Things To Do
Waipo'o Falls Trail
Access this hike through Waimea Canyon via Pu’u HinaHina/Canyon Trail (we used the All Trails App to make it easier to find starting point and don’t need service to access trail). A classic, moderate hike starting from Pu’u Hinahina Lookout, leading down into the canyon to a little waterfall! We did this last time we visited and stopped at the waterfall to eat some lunch and hangout for a bit (saw a goat lol) Very fun and gorgeous views throughout. Can also just drive through Waimea Canyon and stop at multiple lookout points for gorgeous views of the canyon!
Hanakapiai Falls
The first 2 miles is a moderate hike to Hanakapiai Beach. Keep in mind that the beach is not safe for swimming as the surf and rip currents are often extremely treacherous. From there, it is another strenuous few miles to the falls (which is a must do!) We did this hike last time and it was our favorite part of the trip (besides getting engaged lol) and it was definitely worth it! We did it after heavy rain and it was definitely a bit scary sometimes and very slippery and muddy, so if we can do it then it will be even better during the summer! There are a few stream crossings and bouldering moments so wear some trusty shoes. It took us about 6 hours, 9 miles round trip, and we stopped for an hour at the waterfall and swam. Address above is to best shuttle pickup point where you can leave your car Visitors must secure reservations/parking permit at GoHaena.com up to 30 days in advance. The shuttle is the most reliable way to reach the area, as parking is extremely limited.
Wailua River Kayak & Hike Excursion To Secret Falls
Booked this excursion through the trip advisor link above and the address listed is to where you park for the excursion! Nature lovers can explore Kauai’s lush jungle by river and land on a guided adventure that combines a kayak trip along the Wailua River with a hike to a waterfall. Ideal for those who want to get away from the crowds of the more populated hiking trails, this excursion provides the chance to take photos of the island’s epic scenery without other tourists getting in the way and ends at a Secret Waterfall where you can swim and lunch is provided. Took about 4-5 hours overall, 2 miles total round kayak and 2 mile hike round trip (very easy)!
Go blue ocean adventures zodiac boat tour
A MUST DO !!!! (Have done this excursion every time) So, the owners of this company are actually the owners of our wedding venue TOO - Stacy and Cody! You explore the Na’Pali Coast by zodiac boat and its about 5-6 hours total, super fun speed boat, they take you miles along the coast and into a few different caves as well! The drivers are the absolute best and so fun and can tell you such cool stories! Then you stop at a couple parts for snorkeling and they provide some snacks! I would recommend bringing a dry bag to store your clothes, towel, phone, and a sandwich if you get hungry like me, because you WILL get wet on this! You will 100% see dolphins that get right up to your boat, some turtles and lots of local Hawaiian fishies! Cannot recommend this enough, if you are interested let us know so we can help book you through Cody and Stacy. We will also be doing the sunset booze cruise on a Catamaran the day after our wedding with their company if that is more your speed :)
Smiley's Local Grinds
1000/10 honestly Right next to the airport and a perfect quick stop for food when you land. It’s like Hawaii fast food and it’s AMAZING. You jut walk up to the window and order and they have lot of different Hawaiian plate entrees, SO YUM!
Lava Lava Beach Club
Super yummy, great mai tai’s and beautiful views right on the beach! They have some lawn games too.
Holey Grail Donuts Food Truck
The most delicious homemade donuts on Kauai! They use all fresh ingredients like taro, strawberries, green tea and lilikoi. DELISH!
Big Monster Sushi Food Truck (KOLOA)
10/10 Our favorite sushi we had on the island! They have multiple food trucks but we went to the one in Koloa which is by a lot of other food trucks options too!
The Musubi Truck (Koloa)
A staple and must try when coming to Hawaii! This is near a lot of other food trucks in Koloa also. They are all really close together. The OG Spam Musubi is our fav and it’s a perfect quick snack and easily the best spam musubi you will ever have. HIGHLY recommend! They have some cool merch too.
Koloa Fish Market
The literal BEST poke you will ever eat 100000/10 Lots of variety of fish too and not just poke This is located right in the same plaza as Musubi Truck, Big Monster Sushi, Kauai Brewing Co, and many other awesome food trucks/places to eat!
Merriman's Kauai
The literal BEST mai tai on the island…everyone knows it, just go at happy hour and you won’t regret it *Recommend going right when they open for happy hour because it gets busy and you want to sit at the bar! Gorgeous views and just the best place to go for a mai tai..or 4
Kauai Island Brewing Company - Koloa
Great local beer options and pretty good mai tai’s as well…very strong if you get it with their local Hawaiian rum YUMMY!
Kauai Chickens
Such a cute and fun store for all my chicken lovers! Can’t go to Kauai and leave without some Kauai Chicken merch??? In the same center as all the food trucks in Koloa and across the street from Kauai Brewing Co
Aloha Exchange
Cutest Hawaiian store on the island! Definitely check it out!
Warehouse 3540
Cute outdoor warehouse featuring many small retailers of art and home goods, with food trucks and a coffee shop! Aloha Exchange is next door.
Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company
Super yummy sit down breakfast cafe and delicious coffee!
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs
A must try Hawaiian take on a hot dog! Delicious!
Beach House Restaurant - Kauai
We went here after we got engaged! Need to make a reservation early on if you want a good seat to look at the gorgeous views this place has to offer. Looks out right over the water and definitely need to go during happy hour to watch the sunset. Amazing food, delicious drinks and gorgeous views! Definitely on the pricier side but so worth it. You can also snorkel in front of this restaurant at the beach during the day and just get a drink there to watch the sunset if you don’t want to eat there. Delicious mai tai’s of course!
Java Kai Kapaa
Delicious coffee and brunch!
Hanalei Bread Company
Wishing Well Shave Ice
Yummy shaved ice and also located in a cute shopping center with other food trucks and little boutiques all outdoors!
Poipu Beach
They have lot of sea turtles sun bathing :)
Shipwreck Beach
We got engaged on the cliff here, right in front of the Hyatt!
Baby Beach
More of a lowkey, private beach! Great snorkeling and the beach we will be going to since closest to where we are staying!