come and see the town that famously influenced Lilo & Stitch and get some great pieces to take home with you.

Old Koloa Town - this little village has been growing recently! With shops and restaurants all along the road, this area has kept to its historic roots while also giving new restaurants and shops from local families.

Kapa’a - Kaua'i’s most populated town, this area has plenty of shops and restaurants to look around in! Rent a bike and take a bike ride up the Kapa’a Bike path for gorgeous views of the coconut coast.

On Kauai’s Southshore:

Eden Coffee Poipu - this little trailer located near Kukui’ula shopping village is the perfect place to stop for a quick coffee and bagel for breakfast before starting out your day. The staff are so friendly and love sharing their tips about the island with guests!

Holoholo grill at the Koloa Landing resort is my all time favorite brunch spot. It is my go to spot for a weekend brunch!

Kalaheo Cafe - has local style meals all day! Try their Loco Moco or Paniolo Breakfast!

If you find yourself on the west side:

Koke’e Lodge has great coffee and a great menu for lunch! A perfect stop before or after a hike in the mountain!

Chicken in a Barrel - while this local BBQ chain is present on all sides of the island, the shop at the Waimea Cottages is my favorite. Located on a beautiful garden, this spot boasts great sunset views and a beer tap wall! They also have great pizza at this location if you’re not in the BBQ mood.

On Kauai’s East Side (Kapa’a/Wailua):

Java Kai - Another local chain that serves up great coffee and boasts a fantastic breakfast and lunch menu! Be sure to stop by their flagship shop in Kapaa town!

Lava Lava Beach Club - Located in the Kauai Shores Hotel, this restaurant is a great stop for lunch on the coconut coast.

Kintaro’s - Freshly re-opened and a local favorite for a nice dinner out, Kintaro’s is the best sushi on island.

Hamura’s Saimin - if you’re looking for a true local favorite, don’t let this one pass you by! The classic diner in Lihue accepts only cash, so be sure you have some on hand. Seats are first come first serve, grab a spot and order a classic or shrimp saimin, made the same way for over half a century!

And Finally, when you’re visiting Kauai’s North Shore, be sure to stop by these places:

Holey Grail Donuts - The original taro donut truck in Hanalei used to be only open on Sunday mornings and became a pilgrimage destination for those living on the south side of the island. Now a widespread chain with locations all over Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and a few spots in California! They are open in their original food truck in Hanalei daily from 7 am-1 pm.

Ama Restaurant - for great ramen and great atmosphere, check out Ama in the Historic Hanalei Village Center.

Avalon Gastropub - Now in their new location in Kilauea, Avalon Gastropub is known for their unique drinks! This is a great place to stop for dinner after a day on the North Shore!