Island Guide
A few of our favorite places and things to do on the gorgeous island of Kaua’i.
Some important tips:
Check Instagram for Hours — Restaurants, food trucks, and shops often update their hours on social media first!
Waimea Canyon — The clouds roll in during the day, so visit in the early morning or evening for the best views. If it’s cloudy, check out the Lodge and wait — it might clear up! Canyon Trail is a great backup since it’s usually clear.
Limited Cell Service — Expect little to no reception in Kōkeʻe State Park and Waimea Canyon (and some other areas of the island), so plan ahead.
Weather Changes — If it’s raining, don’t stress! It often passes, or you can drive to the sunnier south or west sides. Check real-time island weather on the FAA Webcam site.
Daily Essentials — Always make sure you have reef safe sunscreen (the UV is high) and a reusable water bottle! We’re almost never without a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a bathing suit, water, a snack, a towel, and our slippas :)
Watch Your Step — Sea urchins (wana, pronounced “va-na”) hide in tidepools and on rocks. Stepping on one hurts, keep an eye out for them!
Respect the Signs — “No trespassing” or “Kapu” means keep out — please honor these signs.
Respect the Culture — Hawai’i is special and locals take great pride in their home. Please show respect when visiting, hiking, and taking photos. "Kōkua" means “to care for and help”. Drive slow, show respect, kōkua the islands.
Respect the Land — Leave no trace. Pack out your trash, and if you see any, pick it up!
Show Aloha — Show aloha and Kaua’i will show it back! And, of course, have so much fun exploring this beautiful island!
Beaches
Ke‘e Beach – The last accessible beach on Kaua‘i’s north shore, Ke‘e Beach marks the gateway to the Nā Pali Coast. Make sure to reserve parking ahead of time.
Lumahai Beach – A stunning and iconic north shore beach, famous for its golden sand, dramatic cliffs, and strong waves.
Hanalei Bay — A breathtaking bay with golden sand, ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunsets.
Anini Beach — One of the best snorkeling spots on island thanks to its protective reef, with calm, shallow waters.
Kealia Beach — A long, scenic beach popular for swimming, surfing, and a great spot for a sunrise stroll.
Po’ipu Beach Park — One of Kaua'i’s most famous beaches with gentle waves, great snorkeling, and frequent Hawaiian monk seal visitors.
Kiahuna Beach – A perfect beach for swimming and beginner surfers.
Polihale State Park — A wild, remote beach at the edge of the Nā Pali Coast with miles of golden sand and epic sunsets. Strong currents make it generally less safe for swimming, but it’s great for lounging and soaking in Kaua‘i’s rugged beauty. Note: You’ll need a 4WD car to drive the road to the beach.
Hikes
Hanakāpīʻai Beach Trail (approx. 4 miles round trip) — An intermediate to difficult hike on Kaua’i’s north shore. This trail begins at Kēʻē Beach and follows the famous Kalalau Trail along the coast to Hanakāpīʻai Beach. You wont need to get a permit to hike this trail, but you will need to reserve a parking spot in Haena State Park.
Nounou East 'Sleeping Giant' Trail (approx. 3.5 miles round trip) — A moderate hike on Kaua'i’s east side that ascends about 1,000 feet to panoramic views of the coastline and lush interior. The trail winds through shaded forest sections before reaching the summit, where the “Sleeping Giant” ridgeline gets its name.
Maha‘ulepu Heritage Trail (approx. 3.8 miles round trip) — A moderate coastal hike on Kaua‘i’s south shore. The trail starts near Shipwreck Beach and follows rugged cliffs, sand dunes, and tide pools, offering breathtaking ocean views and a glimpse into the island’s geological and cultural history.
Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls (approx. 3.5 – 4 miles round trip) — A moderate hike in Waimea Canyon with stunning views of Kaua‘i’s "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." The trail winds through forested sections and rocky terrain, leading to the top of Waipoo Falls, where hikers can enjoy a waterfall and sweeping canyon views.
Awa‘awapuhi Trail (approx. 6.2 miles round trip) – A moderately challenging hike in Kōke‘e State Park that descends through native forest to a breathtaking cliffside overlook of the Nāpali Coast. The trail is mostly downhill on the way in, but the return is a steady uphill climb. On clear days, the views of the ocean and valleys are unbeatable!
Activities
Attend a Lū‘au – Experience Hawaiian culture through traditional hula, music, and a feast of island flavors. Most lū‘au include a buffet dinner featuring dishes like kalua pig, poke, and poi, along with captivating Polynesian storytelling and fire dancing performances.
Local Cooking Lesson – Immerse yourself in the flavors of Hawai‘i by learning to prepare traditional island dishes like poke, lau lau, or lomi lomi salmon. Guided by a local chef, you’ll discover the history behind the cuisine and get hands-on experience using fresh, local ingredients. A delicious way to connect with Kaua‘i’s culinary culture!
Spa Day – Relax and rejuvenate with a luxurious spa experience inspired by the healing traditions of Hawai‘i. From lomi lomi massages to tropical body scrubs and facials infused with local botanicals, a spa day is the perfect way to unwind and soak in the island’s serene beauty.
Surf Lesson – Learn to ride the waves with expert instructors who will teach you the basics of paddling, popping up, and catching waves in a safe and fun environment. Perfect for beginners, lessons are usually held at gentle beach breaks, making it a great way to experience the island’s surf culture.
Mountain Tubing – Float down historic irrigation canals and tunnels once used for sugar plantations. This guided adventure takes you through lush jungle landscapes and offers a fun, family-friendly way to explore Kaua‘i’s unique history and scenery.
Zipline Through the Jungle – Soar over lush valleys and historic sugarcane fields on Kaua‘i’s longest zipline course. With tandem ziplining options and a chance to go hands-free or upside down, this adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers looking for epic island views.
