With Love From Hanalei
Blog 9: Exploring Kauai -
Favorite Things to Do Around the Island
From Bridget:
I met Emily and Michael during one of their trips to Kaua’i when they stopped into the shop. If you know me, you know I love chatting and connecting with people from all over. Later that year, their family came in and passed along a greeting—and mentioned Emily and Michael had put together a list of must-dos for their trip. I immediately knew I had to share their perspective here. I love their thoughtful take as visitors, and I think you will too. Enjoy!
Kauai has become our favorite Hawaiian island over the years, and on every trip we find ourselves returning to the same special places while discovering a few new ones along the way. Here are some of our favorite things to do around the island, organized by region.
North Shore: Hanalei + Hā’ena
The north shore is home to some of Kauai’s most iconic scenery, from Hanalei Bay to the cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast.
Explore Hanalei
A trip to Kauai isn’t complete without a visit to Hanalei. There’s a surge of giddiness every time we cross the one-way bridge and admire the backdrop of the mountains in the distance as we head into town. With coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping, a massive crescent-shaped beach, and stunning mountain views, Hanalei is truly a magical place. An earlier post on the blog, A Perfect Day in Hanalei, is a great guide to get started on all things Hanalei.
Some of our favorites include grabbing coffee fromWishing Well Coffee + Tea (the coco mocha is a repeat order for us), an acai bowl from Hanalei Bread Co, and walking the length of Hanalei Beach, especially in the morning when the sun is less intense and the beach is quiet. Come back later for a swim and consider staying for sunset to soak in the beauty of Hanalei Bay.
Be sure to spend a little time browsing the shops around town as well. We enjoy popping into the Hawaiian Surfing Adventures boutique, which has a great selection of local products along with some of the cutest Hanalei merch. We also like stopping by Slow Yourself Down, Sway Hanalei, and the Hanalei Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
Hike the Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpī’ai Waterfall
If you’re in the mood for an adventure, driving out to Hā’ena State Park and hiking part of the Kalalau Trail is one of the most memorable experiences you may have on the island. Reservations are required to enter the park, so be sure to plan ahead.
The hike to Hanakāpī’ai Waterfall is an out and back hike and totals around 8 miles round trip. The first two miles follow the Kalalau Trail along the coastline to Hanakāpī’ai Beach.
From there you split off from the Kalalau Trail and head into the valley. After another two miles, you’re rewarded with a towering waterfall and a large pool at the bottom that’s perfect for swimming and cooling off. The water can be chilly at first, but there is nothing better after a challenging trek than floating in the pool while watching the waterfall cascade down the cliff above you. It’s absolute magic.
After you’ve completed your hike, stop at the haven, a cute coffee shop in Wainiha. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a feline or two who live in the area!
If you’re curious about hiking the full Kalalau Trail, check out Hiking along the Na Pali Coast to Kalalau. Speaking from experience, we can vouch with 100% confidence that it is worth it.
East Side: Kapa’a
Kauai’s east side is perfect for a slower day of exploring, with coastal bike paths, local shops, and great food.
Bike the coastal path
One of the best ways to explore the eastern coast of Kauai is by renting bikes and riding along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae path. The ocean views are beautiful the entire way. We rented bikes from Hele on Kauai Bike Rentalsin Kapa’a and had a great experience. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and clothing that protects you from the sun. The Hawaiian sun is no joke!
Wander Kapa’a’s main drag
After your bike ride, spend some time wandering in Kapa’a. If you enjoy clothing and beachy boutiques, a few fun shops to browse are KIKO, Work it Out, and Beachside Boutique.
If you’re hungry, Java Kai is a favorite of ours. Kapa’a is home to one of their three locations on the island (the others are north in Kilauea and south in Kōloa). We recommend trying their cold brew and the Surfer Girl sandwich.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, head to the Lydgate Chocolate Tasting Room for a free (and informative!) chocolate tasting. The chocolate covered macadamia nuts are seriously addictive and worth a taste.
South Shore: Lihu’e + Kōloa
The south shore of Kauai has some excellent food stops along with a few great spots to relax with coffee or a local beer.
