kauai guidebook.
things to do + see!
Return home from a day at the best beaches in the world, and enjoy a tropical cocktail or glass of wine while walking to the Hanalei Bay sunset overlook, facing Makana ('The Gift') mountain. The St. Regis is less than a half-mile walk or drive. They offer a comfortable bar for sunset lanai cocktails, fabulous brunch at Makana Terrace restaurant, or the famous Jean-George Vongerichten 'Kauai Grill' featuring the areas' best of the best local ingredients. Pu'u Po'a beach right in front of the St. Regis, a short walk either down the side of the hotel or through it, is open to the public as are all beaches on Kaua'i. There are also a couple of more secluded pristine beaches that are only walkable (Hideaways and Pali Ke Kua). Lacking public parking, they are almost impossible for others to get to. Queens Bath is just a 15 min walk away!
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Princeville
Return home from a day at the best beaches in the world, and enjoy a tropical cocktail or glass of wine while walking to the Hanalei Bay sunset overlook, facing Makana ('The Gift') mountain. The St. Regis is less than a half-mile walk or drive. They offer a comfortable bar for sunset lanai cocktails, fabulous brunch at Makana Terrace restaurant, or the famous Jean-George Vongerichten 'Kauai Grill' featuring the areas' best of the best local ingredients. Pu'u Po'a beach right in front of the St. Regis, a short walk either down the side of the hotel or through it, is open to the public as are all beaches on Kaua'i. There are also a couple of more secluded pristine beaches that are only walkable (Hideaways and Pali Ke Kua). Lacking public parking, they are almost impossible for others to get to. Queens Bath is just a 15 min walk away!
The Na Pali Coast is truly one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. It’s a 17 mile stretch of Kauai’s coast with jagged cliffs and ridges, beautiful water, remote waterfalls, caves, and secluded beaches. Much of the coast is only accessible by air, boat, or by foot.
Star Na Pali Snorkel BBQ Sail, which included breakfast, lunch, snorkeling, crazy views, and we even saw dolphins! This tour costs $185/adult, but trust us, it’s worth it!
They have other tour options and if you want something a little more adventurous, we suggest their Na Pali Raft Day Expedition! While a little pricier than the snorkel BBQ sail ($225/adult), this tour is a little bit longer, and in addition to the beautiful coastal views, you get to go into sea caves, snorkel at a remote beach, and see an ancient Hawaiian village.
https://www.napali.com/star/snorkel/
https://www.napali.com/raft/
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Capt Andy's
4353 Waialo RdThe Na Pali Coast is truly one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. It’s a 17 mile stretch of Kauai’s coast with jagged cliffs and ridges, beautiful water, remote waterfalls, caves, and secluded beaches. Much of the coast is only accessible by air, boat, or by foot.
Star Na Pali Snorkel BBQ Sail, which included breakfast, lunch, snorkeling, crazy views, and we even saw dolphins! This tour costs $185/adult, but trust us, it’s worth it!
They have other tour options and if you want something a little more adventurous, we suggest their Na Pali Raft Day Expedition! While a little pricier than the snorkel BBQ sail ($225/adult), this tour is a little bit longer, and in addition to the beautiful coastal views, you get to go into sea caves, snorkel at a remote beach, and see an ancient Hawaiian village.
https://www.napali.com/star/snorkel/
https://www.napali.com/raft/
Many guests say that is one of their top highlights and it is walkable! Parking can be impossible; the 15 min walk will probably save you time.
Visit Queen’s Bath, which is a really unique tide pool/sinkhole surrounded by igneous rock! Queen’s Bath requires a 0.8-mile round trip hike down to them and the hike is a bit slick, muddy, and steep.
One very big warning for Queen’s Bath is that it is dangerous and people have been swept out to sea. It is recommended to visit only during the summer months, as the surf is too big in the winter.
There is a gate at the trailhead that is locked when it’s too dangerous, so if the gate is locked, do not attempt to hike down! Also, make sure you check the surf reports beforehand.
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Queen's Bath
Kapiolani LoopMany guests say that is one of their top highlights and it is walkable! Parking can be impossible; the 15 min walk will probably save you time.
Visit Queen’s Bath, which is a really unique tide pool/sinkhole surrounded by igneous rock! Queen’s Bath requires a 0.8-mile round trip hike down to them and the hike is a bit slick, muddy, and steep.
One very big warning for Queen’s Bath is that it is dangerous and people have been swept out to sea. It is recommended to visit only during the summer months, as the surf is too big in the winter.
There is a gate at the trailhead that is locked when it’s too dangerous, so if the gate is locked, do not attempt to hike down! Also, make sure you check the surf reports beforehand.
