Kaua'i East Coast Palms during winter storm. February 10th, 2019.
Activities
I think Jack Harter Helicopter tours are the best. They have four-passenger ones with no doors!
http://www.helicopters-kauai.com
Try a Na'Pali Coast Catamaran tour. I recommend Captain Andy's for this. They have options for sunset tours, dinner tours, snorkeling, etc. The Na'Pali coast can be experienced only by foot, air, or sea. The views of waterfalls and cathedral cliffs from the sea are truly magnificent and breathtaking.
https://www.napali.com
There is an incredible Hindu temple in a gorgeous valley in Wailua, on about 300 acres of land. Beautiful views and a very special place to see. They are open to public guided tours once a week, and it is free, you are asked to give them a call though. Here are the details: http://www.himalayanacademy.com/visit/come-on-a-tour
Kayak the Wailua River to a spot where you hike to Secret Falls. They do a group tour, or you can go self-guided (they give you a map).
https://aliikayaks.com/wailua-kayak
Inner tubing through the old plantation irrigation tunnels! It might sound weird, yet it is really fun!
https://kauaibackcountry.com/tubing
If you want to go to a luau show, I hear Smith Family is the best. We still have yet to experience it, though!
https://www.smithskauai.com/garden-luau
http://www.helicopters-kauai.com
Try a Na'Pali Coast Catamaran tour. I recommend Captain Andy's for this. They have options for sunset tours, dinner tours, snorkeling, etc. The Na'Pali coast can be experienced only by foot, air, or sea. The views of waterfalls and cathedral cliffs from the sea are truly magnificent and breathtaking.
https://www.napali.com
There is an incredible Hindu temple in a gorgeous valley in Wailua, on about 300 acres of land. Beautiful views and a very special place to see. They are open to public guided tours once a week, and it is free, you are asked to give them a call though. Here are the details: http://www.himalayanacademy.com/visit/come-on-a-tour
Kayak the Wailua River to a spot where you hike to Secret Falls. They do a group tour, or you can go self-guided (they give you a map).
https://aliikayaks.com/wailua-kayak
Inner tubing through the old plantation irrigation tunnels! It might sound weird, yet it is really fun!
https://kauaibackcountry.com/tubing
If you want to go to a luau show, I hear Smith Family is the best. We still have yet to experience it, though!
https://www.smithskauai.com/garden-luau
Wailua Falls (The waterfalls from Fantasy Island)... You pretty much just drive up to the top of them and take photos. Folks aren't supposed to hike down to the pool (unless you find the right holes in the fence 😉)
Friday night street fair in Hanapepe. It happens every Friday, starting at 6 or 6:30 pm.
First Saturday street fair in Kapa’a. Starts at 6 or 6:30 pm.
Kiahuna Plantation. (To be elaborated.)
Beaches
West Side
Polihale Beach State Park.
Waimea Canyon/Kokee State Park (not a beach). Beautiful vista points to drive to and FULL of hiking trails from easy to strenuous.
South Side
Poipu Beach Park
Waiohai (Connected to Poipu Beach Park, has a lovely outdoor bar and grill)
Shipwrecks
Maha’ulepu
There is a cliff at Shipwrecks that people jump off of into the ocean.
Shipwrecks Beach connects to Maha'ulepu Beach by a short hike (about 3 miles round trip). The trail runs right along the coastline, and you should be able to see lots of whales (November - February), turtles, and dolphins. It also goes through a heiau (sacred ruins), so you'll see signs there asking you to not mess with the rocks!
Seriously, don’t mess with the rocks!
You can also drive to Maha’ulepu, BUT it’s via unmaintained old road through a former sugar cane plantation and can be very rough on cars. They also close the access gate in the evening, and you might not be able to drive out!
Shipwrecks Beach connects to Maha'ulepu Beach by a short hike (about 3 miles round trip). The trail runs right along the coastline, and you should be able to see lots of whales (November - February), turtles, and dolphins. It also goes through a heiau (sacred ruins), so you'll see signs there asking you to not mess with the rocks!
Seriously, don’t mess with the rocks!
You can also drive to Maha’ulepu, BUT it’s via unmaintained old road through a former sugar cane plantation and can be very rough on cars. They also close the access gate in the evening, and you might not be able to drive out!
Poipu and Waiohai beaches are very touristed, but two great spots for sunset (and Waiohai has an outdoor beach bar).
East Side
Kealia.
Donkey Beach (Nice beach, but not visible from the parking lot. Take your valuables with you!!)
North Side
Anini Beach. It features mellow, shallow water for swimming, and snorkeling.
Hanalei Bay.
Tunnels Beach.
Ke’e Beach (all the way at the end of the road… where Na’Pali Coast begins)
South Side KILLS IT for sunsets!!
In my personal opinion, I don't think the beaches on the east side are that great, BUT that's where the sunrises are!
In my personal opinion, I don't think the beaches on the east side are that great, BUT that's where the sunrises are!
Food
South Side
Da Crack is a little walk-up window on Poipu Road in the same plaza as Seasport Divers. Yummy!!
Keioki's Paradise (Poipu) is good
Beach House (Poipu) is good for food and sunset
Brennecke’s (right across the road from Poipu Beach Park)
Kalapaki Joe’s
Kaua'i Island Brewing in Port Allen is great for microbrews, their food is... Meh.
Kaua’i Chocolate Company!! Right across the road from Kaua’i Island Brewing.
Anywhere in Koloa Old Town is good!
Kalaheo Cafe
The Right Slice - Pie!! (Kalaheo)
Little Fish Cafe (Hanapepe)
East Side
Duke’s Beach Bar (Lihue)
Olympic Cafe in Kapa'a (good people watching from the open window seats)
Lava Lava bar and grill (Kapa’a)
Oasis restaurant -- AMAZING food, but spendy.
Kaua’i Pasta (The lounge in the back of the restaurant is really nice!)
Haole Girl Sweets (Owned and run by a former roommate - her name is Judy… definitely drop our names there!)
Olympic Cafe in Kapa'a (good people watching from the open window seats)
Lava Lava bar and grill (Kapa’a)
Oasis restaurant -- AMAZING food, but spendy.
Kaua’i Pasta (The lounge in the back of the restaurant is really nice!)
Haole Girl Sweets (Owned and run by a former roommate - her name is Judy… definitely drop our names there!)
Recommended: The Ultimate Kaua’i Guide Book (The Blue Book). It’s frequently updated, so make sure to get the most recent edition!