Guidebook for Kauai
Food Scene
Open for breakfast and lunch w/ amazing breakfast options and large portions.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kountry Kitchen
4-1489 Kuhio HwyOpen for breakfast and lunch w/ amazing breakfast options and large portions.
Great coffee shop w/ many options and light food options.
96 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Java Kai
4-1384 Kuhio HwyGreat coffee shop w/ many options and light food options.
Olympic Cafe
1354 Kuhio HwyNice view overlooking city of Kapaa.
Our 1st stop off the plane. It's nearby and has delicious boba, chicken katsu masubi's, teri chicken, ribs, and mac salad.
Kauai Boba & Barbeque
Our 1st stop off the plane. It's nearby and has delicious boba, chicken katsu masubi's, teri chicken, ribs, and mac salad.
Also close to the airport and across the street from Walmart is the Fish express. They have fresh fish and poke bowls for take out.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fish Express
3-3343 Kuhio HwyAlso close to the airport and across the street from Walmart is the Fish express. They have fresh fish and poke bowls for take out.
Great dinner spot and bar that has live music on the weekends. Another local favorite. Their poke nachos, fish sandwiches, and brussel sprouts are amazing!
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rob's Good Times Grill
4303 Rice StGreat dinner spot and bar that has live music on the weekends. Another local favorite. Their poke nachos, fish sandwiches, and brussel sprouts are amazing!
Definitely a local spot but it has amazing macademia nut pancakes, oxtail soup, and ramen. Open for breakfast and lunch.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tip Top Motel
3173 Akahi StDefinitely a local spot but it has amazing macademia nut pancakes, oxtail soup, and ramen. Open for breakfast and lunch.
OMG! Love this place. Dining by the water and the barefoot bar has delicious kahlua pork sliders! Make sure to have the Hula Pie for dessert. We usually eat here for our last meal if we have a later flight. Close to the airport and outdoor showers on the beach.
Duke's Canoe Club Barefoot Bar and Restaurant
OMG! Love this place. Dining by the water and the barefoot bar has delicious kahlua pork sliders! Make sure to have the Hula Pie for dessert. We usually eat here for our last meal if we have a later flight. Close to the airport and outdoor showers on the beach.
Mexican and seafood restaurant w/ good food. We shared the surf and turf and it was delicious!
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Monico's Taqueria
4-733 Kuhio HwyMexican and seafood restaurant w/ good food. We shared the surf and turf and it was delicious!
Wonderful ocean view and great meals! One of our favorite spots!
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sam's Ocean View Restaurant Kapaa Kauai
4-1546 Kuhio HwyWonderful ocean view and great meals! One of our favorite spots!
Amazing fish plates, wraps, or burritos! Behind the Coconut marketplace.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sleeping Giant Grill
440 Aleka PlAmazing fish plates, wraps, or burritos! Behind the Coconut marketplace.
Delicious burgers, fish wraps and both indoor and outdoor seating in back of restaurant. Walking distance from the Condo. There's also other locations in Lihue and Koloa.
Kenji Burger Kapaa
Delicious burgers, fish wraps and both indoor and outdoor seating in back of restaurant. Walking distance from the Condo. There's also other locations in Lihue and Koloa.
Restaurant on the beach w/ great views, outdoor games, and great food and drinks. Also one of our regular hangouts!
97 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lava Lava Beach Club
420 Papaloa RdRestaurant on the beach w/ great views, outdoor games, and great food and drinks. Also one of our regular hangouts!
Fine dining and beautiful tropical views. Great spot for special occasions!
91 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hukilau Lanai
520 Aleka LoopFine dining and beautiful tropical views. Great spot for special occasions!
Tapas and very fresh delicious menu items. Local favorite dining spot.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
JO2 Restaurant
4-971 Kuhio HwyTapas and very fresh delicious menu items. Local favorite dining spot.
Great Mai Tai and meals right next door to Kauai Kailani at Waipoli and its on the beach so great views as well!
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oasis on the Beach
4 820 Kuhio HwyGreat Mai Tai and meals right next door to Kauai Kailani at Waipoli and its on the beach so great views as well!