Join us on an unforgettable, awe-inspiring aerial adventure over the Garden Isle of Kauai. You'll experience breathtaking Hanapepe Valley with sweeping views of the lush valleys below. Plunging down a 400 foot (120m) cliff, view the famed and privately owned waterfall “Jurassic Park” falls or Manawaiopuna Falls. Olokele Canyon and majestic Waimea Canyon, rightly known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This canyon has unique geologic history as it was formed not only by erosion but also by the catastrophic collapse of the volcano that crated Kauai millions of years ago.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
5-3541 Kuhio HwyJoin us on an unforgettable, awe-inspiring aerial adventure over the Garden Isle of Kauai. You'll experience breathtaking Hanapepe Valley with sweeping views of the lush valleys below. Plunging down a 400 foot (120m) cliff, view the famed and privately owned waterfall “Jurassic Park” falls or Manawaiopuna Falls. Olokele Canyon and majestic Waimea Canyon, rightly known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This canyon has unique geologic history as it was formed not only by erosion but also by the catastrophic collapse of the volcano that crated Kauai millions of years ago.
Kayaking the Wailua River
As Hawaii’s largest navigable river, there’s no place quite like the Wailua River. Zigzagging through stretches of wildlife-rich rainforests, an abundance of lush greenery, and a new landscape hidden around every twist and turn, uncover all that Kauai has to offer from its picture-perfect riverbanks.
Bring Me a Kayak - Kauai Rentals
Kayaking the Wailua River
As Hawaii’s largest navigable river, there’s no place quite like the Wailua River. Zigzagging through stretches of wildlife-rich rainforests, an abundance of lush greenery, and a new landscape hidden around every twist and turn, uncover all that Kauai has to offer from its picture-perfect riverbanks.
Kayak Hanalei is your one-stop headquarters for kayak rentals, kayak tours and beach gear rentals. Our Hawaiian family have been providing unforgettable experiences to locals and tourist alike for over a decade. Experience the feeling of old Hawaii!
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Kayak Hanalei
Kuhio HighwayKayak Hanalei is your one-stop headquarters for kayak rentals, kayak tours and beach gear rentals. Our Hawaiian family have been providing unforgettable experiences to locals and tourist alike for over a decade. Experience the feeling of old Hawaii!
beaches
Do not miss Hanalei Bay; it's the iconic North Shore beach.
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Hanalei Bay
Do not miss Hanalei Bay; it's the iconic North Shore beach.
Anini Beach is just a 10min drive. Because Anini is protected by one of Hawaii's longest fringing reefs, it has some of the calmest water on the North Shore.
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Anini Beach
Anini Beach is just a 10min drive. Because Anini is protected by one of Hawaii's longest fringing reefs, it has some of the calmest water on the North Shore.
Secret Beach is unique, it's a 15min drive & a 15 min hike- check it out.
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Kauapea Beach
Secret Beach is unique, it's a 15min drive & a 15 min hike- check it out.
-Hideaways and Pali Ke Kua beaches are walkable from the condo. They are secluded due to limited parking and steep paths but are beautiful beaches and offer excellent snorkeling when calm.
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Hideaway Beach
-Hideaways and Pali Ke Kua beaches are walkable from the condo. They are secluded due to limited parking and steep paths but are beautiful beaches and offer excellent snorkeling when calm.
Ke'e Beach, Hanakāpīʻai Beach & Hanakāpīʻai Falls: In order to visit Ke'e Beach, hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach & Hanakāpīʻai Falls, you need to purchase a park entry reservation for Hāʻena State Park. Try to purchase your park entry reservation as far in advance as possible at www.gohaena.com. At the moment you can make reservations up to 14 days in advance but must make it at least 1 day before you visit.
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Ke'e Beach
Ke'e Beach, Hanakāpīʻai Beach & Hanakāpīʻai Falls: In order to visit Ke'e Beach, hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach & Hanakāpīʻai Falls, you need to purchase a park entry reservation for Hāʻena State Park. Try to purchase your park entry reservation as far in advance as possible at www.gohaena.com. At the moment you can make reservations up to 14 days in advance but must make it at least 1 day before you visit.
Keālia Beach
one of our families favorites!
east coast highlights
The Sleeping Giant hike offers 360-degree views of the island.
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Sleeping Giant
The Sleeping Giant hike offers 360-degree views of the island.
Kapa’a Town and Bike path. Rent bikes at Kapa’a beach shop for $10 and head North on the path. The bike path has scenic ocean views nearly uninterrupted by anything man-made for over 5 miles.
Also my pick for snorkel gear rental. Kapa’a Beach shop has the best gear and the best prices. They have panoramic, purge, prescription masks – dry snorkels and your choice of short or long fins. Also, anti-fog and a snorkel map are included with the rental.
