Kauai has endless adventures, activities, eateries and amazing things to do…..or not do. Chilling out and doing as little as possible is good too! Whatever your desire, we’ll guide you to the best places on island. Before you arrive, we’ll send you a questionnaire that will ask about your interests for your trip. Based on your responses, we’ll prepare a curated list of customized recommendations for you. And we can help with other requests. Need a cake for a party? Catering for a family lunch? Specialized baby gear? Private hiking guide? Where to rent a bike? Below, we highlight just a sampling of some of our favorites beaches, hikes, adventures and restaurants.
Beaches
Fuji Beach: Walk out your front door, take a couple of steps to the left and you’re here. Also known as Baby’s Beach, the calm and shallow water makes this a great “chilling-out” spot for all ages.
Donkey Beach: A little hidden and requiring a short hike, you’re likely to have this gorgeous beach all to yourself (although we don’t recommend swimming here).
Lydgate Beach Park: Two protected “pools” or lagoons, lifeguards, full facilities, picnic areas and an awesome playground make this a family-friendly destination.
Poipu Beach: Where the turtles hang out from sunrise to sunset! Plus, there’s a playground, good snorkeling and gentle swimming in the winter months.
Anini Beach: Long and calm, with a protected reef, easy parking and access and fantastic snorkeling.
Hanalei Bay: The jewel of Kauai beaches, where the river meets the ocean and the ocean meets the pier. Stunning.
Hiking
Sleeping Giant: A great workout with a good elevation gain, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views at the top.
Ho’opi’i Falls: Hike to two waterfalls and jump in the ponds below for a refreshing swim. Kid-friendly.
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail: On the south shore, walk along stunning cliffs with the ocean waves pounding below.
Kalalau Trail: Hike the NaPali Coast to the beach (4 miles round trip), the waterfall (8 miles round trip) or the entire length (22 miles round trip). Advance passes/permits required
Stone Dam: This hike for non-hikers is more like a lovely stroll to the gorgeous sugar plantation reservoir and dam built in 1881.
Waimea Canyon: A truly other-worldly experience. Good for long hikes, short hikes, or view from easy lookouts.
Can't Miss Adventures
NaPali Coast Tour: Choose from luxurious yachts and catamarans or adventure rafts and zodiacs. Some tours include picnics, BBQs, or dinner and cocktails; some include snorkeling, a “slide and swim” platform, “cave patrols,”, and many more to suit your individual tastes.
Helicopter or Plane Tours: See the NaPali Coast from the air! Choose from “doors on” or “doors off,” or choose tours that include landings where Jurassic Park was filmed. If a helicopter scares you, try a plane!
Tubing: A favorite activity! Ride through an irrigation channel at an old sugar plantation in inner tubes through caves.
Lu’aus: Lots of styles to choose from! Try Smith’s Family Garden Lu’au (a favorite) or the highly produced Lu’au Kalamaku or the homey Tahiti Nui Lu’au or the exciting Ahi Lele Fire Show and many more.
Other activities for the adventure lover: kayaking, paddleboarding, ATVing, ziplining, waterfall rappelling, spearfishing, scuba diving, surf lessons, horseback riding, bike riding and many more! We’ll give you all the details
Fine Dining
JO2: Exquisite dishes incorporating Kauai-grown heirloom vegetables and the freshest ingredients from the sea. Creative and visually stunning.
Sam’s Ocean View: Killer view, outstanding cocktails, delicious globally inspired food and a festive and fun vibe make Sam’s a local favorite.
Hukilau Lanai: Using ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors, including produce, fish, cheese, coffee, meat, spirits and more, all served in a romantic garden setting, this is special occasion dining.
Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt: A favorite for special occasions, this is upscale Hawaiian cuisine.
Oasis on the Beach: Everyone’s idea of a tropical paradise, on the beach with a fantastic bar and delicious local cuisine.
Lava Lava Beach Club: More “fun” than “fine” dining, experience “toes in the sand” dining with a festive island vibe.
Coffee and Juice
Java Kai: Healthy and nutritious, this is the place in Old Town Kapa’a to grab breakfast, coffee, smoothies, pastries and lunch, along with some hip merch to take home.
Collab Café: What do you get when a baker, an ice cream maker and a coffee roaster decide to collaborate on a venture? A delicious and happening spot! And don’t miss the avocado toast or homemade Spam (when available).
Kauai Juice Co.: Here, you’ll find a “refreshing wave of positivity aimed at Health, Happiness and Aloha,” not to mention fresh juice made from the finest local ingredients, plus lots of other fun treats.
Mokihana Coffee: Super-cute bus/truck in Old Kapa’a Town, with delicious coffees and pastries. Raves for the macadamia nut latte! Sit a spell and watch the world go by.
Trilogy Coffee: If you’re thirsty in Kilauea, stop by for their “artisanal blends for elevated living.” A unique organic coffee, tea and treats experience.
Food Trucks
Namaste: You won’t believe food of this quality comes from a food truck. You’ll find an extensive menu of curries, tandoor dishes and much more, all freshly made to order.
Al Pastor: Simple and delicious, their tacos are made from the freshest local fish. Try the shrimp and lengua tacos, and the quesadillas, too.
Shakalafel: How can a falafel be both pillowy tender and crispy at the same time? Plus, they’re vegetarian, vegan and authentic. So tasty.
Sushi Girl Kauai: Located in a charming historic marketplace in Kilauea, you’ll find outstanding sushi and poke including vegetarian and vegan options. Walk around and enjoy the shops when you’re done.
808 Grill: Serving restaurant quality Pacific Rim dishes with a French and Asian flare, this amazing food truck delivers farm to table dining from the heart of Kapa’a. Try the Mahi Mahi. And the poke. And the brussels sprouts. And the ribs. And the custom bento box. And…….