Across the street and delicious meals. Can dine indoors or on their patio.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lemongrass Grill - Kauai
4-871 Kuhio HwyAcross the street and delicious meals. Can dine indoors or on their patio.
Amazing sushi with some of the freshest fish we've had. Try the local fish! One of our favorite dinner spots!
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sushi Bushido
4-484 Kuhio HwyAmazing sushi with some of the freshest fish we've had. Try the local fish! One of our favorite dinner spots!
Nice views of the water and they have live entertainment at times. Can have food and drinks here!
Jimmy’s Grill
Nice views of the water and they have live entertainment at times. Can have food and drinks here!
El Rey Del Mar
Great food truck w/ delicious breakfast burritos and yummy fish burritos!
Namaste Indian Food
Very good food!
Anatta's Thai Street Food
Delicious Thai food truck in Kapaa
Local market that specializes in plate lunches and to go foods.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pono Market
4-1300 Kuhio HwyLocal market that specializes in plate lunches and to go foods.
Hee Fat General Store
Nice shop but the Shaved Ice w/ macademia icecream is amazing!
Shave ice here is delicious but only vanilla ice cream here. Try different shops to compare and choose your favorite spot!
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wailua Shave Ice
4-831 Kuhio HighwayShave ice here is delicious but only vanilla ice cream here. Try different shops to compare and choose your favorite spot!
Sandwiches and amazing pastries! You can also find her at the farmers market at the Coconut Marketplace on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Haole Girl Island Sweets
4-1161 Kuhio HighwaySandwiches and amazing pastries! You can also find her at the farmers market at the Coconut Marketplace on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Island Crave’s Kauai
4-1177 Kuhio HwyOpen late for snacks! Gourmet donuts, ice cream, pizza, etc.
Amazing fish wraps and poke! Great lunch spot after visiting the lighthouse or on your way the beach on the North shore.
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kilauea Fish Market
4270 Kilauea RdAmazing fish wraps and poke! Great lunch spot after visiting the lighthouse or on your way the beach on the North shore.
Beautiful views of Hanalei with food and drinks. They advertise real cold "Beer". Live music some evenings.
151 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Happy Talk Lounge Restaurant & Bar
5380 Honoiki RdBeautiful views of Hanalei with food and drinks. They advertise real cold "Beer". Live music some evenings.
Tahiti Nui Restaurant
5122 Kuhio HwyDining and happy hour in Hanalei.
The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant
Seafood along the Hanalei River. Indoor or outdoor seating.
Sports bar for watching sports, happy hour, and delicious food while you're visiting Hanalei
Kalypso Island Bar & Grill
Sports bar for watching sports, happy hour, and delicious food while you're visiting Hanalei
Tropical Taco
5-5088 Kuhio HwyGood fish tacos and Taro fries!
Amazing homemade waffle cones and icecream are so good, we could smell the wafflecones from a distance.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pink's Creamery
4489 Aku RdAmazing homemade waffle cones and icecream are so good, we could smell the wafflecones from a distance.
Hawaiian style hot dogs w/ sauce options. Good and convenient spot across the street from Poipu beach for a lunch option.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs
2100 Hoone RdHawaiian style hot dogs w/ sauce options. Good and convenient spot across the street from Poipu beach for a lunch option.
Anuenue Cafe
2360 Kiahuna Plantation DrGood breakfast place in Koloa
Amazing Poke bowls and sides! Open till 3pm and it's take out only.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Koloa Fish Market
3390 Poipu RdAmazing Poke bowls and sides! Open till 3pm and it's take out only.
Great views from this upstairs dining location w/ bar. Views of Poipu beach. Good food and drinks!
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brennecke's Beach Broiler
2100 Hoone RdGreat views from this upstairs dining location w/ bar. Views of Poipu beach. Good food and drinks!
The Cabana Bar & Grill
2290 Poipu RdGood meals and drinks and live music on weekends.
Love this place for amazing coffee drinks and the breakfast options are very Ono (delicious). Great place to stop and have breakfast on a day your headed to Waimea Canyon or anywhere on the West side. This is also one of our favorites!
