Hiking
My favorite Hiking Spots
Great moderate Hiking Trail a short drive from the Coconut Coast of Kapa'a.
41 locals recommend
Sleeping Giant Trail Head
Haleilio RoadGreat moderate Hiking Trail a short drive from the Coconut Coast of Kapa'a.
Wear shoes with treads! Can be muddy and slippery. Wonderful hike to great views. I do it almost every day !
Sleeping Giant Trailhead
1136 Crossley RdWear shoes with treads! Can be muddy and slippery. Wonderful hike to great views. I do it almost every day !
To hike to this spectacular beach, book a permit well in advance to park at Ke'e Beach and hike the tremendous 2 mile hike in. It's worth it ! GoHeana.com
10 locals recommend
Hanakāpī‘ai Beach
To hike to this spectacular beach, book a permit well in advance to park at Ke'e Beach and hike the tremendous 2 mile hike in. It's worth it ! GoHeana.com
Great Coastline Hiking Trail from Shipwreck's Beach by the Grand Hyatt
7 locals recommend
Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail
Maha'ulepu Heritage TrailGreat Coastline Hiking Trail from Shipwreck's Beach by the Grand Hyatt
Kōkeʻe State Park
Great Hiking and Viewpoints
Great Beaches for Swimming, Snorkelling, Views
The island has a number of lifeguarded beaches, all different from one another, exploring is always worth it !
Great Protected Swimming Area beach and walking path. Giant Playground for kids. Snorkeling, complete with bathrooms and showers.
29 locals recommend
Lydgate Park
Leho DriveGreat Protected Swimming Area beach and walking path. Giant Playground for kids. Snorkeling, complete with bathrooms and showers.
Almost always sunny in Poipu, Great South facing Beach with amenities close. Rent a surf board, get a shave ice or sandwich, see sea turtles and monk seals, sunbathe and swim in protected area.
28 locals recommend
Poipu Beach Park
2179 Hoone RoadAlmost always sunny in Poipu, Great South facing Beach with amenities close. Rent a surf board, get a shave ice or sandwich, see sea turtles and monk seals, sunbathe and swim in protected area.
Food scene
Lava Lava Beach Club
420 Papaloa RdGreat Food, Right on the Beach
Hukilau Lanai
520 Aleka LoopAmazing Food and Great Service
MAKE your Reservations IN ADVANCE
Pho Kauai
4303 Rice StAffordable and consistent, friendly owners and staff. Service is quick !
Delicious Restaurant, with Ocean View in Kapa'a Town. Reservations recommended.
Order the Poke Nachos!!
12 locals recommend
Sam's Ocean View Restaurant Kapaa Kauai
4-1546 Kuhio HwyDelicious Restaurant, with Ocean View in Kapa'a Town. Reservations recommended.
Order the Poke Nachos!!
City/town information
Kapaʻa
Great "Downtown" walking area, with shops and restaurants, close to beach
Sightseeing
Kōkeʻe State Park
Amazing Canyon Views and Hikes
Definitely worth the 4 mile drive in for the view; hike down at your own risk ( barefoot is best)
62 locals recommend
Wailua Falls
Definitely worth the 4 mile drive in for the view; hike down at your own risk ( barefoot is best)
Traveler advice
Getting around
Renting a Car is advised
Being a rural island, public transportation is limited, and to see the best of the island , having a car will help you navigate the landscape.
Besides the Larger Car Rental Companies, be sure and check Craigslist Kauai for locals renting out personal vehicles; can get a better deal, and a more personal experience.
Customs and culture
Do Not Feed or Touch The Animals
Chickens: If you handle the chicks, the Mommas will reject them.
If you feed the chickens, they will never leave you alone
Turtles and Seals; It is against the law to touch these guys, and there are hefty fines. Plus the seals can be mean!
Nenes ( The Geese) : They are protected, let them be !
What to pack
"Slippers" for Daily Wear, Hiking Boots for the Trails
Foot wear on Kauai; Flip-flops "Slippahs" for daily wear, and to the beach.
Only need shoes with treads for Hiking. Can be muddy , so be prepared, and if you're a little unsteady, hiking poles can help a lot going downhill on the trails.
What to pack
SUNSCREEN!
It is sold on Island in the stores , if not a bit pricey, but even on days that look overcast, arm yourself with a minimum 30 SPF , Reef-Safe, please !
Book before you go
To park and/or hike from Ke'e Beach
Visitors to Kauai must think and plan ahead if you wish to use the parking area at Ke'e Beach to hike the Hanakapiai Trail. It is an absolutely amazing hike, but parking is limited and you must secure your reservation IN ADVANCE. The site for booking these reservations is www.GOHaena.com.
Getting around
Driving with Aloha on Kauai
Local drivers practice aloha on the roads, making eye contact with other drivers (and pedestrians), alternating cars , like a zipper, when merging from 2 lanes to one. Smile and wave, or throw a "shaka". Flashing your lights to signal "it's your turn" to oncoming cars on a one lane bridge, to allow the oncoming vehicle to traverse first!
Useful phrases
Aloha and Mahalo, and bring Pono to the Aina
Aloha means "Hello (with wamth)", and Mahalo means "Thank you" .
Treat others with Pono , translates to "Integrity". and please respect the Aina , means "Land". in other words, whatever you bring to the beach, please take back off the beach! E komo mai ! "welcome :-)