Thank you, Kauai, Hawaii

My recent week on Kauai was a whirlwind of exploration and delightful tastes. I’m excited to share my experiences and recommendations, hoping they inspire your own island adventures. I deliberately packed my schedule, eager to break from routine, and perhaps as a result, I didn’t get as much beach time as one might expect. The length of this account hints at just how much I managed to see and do!

Everything about Kauai was wonderful, even the rain that greeted me for the first few days. Living in Southern California, where rain is a rare guest, experiencing the tropical downpours of Kauai felt special. It was a lovely reminder that this is, after all, a lush, vibrant island.

I decided to split my stay between the North and South shores, which I found to be a great way to experience the island’s diverse micro-climates and distinct community vibes. While many activities were on my agenda, the weather did cause a few adjustments. My planned Na Pali Coast boat tour, for instance, was canceled due to the sea conditions. I also had to skip the pineapple tour at Sugarloaf. I considered rescheduling the boat tour, but opted to save that adventure for a future visit.

Looking back, perhaps focusing on just one area for the entire stay might have been simpler. While moving between locations offers variety, the logistics of packing and unpacking do consume precious vacation time.

Choosing Your Kauai Accommodation

In the North, I stayed at the Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas in Princeville. I was fortunate to use points, making it a cost-free stay. Princeville is a beautiful area, but I found its location a bit inconvenient for exploring the rest of the island. The villas themselves were decent, though showing their age a bit. I encountered a few ants in the bathroom, and not all units are air-conditioned, so I’d recommend requesting a second-floor unit to avoid noise from above. The bed wasn’t particularly comfortable for me, and the early morning calls of nene geese and chickens can be quite loud. A white noise machine might be a good idea here.

For my South Shore stay, I indulged at the Grand Hyatt. Booking through Costco was a fantastic value. It cost only slightly more than booking directly but included a rental car, hotel breakfast, and resort fees, plus a generous $300 hotel credit. I used this credit for a wonderful spa treatment. The hotel itself is stunning, with beautifully maintained grounds and a serene adults-only pool area. All the staff members were incredibly welcoming. It’s a place I’d happily return to, perhaps if I were using points or had someone else covering the cost!

Adventures and Sights on Kauai

The Kauai Backcountry Adventures tubing was an absolute blast and truly a one-of-a-kind experience. I suggest wearing a rash guard and being mindful if you have any back or joint concerns, as there can be a fair amount of spinning and bumping into the tunnel walls. It would be especially fun with children. Despite my occasional struggles with enclosed spaces, I felt perfectly comfortable throughout the entire tubing adventure.

A spontaneous discovery was Kilauea Mini Golf, which we visited after our boat trip was canceled. While playing in the rain wasn’t ideal, the course itself is remarkably charming and set within a lovely botanical garden. It’s educational too, offering insights into local plants and Hawaiian history, which my partner and I thoroughly enjoyed. To top it off, I actually beat my partner at mini golf for the first time! They also have a farmers market next door on Saturdays, which is a nice bonus.

The Lydgate Chocolate Farm tour is a bit of a splurge, but for any chocolate lover or someone keen on learning about its origins, it’s absolutely worth it. The farm is beautiful, and you get to taste the fresh cacao fruit right from the source. They offer a generous tasting of their finished chocolates as well. If a full tour feels like too much, you can simply visit their tasting location in Kapa‘a for a free sampling. This was a highlight for me and my partner.

I also made a visit to the Kauai Humane Society and decided to take a dog, Ms. Snuffy, out for a field trip. It was such a rewarding experience, and we had a wonderful time exploring. If you’re a dog lover and want to contribute to the local community, I highly recommend this program. We took our adventure to the scenic cliff at Shipwrecks, a truly inspiring spot.

A drive up to Waimea Canyon is a must. The scenery is simply breathtaking. I stopped at every viewpoint along the way, soaking in the grand scale of the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails available, but even for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the scenic drive itself is incredibly rewarding. There’s also a small natural history museum at the top that offers interesting insights into the area.

The Kauai Coffee Company offers a delightful self-guided walking tour through a portion of their plantation. The free coffee tasting afterwards is a great perk. I picked up some of their exclusive whole beans, which were a bit on the pricier side. A special thank you to Shirley at the tasting station; she was wonderfully friendly and helpful!

Don’t miss out on the local farmers markets! You can find one happening somewhere on the island nearly every day. It’s the perfect opportunity to try new and exotic fruits and support local vendors. I highly recommend trying sugarcane juice with lime, and if you’ve never encountered eggfruit before, prepare for a delicious surprise – I certainly was!

A Culinary Journey: My Kauai Eats

Food is a huge part of my travels, and on Kauai, I certainly ate my fill. I can honestly say I didn’t have a single disappointing meal. While I know I missed out on many culinary gems, my stomach and time simply didn’t allow for more. Here’s a rundown of where I satisfied my appetite.

My first stop after arriving was Aloha Roasters in Lihue for a much-needed coffee. I’d definitely recommend it to kick off your day.

The Musubi Truck, with its various locations, is a must-visit. I stopped at the one in Kapa‘a and was so impressed. Their Da Bomb musubi and tater tots were spectacular. In fact, those tater tots might just be the best I’ve ever tasted! They also offer a selection of poke.

Never underestimate the treasures found at Foodland. Their hot bar, deli counter, poke, and sushi are all excellent. It’s a particularly good option if you’re staying in Princeville, where many restaurants close early. You can grab a delicious poke bowl for around $9. It’s also a lively spot in the evenings when other places have shut down. The sushi at Kilauea market is sourced from Foodland, and I also found my favorite butter mochi there. The ube flavor was divine!