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company
2-2560 Kaumualii HwyLove this place for amazing coffee drinks and the breakfast options are very Ono (delicious). Great place to stop and have breakfast on a day your headed to Waimea Canyon or anywhere on the West side. This is also one of our favorites!
The grilled cheese sandwuch with pineapple and pulled pork was amazing!
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Porky's Kauai
5460 Waimea RdThe grilled cheese sandwuch with pineapple and pulled pork was amazing!
Shakalafel
Delicious falafels
Places to Visit/ Tours/Activities
Beach at the end of the road. Parking or shuttle reservations required and can be made up to 30 days in advance. Reservations can be made on www.Kauai.com. Click on beaches and then on Ke'e beach for link.
92 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ke'e Beach
Beach at the end of the road. Parking or shuttle reservations required and can be made up to 30 days in advance. Reservations can be made on www.Kauai.com. Click on beaches and then on Ke'e beach for link.
Life guard, restrooms, picnic tables, and showers available here. Lush tropical jungle meets white sand beaches. Bai Hai looms above Haena beach. Great spot for sunsets.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Haena Beach
Life guard, restrooms, picnic tables, and showers available here. Lush tropical jungle meets white sand beaches. Bai Hai looms above Haena beach. Great spot for sunsets.
Many movies were filmed in Kauai and specifically at Hanalei Bay. You can swim, surf, rent kayaks, or SUP boards in the bay or river. Great place to spend a day.
172 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hanalei Bay
Many movies were filmed in Kauai and specifically at Hanalei Bay. You can swim, surf, rent kayaks, or SUP boards in the bay or river. Great place to spend a day.
Beautiful spot for snorkeling in summertime. This spot is accessed by a steep path and has no lifeguards or facilities.
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hideaway Beach
Beautiful spot for snorkeling in summertime. This spot is accessed by a steep path and has no lifeguards or facilities.
Calm water good for families. There are also Public restrooms and good snorkeling areas.
175 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Anini Beach
Calm water good for families. There are also Public restrooms and good snorkeling areas.
Also known as Baby beach is a great place for children to swim and explore tide pools. There are picnic tables but no life guard.
There's also a shower to rinse off and some shaded areas.
Fujii Beach
Moanakai RoadAlso known as Baby beach is a great place for children to swim and explore tide pools. There are picnic tables but no life guard.
There's also a shower to rinse off and some shaded areas.
Nice protected beach safe for children. Soccer fields and big playground area for children. Showers and public restrooms.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Lydgate
Leho DriveNice protected beach safe for children. Soccer fields and big playground area for children. Showers and public restrooms.
Easy parking access w/ shops, restaurants, & ice cream within walking distance. Can also rent paddle boards or surf boards on the beach.
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kalapaki
Easy parking access w/ shops, restaurants, & ice cream within walking distance. Can also rent paddle boards or surf boards on the beach.
The Spouting Horn and good shopping and restaurants are all located in this area. Poipu also has a great child safe beach where you can find turtles coming up to sleep around sunset time if you're lucky.
118 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Poipu Beach
The Spouting Horn and good shopping and restaurants are all located in this area. Poipu also has a great child safe beach where you can find turtles coming up to sleep around sunset time if you're lucky.
Swinging bridge, charming shops, and more art galleries than any other spot in Kauai.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hanapepe
Swinging bridge, charming shops, and more art galleries than any other spot in Kauai.
Beautiful Grand Canyon of the Pacific with waterfalls, great scenic views, and many hiking trails.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Waimea Canyon Trail
779 Kokee RdBeautiful Grand Canyon of the Pacific with waterfalls, great scenic views, and many hiking trails.
Nice quiet beach and nice swim areas in West side of island. Great stop after visiting Waimea Canyon.
Salt Pond Park Campground
Salt Pond RoadNice quiet beach and nice swim areas in West side of island. Great stop after visiting Waimea Canyon.
The falls are part of the north branch of the Wailua River, the 151 foot falls span 40 feet wide. Plenty of parking available.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Opaekaa Falls
The falls are part of the north branch of the Wailua River, the 151 foot falls span 40 feet wide. Plenty of parking available.
