Katie's Guidebook Kauai
My favorite Beach
10-minute walk from our condo to enjoy whales swim by, monk seals and turtles on the beach. The famous family and kid-friendly fish pond is great for snorkeling and boogieboarding. Lifeguard is on-site along with a playground and bathroom facility.
118 locals recommend
Poipu Beach
10-minute walk from our condo to enjoy whales swim by, monk seals and turtles on the beach. The famous family and kid-friendly fish pond is great for snorkeling and boogieboarding. Lifeguard is on-site along with a playground and bathroom facility.
Enjoy snorkeling, boogieboarding and surfing. From our condo at Makahuena, it's a 10-minute walk on a hiking trail and this is where the 3.7 mile Malaulepo Heritage Trail begins.
47 locals recommend
Shipwreck Beach
Enjoy snorkeling, boogieboarding and surfing. From our condo at Makahuena, it's a 10-minute walk on a hiking trail and this is where the 3.7 mile Malaulepo Heritage Trail begins.
A huge reward at the end of a great hike on Kalalau Trail. Deep your burning feet into the ice cold stream that cuts across the sandy beach to the ocean. Relax and enjoy your sandwich before hiking back.
Kalalau Beach
A huge reward at the end of a great hike on Kalalau Trail. Deep your burning feet into the ice cold stream that cuts across the sandy beach to the ocean. Relax and enjoy your sandwich before hiking back.
My favorite hiking trail
It starts right from our condo. Along the trail by the Mahaulepu Beach discover rugged sea cliffs, secluded coves, dunes, tide pools, sculpted lava formations, native plants, and petroglyphs. The beach has prime whale watching in the winter
Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail
Maha'ulepu Heritage TrailIt starts right from our condo. Along the trail by the Mahaulepu Beach discover rugged sea cliffs, secluded coves, dunes, tide pools, sculpted lava formations, native plants, and petroglyphs. The beach has prime whale watching in the winter
Breath taking views and many trails (from beginners to experts). While trying out the Kalalau trail to explore the Napali Coast is a great idea, the trail it self can be very difficult for many folks so choosing Hanakapiai Valley, which is much shorter and easier, especially in winter, might be a better option.
37 locals recommend
Waimea Canyon Trail
779 Kokee RdBreath taking views and many trails (from beginners to experts). While trying out the Kalalau trail to explore the Napali Coast is a great idea, the trail it self can be very difficult for many folks so choosing Hanakapiai Valley, which is much shorter and easier, especially in winter, might be a better option.
Waipoo Falls in Kokee State Park is another excellent hiking option but the whole trail will be very wet and muddy, and can be closed with a heavy rain in winter at times.
7 locals recommend
Waipo'o Falls Trail
Waipo'o Falls TrailWaipoo Falls in Kokee State Park is another excellent hiking option but the whole trail will be very wet and muddy, and can be closed with a heavy rain in winter at times.
Take the Kalalau Trail at Haena State Park to get to Hanakapiai Beach which is about 2 miles one-way. This is not by any means an easy trail to take - I will say a medium to difficult hike - and it's wet in many sections so make sure to wear your hiking shoes. The sceneries on the trail and at the beach are absolutely breath-taking.
10 locals recommend
Hanakāpī‘ai Beach
Take the Kalalau Trail at Haena State Park to get to Hanakapiai Beach which is about 2 miles one-way. This is not by any means an easy trail to take - I will say a medium to difficult hike - and it's wet in many sections so make sure to wear your hiking shoes. The sceneries on the trail and at the beach are absolutely breath-taking.
Sightseeing and Family Activities
Hiking is tough but a great way to be able to enjoy the Napali Coast State Park; however, exploring the coast in a kayak or motorized vessel is another way to be able to fully enjoy the coastal view and nature. It's comfortable and convenient and tour boats allow you to pack into many adventures, including snorkeling and a glimpse of archeological sites, and rock carvings left by ancient dwellers. Kayaking into sea caves and emerging to soaring cliffs leaves you with a new appreciation for nature.
69 locals recommend
Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
Hiking is tough but a great way to be able to enjoy the Napali Coast State Park; however, exploring the coast in a kayak or motorized vessel is another way to be able to fully enjoy the coastal view and nature. It's comfortable and convenient and tour boats allow you to pack into many adventures, including snorkeling and a glimpse of archeological sites, and rock carvings left by ancient dwellers. Kayaking into sea caves and emerging to soaring cliffs leaves you with a new appreciation for nature.
