Best Things to do in Kauai

After visiting the island for the second time in the spring of 2024, I have a pretty good handle on the best things to do in Kauai. Although this island is relatively small, it packs a major punch.

From the aloha spirit and constant beauty to the mouth-watering food and epic adventures, I simply can not get enough. I’m already waiting until the next time I get to set foot in Hawaii. That said, here is my list of top things we did and where to stay.

Where to Stay

Kauai is a small island so it’s pretty easy to get around, but it’s important to pick the right place to stay depending on what you want to do. The major road that runs along the outer edge of the island is a backward ‘C’.

The Nā Pali Coast on the Northwest side of the island is where the road stops. Unfortunately, this means if you are staying on the North side in Princeville or Hanalei it may take a full 2 hours to get to the Southwestern side of the island.

My friends and I stayed in Princeville at Bali Hai Villas since our friends’ parents own a timeshare there. Princeville is a great location for exploring the northern side of the island including the Nā Pali Coast.

If you are interested in hiking the Kalalau Trail I recommend arriving a day early and staying in this area. On my third visit to the island, I plan to split up my trip and stay in a few locations to minimize the amount of travel each day.

I would encourage this approach if you can swallow changing accommodations every 2-3 days. Start in Princeville, move down the coast to Kapa’a, and finish the trip on the south side in either Lihue or Poipu.

In the instance that you are looking to stay in one location for the entirety of your trip, my recommendation would be to stay in or near Kapa’a. Kapa’a is the closest town to being a “centralized” location.

Although you will have to drive to get to either the north or south side, the amount of travel should be an hour or less. The town has multiple resorts nearby as well as great shopping, beaches, and restaurants.

Activities

Although Kauai is a relatively small island, it is jam-packed with things to do and see. Below is my personal list of activities I think are worthwhile and some activities that I am saving for my next visit.

  1. Catamaran: Almost all Catamarans on the island depart from the south side in Port Allen (Eleele). The offerings vary from day time trips to sunset cruises as well as the option to snorkel during your trip. I would 100% dish out the money to do this again as it was by far one of the best experiences. Not only did we see upwards of 12 whales, but we also got a glimpse of a few dolphins. This was my very first time seeing whales in person and it was unforgettable. We visited during March when the whales have migrated from Alaska. Keep in mind if you visit in the Summer or Fall you may not get the same experience. That being said, the views are still spectacular, especially the Nā Pali Coastline. Pro Tip – purchase generic motion sickness medication from a local drugstore beforehand and take at least an hour before you get on. Ocean waves are no joke and pretending to be the tough guy will only lead to bad times.
  2. Kayaking: Kauai has multiple places where you can be adventurous and get your kayaking fix. We chose to do Kayak Wailua and had an absolute blast. The day takes about 5-6 hours and the total kayaking distance is approximately 5 miles. The starting point is just south of downtown Kapa’a and parking is available for your rental. The journey does include about 2 miles of relatively easy yet muddy hiking and a few river crossings (nothing dangerous). I would highly recommend wearing close toed shoes that are lightweight and can get wet. I chose to purchase the $15 water shoes and was glad I did since your shoes will inevitably get very muddy. The kayaking outfitter provides water resistant backpacks and coolers so make sure to bring snacks as well as towels, a rain jacket depending on the weather, and sunscreen. The falls at the end of the hike are breathtaking.
  3. Farmers Market: Farmers Markets are abundant in Kauai and occur almost every day of the week. If you’re looking to try local fruits and products, this is a great morning activity. Some of the markets also have food trucks where you can snag lunch if you want. We picked up a few new fruits to try as well as some of the basics for the week. You can easily find a list of the markets online.
  4. Hanalei: We visited Hanalei 3 times since it is less than a 10 minute drive from Princeville. The town of Hanalei has some great shopping and great places to eat. Hanalei Beach is a perfect place to spend a beach day or watch the sunset.
  5. Poipu: Popiu is on the sunny south side (as the locals say) and is home to Brennecke’s Beach, Poipu Beach, and Shipwreck Beach. Poipu was my favorite beach day AND I got to see a monk seal chilling on the beach.
  6. Sunset Drinks: If you find yourself staying in Princeville, I would encourage you to spend an evening at Princeville Resort getting drinks and watching the sunset. The resort is perched in the prime location to watch the sunset and you will not be disappointed. The resort also has free valet so make sure to take advantage of this perk. Keep in mind that the drinks can get expensive. If you opt for a beer or wine though it is only about $8-$15 a drink.
  7. Luau: I definitely believe everyone should experience this once, but only once. A luau consists of a large feast and entertainment such as different styles of local or native dancing. The experience was unlike anything I’ve seen before, but it’s something that I only need to see once in my life. The women who performed were unbelievably talented and we had a lot of fun during the 2 hour show. If you’re interested in doing a luau I recommend the Luau Makaiwa at Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort.

Some activities we simply did not have time for. The activities I plan on doing the next time I visit include horseback riding at Princeville Ranch, snorkeling with sea turtles, and ATV riding. If you are interested in hiking the Kalalau Trail, but do not want to do the full hike, you can do the 4 mile round trip to Hanakāpīʻai Beach. This hike is open to the public. You do not need a hiking permit to do this hike, but it will require a day-use reservation. I would recommend booking the shuttle mentioned in my Kalalau Trail blog post. You can also park your rental at the parking lot, but you will have to pay a fee. Additionally, this trail is muddy and rain happens rather frequently so dress appropriately.

Food

Now, to the important stuff. I am a food fanatic and spend way too much time before a trip scoping out the best restaurants to eat at. Fortunately, you all get to reap the benefits. Below is my list of best restaurants we ate at and where they are located.

  1. Sushi Girl Kauai – Kilauea. If you like sushi, you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t eat here.
  2. Hanalei Poke – Hanalei. Again, fresh fish so what’s not to like?
  3. Kauai Juice Co – Multiple locations. Healthy, refreshing juices and treats.
  4. Wishing Well Shave Ice – Hanalei. You need to try shave ice at least once and if you like it, eat it every day.
  5. Makai Sushi – Poipu. This gem is in a grocery store, looks very underrated, is scrumptious.
  6. Nom Kauai – Kapa’a. Brunch is incredible and you will not regret it.
  7. Papaya’s Natural Foods – Kapa’a. If you are vegan or just enjoy healthy, delicious food, this is the place for you. Tucked in the back of the grocery store and well worth the visit.
  8. Wailua Shave Ice – Kapa’a. Iconic and yummy.
  9. Kountry Kitchen – Kapa’a. Some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had. Don’t worry they have a wide array of brunch items if you’re weird and don’t like pancakes.
  10. Duke’s Kauai – Lihue. Honestly, just go for the famous Hula Pie.
  11. Riptides Shave Ice – Poipu. Are you sensing a theme?

Here is a list of places we didn’t get to try that I plan on scoping out the next time I’m there:

  • Da Crack
  • Scorpacciata Neapolitan Pizza Kauai
  • Holey Grail Donuts
  • The Dolphin Restaurant
  • AMA Restaurant
  • Bar Acuda
  • Keoki’s Paradise
  • Warehouse 3540
  • Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company
  • Japanese Grandma’s Cafe

Wrap Up

There is so much to do and see in Kauai that you really can’t go wrong. Just remember to pack for rain as you will see some while you’re there. Some days will be minor sprinkles and others will be downpours. Due to the rain, have an open mindset and willingness to be flexible. Make sure to eat your way through the island and get your fair share of fresh fish. Lastly, have fun and say yes to adventure!

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