48 Things We Love About Kaua‘i
From serene beaches and luxury resorts to family-run restaurants, it’s easy to fall in love with the Garden Isle—trust us.
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 know where to look.
From Hanalei to Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi is dotted with amazing activities, restaurants and beaches.
Illustration by Kelsie Dayna
1. The Musubi Truck, Kapa‘a
With three locations on Kaua‘i—Kapa‘a, Hanapēpē and Kōloa—this food truck concept is all about elevated local-style musubi. Get ones stuffed with crispy chicken katsu or filled with baked tofu and fresh veggies. The most popular is the OG Spam Musubi, served with a tasty kabayaki sauce. It serves poke bowls and bentos, too. Don’t forget to order an iced slushie, with flavors that change daily.
2. Taro Kō Chips, Hānāpepe
Taro Kō Chips just might be one of Kaua‘i’s greatest hidden gems. On the outskirts of Hanapēpē, this old green plantation cottage is where some of the Islands’ best taro and sweet potato chips are made. Taro farmers Shoichi and Shinko Nagamine started the chip business in 1985 using taro grown in Hanapēpē Valley. Today their son Dale runs the business, which has become a cult-favorite for its ultrafine, crispy slivers of taro and sweet potatoes. The chips dusted in li hing mui powder are a must-try.
3. Hamura Saimin Stand, Līhu‘e
Charles and Aiko Hamura opened this saimin stand in a converted Army barrack on Kress Street in 1952, serving bowls of hot noodles in a broth from a top secret recipe. Today, the third-generation-run restaurant has become a landmark on Kaua‘i. The saimin noodles are locally made and the broth is still a secret. It’s so good, in fact, it earned the title of American Classic from the prestigious James Beard Foundation in 2006. But go early; it’s first come, first served. The liliko‘i chiffon pie is a must.
4. Kōloa Rum Co., Kōloa
For the rum of it, visit Kōloa Rum Co. The Kaua‘i distillery started in 2009 using Hawai‘i-grown sugarcane to produce artisanal rum. Kōloa Rum Co. has since expanded to Kilohana Plantation in Līhu‘e, where it welcomes visitors to its tasting room and store. Here, rum lovers can sample premium single-batch Hawaiian rums and dangerously delicious rum cocktails as well as rum cakes and rum fudge.
5. Little Fish Coffee, Po‘ipū
From specialty coffee and tropical smoothies to breakfast bagels and sandwiches, Little Fish Coffee is the perfect pit stop on the way to or from Po‘ipū Beach. The local shop has become a favorite for its healthy options, especially its açaí bowls. The charming turquoise stand offers ample outdoor seating—just watch out for Kaua‘i’s hungry chickens!
6. Bar Acuda, Hanalei
Reservations for Bar Acuda, an award-winning tapas bar and restaurant in Hanalei, are tough to get. It only accepts reservations a month in advance and often books up within hours of going live. But if you’re lucky enough to snag a table, you won’t be disappointed. Its menu is brimming with organic, seasonal and local ingredients. Think blackened local fish with tomato and fennel pearl couscous or local honeycomb with goat cheese—both favorites. The wine list and cocktails are excellent, too.
7. Wishing Well Coffee and Tea, Hanalei
After you grab a turmeric latte with macadamia nut milk or superfood smoothie at Wishing Well Coffee and Tea, you’ll want to slow down and hang out awhile. The café perfectly exudes the warm, laid-back vibe of Hanalei, where sitting at a picnic table is like relaxing in your own backyard. But here, you can take in the views of Hanalei’s majestic mountains from your seat. Plus, you’re only steps away from Wishing Well Shave Ice and clothing boutique Slow Yourself Down, which, along with Wishing Well Coffee and Tea, share the same owners.
8. Nourish Hanalei, Hanalei
Lunch and a view are served at Nourish Hanalei—and they’re both incredible. Started by three sisters, this family-operated lunch stand perched above Hanalei whips up satisfying breakfast bagels, hearty salads and next-level açaí bowls. Fuel up with a nourishing meal while soaking in panoramic views of Hanalei.
9. Mark’s Place, Līhu‘e
It’s no surprise beloved culinary instructor Mark Oyama created one of Kaua‘i’s most beloved hangouts. Mark’s Place is a popular takeout restaurant—with lots of outside seating—that serves local-style food, from hearty plate lunches and healthy salads to elevated daily specials like Okinawan braised pork and fish tacos. Its in-house bake shop churns out cakes, cookies and other baked goods. The grab-and-go items—butter mochi, house-smoked ‘ahi dip, banana-macadamia-nut mini loaves—are perfect snacks or gifts to bring home.
