Kauaʻi is home to local businesses and artisans whose products make memorable gifts. From punny chocolate to exquisite jewelry, these delightful ideas from the Garden Isle will help get your holiday shopping started. 1. Rooster Poop from Aloha Spice Co. Aloha Spice Co., a charming shop in Hanapēpē, is known for its salts and spice […]
Kaua‘i is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands—and one of the most beloved by travelers. From verdant valleys to the majestic Nāpali Coast, the Garden Isle makes for an idyllic vacation. Although a top destination, the island remains dotted with secluded beaches and home to some of the best under-the-radar businesses. You just need to
The first time I learned about the Alakoko Fishpond on Kaua‘i was back in 2012, when I hopped on a stand-up paddleboard on the Hulē‘ia River and glided right past it. Back then it was referred to as the Menehune Fishpond, named after the legendary craftsmen who worked at night, building heiau (temples) and fishponds.
One of my favorite towns in Hawaiʻi is tucked on Kauaʻi’s south shore, just west of Kōloa. When I walk through the charming town of Hanapēpē, it feels like time has stood still, which is just one of the reasons I love returning. It might come as a surprise that Hanapēpē is nicknamed Kauaʻi’s Biggest
Kauaʻi has always been one of my favorite Hawaiian Islands to visit. Whether I’m hiking and exploring or just spending a few days lounging on a secluded shoreline, the Garden Isle offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Kauaʻi, the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, is known for its emerald valleys and the grand
*This story was originally published on Aug. 2, 2016 and updated on Aug. 11, 2025. The next time you go to Kapaʻa, listen to the locals. The 8-mile drive from the Līhuʻe airport to the district’s historic center was the only set of directions I had upon arriving to Kauaʻi, and turns out it
If you’ve ever visited Kauaʻi and thought, this view looks like it was plucked straight from the big screen, it probably was. The epic Nāpali Coast dramatically cuts into the Pacific, offering up a quintessential picture of paradise. With sea-sprayed limestone cliffs, water-streaked emerald mountains, rich volcanic red dirt and a tropical jungle setting that
Two scoops white rice, a scoop mac salad and a generous portion of a protein like teriyaki beef, chicken katsu or grilled fish—and you have the quintessential plate lunch in Hawaiʻi. The plate lunch—or mixed plate—is a symbol of the Islands’ plantation era when workers from different backgrounds shared home-cooked meals, resulting in a blend
Witnessing the magnificent Nāpali Coast is an unforgettable experience and often a bucket-list experience for travelers. And there are only three ways to see the towering cliffs on Kauaʻi: By hiking along the beautiful but strenuous Kalalau trail, by flying in a helicopter, or by voyaging on a boat. For those choosing to take a
With a revolving menu of both wine offerings and delicious food pairings, The Tasting Room on Kauaʻi never gets stale. Wine and spirit lovers familiar with Kauaʻi’s south side have most likely met Dan and Ellen O’Connell, owners of The Wine Shop—a fixture in Kōloa Town for nearly 20 years. As a natural extension, “Dan-o”
Nicknamed the Garden Isle, Kauaʻi is known for its emerald valleys, lush scenery and epic hiking trails. However, the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island are filled with vibrant coral formations and a beautiful array of marine life, offering a unique adventure under the sea. Snorkeling in the waters off the Garden Isle provides a window
The story of the Lydgates on Kaua‘i begins in 1865 when Will Lydgate’s great-great-grandfather William Ludgate (later changed to Lydgate), an engineer and a millwright, came to the island to work in the plantation business. His son, John Mortimer Lydgate, Will’s great-grandfather, worked for King Kalākaua as a land surveyor, and was an assistant to
