Find A Rental

logo ×

Kauai’s north shore with its quaint villages, winding roads over single-lane bridges and pristine beaches will transform you to a place and time of old Hawaii. In 2018, historic flooding on Kauai’s north shore severely damaged roadways and key infrastructure, leading to the closure of the highway west of Hanalei, access to Haena State Park and the Kalalau Trail.

Map of Haena State Park Kauai

But, there’s exciting new- over a year later, the road to Haena State Park and the Kalalau Trail has reopened! With the reopening has come a new set of rules for non-residents to visit the area. Read further to learn the where, what, and how to visit Haena State Park and hike Kauai’s famous Kalalau Trail.

Hiking along the trail to Hanakapiai beach on Kauai

Rule no. 1: Advanced Reservations and Permits are Required

All vehicles, walk-in entry and shuttle riders visiting Haena State Park and day hikers accessing the Kalalau Trail are required to make advanced reservations and/or purchase parking permits. Entry fees to the park are $1 per person for non-residents. Additional fees apply for a parking pass or to use the Kauai North Shore Shuttle.

 

Rule no. 2: Parking is limited

There are only 100 parking stalls in the parking lot – 70 allocated visitor parking stalls and 30 Hawaii resident parking stalls. Reservations may be made online at www.gohaena.com up to 14 days in advance and no later than the day before your visit. Parking permits are high in demand and have been sold-out nearly immediately of being posted online. 

 

Rule no. 3: Overnight parking is not allowed

Those with permits to camp overnight at the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park/Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapiai must either use the shuttle service or arrange for private drop off. Overnight camping permits are available for reservation two weeks in advance on https://camping.ehawaii.gov. Camping permits cost $20 per person, per night and are good for up to five consecutive nights.

 

Rule No. 4: Permit required for hiking beyond Hanakapiai Beach

The first two miles on the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapiai Beach is the perfect mildly strenuous day hike, offering scenic glimpses of the Napali Coast while you wind around the narrow coastline. Once at Hanakapiai Beach, enjoy lunch next to the peaceful freshwater stream, find a spot on the beach to take a nap, or hike an additional two miles (one way) inland to the staggering 200-foot Hanakapiai Falls. However, hiking beyond Hanakapiai Beach requires a camping permit for the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources. * Without a valid camping permit, you run the risk of being fined by the State DLNR.

*If you have a valid camping permit for the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, you do not need to make a park entry reservation for Haena State Park.

 

Rule No. 5: Skip the parking and take the new Kauai North Shore Shuttle

Not really a rule, but we recommend that those wanting to explore Haena State Park take advantage of the new Kauai North Shore Shuttle!  We love the Kauai North Shore Shuttle because it is inexpensive and convenient. Reservations can be easily made online by visiting . Prices range from $5-$15, depending whether you want a hop-on pass (based on seat availability) or if you want to reserve your seat in advance. They also accept Kauai Bus passes as a hop-on pass (no reservations), which is great because Kauai Bus passes can also be used throughout the entire island. Small beach gear is allowed, such as folding chairs, snorkel equipment, and umbrellas. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough space for surfboards, large coolers or other large items.

If you decide to take the Kauai North Shore Shuttle, there are two parking options. Parking at Princeville Golf Club is $15 (additional to shuttle fee) and shuttle service begins at 7:30 am. Travel time to Haena is approximately 30-40 minutes. All visitors must vacate the parking lot by 5:45 pm so plan your return from Haena State Park accordingly. There are only 10 stalls available and parking is first come, first serve. The second parking option is the park-and-ride at Waipa in Hanalei and catch the first shuttle to Haena at 7:00 am. Travel time from this spot is only approximately 20-25 minutes. This means you can be one of the first to arrive at the park for the day! Overnight parking is not allowed at either location.

 

Costs to go

Haena State Park is one of Kauai’s most pristine and delicate treasures. The road to get to Haena State Park is narrow, meandering over one-lane bridges and mountain stream crossings, past the openings of the wet and dry caves, and leading to perfect white sand beaches with crystal clear water lapping gently against the shoreline. To put it simply…it’s paradise.

Cave at Hanakapiai beach Kauai

 

So you’ve decided to have a destination wedding or celebrate an anniversary or momentous birthday on Kauai. With stunning white sand beaches, magical sunsets and lush tropical foliage everywhere you look, Kauai’s natural beauty sets the backdrop for the dream event.  Fortunately, Kauai boasts a reputable list of island bakers who work with local farmers, incorporating seasonal island grown fresh fruits and locally-made ingredients into all of their creations. We’ve taken the difficulty out of finding a baker and listed a few of our favorites below.