Open Sun-Fri 8:00-6:00
4-1592 Kuhio HWY
Kapa'a Hawaii 96746
(808) 212-8615
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Kapaʻa
Kapa’a Town and Bike path. Rent bikes at Kapa’a beach shop for $10 and head North on the path. The bike path has scenic ocean views nearly uninterrupted by anything man-made for over 5 miles.
Also my pick for snorkel gear rental. Kapa’a Beach shop has the best gear and the best prices. They have panoramic, purge, prescription masks – dry snorkels and your choice of short or long fins. Also, anti-fog and a snorkel map are included with the rental.
Open Sun-Fri 8:00-6:00
4-1592 Kuhio HWY
Kapa'a Hawaii 96746
(808) 212-8615
Aloha Roastery
4-369 Kuhio Hwy
Kenji Burger
4-788 Kuhio HighwayFern Grotto
Take a boat ride!
a good family-friendly activity where you’ll see tons of fruits, plants, and animals!
kauai plantation railway
440 Aleka Placea good family-friendly activity where you’ll see tons of fruits, plants, and animals!
Enjoy an open air immersive experience unlike anything else. On the Kauai Rum Safari, you’ll be taken around our lush plantation
where we’ll show you exotic plants, our fruit and vegetable orchards, and many more beautiful sites. You’ll learn about the history of Rum in Hawai’i and why Koloa Rum is so good, all before your first rum tasting. Book your Kauai rum safari today!
Simply search " Koloa rum safari tour"
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Kōloa Rum™ Company Store
3-2087 Kaumualii HwyEnjoy an open air immersive experience unlike anything else. On the Kauai Rum Safari, you’ll be taken around our lush plantation
where we’ll show you exotic plants, our fruit and vegetable orchards, and many more beautiful sites. You’ll learn about the history of Rum in Hawai’i and why Koloa Rum is so good, all before your first rum tasting. Book your Kauai rum safari today!
Simply search " Koloa rum safari tour"
South Shore highlights
Maha'ulepu beach.
We like to park at Shipwrecks beach, just past the Gand Hyatt, and hike to Maha’ulepu. The trail to Makauwahi Cave is along the way, and I recommend checking it out. If you keep hiking past Maha’ulepu Beach, you’ll have to hop over a barbwire cattle fence at Kamala Point and find Ha'ula Beach, a secluded beach.
Mahaulepu Beach
Maha'ulepu beach.
We like to park at Shipwrecks beach, just past the Gand Hyatt, and hike to Maha’ulepu. The trail to Makauwahi Cave is along the way, and I recommend checking it out. If you keep hiking past Maha’ulepu Beach, you’ll have to hop over a barbwire cattle fence at Kamala Point and find Ha'ula Beach, a secluded beach.
Sunset cocktails at the Beach House restaurant.
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Beach House Restaurant
5022 Lawai RdSunset cocktails at the Beach House restaurant.
Spouting Horn
Spouting Horn- a natural blowhole.
Warehouse 3540
3540 Koloa Rda popular spot with hawaiian classics, like Banana Mac Nut pancakes, Loco Moco, and Kalua Pork Fried Rice.
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Anuenue Cafe
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dra popular spot with hawaiian classics, like Banana Mac Nut pancakes, Loco Moco, and Kalua Pork Fried Rice.
west side highlights
The Waimea Canyon, "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific".
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Waimea Canyon State Park
Waimea Canyon DriveThe Waimea Canyon, "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific".
The town of Hanapepe is known for its local art scene.
We loved Little Fish Coffee, walking on the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge (currently closed), and Talk Story Bookstore, which is the western-most independent bookstore in the US.
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Hanapepe
The town of Hanapepe is known for its local art scene.
We loved Little Fish Coffee, walking on the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge (currently closed), and Talk Story Bookstore, which is the western-most independent bookstore in the US.
The Right Slice LLC, Kalaheo
2-2459 Kaumualii HighwayThe Right Slice for pie!
Nu'alolo Trail
Nu'alolo TrailHike the Nu’alolo Trail, which is 7.5 miles and 2,578 ft elevation gain
eats.
The food trucks around the island are a great option to get food on the go.
Feel free to use the BBQ area between condo 110 and 111.
Foodland, the grocery store in the Princeville shopping center is just a 5-minute drive from the condo.
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Foodland
5-4280 Kuhio HwyFoodland, the grocery store in the Princeville shopping center is just a 5-minute drive from the condo.
Safeway
4-831 Kuhio HwySafeway in Kapa'a is open 24/7.