From saimin spots to shave ice stands, Kauaʻi is home to great eateries.
Illustration by Kelsie Dayna
10. The Fresh Shave, Kōloa
This charming shop in Old Kōloa Town serves super-soft handcrafted shave ice. But Fresh Shave is raising the bar, too, with all-natural syrups made with organic ingredients and no high fructose corn syrup or artificial coloring. The result is a healthier alternative that still satisfies your cravings for Hawai‘i’s iconic sweet treat. Playing on its barbershop moniker, the combos are named after mustache styles, including the Professor (berries and açaí topped with Kaua‘i honey, bananas and shredded coconut), the Fu Manchu (strawberry and banana with fresh strawberry purée and bananas) and the Caterpillar (orange creamsicle topped with fresh oranges and sweet cream).
11. The Lodge at Kōke‘e, Kōke‘e
The only restaurant in Kōke‘e State Park could very well be one of the best on the island. The menu boasts a variety of breakfast and lunch favorites, including homestyle cornmeal pancakes with housemade whipped cream, a decadent loco moco with housemade beef bone gravy and a popular Portuguese bean soup that’s perfect for chilly days at the park. It also boasts a full bar—the Kōloa mai tai is a must—and great coffee. The kitchen closes at 4 p.m. except every second Saturday of the month when it serves dinner featuring dishes inspired by local ingredients.
12. JP’s Pizza, ‘Ele‘ele
JP’s Pizza is probably Kaua‘i’s best-kept culinary secret—and you can blame its location. Hidden in the dusty town of Kaumanaki, 20 miles west of Līhu‘e, this little pizzeria serves up Brooklyn-style pies that folks—even NYC expats—are raving about. Kaua‘i-born owner Xavier Machado uses fresh ingredients and imports the highest-quality products he can, like whole Di Napoli San Marzano-style plum tomatoes and mozzarella from Italy. The menu boasts eight pies and massive calzones, and everything is made to order. Take out only.
13. Verde, Līhu’e
What started as a small spot in Kapa‘a has turned into a full—and busy—restaurant in a shopping center in Līhu‘e. Customers love the restaurant’s philosophy of serving clean and healthy food: locally sourced ingredients, grass-fed beef, antibiotic- and hormone-free chicken and pork, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Tortillas are made from scratch in-house, using local ingredients like ‘ulu (breadfruit), kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and kabocha squash. Popular dishes include the mahimahi furikake tacos, garlic shrimp burrito and churro fries topped with chocolate drizzles and whipped cream.
14. DJ’s Box Lunch, Līhu’e
DJ’s Box Lunch took over Po’s Kitchen, a popular takeout window that served boxed lunches with okazuya favorites like shrimp tempura, luncheon meat, corned beef hash and musubis. But it’s the same menu, same delicious food. To avoid overthinking, order the deluxe box lunch, which has a sampling of almost everything on the menu.
15. Kaua‘i Coffee Co., Kōloa
With more than 4 million coffee trees growing on 3,100 acres, Kaua‘i Coffee Co. is the largest java grower in Hawai‘i—and in the U.S. The entire process is done here, from growing to roasting to packaging. You can stop by the visitor center and stroll through the coffee orchard, shop for gifts and, of course, sample the company’s exclusive line of estate-grown Hawaiian coffees. Or book a tour of the farm aboard an open-air truck.
16. Tahiti Nui, Hanalei
There’s something about sipping a cocktail at Tahiti Nui—or “The Nui,” as it’s known to locals—that’s extra special. The lively bar boasts a fun Tiki vibe and one of the best mai tais in Hawai‘i, the recipe for which is a guarded secret. It first opened as a small diner in 1962, run by “Auntie” Louise Teupootehereii Hauata Marston, a descendant of Tahitian royalty. Today, this family-run restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors, lured by coconut shrimp, ‘ahi poke chips and kālua pig cooked in an imu (traditional Hawaiian earthen oven). Mocktails are available, too.
17. Holey Grail Donuts, Various locations
The holy grail of vegan doughnuts started in a red trailer in Hanalei in 2018. Made with Hawai‘i-grown kalo, these doughnuts are fried in coconut oil and flavored with local ingredients including chocolate from Lydgate Farms and vanilla from Lā‘ie Vanilla Co. Holey Grail has since expanded, with locations in Honolulu and Los Angeles, and skateboard legend Tony Hawk is now an investor.
