Posted on Jun 27 2022
By iCurated
Favorite adventures while on Kauai
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- Waimea Canyon: It is totally worth driving up all the way to the end where there are scientific domes and gorgeous overlooks. The various overlook hikes are gorgeous, so give yourself plenty of time to stop wherever you see a turnout or parking area…some areas are marked, but some are not. For example, there is a hike to the ‘red falls’ as you enter Waimea. It is marked on google. That hike leads you over some crazy drop offs and through peppercorn trees.
- Snorkel with turtles at Tunnels Beach: Tunnels is also known as Makua Beach.The beach area offers shallow swimmable areas which makes it ideal for all skill levels. Swim to the reef that sits beyond the wide beach - that is where you will see lots of reef fish and turtles. The beach is protected by a small crescent-shaped bay so it is ideal for snorkeling. To get to Makua Beach, drive toward Haena State Park along the northern coast. Makua Beach is one mile before the entrance to Haena State Park.
- Additional spots to snorkel and likely see turtles: Anini, Turtle Cove, Ke’e Beach on the North Shore. South Shore spots: Kuhio Shores, Kipu Kai Beach, and Koloa Landing.
- Hanalei Town and the north shore: You must make a trip up to Hanalei town. It is so charming and a real look at authentic hawaiian life. Eat lunch at the local ‘plate lunch’ spots in Hanalei. For example, the diners in Hanalei - Village Snack Shop (Address: 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy b3, Hanalei, HI 96714). Looks unimpressive from the outside…but amazing local food. Also: Eat your fair share of poke from Hanalei Poke (5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714)!! Get out to the Hanalei pier and chat up with some locals; you’ll find warm friends in a hurry. The local surfers are brimming with character and charm.
- To hike/access the North Shore beaches and trails >> IMPORTANT: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/haena-state-park/ for shuttle tickets and updated restrictions/status.
- To hike past Haena state park (or access Tunnels), you may have to take a shuttle from just outside Hanalei; the road closes to individual cars seasonally. In this case, you will need to buy a ticket and then park at a shuttle area…it is a 30 min ride (from my recollection)...but totally worth the hike! At the end of this hike is a stunning waterfall, caves, and tons of opportunities to explore in isolation.
- Limahuli Garden & Preserve, National Tropical Botanical Garden - assume this is on your list!
- If you want some extreme hiking: https://www.kalalautrail.com/category/articles/crawlers-ledge-mile-7/
- SOUTH SHORE: Poipu beach…is touristy but has some very pretty beaches. Worth a look! Especially if you are driving over to Waimea, anyway. Stop off in Waimea town for a little shopping and a meal. Very cute town.
- Napili beach and the cliffs (especially via helicopter). You can aslo visit the cliffs via zodiak with one of several tour operators.
- Restaurants: Don’t go to the most hyped restaurants (e.g. Beach House); instead, follow the local crowds. When you see a lot of locals lining up for a spot, it is worth it. There are many good restaurants if you are open to more casual fare. Upscale restaurants are so-so on Kauai, IMHO.
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