Nate and I went to Kauai for our honeymoon in 2012, and back for our 5th anniversary in 2017! It is one of my top 3 FAVORITE places on earth. It’s gorgeous, magical, colorful, relaxed, adventurous, inspiring, artsy, earthy, outdoorsy, and basically perfect. I wanted to share some of our favorite things to do, see and eat on the island.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES:
Kayaking the Wailua River: There are many different kayak rental companies in Kapa’a. Some have tour guides, some don’t. If you’ve never been kayaking there, I would say take a tour because they will take you to the Secret Falls (this includes a muddy one mile hike to get to the falls). Or just rent a kayak and explore the river on your own!
Driving up Waimea Canyon: It’s a long drive, I think 15 miles total? There are many places to stop off and enjoy the incredible views. The main view, what most people are there to see, is of the colorful canyon. And at the very tippy top, the Napali Coast cliffs from above. I had a spiritual moment up there, looking down on those cliffs and ocean. It was magic. Like straight up magic.
Biking the coast: You can rent beach cruisers and ride up the large biking/walking path in Kapa’a. Bring a bagged lunch and stop to eat near the ocean (There are proper picnic areas, or you can just pick a spot in the wild.) Biking every morning was one of my favorite memories from our 2017 trip!
BEACHES:
Hanalei Bay: In Hanalei! Our favorite beach! It’s huge, and half moon shaped, and surrounded by mountains, so there is no bad view. The water is calm and warm! Perfect for just floating and enjoying the views. We’ve spent the most time at this beach!
Ke’e Beach / Haena Beach Park: This is north of Hanalei. There’s a little adventure wrapped up in this beach, mostly because it’s the northernmost spot on the island that a car can get to. The beach is long and skinny, and we saw the most AMAZING sunset there. This is also where you access the Napali Coast trails.
Salt Pond Park: This is in Hanapepe, on the southern part of the island. Big beach and really nice sand! We saw a sea lion here! It was kind of scary because I was swimming and DEFINITELY thought it was a shark at first :O The sea lion swam up on shore and sun bathed and everyone was very respectful of it’s space.
FOOD/DRINK:
The Local Kauai, Kapa’a: Recommended to us by a local, so you know it’s legit. I still dream about the coconut shrimp appetizer and papaya jam & brie pizza we ate. So so so so so good! It also has a nice bar.
Java Kai, Kapa’a: Cutest, trendiest little coffee spot that we biked to every morning from our condo. If I lived on Kauai, I would be here allllll the time.
Pat’s Taqueria, Hanalei: This was a food truck in the parking lot of Hanalei Bay beach! Super convenient and soooo good. Omg the fish tacos y’all. Take a few back to your beach chairs and eat them while enjoying the ocean view. And then go back to get more tacos, and repeat the process.
Lappert’s Ice Cream, Hanapepe: Best ice cream on the island, promise.
Bubba’s Burgers: Fave. Super chill, diner-style place with the most delicious burgers. There are a few locations, we’ve been to the one in Kapa’a and in Poipu. Great option for a quick lunch or dinner.
List of miscellaneous cool things to do/see:
Opaeka’a Falls – Kapa’a area
Spouting Horn – Poipu area
Explore the artist’s village of Hanapepe
Brave the narrowswinging bridge in Hanapepe
Captain Andy’s Napali Coast boat tours – leaves from Poipu area
Treat yourself to a traditional luau experience!
Couple other tips:
– You’ll definitely need to rent a car! Most of these places you will need to drive to.
– Check VRBO for condo options! Hotels are more expensive.
(I’m sure Airbnb is also good, we’ve just used VRBO both times)
– Take your shoes/sandals off when you enter a house! Hawaiian tradition/respect.
– Shave ice is everywhere! I don’t have a specific rec because it all kinda tastes the same 😉
If you have any questions about this amazing place, leave them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them!
Stephanie