*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 […]
The Garden Isle is a visitor-favorite thanks to its lush landscapes, uncrowded beaches and easygoing vibe—all elements of an idyllic vacation. To top it all off, the island is also known for a few signature dishes, too. From kūlolo to flying saucers, bookmark these iconic foods from Kauaʻi that you need to try. 1. Satisfying
There’s nothing more refreshing than a bowl—or cone!—of shave ice, especially on a hot day in the Islands. From its humble beginnings, over a century ago, when vendors peddled cups of powdered ice sweetened with fruit syrups out of pushcarts along the Honolulu Harbor, shave ice has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
This cool, overcast and sometimes humid fall weather has me craving everything sweet. If you’re feeling the same way, check out these three eateries for a fun adventure on Kaua‘i’s east side. Sweet Shop By The Sea Step into Sweet Shop By The Sea and you’ll be met with walls filled with colorful gummies, rocky
There’s no better cure for a hot Hawaiian day, besides going to the beach, than grabbing yourself a heaping serving of colorful shave ice. These sweet snow cones, drenched in syrupy flavors from strawberry to li hing mui, were brought to the Islands by Japanese immigrants, and this cold treat has been a part of
Kapaa is a charming Kauai town, known for its colorful, eclectic storefronts and rolling white sand beaches. Located on the southeast shore of the island, Kapaa is only about 9 miles from the Lihue Airport and takes roughly 20 minutes to reach by car. Once a part of Kauai’s plantation past, this bustling, historic town
We hadn’t expected this. A friend and I had planned a long weekend on Kauai, for all the things the island is famous for—the Napali Coast, the hidden beaches, the slower pace, an escape from the noisy Honolulu where we live. But we found something else. We landed in Lihue at 6 a.m., and, still