 

Contemporary Flavors Catering

Wedding cake from Contemporary flavors catering Kauai
Photo: Contemporary Flavors

A culinary leader in the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement, Executive Chef Mark Oyama is renowned throughout Hawaii and the world. Chef Mark and his talented team, who he personally trains, artfully infuses Hawaii’s unique tropical flavors into delightful melt-in-your-mouth masterpieces. For instance, the Lilikoi Dream is a delicate white cake brushed with vanilla bean syrup and filled with a lilikoi (passion fruit) curd. Coconut lovers find utter satisfaction in the Toasted Hawaiian, a coconut cake with a light rum glaze, filled with layers of toasted macadamia nut pastry cream and pineapple buttercream. Chef Oyama doesn’t stop at cakes, offering a full spectrum of desserts, such as his signature chocolate macadamia nut crunch bars, assorted eclair’s, french macarons, and mini cheesecakes in mango, coconut toffee and more. Cake prices start at $30 for a quarter sheet and increase in size and number of tiers.
To discuss your catering needs, call (808) 245-2522.
https://contemporaryflavorscatering.com/weddings/#cakemenu

 

Ko Bakery

Chocolate Chips from Ko Bakery
Photo: Ko Bakery

Ko Bakery has been a well kept secret by Kauai residents, who discovered a while ago where to go when in need of the best pineapple upside down cake on island. Located about 20 minutes from Poipu, Ko Bakery is a local gem offering a variety of biscotti, cookies, pastries and made to order cakes for all special occasions. Their Hula Baby Gourmet biscotti, in a variety of flavors such as Kauai Coffee Crunch, Lilikoi Cranberry and Chocomacs, is bursting with flavor and satisfying crunch, often enjoyed straight out of the package or dunked in a cup of Ko Bakery’s specialty brewed coffee. If the idea of the Haupia Lime cake, with three layers of moist haupia (coconut pudding) inside of the butter cake and frosted with a Kauai lime buttercream, doesn’t make you drool with desire, the POG cake, a lilikoi buttercream frosted cake with two layers of orange and guava cake and guava puree definitely will. With so many cake flavors made in mini and full sized cakes, you can order multiple mini cakes for your special occasion or request to create a one of a kind specialty multi-tiered wedding cakes, beautiful decorated with fruits and tropical flowers. Cake prices start at $34. Ko Bakery is open Monday through Friday, 6 am to 2 pm,
Call (808) 212-9437 to place orders.
https://kobakery.com/

 

Kawaii Cupcake

Donuts from Kawaii Cupcake in Kauai

They say the best things come in small packages, and this is definitely true when it comes to Kawaii Cupake, who uses only organic eggs, butter and milk in their delectable individual sized treats.  Kawaii, pronounced similar to Kauai, is the Japanese term for something cute or pretty. Kawaii Cupcake can design any cupcake or cake for your wedding, birthday party, baby shower, etc., offering islandwide delivery and vegan and gluten free options. Owner Kristine Ishikawa started Kawaii Cupcake by baking one flavor of cupcakes per week, modeled after the movie Julie and Julia. This led to the creation of more than 60 cupcake flavors, ranging from traditional flavors to exotic, such as the Irish Car Bomb, chocolate blackberry cabernet, azuki green tea, or lychee rose water cupcake. Tiered cupcake towers with a small round cake as the top tier are available, as well as homemade tiered donut cakes. Kawaii Cupcake requires a $200 minimum order per event. Pricing is $40 per flavor for 12 regular size cupcakes or 24 mini cupcakes.
To place an order, email info@kawaiidesignshawaii.com or call (808) 635-2827.
http://kawaiicupcake.com/

 

The Right Slice

The Right Slice Pie lady at the Kukuiula culinary farmer's market
Photo: The Right Slice

Fruit pies, cream pies, pot pies, oh my! The Right Slice in Kalaheo, located 15 minutes from Poipu, offers a variety of sweet and savory pies that can be pre-ordered online or picked up at their shop. Their most popular items are the mango lilikoi pie, chicken pot pie, and lilikoi cheesecake. Try one of their rich and gooey pies, such as their chocolate coconut macaroon pie, macadamia nut pie or haupia purple sweet potato pie. The Right Slice offers individual portions and full sized pies, ranging from $10.50 to $65 at their full service bakery in Kalaheo. There’s a good chance you will become addicted their delectable pies while visiting Kauai, if that happens don’t worry! They allow online orders and will ship to anywhere in the US with 48-hour advance notice. The Right Slice in Kalaheo is open Sunday 11 am to 4 pm and Mon-Sat 11 am to 6 pm, with a “Pie on the Fly” kiosk at Harbor Mall in Lihue that gets refilled daily at 10 am. In Poipu, their pies are sold at the Kukuiula Culinary Market on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 pm.
Call (808) 212-5798 to pre-order pies for your special event.
https://rightslice.com/

 