18. Kaua‘i Island Brewery, ‘Ele‘ele
This is the world’s westernmost brewery—and Kaua‘i’s first, opening about 25 years ago in Waimea. (It was originally known as Waimea Brewing Co.) It later moved to nearby Port Allen, revamped its image and opened a brewpub with serious vintage vibes, including an extensive collection of pinball machines. The beers are bold, too, with a lineup that includes IPAs, pales, stouts and porters, and it often uses local ingredients such as taro and liliko‘i.
19. Mucho Aloha Brewhouse, Kōloa
One of the latest additions to the Kōloa dining scene, Mucho Aloha Brewhouse is more than just a craft brewery. Its menu features Baja-Mexican-style fare, from street tacos to fish burritos. (Oh, and the jalapeño queso dip is crazy-good.) The beers here are unique, with flavors like chile pepper and sour mango. The sampler is the way to go.
20. Liliko‘i Chiffon Pie from Wong’s Chinese Restaurant, Hanapēpē
Wong’s Chinese Restaurant may serve the usual Chinese fare—crispy gau gee, cake noodles, roast duck and spring rolls. But the liliko‘i chiffon pie is what it’s known for. All of its pies are housemade and baked daily, but the liliko‘i chiffon is a dream: light and airy, with a tang of passion fruit. Heaven.
21. Lappert’s Ice Cream, Hānāpepe
Walter Lappert started Lappert’s Ice Cream in Sausalito, California. But he had dreams of opening one up on Kaua‘i. So he did. You can visit the factory in Hanapēpē—it’s the original building—though the shop is temporarily closed. But there are two other Lappert’s on Kaua‘i, one in Po‘ipū and another in Princeville. Signature flavors include Auntie Mabel’s Liliko‘i Dream Pie (swirl of passion fruit ice cream and sorbet with coconut shortbread), Kaua‘i Pie (Kona coffee cold brew, coconut flakes, dark chocolate fudge and Hāmākua mac nuts) and ube haupia (freshly steamed local ube and smooth coconut ice cream).
22. Kūlolo, Kapa‘a
The best kūlolo—a Hawaiian dessert made from mashed taro, coconut milk and sugar—is arguably found on Kaua‘i. Maybe it’s because the island produces the majority of the state’s taro. Or maybe folks on the Garden Isle have just perfected it. You can find bricks of kūlolo everywhere—at grocery stores, at farmers markets, even at gas stations.
23. Flying Saucers
Unique to Kaua‘i—though its origins are hotly debated—flying saucers are simply a sandwich with a sloppy Joe filling and cheese that’s grilled and served hot. They’re not easy to find, except at Hanapēpē Art Night on Fridays nights. That’s where Stan’s Kaua‘i Style Flying Saucers are sold.
24. Goteborg Musubi
Another uniquely Kaua‘i snack: a musubi topped with slices of fried Goteborg sausage and furikake. Hormel only sells its Goteborg—a German-style sausage—in Hawai‘i, and this musubi is almost exclusively found on the Garden Isle. The flavor of the sausage is akin to hard salami but milder. It’s Kaua‘i’s version of Spam musubi.
Across Kauaʻi you can find unique shops.
Illustration by Kelsie Dayna
25. Warehouse 3540, Kōloa
Once a pineapple-canning factory, this repurposed warehouse in Lāwa‘i is home to more than a dozen eclectic and exciting local businesses. From jewelry and apparel to fine art, you can find plenty of locally made goods at Warehouse 3540. Thanks to the food trucks, the marketplace is also a great pit stop for a snack.
26. Hunter Gatherer, Kīlauea
Artsy treasures line the shelves and tables in this Boho-chic boutique. From heart-opening rose quartz crystals and patchouli oil to Pendleton beach blankets and tarot cards, this lifestyle store in Kīlauea carries a curated assortment of treasures that are worth taking home.
27. Talk Story Bookstore, Kaumakani
Talk Story Bookstore is the westernmost bookstore in the U.S.—and it is a bibliophile’s dream. The shop, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and moved to Kaumakani, is a favorite among locals and visitors. It’s also the island’s only bookstore with an impressive selection of new and used books, vintage cookbooks, comics, vinyl records and other treasures.
28. Nāpali Coast
Easily one of the most beautiful vistas on the island, this 17-mile-long coast boasts emerald cliffs and verdant valleys and is only accessible by foot along the Kalalau Trail, or by boat or helicopter. (If you take a helicopter, you’ll be able to see the majestic Manawaiopuna Falls, a backdrop in the film “Jurassic Park.” It can only be seen from above.)
