Kauai, the oldest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands, is the lushest and most topographically diverse. From taro and ginger to guava, mangos, and avocados, Kauai’s bounty is not only stunning, but also tasty. Whether it is your first visit or a repeat trip, make sure to experience island time, refueling from your adventures with local fruits, savory treats, and drinks. The Garden Island welcomes you—e komo mai.
No visit to Kauai is complete without a drive to Waimea Canyon and into Kokee State Park. The colorful canyon, waterfalls, hiking trails, and vistas are worth a full day of sightseeing. In Kokee, you will experience eucalyptus, koa, and redwoods (versus the iconic palm trees of Poipu and Hanalei). To stretch your legs from your drive, take a day hike on the Awaawapuhi Trail or picnic at the postcard-famous Kalalau Lookout.
The Napali Coast’s pristine, seventeen-mile coastline is the crown jewel of Kauai. Because there are no roads there, experience its grandeur and beauty on foot via the Hanakapiai Trail, by kayak or tour boat, or via helicopter tour. You will spot majestic waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and the contrast of red dirt, green vegetation, and the aquamarine surf. Feeling adventurous? Hike and camp the world-famous Kalalau Trail, which is an eleven-mile, one-way trek to Kalalau Valley and its secluded beach. (Plan ahead: reservations and permits are required.)
Kauai is the epitome of a plant-lover’s paradise as well as a great outdoor classroom for curious, lifelong learners. Located on the North Shore, the Limahuli Garden & Preserve is home to dozens of endangered plants and birds found nowhere else on earth. In the Lawai Valley on the South Shore are the McBryde and Allerton Gardens. The McBryde prides itself on the largest conservation collection of native Hawaiian flora. Likewise, the Allerton Garden features a delightful combination of nature’s artwork with additional historical designs and artistic touches. Book a tour to walk amongst towering rainforest trees, a grove of swaying golden bamboo, and a plethora of tropical fruit and flowering trees.
To experience Kauai to the fullest, adventure beyond where a car can take you. Rent a kayak and paddle the Wailua River to be humbled by the valley’s steep walls, fern grotto, and short hike to Secret Falls. On your way through Kapaa and the Wailua River area, take time to admire the beauty of the river valley, Opaekaa Falls, and various heiaus (ceremonial and religious structures), including Poliahu Heiau, which is right across the road from Opaekaa Falls.
After a full day, get a taste of real local grindz with popular dishes like poke bowls, kalua pork plate lunch, shave ice, and huli huli chicken. Wash your meal down with a cold one from the local breweries: Kauai Beer Company in Lihue and Kauai Island Brewing Company (touted as the world’s westernmost brewery) in Port Allen or Koloa Village. Make sure to experience Kauai on island time. Live aloha and enjoy the riches of this special land.
Island Insights
How to Get There: Fly direct from the West Coast of Canada and US mainland into Lihue (LIH). If island hopping or connecting, flights from Honolulu, Oahu (HNL) are under an hour.
What to Say: Hawaiian is a phonetic language; so even though the words can be very long with many syllables, it is rather easy to pronounce. To assist in pronunciation, you will notice diacritical marks such as the ‘okina (ʻ), a glottal stop or break, or the kahakō (‾), which indicates meaning or an elongated sound. Special characters are often omitted in print and online articles for formatting and search purposes. When on Kauai, observe Hawaiian names and words and let knowledge of the language enhance your experience.
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Written by Heidi Siefkas
Photography provided by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), Ben Ono, Tor Johnson, Ben Ono, Mark Kushimi, Tommy Lundberg