Costco Wholesale
4300 Nuhou StCostco in Lihue has the lowest prices.
Bar Acuda is our favorite North Shore restaurant; they have a romantic atmosphere, excellent service, and excellent tapas. Be sure to get a reservation ahead of time.
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Bar Acuda
5-5161 Kuhio HwyBar Acuda is our favorite North Shore restaurant; they have a romantic atmosphere, excellent service, and excellent tapas. Be sure to get a reservation ahead of time.
Ama Restaurant in Hanalei has outdoor dining with beautiful mountain views. Ama is known for their Asian fusion style ramen and is vegetarian-friendly.
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AMA Restaurant
5-5161 Kuhio HwyAma Restaurant in Hanalei has outdoor dining with beautiful mountain views. Ama is known for their Asian fusion style ramen and is vegetarian-friendly.
The Bistro
2484 Keneke StThe Bistro and Palate Wine Bar are our Kilauea favorites.
Happy Talk bar/restaurant is walkable and located in the Hanalei Bay Resort property. They have live music, a Hanalei Bay view, and a great happy hour!
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Happy Talk Lounge Restaurant & Bar
5380 Honoiki RdHappy Talk bar/restaurant is walkable and located in the Hanalei Bay Resort property. They have live music, a Hanalei Bay view, and a great happy hour!
The St. Regis has a stunning view of Hanalei Bay and the surrounding North Shore mountains. We recommend going to the terrace bar early to get a seat and grab a drink before sunset.
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Hanalei
The St. Regis has a stunning view of Hanalei Bay and the surrounding North Shore mountains. We recommend going to the terrace bar early to get a seat and grab a drink before sunset.
Tahiti Nui is a fun tiki dive bar in Hanalei with local live music. They are known for their fun atmosphere, strong Mai Tais, and have the only Luau on the North Shore. Tahiti Nui requires reservations for their Wednesday Luaus
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Tahiti Nui Restaurant
5122 Kuhio HwyTahiti Nui is a fun tiki dive bar in Hanalei with local live music. They are known for their fun atmosphere, strong Mai Tais, and have the only Luau on the North Shore. Tahiti Nui requires reservations for their Wednesday Luaus
If you want the BEST FISH TACOS EVER, check out The Sleeping Giant Grill on the Eastside. 440 Aleka Place, Kapaa, Kauai, HI 96746. 808-822-3474. Be sure to get the Ono Mochi style tacos or the seared Ahi wrap. They've been featured on the TV show The Best Thing I've Ever Ate. Pro tip: Order the habañero sauce on the side. They are BYOB so feel free to bring your own beer or wine.
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Sleeping Giant Grill
440 Aleka PlIf you want the BEST FISH TACOS EVER, check out The Sleeping Giant Grill on the Eastside. 440 Aleka Place, Kapaa, Kauai, HI 96746. 808-822-3474. Be sure to get the Ono Mochi style tacos or the seared Ahi wrap. They've been featured on the TV show The Best Thing I've Ever Ate. Pro tip: Order the habañero sauce on the side. They are BYOB so feel free to bring your own beer or wine.
B’s Kitchen
4280 Kuhio Hwy
Java Kai
4-1384 Kuhio HwyTheir oat milk lavender latte is amazing!
Java Kai Bar Coffee Roasters - Kīlauea
2555 Ala Namahana Parkway
Trilogy Coffee & Tea Bar
4270 Kilauea RdKilauea Art Night
2484 Keneke Stthey have a great cafe with amazing burgers and pizza!
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Kilauea Fish Market
4270 Kilauea Rdthey have a great cafe with amazing burgers and pizza!
Kauai Juice Co.Kapaa
4-1384 Kuhio HwyKauai Juice Co Kilauea
2555 Kilauea Rd
Jimmy’s Grill
4-1638 Kuhio Highwaygreat outdoor, on the water seating.
Hanalei Bread Company
5-5161 Kuhio HwyOne of our favorite places for coffee, smoothies and Acai bowls! You also get to take the glass cup home with you!
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Wishing Well Shave Ice
5-5080 Kuhio HwyOne of our favorite places for coffee, smoothies and Acai bowls! You also get to take the glass cup home with you!
Duke’s Kauai for dinner with a view! We like their Barefoot Bar area, which is outdoors and has a more casual vibe. Their Hula Pie is a must!
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Duke's Canoe Club Barefoot Bar and Restaurant
3481 Ho'Olaulea WayDuke’s Kauai for dinner with a view! We like their Barefoot Bar area, which is outdoors and has a more casual vibe. Their Hula Pie is a must!
Chicken in a Barrel
5-5190 Kuhio HwyHanalei location.
Kenji Burger Kapaa
shopping.
Aloha Exchange Kilauea
2484 Keneke StreetSway Hanalei
5-5190 Kuhio Hwy