29. Kōke‘e State Park, Kōke‘e
This 4,345-acre park on the west side of the Garden Isle boasts 45 miles of unique hiking trails and grand views, from cascading waterfalls and Waimea Canyon to the fabled Nāpali Coast. Hikers can even explore a native wet forest on the Alaka‘i Swamp Trail. Nonhikers—and hikers, too—should check out the park’s two lookouts: Kalalau and Pu‘u o Kila. Both offer sweeping views of the emerald cliffs of the Nāpali Coast.
30. Waimea Canyon, Waimea
At 14 miles long and more than 3,600 feet deep, Waimea Canyon is a dramatic and unexpected site on the lush Garden Isle. Its sharp cliffs and rugged crags are colored in a desert-palette of red, brown and green. You can often spot a cascading waterfall in the distance, too. The overlook in Waimea Canyon State Park is the perfect spot to witness one of the Islands’ most remarkable geological features.
31. Kīlauea Lighthouse, Kīlauea
The Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse was built in the 1900s as a beacon for ships and sailors. But as lighthouses became obsolete, this one became Hawai‘i’s last manned tower. In 1976 the flash off of Kīlauea Point went dark. By 1979 it was placed on the Hawai‘i and national registers of historic places. Today, it’s part of the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, where bird-watchers can flock to the lighthouse to see hundreds of seabirds nesting along the cliffs. Even if you’re not a bird enthusiast, the lighthouse offers spectacular views of Kaua‘i’s coast. In the winter, be on the lookout for humpback whales and their calves.
From Hanalei to Hanapēpē, the island is dotted with world-class beaches.
Illustration by Kelsie Dayna
32. Hanalei Bay, Hanalei
A visit to Hanalei isn’t complete without stopping at Hanalei Bay and its historic pier. The crescent-shaped beach is a great place to swim, surf, fish or just lounge on the sand. Walk down the pier for even better views of the bay. With lush mountains and cascading waterfalls as your backdrop, you’ll understand why it’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawai‘i.
33. ‘Anini Beach, Kīlauea
Hidden from the main road, ‘Anini Beach is a little-known gem on Kaua‘i’s north shore. With one of the longest and widest fringing reefs in Hawai‘i, it boasts a shallow lagoon that’s great for snorkeling—and perfect for kids. There’s lots of parking and restrooms but no lifeguards. Sunrises here are particularly stunning.
34. Mākua Beach (aka Tunnels), Hanalei
This north shore beach earns its nickname from its labyrinth of underwater lava tubes. It’s considered one of the best snorkeling spots, with towering coral formations and an array of colorful marine life. Snorkeling at this beach is best during the summer.
35. Hānāpepe Salt Ponds, Hānāpepe
For centuries Native Hawaiians have been farming salt, or pa‘akai, in these flats on Kaua‘i’s southwestern coast. There are nearly two dozen families tasked with farming salt, which, as tradition dictates, cannot be bought or sold, only traded or given. Native Hawaiians have long used salt for seasoning and preserving food, for religious ceremonies, and for medicine. As with many coastal areas in Hawai‘i, the ponds face environmental challenges including erosion, pollution and sea level rise.
36. Wai Koa Loop Trail, Kīlauea
This easy and flat 5-mile loop, which can be accessed through the Kaua‘i North Shore Dog Park, leads hikers through a serene forest. At roughly the halfway point, hikers reach the Kīlauea Stone Dam, built during the height of the sugar plantation era. Today the area surrounding the dam is a garden oasis, with a cascading waterfall, lush greenery and even a Buddha statue. It’s a peaceful hike, and as idyllic as the rest of Kaua‘i.
37. Māhā‘ulepū Heritage Trail, Po‘ipū
This flat trail runs along Kauai‘i’s rugged southern coast and leads hikers through the island’s natural history and some unique archaeological sites. It’s an easy 2-mile out-and-back hike starting at Keoneloa Bay, commonly referred to as Shipwreck Beach. The trail zigzags past sand dunes, striking geological features, limestone formations and an ancient heiau (temple). At the end you’ll find the Makuawai Cave, the largest limestone cave in Hawai‘i and one of the richest fossil sites in the Pacific. (The cave closed to the public in 2023.)
38. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Hanalei
Whether you’re swimming in the adults-only infinity pool, dining at the resort restaurant or just lounging in your room, you’ll find unbelievable views at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Located at the former St. Regis Princeville, this sustainable sanctuary perched on the cliffs of Hanalei Bay seamlessly blends luxury with an eco-driven ethos. Reclaimed and locally sourced materials were used when preparing 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay for its 2023 opening. At this reimagined destination, the island’s natural beauty is evident throughout. Native flora thrive in the open courtyard, vines crawl up the walls, and guests might even spot chefs and bartenders plucking ingredients from the rooftop herb gardens. The resort also features a 10,000-square-foot fitness studio; a holistic spa; and Vitality Kaua‘i, where guests can receive personalized wellness treatments and IV therapy.
