(Editors note: These Recommendations are all based on trips we took to Kauai prior to 2020. Not all places are guaranteed to still be in business)
A week on the island of Kauai is not a lot of time. Really! Because every day there are things you don’t want to miss, and in between those events there are places you’ll want to go.
We’ve spent a total of 30 days on the island over 5 different trips now, and there’s still more we haven’t had the chance to do- the Limahuli or McBryde Garden tours, the Botanical Garden Mini-Golf, the Kilauea lighthouse, the Steelgrass Chocolate Farm tour, hiking the NaPali Coast… and more and more. But we have done a whole bunch, so here are some recommendations on what to do on the Garden Isle.
For the Adventurous:
Jack Harter No Doors Helicopter Tour:
We did this trip in 2014, and a trip it was. From the Kauai Airport you lift off and overfly the heart of the island. We spotted the Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Park Waterfall), then continued over Waimea Canyon. Onwards to the Napali coast, and dipping down into a volcanic crater. We followed the coast line along the north shore, more waterfalls and beautiful landscapes abound. Finally we hovered above Wailua Falls, my favorite waterfall on the island, and a popular tourist spot as well. Then it was back to the airport. The no-doors aspect of the ride adds a bit of exhilaration, but doesn’t turn it into a thrill ride. It also means better pictures, as you’re not fighting the glare of the windows.
Captain Andy’s Catamaran:
We’ve ridden with Captain Andy’s three times now, twice on their Napali Coast dinner sunset sail, and once on their Snorkel BBQ sail. On the Napali coast tour, starting from the south-west side of the island at Port Allen we ventured north to the scenic cliffs of Napali. For whatever reason I had a great time the first trip, but got sick on the second one. (There were a few souls suffering the same ailment the first time around). It’s not a smooth ride, but man is it a beautiful view. The view is only complimented by an amazing dinner of Filet Mignon and Cheesecake for dessert.
Our snorkel BBQ was interrupted by some bad weather, so we sailed south east to Poipu, and then back to just west of Port Allen to conduct our snorkeling. We had a few highlights, including a great perspective of Spouting Horn (wave-created geyser) and some dolphins riding alongside the boat. But the snorkeling itself was mediocre. I’m unsure if our snorkeling spot is the norm or if it’s usually done closer to Napali, but you might conduct your own research on that matter. The food on this trip was terrific as well, though not quite on par with the dinner they offer.
Kauai Backcountry Adventures:
This company offers a couple different activites, including ziplining. But we opted to do the Sugar Cane Canal Tubing adventure, which was somewhat on the adventurous side, somewhat on the relaxing side. The trip includes a short but scenic drive onto an old sugar-cane farm (no longer operating, to my knowledge). You then head down some steps and step into the... let's say "brisk" canal water. The ride is around an hour, if I recall correctly, and involves a trip through a couple tunnels, plus a short 3 foot drop-off. You're equipped with a helmet and a light, though through one of the tunnels guests are requested to leave the light off for a unique experience. Ends with a light lunch and a short drive back to the base-camp. We did this once on our first visit to the island, and again with many of our friends and family when we had our wedding on the island.
For those who want to relax:
This is where Kauai shines. It would take a novel to go into detail about everything we’ve done here, but here are my recommendations.
Waterfall Seeking: Kauai is home to one of the wettest spots on earth, Mount Wai‘Ale‘Ale, as such there a lot of waterfalls on the island. Our favorites to see, from the east side clockwise: Opaekaa falls, Wailua Falls, Waimea Falls. None of which require a hike to see!
Na ‘Aina Botanical Gardens: Set on the north shore of Kauai, these extensive gardens feature a vast variety of flora, but the highlight may be the rainbow eucalyptus trees!
Allerton Gardens: On the south side of the island these gardens are nestled in the tropics. Notable for it’s usage in “Jurassic Park”, and for being one of only 5 botanical gardens that are part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden group.
Polihale State Beach: Situated on the west side of the island, Polihale is the farthest you can drive on the westward route before hitting the Napali Cliffs. The beach is serene and wonderfall, and the water here is perfect, if a bit rough at times. Just be sure to bring a four-wheeler, as our convertible got stuck in the sand on our last trip, and we were lucky to have locals nearby able to tug our car out with their jeep.
Farmers Markets: We always set time aside to visit a farmers market or two. Our favorites occur on Wednesday at the Shops at Kukuiula, and Saturday at the Coconut Marketplace.
Friday night artwalk: in the quiet town of Hanapepe, Friday night lights up with vendors and artists showing off their best. We’ve loved stopping by and checking out the various shops, and as the sun sets we walk across the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, taking in the view of the Hanapepe River.
Orchid Alley and Butterfly Garden: this almost classifies more as a shop than a garden, but it’s a pleasant place to walk around in. If you want to contribute $5, you can drop in a confined area and take a seat amongst numerous butterflies, but it’s not a unique experience moreso just a nice hideaway.
Kauai Coffee Plantation: somewhat on the relaxing side, somewhat on the good eats side, this spot is easily accessable to those staying on the south side of Kauai, and located close to Port Allen if you want to grab some coffee before your catamaran trip. To my knowledge, there may be some guided tours, but I've never seen one. You can self-tour some of the grounds and read about the coffee-making process. While I'm not a coffee-drinker per-se, I am a sucker for coffee-based frappicinos, and this place makes a decently strong version that I prefer over Starbucks.
For those looking for good eats:
There is oh too much to try on the island, and with the exception of one pizza joint that just didn’t live up to it’s hype, we’ve never been disappointed.
Kalapaki Beach Hut: Situated right near the cruise port, this little dive has fantastic burgers and great ambience.
Duane’s Ono Char: on the drive from Lihue towards Princeville you’ll come across this joint off the right side of the road. Another excellent choice for burgers… and for milkshakes!
Kalalea Juice Hale: Right across the street from Duane’s, you can pick up a variety of smoothies. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to learn how to strip a coconut and get to its water.
Tropical Taco: if there were nothing else on the north shore, we’d still take the hour drive to nab some of their beer-battered fish tacos. Sit on a barstool outside and search for waterfalls along the mountaintops in the distance.
Lappert’s Ice Cream: Combine coffee from an island notorious for good coffee and combine it with ice cream and you’ve got frozen espresso dream food. Though I’ve gotta admit, I favor their mini peanut butter cup n’fudge. You can find locations on the north side in Princeville and the south side in Koloa.
Beach House Restaurant: Serene and Scenic location with amazing eats. This place is super popular, so secure it well in advance!
Other places of note:
Garden Isle Bath and Body, Kapaa: Sells incredible lotions and soaps, made right on the island!
Hee Fat General Store, Kapaa: These guys sell gigantic snow cones with a vast variety of flavor options. But more important in my book, they sell North Shore Goodies Coconut Peanut Butter! As far as I know, until recently this was not available anywhere except Kauai, though it now appears you can purchase some online.
Kela’s Glass Gallery, Kapaa: features incredible glass artwork from local and national artists.
Ultimately:
This is only a fraction of what there is to do, see, and eat in Kauai, but I hope it gives you a starting point to launch from. My only advice is plan to go back, because it just can’t be done in one trip.ReplyShare