Enjoy the view of the ocean and coastline and hang out with the park rangers and volunteers who are full of knowledge about marine life and rich history of Kauai.
Kilauea Lighthouse Trail
Kilauea Lighthouse TrailEnjoy the view of the ocean and coastline and hang out with the park rangers and volunteers who are full of knowledge about marine life and rich history of Kauai.
Maniniholo Dry Cave is located directly across the street from Haena Beach Park. This large opening dry cave can be explored easily and is fun to explore with children. Bring along a flashlight for your cave exploration. It was featured in one of the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
Maniniholo Dry Cave
5-7878 Kuhio Hwy Maniniholo Dry Cave is located directly across the street from Haena Beach Park. This large opening dry cave can be explored easily and is fun to explore with children. Bring along a flashlight for your cave exploration. It was featured in one of the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
Learn all about Kauai and her rich history from the royal family to heritage.
47 locals recommend
Kauai Museum
4428 Rice StLearn all about Kauai and her rich history from the royal family to heritage.
When you drive from the Lihue Airport to our condo at Makahuena, you won't miss the Tree Tunnel. It's a beautiful canopy of Eucalyptus trees line Maliuhi Road shades the first mile of highway 520 and creates a natural gateway to Kauai’s South Shore, and the towns of Koloa a Poipu. The original 500 trees were planted in 1911 as a gift to the community from Pineapple Baron Walter McBryde.
Tree Tunnel
520 Maluhia RdWhen you drive from the Lihue Airport to our condo at Makahuena, you won't miss the Tree Tunnel. It's a beautiful canopy of Eucalyptus trees line Maliuhi Road shades the first mile of highway 520 and creates a natural gateway to Kauai’s South Shore, and the towns of Koloa a Poipu. The original 500 trees were planted in 1911 as a gift to the community from Pineapple Baron Walter McBryde.
Best known for the mountain tubing!! You won't regret it.
37 locals recommend
Kauai Backcountry Adventures
3-4131 Kuhio HwyBest known for the mountain tubing!! You won't regret it.
A 40-minute train ride through an old sugar cane plantation. Kids can feed animals during the excursion and the adults can enjoy the rum tasting experience at Koloa Rum Co. which is located on the property. Dining is also available.
7 locals recommend
Kauai Plantation Railway
3-2087 Kaumualii HwyA 40-minute train ride through an old sugar cane plantation. Kids can feed animals during the excursion and the adults can enjoy the rum tasting experience at Koloa Rum Co. which is located on the property. Dining is also available.
25 minutes from our condo where you can experience an ATV ride through the movie scenes of Jurassic Park and many more. This is highly recommended for families and all ages.
10 locals recommend
Kipu Ranch Adventures
235 Kipu Rd25 minutes from our condo where you can experience an ATV ride through the movie scenes of Jurassic Park and many more. This is highly recommended for families and all ages.
One of the best ways to enjoy the great views of Kauai. Highly recommended family activity.
9 locals recommend
Silver Falls Ranch
2888 Kamookoa RdOne of the best ways to enjoy the great views of Kauai. Highly recommended family activity.
For those who have done enough Luaus and only want to experience the show without dinner, this is the place. As of May, 2023, the admission for adults is $25 and $12.50 for kids under 13.
61 locals recommend
Smith Family Garden Luau
3-5971 Kuhio HwyFor those who have done enough Luaus and only want to experience the show without dinner, this is the place. As of May, 2023, the admission for adults is $25 and $12.50 for kids under 13.
Shopping and dining
Anywhere from dining, shopping to live entertainment. 4 minute-drive from the condo.
28 locals recommend
Poipu Shopping Village
2360 Kiahuna Plantation DrAnywhere from dining, shopping to live entertainment. 4 minute-drive from the condo.
Quaint plantation-era village housing shops, restaurants & exhibits about Koloa's sugar history. There is Big Save Mart and Sueoka Market where you can pick up grab and go breakfast and lunch as well as any household items you need during your vacation. Also check out various entertainment activities on weekends.
13 locals recommend
Old Koloa Town
Koloa RoadQuaint plantation-era village housing shops, restaurants & exhibits about Koloa's sugar history. There is Big Save Mart and Sueoka Market where you can pick up grab and go breakfast and lunch as well as any household items you need during your vacation. Also check out various entertainment activities on weekends.