Grab poke and açaí in Lihu’e
As you make your way toward the southern side of the island, you’ll pass through Līhu’e, which has a few of our favorite quick food stops.
Fish Express is one of our go-to poke spots on the island. It’s a no-frills counter service spot where you can build your own poke bowl and add pay-by-the-pound toppings from a large salad bar. The fish is melt-in-your-mouth fresh.
Another favorite stop is Sunrise Coffee for an açaí bowl or coffee. It’s a cute food truck with outdoor seating, plus a covered garage area if you want shade (or reprieve from a rain shower). If you’re lucky, you may also meet Rosie, the owner’s cat who hangs out during the day. She can often be found napping on the picnic tables or on a chair in the garage. Rosie even has her own merch kits for sale that are filled with Rosie-themed stickers, air fresheners, and other fun items! Proceeds from the merch kits go toward Rosie’s food and other necessities.
Sip coffee and brews in Kōloa
Kōloa houses a handful of our favorites on the south shore. Dark Horse Coffee Roasters has excellent coffee, great merch options, and is a great place to hang out for a bit. They have ample seating where you can socialize, read a book, or get some work done. An iced champ latte (it’s made with honey and cinnamon) is a repeat order whenever we visit and it is fantastic! In the back half of the building, you’ll find 22 North Hawaii, a cute gift shop with many products sourced locally among the Hawaiian islands.
If you’re visiting Kōloa later in the day, Mucho Aloha Brewhouse is a great option to grab a drink or a casual meal. They have a fun atmosphere, live music, and a solid beer list and food menu.
West Side: Waimea Canyon, Kōke’e + Hanapepe
The west side of Kauai offers a completely different landscape, with dramatic canyon views and a few charming small towns.
Explore Waimea Canyon and Kōke’e State Parks
Visiting the west side of the island requires a day-long commitment, and it’s absolutely worth your time and the drive. Waimea Canyon State Parkand Kōke’e State Park are home to some of the most spectacular views and overlooks on Kauai.
In addition to stopping at the scenic lookouts along the road, we enjoyed hiking in each of the parks. In Waimea Canyon, we took the Kukui Trailfor about 1.3 miles into the canyon before turning back. It was awesome to hike into the canyon and be immersed in the beauty of the geography. Awa’awapuhi Trail in Kōke’e State Park brings you out to a jaw-dropping overlook of the Nā Pali Coast. It’s an unforgettable view, standing on the ridge and looking out over the jagged cliffs of the majestic Nā Pali Coastline.
Poke around Hanapepe
On your way back from Waimea Canyon and Kōke’e, stop in the small town of Hanapepe. It’s a charming and quiet little town with a few fun spots to explore. Walk across the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, wander through the shops on Hanapepe Road, and pop into RUKE Jewelry Hawaii for a visit. Talia, RUKE’s owner, is an absolute gem who’s devoted to making sure you get exactly the kind of piercing or permanent jewelry you’re looking for. If you’re planning to get a piercing or permanent jewelry, it’s best to make an appointment ahead of time. You can often find Talia at the Hanalei Farmers Market on Saturdays, though it’s best to check her Instagram for updates on where she’ll be.
We hope these recommendations help you plan your next trip to Kauai and inspire you to explore a few of these favorite places for yourself. Mahalo and Aloha! ☀️
About the authors
Emily and Michael both grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and later lived together in San Francisco, where easy nonstop flights to Hawaii sparked frequent trips and a love for the islands. Since 2022 they’ve visited Hawaii seven times, including five trips to Kauai, which quickly became their favorite for its laid-back pace and incredible natural beauty.
They spend most of their time exploring on foot, whether that’s walking the beach at Hanalei Bay in the morning, strolling through small towns and farmers markets, or hiking along the Nā Pali Coast. Their most memorable experience so far was backpacking the Kalalau Trail and spending two nights at Kalalau Beach in 2023.
Although they’ve hiked all over the islands, neither has properly learned to surf yet. On their next trip, they’re excited to finally take a lesson with Hawaiian Surfing Adventures in Hanalei.
