Things To Do
Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park
*UPDATE* The Kalalau Trail is currently CLOSED due to the flooding. BUMMER! Want to go on the most beautiful hike of your life? You can hike the first 4 miles of the Kalalau Trail without a permit and see some of the most breathtaking views on the island. The hike is filled with remote beaches, caves, and if you make it mile 4 there is an incredible waterfall! This is my second favorite hike on the island and people come from all over the world to see the views of the coastline. To Hanakāpīʻai Beach is 4 miles (round trip). The waterfall is 8 miles (round trip)
Polihale State Park
My favorite beach on the island to camp on! It’s remote, incredibly relaxing, and absolutely stunning! You will need 4 wheel drive to get there (especially if it’s been raining a lot) but it’s sooooo worth it. Especially if you are looking to camp out somewhere stunning and quiet. My favorite spots are at the very north end of the road.
Kalalau Lookout
Some of the best views on the island lead all the way up to Kalalau Lookout! And if you are looking for Matt and I’s FAVORITE spot and hike on the island, look for a tiny green gate off to the left side of Kalalau Lookout. Go through and follow the dirt path CAREFULLY as far as you can. If you find this hike, you are lucky because it’s a secret to the islanders that we magically stumbled upon. This hike is NOT suitable for children, and only for hikers who are not afraid of heights. Kids can absolutely go up to the lookout though, just not on the trail hike. The Kalalau Lookout Trail is an incredible adventure for the adrenaline junkies who can’t get a permit out to Kalalau. Please be careful!
Koke`e State Park
If you are looking for a day trip to see Waimea Canyon, head over to Kokee State Park for some incredible views, waterfalls, and some of the coolest and SECRET hiking trails along the way. You can stay in the car and wind all the way up to Kalalau Lookout if you want, or get out and explore just about anywhere.
Awa'awapuhi Trail
Also called the Nualolo Trail...THIS hike is UNREAL but only for the adrenaline junkie! It’s spine tingling but the views are some of the most beautiful you will see. NOT suitable for children and for experienced hikers only. 6.9 miles and 3,000 feet up!!!! Oh my WOW!
Queens Bath
Do NOT go back here if the ocean isn’t calm! But if it’s a nice day out on the sea this is SUCH a cool place to go explore. Parking is the hardest, but if you can figure out that puzzle the path takes you down past waterfalls, and then out onto lava rocks where you can even swim or wade in stunning tide pools! And if you are daring and a good swimmer you can even dive into King’s Bath (which you will pass first). There are tons of Sea Turtles and wildlife so bring your cameras and pay attention to the signs!
Honopu Ridge Trailhead
Obviously I loooooove ridge hikes, and this one isn’t as well known but insanely beautiful! A MUST DO, but again NOT with children and NOT for the faint of heart. Amazing!!!!
Tunnels Beach
*UPDATE* The road to Tunnels, located in Haena Park is currently closed due to the recent flooding. Bummer! Collect incredible seashells, camp, explore caves, waterfalls, and tide pools. The amount of things to explore on this part of the island are endless and makes a great spot to bring kids. The currents can be strong though. Check to make sure swimming conditions are okay if you are going out into any water around Kauai.
Anini Beach
Great place for snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, and camping! It has a natural barrier reef that protects this beach from incoming waves and makes a fantastic place to find underwater wildlife and the famous Sunrise Seashell.
Pu’u O Kila Lookout
Haven’t done this one yet, but it’s next on my list!
Hanalei
A tourists dream, the town of Hanalei is a stop you really just HAVE to visit. It’s home to the infamous Hanalei Bay where the whole family can stand-up paddle board, surf, go check out some fishing boats, the gazebo, find activities on the beach, camp, picnic, the list goes on. The town of Hanalei is also a fantastic place for shopping, and some nightlife. It’s small, quaint, and absolutely beautiful. *NOTE: Hanalei is currently flooded and the recovery process is underway. Nobody may travel to this part of the island at this point in time, however we will keep you posted and we hope it to be open and fine come the wedding. Our prayers are with all the residents, guests, animals, and responders of Hanalei, Ha’ena, and Anahola.
Moloaa Sunrise Fruit Stand
Get the DATE WITH FATE. Just trust me!
The Fresh Shave
Want the best shaved on the island? Here ya go!
Sleeping Giant
This is a GREAT hike right near Kapaa! Incredible views and you can take up to 3 different routes. To a waterfall, through a beautiful forest, or up to the top for some awesome views!
Kilauea Lighthouse & Wildlife
Stunning place to see views and wildlife!!!
Kauai Backcountry Adventures
Go mountain tubing!
Blue Dolphin Charters
See the island by sea! And if Blue Dolphin doesn’t have what you’re looking for, contact Captain Andy’s Sailing Adventures!!! I hear Captain Andy’s is the BEST but it won’t allow me to add it as a recommendation so here is the link... https://www.napali.com
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Kauai
See the island from above! Helicopter Tours anyone?
The Fern Grotto Tour
Only accessible by boating the lush Wailua River, this location used to be closed to Hawaiian Royalty only. It’s now open to the public and offers great tours for families. https://www.smithskauai.com/fern-grotto/
Koloa Zipline
Kealia Poke
Best Poke Ever!
Trucking Delicious
One of my favorite stops for a twist on comfort food! It’s also a neighbor to many other incredible food trucks in Hanalei Bay. A hard working young female chef named Chloe runs it and I absolutely LOVE her! Go say hi :) but note that they are always closed on Sundays and Mondays.
JoJo's Shave Ice
Cafe Lure
If you’re heading up to Waimea Canyon/Kokee State Park this place is great to get a quick bite. We had some breakfast burritos here and took them with us on the hike. Yum!
Ishihara Market
Another great stop before heading to and from Waimea Canyon/Kokee State Park. It’s a grocery store, which is great to grab things you might need, but it’s most highly noted for its Poke in the back! All straight from the local fishermen that morning, this is the place for Poke and groceries on the south/west side of the island.
Opaeka'a Falls
If your into waterfalls, I hear this one is pretty neat!
Wailua Falls
Another gorgeous waterfall!