Great spot for kayaking, paddle boarding, or taking guided tours. Can hike to waterfall at end of river.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wailua River
Great spot for kayaking, paddle boarding, or taking guided tours. Can hike to waterfall at end of river.
140 foot waterfall that was used in opening scene of 1970's tv series " Fantasy Island."
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wailua Falls
140 foot waterfall that was used in opening scene of 1970's tv series " Fantasy Island."
Hidden gem of walking paths and hiking viewing Japanese gardens, lava rock artifacts, and unrivaled views of South and West shores of Kauai.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kukuiolono Park & Golf Course
854 Puu RdHidden gem of walking paths and hiking viewing Japanese gardens, lava rock artifacts, and unrivaled views of South and West shores of Kauai.
Nice park with steam and hiking trails. Picnic tables and beautiful rainbow eucalyptus trees.
Keahua Arboretum
Nice park with steam and hiking trails. Picnic tables and beautiful rainbow eucalyptus trees.
Tubing down an old sugar plantation irrigation system, open canals and tunnels or ziplining/traversing are tour options while learning about island history.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Aventuras en el campo de Kauai
3-4131 Kuhio HwyTubing down an old sugar plantation irrigation system, open canals and tunnels or ziplining/traversing are tour options while learning about island history.
Wonderful boat/Catamaran tours of the beautiful Napali Coast only available to see by water since there are no roads accessing this part of the island.
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Capt Andy's
4353 Waialo RdWonderful boat/Catamaran tours of the beautiful Napali Coast only available to see by water since there are no roads accessing this part of the island.
Tour the back roads of Kauai on ATV's seeing areas included in Jurassic Park and other movies.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kauai ATV
3477A Weliweli RdTour the back roads of Kauai on ATV's seeing areas included in Jurassic Park and other movies.
Dinner buffet and live entertainment on the Wailua River.
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Smith Family Garden Luau
3-5971 Kuhio HwyDinner buffet and live entertainment on the Wailua River.
Great Luau that also teaches Hawaiian history & culture.
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Luau Kalamaku
3-2087 Kaumualii HwyGreat Luau that also teaches Hawaiian history & culture.
Rent single or double kayaks and paddle your way up the Wailua River. You can then park your kayak and take a walk/hike up to the waterfall to enjoy a nice lunch or snacks.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kayak Kaua'i
3 Kuhio HwyRent single or double kayaks and paddle your way up the Wailua River. You can then park your kayak and take a walk/hike up to the waterfall to enjoy a nice lunch or snacks.
Hawaaian owned and run, this company has different sizes boats so you have the option of zodiac tours or larger boats. We went into a sea cave with Captain A'A on a "Seiko" and the snorkeling spot was one of the best spots we've ever been to! Make sure you take the early morning tour as the ocean is much calmer which is more enjoyable and offers the possibility of getting into a cave.
Makana Charters
4516 Alawai RdHawaaian owned and run, this company has different sizes boats so you have the option of zodiac tours or larger boats. We went into a sea cave with Captain A'A on a "Seiko" and the snorkeling spot was one of the best spots we've ever been to! Make sure you take the early morning tour as the ocean is much calmer which is more enjoyable and offers the possibility of getting into a cave.
Snorkel/ Beach rentals
Kauai Snorkel Rentals
4-484 Kuhio HwySnorkel and bicycle rentals.
Everything needed for a day at the beach.
Kapaa Beach Shop | Spearfishing, Fishing, Freediving, Snorkel & Beach Rentals
4-1592 Kuhio HwyEverything needed for a day at the beach.
snorkel gear including prescription masks.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Snorkel Bob's Kauai
4-734 Kuhio Hwysnorkel gear including prescription masks.
Bars
Great bar on the beach and live entertainment and Hula dancers on weekends.
97 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lava Lava Beach Club
420 Papaloa RdGreat bar on the beach and live entertainment and Hula dancers on weekends.
Bar next door to the condo. Good mai tai and right by the beach.