At Kilauea Bakery, not every item I sampled was a standout, but their malasadas and Danish pastries were quite good. I suspect I may not have chosen their absolute best offerings.

By the time I reached Kilauea Fish Market, there was limited poke left, but what I tried was flavorful. Their mac salad and spicy pork were also quite tasty.

Familee Korean Shave Ice in Kapa‘a was a revelation! I discovered they shave milk, not ice, which results in an incredibly smooth and less sweet treat than traditional shave ice. The flavor selection is a bit curated, but I would go back in a heartbeat to try everything on the menu.

Wake Up Delicious in Hanalei offers a more limited menu, but the food is incredibly tasty. Their burritos are substantial, and the pork with cabbage was a personal favorite.

Holey Grail Donuts, found in Hanalei and other locations, are absolutely divine when fresh. I highly recommend trying them, especially the fruity varieties. However, be aware that their texture changes noticeably after an hour or so. Their iced chai latte was also excellent.

I enjoyed a lovely meal at Bar Acuda in Hanalei. It’s the only Resy restaurant on the island, so I used a credit from my Amex. Everything served was delicious, and while perhaps a bit pricey for what it is, it’s a delightful dining experience on Kauai.

The breakfast burritos at Silver Cloud Eatery in Kilauea were exceptional. The owners are some of the kindest people I’ve met. While the Kalua pork was delicious, I was partial to the Cubano, especially when I added some of their breadfruit “potatoes” smothered in sauce – a truly divine combination!

I’d heard wonderful things about Smiley’s in Lihue for their mixed plates, and the rumors were true. Their chicken katsu was fantastic, and the pumpkin crunch dessert was a delightful end to the meal. They’ve been serving up delicious food for a long time, and it shows in their expertise.

Jojo’s Shave Ice in Waimea (they have other locations too) offers what I consider the best traditional shave ice. The macadamia nut ice cream at the bottom was a perfect addition, and the syrups were packed with flavor without being overly sweet. Despite the generous portion size, I polished off the whole thing and could have easily gone back for more.

For exceptional sushi, head to Sushi Station in Lihue, conveniently located across from Costco. They offer a wide variety including nigiri, maki, and American-style rolls. The freshness of the fish, the perfect rice, and the beautiful presentation made for a truly memorable 10/10 experience. I regretted not visiting sooner, as I would have loved to return.

At Porky’s in Koloa, the Kalua pork was tasty but a bit salty on its own. However, incorporated into their grilled cheese and other dishes, the saltiness was perfectly balanced by the other ingredients, making for a delicious meal.

I sampled the ice cream at Koloa Mill Ice Cream & Coffee and found it to be really delicious! The Kona mud pie flavor was a particular favorite.

The food at the Grand Hyatt was perfectly acceptable. While the breakfast buffet wasn’t the best I’ve ever experienced, it offered a good variety and the service was excellent. The French toast, in particular, was something I could have eaten every single day. I ordered room service once, and it was just okay. For future stays, I would likely opt for off-resort dining more often.

Reflections on the Beauty of Kauai

The warmth and friendliness of everyone I encountered on Kauai were truly remarkable. The island itself is breathtakingly beautiful. While the humidity eventually became a bit much for me, I found myself reluctant to leave. I hope I was a gracious visitor; Kauai, in turn, was a magnificent host.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Kauai

What unique activities can I do on Kauai?

For a truly distinct experience, consider the tubing adventure with Kauai Backcountry Adventures. Kilauea Mini Golf offers a fun twist with its botanical garden setting. The Lydgate Chocolate Farm tour provides an immersive look at chocolate making. For a heartwarming experience, take a dog from the Kauai Humane Society on a field trip and explore the island together.

Where can I find the best local food on Kauai?

For quick and delicious meals, the Musubi Truck is a fantastic option, and Foodland’s hot bar offers great variety. Familee Korean Shave Ice in Kapa‘a serves a unique, milky shave ice that’s less sweet than traditional versions. Jojo’s Shave Ice is renowned for its classic flavors. For top-notch sushi, Sushi Station in Lihue is highly recommended. And for a classic local mixed plate experience, Smiley’s in Lihue is a must-try.

Are there good lodging options on both the North and South Shores?

In the North, the Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas in Princeville are an option, but it’s wise to inquire about air conditioning and unit location. On the South Shore, the Grand Hyatt, particularly when booked through Costco, provides luxury amenities and excellent value, often including a rental car and dining credits.

What should I know about getting around Kauai?

Staying in Princeville on the North Shore might mean longer drives for island exploration. Splitting your stay between the North and South Shores allows for better access to different parts of the island. Be prepared for potential rain, as it’s a tropical island.

What are some dining tips for Kauai?

Many restaurants, particularly in towns like Hanalei, tend to close early. Foodland can be a reliable choice for late-night meals or affordable poke. Local farmers markets are wonderful for fresh produce and local snacks. Kilauea Bakery offers good quality malasadas and Danish pastries.

Can you describe the weather on Kauai?

Kauai is tropical, so expect humidity and frequent rain showers, especially depending on the season and location. The island features diverse micro-climates, so weather can vary significantly from one region to another.

Plan Your Unforgettable Kauai Journey

Are you ready to immerse yourself in Kauai’s stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and incredible food? It’s time to start planning your own adventure! Whether your heart craves relaxing beaches, exhilarating activities, or a culinary exploration, Kauai promises an unforgettable experience. Look into accommodations, discover tours that pique your interest, and prepare to be enchanted by this Hawaiian gem. Your dream island getaway awaits – don’t delay!