The Garden Isle boasts the second wettest place on earth; Mount Wailea which averages over 460 inches of rain each year. Verdant green foliage abounds not only in Waimea Canyon, home to Mt. Wailea but all over the island. Among other abundances on the island, be prepared to see ubiquitous Kauai chickens by droves in the most obscure places. You might see them roaming a grassy patch by the ocean, but you will also see them in the midst of a strip mall parking lot and even by the roadside. Locals know not to slow down for them while driving, but if you think you must, watch for traffic behind you so as not to cause a fender bender in your quest for kindness. While it is possible to spend a week on Kauai without a rental car, you might find it a lot easier to explore if you have one. All the main rental companies operate out of Lihue Airport. Although for a cut above the rest (with surprisingly competitive rates), consider mostly-family-owned Sixt.
Where to Stay
Poipu, Kapa’a, Princeville and Hanalei are all popular areas to stay with an abundance of hotel, resort and AirBnB options. Babymoon, honeymoon, family or couples find themselves drawn to the Westin in Princeville on the North Shore of Kauai. With multiple pools (including adult only pools), breathtaking ocean views, a golf course and a host of daily activities, dozens of well-maintained Barbeque grills, well-appointed kitchens and regular live entertainment this resort offers you the option to never leave the property if you choose.
What to Do
Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, diving and surfing abound. Waimea Canyon is considered the Grand Canyon of the Islands, and you’ll find hikes for all skill and endurance levels. Interested in local art? Consider the historic town of Hanapepe where you can walk around the quaint downtown area stopping into art galleries and locally sourced and locally made souvenirs and gifts. Kayaking on the Wailua or Hanalei rivers and driving to various waterfalls and swimming in their pools are among some of the favorite activities for travelers to the Garden Island.
The North Shore of Kauai is hope to the world-famous Kalalau Trail known as one of the most challenging trails in the world. Access to this trail is at the end of Kuhio Highway, which is now restricted; a permit for parking (limited availability) or a shuttle that drives you from various points on the North Shore to Ke’e Beach and the Kalalau trailhead are two ways you can get there. Only 11 of the 14 miles of Napali Coast are hikeable, with the first 4 miles doable without a camping permit. Going all the way to Kalalau Beach requires a camping permit. The average time to do the first two miles to Hanakapai Beach is about 2 hours, with an additional 2 hours needed to get to the Hanakapai Falls. Because of the dense foliage in many places, the trail can be treacherous and muddy. In the wet season (October – April) this is compounded, so be prepared with sturdy, well-tractioned hiking shoes, water for the way and perhaps a beach towel to spread out on at the beach. Hanakapai Beach is known for its big and wild surf, and there is no lifeguard, swimming is not recommended. Watching the big waves crash against the Napali coast and against the rocks or wading in the water where the river meets the ocean – where literally icy cold river water and warm water collide makes for a wonderful experience.
Beaches
There is no shortage of excellent beaches in Kauai. Some favorites include Tunnels Beach in the North Shore, where the scuba diving and snorkeling is excellent, and you might find yourself swimming alongside a giant sea turtle. Hanalei Bay offers a sheltered cove for the less intrepid swimmer. Poipu in the southern part of the island offers more tranquil water with more snorkeling options.
Where to Eat
The Kauai food scene has exploded in the past decade with Michelin-quality restaurants like 1Kitchen (inside the 1Hotel in Princeville and reservations required) or Food Trucks that don’t seem like they’re moving anytime soon. In Hanapepe consider garden dining at Japanese Grandma’s Café. This sushi restaurant boasts an impressive sake list and provides incredibly fresh sashimi, sushi and bento boxes. (Caution: they close between 2:30pm – 5:30pm). If you’d rather have the food truck experience, look no further than Kauai Sushi Station, a food truck complete with decorated canopy and picnic tables for the prettiest presentation and fresh sushi. On the other side of the Island in Hanalei consider the most excellent Bar AcudaTapas Restaurant (reservations are absolutely required in well in advance); and be warned, while they suggest 3-6 tapas per person, their sizes are less ‘small eats’ and more ‘full size.’ Definitely treat yourself to a Hawaiian Shave Ice, but better than that, consider Kauai Pie ice cream made on the island at Lapperts in Poipu or Hanalei.
One could spend a week or a month in Kauai and yet not see or do it all. The people are friendly, the chickens and Nene (native geese) delightful and once the pace of your heart and mind slows, you’ll find yourself settling into the Aloha spirit which will hopefully follow you home after you leave with your memories.