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oasis on the Beach
4 820 Kuhio HwyBar next door to the condo. Good mai tai and right by the beach.
Rob's Good Times Grill
4303 Rice StLocal bar in Lihue w/ live music
Outdoor bar overlooking Kalapaki Beach.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Duke's Canoe Club Barefoot Bar and Restaurant
3481 Ho'Olaulea WayOutdoor bar overlooking Kalapaki Beach.
Outdoor seating by the beach and friendly staff serving drinks and meals if wanted. Live music
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jimmy’s Grill
4-1638 Kuhio HighwayOutdoor seating by the beach and friendly staff serving drinks and meals if wanted. Live music
Nawiliwili Tavern
3488 Paena LoopSmall tavern atmosphere with friendly staff.
Kalapaki Joe's
3-2600 Kaumualii HwyLocations in Lihue and Poipu. Sports bar
Has a good happy hour menu and is right across the street from the condo.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lemongrass Grill - Kauai
4-871 Kuhio HwyHas a good happy hour menu and is right across the street from the condo.
Tiki bar in Princeville w/ fun vibes and tiki decorated space. Happy hour deals.
53 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tiki Iniki
5-4280 Kuhio HwyTiki bar in Princeville w/ fun vibes and tiki decorated space. Happy hour deals.
Mai Tai's are delicious! Live music is an added bonus.
175 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tahiti Nui Restaurant
5122 Kuhio HwyMai Tai's are delicious! Live music is an added bonus.
Great outdoor tiki bar with live music overlooking the ocean. Has pupu's and lots of outdoor seating.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mamahune's
3-5920 Kuhio HighwayGreat outdoor tiki bar with live music overlooking the ocean. Has pupu's and lots of outdoor seating.
Beautiful views for meals or drinks
151 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Happy Talk Lounge Restaurant & Bar
5380 Honoiki RdBeautiful views for meals or drinks
Taps & Hops Eatery
4-885 Kuhio HighwayGood happy hour.
Sightseeing
Beautiful and peaceful place to visit w/ gorgeous grounds.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kauai's Hindu Monastery - Saiva Siddhanta Headquarters
107 Kaholalele RdBeautiful and peaceful place to visit w/ gorgeous grounds.
Consejos para la ciudad
Qué debes empacar
Bring reef-safe sunblock or suntan lotion please.
Let's keep the reefs and fish safe for years to come.
Qué debes empacar
Bring washable hiking/water shoes.
Red dirt of Hawaii can stain shoes. Please rinse them off prior to entering the condo. There are multiple outdoor faucets in the area. Mahalo
Formas de ahorrar
Tap water is good & safe for drinking.
We fill up a pitcher and store it in the refrigerator so we have cold water to fill up our hydroflasks, etc. daily before we head out for the day.
No te pierdas
The local Farmers markets are wonderful.
The farmers market is in a different town daily. Check binder w/ schedule or google for details.
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Travel towards Lihue/Poipu
Remember, you're on an island with 1 major road that goes around. If you're heading to Lihue, Poipu, or Waimea areas, try to do it before 11:00 am. They have what's called "contra flow traffic". The normal 1 lane road heading to Lihue has cones put up early in the morning to make it 2 lanes until 11:30ish. After that, it goes back to 1 lane which can add an extra 20-30 minutes onto your drive. But you're on a beautiful island, so it's not too bad. Relax and enjoy the beautiful views.
Antes de que te vayas
Reservations for hiking Napali Coast from Ke'e Beach
Reservations are required to park at Ke'e beach for hour or day use as well as hiking Napali Coast. There are only 100 parking spots available.
Log on to Kauai.com and scroll to beaches and click on Ke'e beach to find the link to make your reservations prior to your visit. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance and no later than the day before your visit.
Antes de que te vayas
Planning/ideas
Log on to Kauai.com for more ideas on hiking, activities, tours, and beaches. Great resource!
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Bike rentals
you can reserve bikes at Hele on Kauai in Kapaa @ kauaibeachrentals.com so you don't have to wait in line! The 8 mile ride along the coast is beautiful!