When I picture Kaua‘i, I see towering green mountains, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls. It receives a significant amount of rain, which as a result makes it the greenest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is nicknamed the “Garden Isle” after all! The majority of the island isn’t even accessible by road, leaving much of it unspoiled. It’s a nature-lovers paradise with countless hiking trails and outdoor adventures galore. Personally, Kaua‘i is my favorite island to visit. Being born and raised on the island of O‘ahu, I appreciate the local mom-and-pop shops and lush forests that outnumber large shopping malls and high-rise condos. Don’t get me wrong, Oahu has a good mixture of town and country, however, Kaua‘i is a refined version of Hawai‘i. Here are some of the places I found unique to Kaua‘i during my weekend getaway.
Hideaways Beach
Tucked away beneath the cliffs of Princeville is this small, lesser-known spot, also known as Kenomene Beach. It’s a great place to go for a snorkel or just relax. I first stumbled upon this secluded beach by mistake, after wandering around the luxurious Princeville property in search of a bird’s-eye view of Hanalei Bay. The start of the trail is located near the parking lot just before the hotel entrance. From there, the trail takes you through a short but very steep hike down from the St. Regis Hotel.
Waimea Canyon Lookout
Also referred to as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” it is one spot on the west side you won’t want to miss. The dramatic gorges go thousands of miles deep and were naturally formed over time by erosion. Water flowing down from Mount Wai‘ale‘ale forms the Waimea River, which runs throughout the canyon. Enjoy panoramic views of the canyon from several lookout points. The lower lookout gives you an inside perspective of the colossal wonder. It is quite a sight to behold.
Hamura Saimin
This longtime Lihue staple hits the spot. If you haven’t had it before, saimin is the Hawaiian version of Ramen. The broth is light yet flavorful and is usually topped with slices of green onion, kamaboko (fishcake), ham, char sui, egg, etc. Don’t forget dessert! Top off your meal with their famous lilikoi chiffon pie. It’s light and fluffy with a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Tips: Show up first thing in the morning to beat the crowd. They only accept cash payments.
Waipouli Beach
This is a beautiful golden sand beach located in Kapa‘a, fronting a lineup of several hotels. Due to its central location on the island’s east side, it’s a great place to observe scenic views of Kaua‘i’s Royal Coconut Coast. If you’re staying nearby, it couldn’t be a more perfect location to take an early morning stroll and watch the sunrise. You might even witness a monk seal coming ashore for a rest. If you happen to see one, remember to keep your distance.
Hanalei Valley Lookout
A drive up to the north shore wouldn’t be complete without a stopover at the Hanalei Valley Lookout. There’s an area on the side of the road with enough room for a handful of vehicles to park. Witness the most beautiful views of the lo‘i kalo (taro patch) fronting the deep green mountain ridges of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Look closely into the nooks and crannies of the mountains, and you will realize that they are dripping with countless waterfalls! If you’re lucky, you may even see a rainbow, which would just be a bonus on top of this stunning sight.
Wai‘oli Hui‘ia Church
This historical landmark is located off the main road in the town of Hanalei, near the popular Hanalei Bay. Originally built for the arrival of Hanalei’s first Christian missionaries, the church was completed in 1841. Take a closer look and admire its stained-glass windows and forest green shingles that blend in perfectly with the surrounding greenery. The church still holds events such as weddings, Sunday service, and other weekly community gatherings.
Konohiki Seafoods
Craving fried chicken? Before heading out to the beach, stop by this local hotspot in Līhu‘e to pick up a quick snack. They’re particularly known for the ginger fried chicken and shrimp. It’s crispy and crunchy with just a hint of sweetness from the ginger. Many claim that it’s the best fried chicken they’ve ever had. A statement like that makes it worth a try! Aside from the fried chicken, they do offer other fresh menu items such as poke bowls, sushi, local style plate lunch, etc.
Ke‘e Beach
Located at the end of Kuhio Highway within Hā‘ena State Park, this beach marks the northernmost drivable point on the island. It has a high amount of foot traffic because of its location at the start of the well-known Kalalau Trail. During the summertime, when the waters are calm, it’s a great place to swim, snorkel, or fish. Otherwise, it’s always a beautiful place to rest and catch the sunset after your venture up north.
Nā Pali Coast
If you chose to do one thing on Kaua‘i, this should be at the top of your list. The Nā Pali Coast is only accessible via boat, helicopter, or hike. The best option, in my opinion, is by sea. Jump on a catamaran and snorkeling adventure along the beautiful Nā Pali Coast. This was by far the most spectacular thing I’ve experienced on Kaua‘i. The views are like nothing you’ll see anywhere in the world. As you cruise along the coastline, enjoy the sights of uninhabited beaches, sea caves, waterfalls, and majestic mountain ridges. Eventually, the boat will make a stop at a snorkeling spot where you can take advantage of the crystal-clear waters and observe the marine life. If you take an afternoon tour, you’ll get to enjoy the sunset as mother nature paints the sky before heading back to the port.
In conclusion, if you love small-town vibes and enjoy the outdoors, Kaua‘i just may be the place for you. It’s not as heavily developed or densely populated compared to Oahu and Maui, for example, which in turn allows you to appreciate more of the island’s natural beauty. If you’re looking for an even more bare-bones Hawai‘i experience, see what the island of Moloka‘i has to offer.
If you need some pointers to prepare for your trip to Hawai‘i, then head over to this post: Hawai‘i Travel Tips: Know Before You Go