Kayak the Wailua River – Paddle along Kaua‘i’s only navigable river, winding through tropical rainforest before hiking to the picturesque Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls). This adventure blends kayaking and hiking for a unique way to explore the island’s lush interior.
Nā Pali Coast Boat Tour – Cruise along Kaua‘i’s dramatic sea cliffs, exploring sea caves, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. Depending on the tour, you may snorkel, spot dolphins and sea turtles, or watch the sunset over the Pacific. A must-do for experiencing the magic of Nā Pali!
Helicopter Tour of Kaua‘i – Soar above Kaua‘i’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Mount Wai‘ale‘ale—one of the wettest places on Earth. This unforgettable tour offers a bird’s-eye view of hidden waterfalls, lush valleys, and dramatic sea cliffs, giving you access to areas only visible from the sky. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Coffee Shops
The Haven (North Shore) – A cozy and cute little coffee shop with the best vibe and delicious drinks.
Wishing Well Coffee & Tea (North Shore) – Located in Hanalei, this charming coffee shop serves organic espresso drinks, teas, and superfood lattes.
Kai Bar (North Shore) – A vibrant, surf-inspired café in Kīlauea known for its colorful décor, handcrafted espresso drinks, and delicious breakfast options.
Trilogy Coffee (North Shore) – A specialty coffee shop in Kīlauea focused on high-quality, ethically sourced beans and creative drinks.
Collab Cafe (East Side) – A super fun coffee shop located in Kapa’a serving incredible drinks and food sourced from local farms around the island.
Aloha Roastery (East Side) – A minimalist coffee shop with locations in Wailua and Līhu‘e, offering smooth espresso drinks made from high-quality, locally roasted beans. A total vibe and a designers dream.
Dark Horse Coffee (South Side) – A specialty coffee shop in Kōloa serving bold, rich espresso drinks in a generously sized indoor space. If you’re looking to get some work done, this is your spot!
Blue Bird Coffee (South Side) – A charming little coffee truck in Kalaheo known for its expertly brewed coffee and friendly service.
Midnight Bear (West Side) – A European-style bakery and coffee shop in Hanapēpē, offering fresh artisan bread, croissants, and espresso drinks.
Food
Ama (North Shore)– A cozy, modern ramen spot in Hanalei offering rich, flavorful broths, house-made noodles, and fresh island ingredients. With an open-air setting and mountain views, it’s the perfect spot for a comforting bowl of ramen after a beach day.
The Dolphin (North Shore) – A Hanalei staple known for its ultra-fresh sushi, seafood, and laid-back riverfront dining. Whether you’re grabbing poke to-go from their fish market or dining in for sushi and cocktails, it’s a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Nourish Hanalei (North Shore) – A plant-based café serving up wholesome, organic meals with locally sourced ingredients. From vibrant smoothie bowls to hearty vegan dishes, this spot is perfect for health-conscious foodies looking for delicious, nourishing eats.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (North Shore) – A high-end dining experience at Kaua‘i’s newest luxury eco-resort, offering farm-to-table cuisine with breathtaking ocean views. Expect refined dishes featuring local produce, fresh seafood, and a strong focus on sustainability.
Fish Bar Deli (East Side) – A trendy eatery in Kapa‘a serving creative, chef-driven dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients. With a mix of seafood, small plates, and craft cocktails, it’s a great spot for a relaxed yet elevated dining experience.
Wailua Shave Ice(East Side) – A must-visit for Kaua‘i’s best all-natural shave ice! Made with real fruit purées and no artificial flavors, their creations are refreshing, flavorful, and beautifully topped with fresh fruit and coconut cream.
Jo2 (East Side) – An intimate, chef-driven restaurant in Kapa‘a offering an elegant fusion of Japanese, French, and Hawaiian flavors. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood and produce, Jo2 is a hidden gem for foodies looking for an elevated dining experience.
Kilohana Plantation (East Side) – A historic plantation estate featuring Gaylord’s, a farm-to-table restaurant serving fresh island cuisine in an elegant, open-air setting. Come for the delicious food, stay for the plantation train ride and rum tastings at Kōloa Rum Company.
Break + Feast (South Side) – A stylish brunch and coffee spot in Kōloa offering creative twists on classic breakfast favorites. From decadent pancakes to flavorful breakfast bowls, it’s a must-visit for a delicious morning feast. Probably our favorite restaurant on island!
The Tasting Room (South Side) – A cozy and upscale wine bar in Kōloa serving carefully curated wines alongside delicious small plates and charcuterie. Perfect for a relaxed evening of wine tasting and gourmet bites.
Living Foods (South Side) – A gourmet café and market in Po‘ipū offering fresh, locally sourced breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Whether you’re grabbing a smoothie, an artisanal coffee, or a fresh poke bowl, it’s a great spot for a casual, high-quality meal.
Merriman’s (South Side) – A renowned farm-to-table restaurant in Po‘ipū featuring upscale Hawaiian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Known for their signature mai tais and fresh fish, Merriman’s is a top choice for a special night out.
Japanese Grandma’s Café (West Side) – A charming, family-run Japanese restaurant in Hanapēpē, offering homestyle sushi, bento boxes, and flavorful Japanese comfort food in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Chicken in a Barrel (West Side) – A casual BBQ joint serving up smoky, slow-roasted chicken, ribs, and brisket cooked in custom-made barrel smokers. A great grab-and-go spot for a hearty, flavorful meal after a beach day.
Koke’e Lodge (Koke’e State Park) – A rustic mountain café nestled in Kōke‘e State Park, serving hearty comfort food, hot coffee, and homemade pies. A perfect stop after hiking Waimea Canyon or exploring the park, offering a cozy atmosphere and stunning views of Kaua‘i’s upland forests.