Open Sat from 9:30 - 12:30. Find the Kauai's Sugarloaf Pineapple (AKA White Pineapple) vendor. The price is a little bit on the high end (about $5 per pound) but it will be the sweetest and least acidic pineapple.
Grove Farm Market
4411 Kikowaena StreetOpen Sat from 9:30 - 12:30. Find the Kauai's Sugarloaf Pineapple (AKA White Pineapple) vendor. The price is a little bit on the high end (about $5 per pound) but it will be the sweetest and least acidic pineapple.
Excellent shopping and dining opportunities, including a Longs, at this mall. 5-minute drive from the condo.
65 locals recommend
Kukui'ula Village Shopping Center
2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka StExcellent shopping and dining opportunities, including a Longs, at this mall. 5-minute drive from the condo.
40 local shops and restaurants on the north side of the island. A great place to stop by on the way to the Haena State Park.
21 locals recommend
Ching Young Village Shopping Center
5-5190 Kuhio Hwy40 local shops and restaurants on the north side of the island. A great place to stop by on the way to the Haena State Park.
Food scene
Tasty "Wagyu" burgers, furikake fries and other side plates at reasonable prices. 5 minute-drive from the condo.
Kenji Burger Koloa
Tasty "Wagyu" burgers, furikake fries and other side plates at reasonable prices. 5 minute-drive from the condo.
Located at the Kukuiula Shopping Center. My favorite restaurant on Kauai. Excellent food overall and make sure to enjoy their Happy Hour (4pm-5pm), only available at the bar, for their heavily discounted food and cocktails.
31 locals recommend
Merriman's Fish House
2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka StLocated at the Kukuiula Shopping Center. My favorite restaurant on Kauai. Excellent food overall and make sure to enjoy their Happy Hour (4pm-5pm), only available at the bar, for their heavily discounted food and cocktails.
Many restaurants such as Seaview Terrace, with live music, and Tidepools for special occasions. The prices are very reasonable at both places but making a dinner reservation for Tidepools is a must as it fills up very quickly. 10-15 minute walk from the condo and the Grand Hyatt has free parkings.
20 locals recommend
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort And Spa
1571 Poipu RdMany restaurants such as Seaview Terrace, with live music, and Tidepools for special occasions. The prices are very reasonable at both places but making a dinner reservation for Tidepools is a must as it fills up very quickly. 10-15 minute walk from the condo and the Grand Hyatt has free parkings.
Located next to Brenneckes and Poipu beaches, the second floor ocean view restaurant has descend food and good casual ambiance. 10-minute walk from the condo.
68 locals recommend
Brennecke's Beach Broiler
2100 Hoone RdLocated next to Brenneckes and Poipu beaches, the second floor ocean view restaurant has descend food and good casual ambiance. 10-minute walk from the condo.
5-minute drive from the condo, located at the Poipu Village Shopping Center. My favorites are the poke bowl and panko mac nut crusted plate.
77 locals recommend
Keoki's Paradise
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr5-minute drive from the condo, located at the Poipu Village Shopping Center. My favorites are the poke bowl and panko mac nut crusted plate.
Great way to experience pacific island style noodle soups and meat skewers. Casual dining at reasonable prices. Located in Lihue 6-7 minutes from the airport.
16 locals recommend
Hamura Saimin
2956 Kress StGreat way to experience pacific island style noodle soups and meat skewers. Casual dining at reasonable prices. Located in Lihue 6-7 minutes from the airport.
The best place for grab and go lunch boxes at great prices. Feel free to stop by on the way to Kapaa or to Princeville/Hanalei. My favorite is the Deluxe Lunch Box ($12). They close at 2pm.
Po's Kitchen
4100 Rice StThe best place for grab and go lunch boxes at great prices. Feel free to stop by on the way to Kapaa or to Princeville/Hanalei. My favorite is the Deluxe Lunch Box ($12). They close at 2pm.
Tasty breakfast and drinks on the way to the Waimea Canyon State Park. The place gets busy so be sure to get there by 8am.
47 locals recommend
Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company
2-2560 Kaumualii HwyTasty breakfast and drinks on the way to the Waimea Canyon State Park. The place gets busy so be sure to get there by 8am.