Haole Girl Island Sweets

Sticky Buns from Haole Girl Sweets Kauai
Photo: Haole Girl Sweets

Described as a European style patisserie with an island twist, Haole Girl Island Sweets have been delighting taste buds with their flaky, hand stuffed croissants and specialty cakes for many years. Owner Judy had a successful career as an executive pastry chef for five star resorts before branching out to open her own bakery. Haole Girl Island Sweets supports local Kauai farmers in their dessert creations, with unique cake flavors such as apple-banana, carrot/pineapple  and almond joconde. Haole Girl Island Sweets can customize your dream wedding cake with iced or fresh florals, for a Hawaiian themed wedding cake topped with beautiful flowers representing the islands. Adding to the array of desserts offered by Haole Girl Island Sweets are assorted cheesecakes in flavors such as passion swirl, key lime mojito, or sticky bun with caramel and macadamia nuts). Haole Girl Island Sweets bakery is located in Kapaa, but they have a large presence at several farmer’s markets throughout the island. On Wednesdays, they can be found at the Kukuiula Culinary Market in Poipu from 3:30 pm to 6 pm. Cake prices start at $10 per person and cake tasting is available at their Kapaa bakery.
To set up a cake tasting or place an order, call (808) 822-2253 or email haolegirlsweets@gmail.com.
http://haolegirlsweets.com/

 

To attend a bon dance on Kauai is a magical and spiritual experience. A bon dance, which is celebrated during the obon season, is a Buddhist ceremony performed by the Japanese culture to honor the spirit of one’s ancestors.

The tradition of obon began in Japan over 500 years ago. It is based on the story in Buddhist transcripts of a devout monk who happily danced with joy when releasing his deceased mother’s spirit from the Realm of Hungry Ghosts.

In the early 19th century, Japanese immigrants introduced the traditions of their distant homelands when they arrived to work on the sugar and pineapple plantations. While the custom of obon nearly ended during the 1940’s due to attitudes stemming from World War II and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the festival was revived in the 1950’s through the effort of Japanese-American veteran groups. It has since become a highly anticipated summer tradition for all of Kauai.

Bon dance taiko drumming kauai

Bon dance season is held outdoors at the Japanese Buddhist temples from June through August. The weekend long celebration begins at sundown on Friday and Saturday nights. Toros, or Japanese paper lanterns, are strung across a dance ring from a raised platform called a yagura. Twinkling in stark contrast to the black sky, each toro represents a loved one who has left to the spiritual realm. Taiko drummers play on the yagura in syncopated rhythm to the music. Around the yagura, a kaleidoscope of men and women dressed in intricate kimono robes or happi shirts twirl and clap their hands to the classic Japanese folk songs. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, all generations eagerly await the opportunity to dress up for this event and participate in the dancing and merriment. At the end of the obon season, the toros are lit and released into water, sending the spirit of the remembered ancestors on their way until the next year.

Like any melting pot culture, the bon dance has evolved and established new traditions on Kauai. There are games for children, baked goods and food booths. One of the favorites is the tradition of the flying saucer, which is served specially at Kauai bon dances. Flying saucers are little sandwiches made of regular white bread smothered in butter, cheese and ground hamburger meat. What makes these sandwiches special, is the process for grilling them, which include placing them in a pie iron over a live fire until they are crispy on the edges and gooey and hot on the inside. A flying saucer is not to be missed when attending a bon dance.

Children also love the fish pond game, which involved flinging a bamboo fishing pole with a clothespin attached to the bottom over the top of a large sheet. Behind the sheet, a toy is attached to the clothespin. When the child feels the fish pull on their line, they are able to claim their winning prize.

Depending on the temple you go to, the desserts offerings vary. Okinawan desserts called andagi, which is a deep fried donut that is sweet and moist inside is served. At other bon dances, malasada donuts, originating from Portugal, are deep fried and shaken in a bag with sugar. Poi balls, which are similar to donut holes on a stick with a sticky poi mochi filling and rolled in a glaze may be offered as well. All desserts are equally delicious and are a shining example of how the various cultures on Kauai have molded into one.

Quick tips for attending a bon dance:

Kauai Bon Dances begin at 7:30 p.m. and end at 10:30 p.m. The 2019 Kauai bon dance schedule is as follows:

It doesn’t matter how old you are, the beauty of attending a bon dance is an unforgettable experience that can be appreciated by all.

 

With shows like The Great Food Truck Race and Food Truck Face Off, Kauai has quickly caught on to the nationwide food truck trend. What makes Kauai’s food trucks stand out among the rest? The availability of farm grown produce and fresh caught fish from the ocean varieties incorporated into many food truck’s menus and prepared using a local twist may have something to do with it.

We’ve rounded up the best food trucks from the north, south, east and west that you’ll definitely want to try when visiting Kauai.

