Things to do
More than 5,000,000 years old and the oldest Hawaiian island, Kauai is a place of incredible geological diversity. There are endless activities and local flavors to experience. Here are our favorites:
General
Rainbow Kayak Tours - kayak the jungle river and hike to Secret Falls where a waterfall and pool await - an unforgettable 4 ½ hour experience!
Kauai Sugar Plantation Float - tube down the irrigation canals of one of Hawaii’s first sugar plantations. This is a blast and we recommend loading up on bug spray. A really fun and unique experience!
Makai Golf Course and Sunset Cart Tour- considered one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses!
Waimea Canyon - if you are able to make the drive south, visit the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and the “Waimea Canyon Lookout” for views you will never forget!
Princeville Ranch - Horseback Ride Adventures
Surf Lessons - Located in Hanalei
Guided Hiking Tours with Kevin - Phone (512) 914-5102
Kauai Coffee Tours - visit the largest coffee farm in the U.S. and sample 100% pure Hawaiian coffee that has been grown, harvested, and roasted on island.
Kauai Chocolate Tour at Lydgate Farms - Twice recognized as producing the best cacao beans in the world by Cocoa of Excellence in Paris, France, this fifth-generation family farm produces craft amazing chocolate. They also offer a botanical garden and tropical fruit tasting tour.
Vanilla Farm Tour - An off the beaten tour to learn about small agriculture on the island, where vanilla is farmed and made.
Hanalei
Eat:
Hanalei Farmers Market - Every Saturday from 9:30am-12:00pm in the Kupuna Shopping center
Nourish - delicious bowls on a family run farm with beautiful views
Hanalei Bread Company - known for their macadamia nut banana bread, great coffee spot where you will find us in the morning!
Holey Grail Donuts - organic, gluten-free, vegan donuts made out of the taro plant that are heavenly!
Fresh Bite Kauai - great food truck with organic bowls/salads/wraps
Da Fazenda - An amazing Brazilian/barbecue food truck
Wishing Well Shave Ice - a local favorite that has been around for 30 years
Chocolat Hanalei - owned by a couple, the wife makes all the chocolates. Highly suggest the passion fruit caramels!
Restaurants:
Bar Acuda - our favorite restaurant with incredible tapas, cocktails, and ambiance
The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant - large selection of fresh caught Hawaiian fish and sushi lounge.
Do:
Tunnels Beach - one of the best spots to snorkel and most stunning beach! A 20 minute drive west of Hanalei, please click on link for help with parking that can be difficult at times, but worth the trip! Reservations for the shuttle can be made here
Princeville
Eat:
Saenz Ohana Breakfast - a fantastic food truck with amazing breakfast
The Spot North Shore - located in the Princeville Shopping Center, a super tasty and great breakfast spot.
Lappert’s Hawaii - Only in Hawaii, this is delicious ice cream and interestingly not affiliated with Lappert’s on the mainland. A husband and wife duo left the mainland in the early 80s and started their first shop on the west side Kauai in Hanapepe, where small batches are made fresh daily.
Restaurants:
Piazza - a modern Italian eatery with pizza and locally sourced entrees
Do:
Queen’s Bath - a natural tide pool - please observe surf conditions for safety.
Anini State Beach - drive down from Princeville to a tranquil, beautiful beach
Fit Lab Kauai - a fitness studio where you can choose from spinning, TRX, HIIT, yoga and more!
Yoga at Waves Yoga - choose from yoga and sculpt classes, or an infrared sauna
Kilauea
just East of Princeville
Eat:
Anaina Hou Farmer’s Market - Every Saturday from 9:30am - 12:00pm
Kai Bar Kauai - Fantastic coffee, breakfast, and lunch
Sushigirl Kauai - considered one of the favorite sushi spots on the island
Jo2 - a foodie’s dream, a French chef’s take on Hawaiian inspired cuisine
Kilauea Market and Cafe - the “Whole Foods of the North Shore”
Kauai Juice Co. - known for amazing kombucha, juices, and smoothies
Kilauea Fish Market - recommend the ahi wraps and chicken plate
Trilogy Coffee- artisanal coffee
Do:
Kahili Beach (Rock Quarry) - one of the very best beaches with a swing and river
Secret Beach - stunning beach
Kilauea Point Lighthouse - Great stop for a view!