39. Kōloa Landing Resort, Kōloa
Family-friendly with a luxury feel, Kōloa Landing Resort will make you feel right at home. It features apartment-style rooms with kitchens and laundry facilities, an on-site spa and some of the best pools in the Islands. It’s also a short walk to all the dining, shopping and award-winning beaches of Po‘ipū.
40. Waimea Plantation Cottages, Waimea
The Waimea Plantation Cottages are a throwback to plantation days, with 43 oceanfront acres of lush tropical landscaping. Choose from 59 one-to five-bedroom heritage plantation homes, available with garden or ocean views and each with its own charm. Originally built in the late 1880s to 1930s, all of the cottages have been upgraded with modern amenities, including full kitchens and private lānai. It’s located just minutes from historic Waimea Town and Kōke‘e State Park. Sunsets are spectacular from the resort’s black-sand beach.
coasthotels.com/waimea-plantation-cottages
41. The Longhouse, Lāwa‘i
This luxe eco-villa is tucked in the hills of Kalāheo on Kaua‘i’s south side and is perfect for those searching for unparalleled peace and privacy. While it’s conveniently located not far from the sunny beaches of Po‘ipū, you won’t want to leave once you arrive at the Longhouse. This villa was designed to be in harmony with the island’s natural landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows cover the south-facing side of the home, providing views of green pastures rolling down to the Pacific. Guests can take in this same view from the villa’s idyllic infinity pool.
42. Ke Ala Hele Makālae
The 8-mile Ke Ala Hele Makālae trail—its name means “The Path That Goes By the Coast”—stretches from Lydgate Beach Park to Paliku Beach (aka Donkey Beach). This coastal path is great for biking, jogging or walking. It’s separate from the highway and paved, making it perfect for strollers and wheelchairs. During the winter you might see migrating humpback whales.
43. Waipā Foundation, Hanalei
For over 20 years, this nonprofit has stewarded the 1,600-acre ahupua‘a (land division) of scenic Waipā on Kaua‘i’s north shore. It offers food and farm tours, volunteer opportunities and a popular farmers market on Tuesdays with local produce and flowers, hot foods and crafts.
44. Kamalani Playground, Kapa‘a
A hidden gem at Lydgate Beach Park, this playground is unlike any other in Hawai‘i. Built by community volunteers, the mazelike wooden play structures have swings, tire walks, slides and lots of places for kids to hide and explore.
45. National Tropical Botanical Gardens, Various locations
For 60 years, this nonprofit has run three gardens on Kaua‘i—Limahuli Garden & Preserve, Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden. Each one offers guided and self-guided tours through collections of various native and exotic plants and trees. The twilight garden tours at both Allerton and McBryde gardens—held Tuesdays through Saturdays—are popular and sell out.
46. Common Grounds, Kīlauea
Once a sugar plantation and guava farm on Kaua‘i’s North Shore, Common Ground in Kīlauea is a veritable regenerative agro-forest that sprawls across 83 acres and offers a glimpse into the future of farming in Hawai‘i. Its mission is to increase local food production while breaking Hawai‘i’s reliance on imported food. The best way to experience it is through its Farm and Food Experience tour ($135 for adults, $65 for kids 6 to 12). Wander the food forest and learn about coffee, kava, māmaki and other plants that grow here. Then sit down for a meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Beer, wine and cocktails available, too.
47. Tree Tunnel, Kōloa
Commonly referred to as the Tree Tunnel, this canopy of 500 eucalyptus trees lines Maluhia Road, creating a natural gateway to the towns of Kōloa and Po‘ipū on the island’s south shore.
48. Free Journaling Classes with KISC
Love nature? Soak in a little science and connect with Kaua‘i’s natural beauty in a free, one-day journaling workshop offered by the Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee. Offered about once a month, these workshops are geared for anyone—you don’t even have to be a writer—interested in slowing down and connecting with nature. A recent workshop took participants along the enchanting Kaluapuhi Trail in Kōke‘e State Park, abundant with native plants, forest birds and kāhuli (land snails). Plus, you’d be supporting KISC, which works to prevent, control or eliminate the most threatening invasive plant and animals species in order to preserve the island’s native biodiversity.
This story was originally published in our SPRING/SUMMER 2025 issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered to right to your mailbox.
