In order to make this guide as helpful as possible, we have broken down things to do, see, and eat by city!
Hanalei
- Check out Hanalei Pier / Go swimming at Hanalei Bay
- Go snorkeling at Tunnels or Ke’e Beach
- Visit Lumaha’i Beach (Not for swimming!)
- Eat at Kalypso: Has a good loco moco!
- Go to JoJo’s Shave Ice
- Eat at Hanalei Beach Pizzeria
- Go to Holey Grail Donuts
- There is an Indian Food truck next to it which is also very good!
- Eat at Wishing Well Shave Ice
- Go hiking in Haena state park: https://gohaena.com/ (You need a reservation to go, so check out their website for info)
Princeville
- Check out Fort Alexander / New Hanalei Hotel at end of the road
- Princeville Botanical Garden Tour
- Kalihiwai Falls Hike at Princeville Ranch
- Go snorkeling at Anini Beach
- Walk down to Hideaways Beach (Very sketchy walk down)
- Walk to Queen’s Bath
- Saenz Ohana – Local breakfast food truck
- The Spot – Really good tropical fruit bowls
- Lotus Garden Chinese and Thai – Really good food and open late!
Kiluea
- Check out Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach)
- Visit the Wyland Gallery
- Visit the Lighthouse, you may need a reservation to go (This is where we got engaged!)
- Eat at the Fish Market (Get the ahi tacos)
- Get some fresh juice at the Kauai Juice Company
- Go to Java Kai for a nice breakfast/coffee
Kapa’a
- Kayak the Wailua River to the Secret Waterfall (They have official tours, otherwise you can just rent a kayak and go up the river yourself – can be muddy!)
- Go swimming at Lydgate Beach & Park (Kid friendly)
- Eat at Fish Bar Deli (Everything is amazing!)
- Monday nights the restaurant closes and a guest comes in and makes the best ramen we’ve ever had!
- Go to Java Kai for a nice breakfast/coffee
Lihu’e
- Go to Gaylord’s Plantation for a nice dinner or Luau (They also do rum tasting!)
- Check out the local Costco, Walmart, and Target
- Walmart is a really good spot for souvenirs!
- You can check out a dog at the Kauai Humane Society and take them out for a day
- Eat at Hamura Saimin (Really good ramen)
- Eat at the Tip Top Motel for breakfast
Koloa
- Check out Allerton Gardens
- Visit their Open Air Markets 10am-7pm Thursday through Sunday
- Some of the best Food Trucks on the island:
- Kickshaws (Get the grilled cheese!)
- Taco Libre (Best California burrito)
- Check out the Blowhole @ Spouting Horn Park
- Take a tour of the Kauai Coffee Plantation
- Eat at Monster Sushi
- Get a Mai Tai at Keoki’s Paradise
- Eat at Puka Dogs (Rated as top 10 hot dog places in the country)
- Eat at Merriman’s Fish House (Fine dining)
- Eat at Da Crack (They have cheap, huge burritos)
Po’ipu
- Check out the Lithified Cliffs
- Go snorkeling/swimming at Poipu Beach
- Go swimming at Kiahuna Beach
- Visit the artisan shopping center Warehouse 3540
- Go to Koloa Landing at sunset to watch Sea Turtles come in from the ocean
- Check out Kauai Culinary Market at Kukui’ula Shopping Village on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 6pm
- Check out Shipwreck Beach at sunset
- Go to Waikomo Shave Ice
Waimea / Waimea Canyon
- Check out the Menehune Swinging Bridge
- See the sunset from Polihale State Park
- Visit Kalalau lookout
- Go hiking around Waimea Canyon
- Or you can also drive through the canyon and pull off to the side of the road if you want to stop
- Check out Kokee Park
- Get some Garlic Shrimp at the Shrimp Station
- Go to Porky’s Kauai
- Walk Kekaha Beach at sunset