Chalupa’s Mexican Food

Chalupas Mexican Food Truck Koloa Kauai

Finding the authentic flavors of Mexico while vacationing on Kauai is like a fiesta for your taste buds. Chalupa’s Mexican Food truck serves up burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more that has been prepared in traditional Mexican styles and spices. Many of their juicy and succulent meats are braised for hours before being stuffed into a burrito with rice and beans, meaning your mouth will be bursting with flavor.

Kauai Food Truck

Kauai Food Truck in Koloa

While most food trucks zero in on one type of cuisine, the Kauai Food Truck’s menu is as general as its name. Located in the heart of Koloa Town, they offer savory seafood plates, burgers, sandwiches, tacos and traditional island favorites such as roast pork with gravy and loco mocos (a mountain of white rice topped with hamburger, egg, and brown gravy). Their teriyaki butterfish tacos and garlic chili pepper shrimp tacos are so delicious that locals would describe it as “broke da mouth,” yet their prices are reasonable enough where they don’t break the bank. Just watch out for the local chickens clucking around. The minute you turn your back they will steal a bite of your food.

 

Kickshaws

Kickshaws Food Truck Lawai Kauai

Located in the tiny rural town of Lawai, Kickshaws food truck is run by true food geniuses. Their gourmet meals are so delicious you will feel like you should pay more. What sets them apart from other food trucks is their style of cooking, which is described as science forward food, using sous vide cooking and other avant garde techniques. The Crazy Good Lamb Burger with a house ground leg of lamb that’s been flavored with spices and topped with a Greek yogurt sauce is just as they describe…it’s crazy good! The Titillating P.B.A.T. sandwich is another must try with sous-vide cooked pork belly and the works on a torta roll.

 

Yamato’s Ice Cream and Japanese Street Food

Yamato Food Truck Kauai - Japanese Street food

Remember the ice cream truck that used to circle your neighborhood and hand out average popsicles and ice cream sandwiches? This is not it. Yamato’s combines unique and quirky in-season flavors to create a dessert so savory you will have ice cream euphoria. Our favorite is the classic honey ginger, but seasonal flavors like the pickled mango sorbet or roasted pine nut are definitely worth the try. In addition, Yamato’s Japanese street food will take you back to the streets of Tokyo with its okonomiyaki (Japanbese pancake) and cha-shu pork belly plate. Yamato’s is usually located at the Home Depot in Lihue Monday through Friday and they also travel to different locations and events.

 

Kikuchi’s Steam Bun Sandwiches

Kikuchi's Steam Bun sandwiches - Kauai Food Trucks

Homemade steamed buns that are airy, light, and filled with smoked pulled pork or karaage chicken and sushi sandwiches…need we say more? Kikuchi’s Steam Bun Sandwiches can be found parked in a little lot in Nawiliwili, across the beautiful Kalapaki Bay. The best way to enjoy Kikuchi’s is by taking a walk to the seawall overlooking Kalapaki Bay and feeling the cool sea breezes on your face while you indulge in its deliciousness.

 

Little Greek Town

After you work up an appetite taking a bike ride on Kauai’s oceanfront bicycle path, stop for lunch at the Little Greek Town food truck in Kapaa. Seaside picnic tables allow you to enjoy the view while you feast on lamb and beef Gyro with tomato, onion and tzatziki or the falafel plate served with pita bread, rice and horiatiki salad. Save room for their light and flaky baklava dessert. It’s worth it.

 

Hanalei Taro & Juice Co.

Hanalei Taro & Juice co food truck on kauai

When in Hawaii, trying Hawaiian food is a must on the to-do list. This little food is truck located in Hanalei Town and also at the Kauai Community College weekly farmer’s market , and is operated by a multi-generational family who has been farming taro in Hanalei Valley for many years. Once their taro is harvested from their fields, it is then incorporated into their menu. Poi, which is often labeled by visitors as pasty and tasteless, becomes a flavorable treat when topped with Kalua Pig (slow roasted) and salted lomi lomi salmon. The taro is also ground into a smoothie base and blended with tropical fruits. You will also want to try the taro macadamia nut mochi that has just the right amount of chewy sweetness.

 

Trucking Delicious

Trucking delicious food truck Kauai Hanalei

Tucked away in Hanalei Town is a food truck that offers grilled sandwiches that are far from average. In fact, they are Trucking Delicious. Here’s the reason why this truck is a must stop on your trip to Kauai. The Lilis Cristo sandwich has turkey, swiss and chedder cheese dipped in lilikoi french toast batter and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Need we say more? Finish your meal off with coconut limeade mocktail and ube ice cream with waffle sandwich. Next stop is Hanalei Bay!

 

With no shortage of food trucks on Kauai, you can easily eat your way through Kauai with a stop at a food truck in every town. There is plenty of outdoor adventure -from surfing, kayaking or hiking – to keep you from feeling guilty about stopping at that one last truck to discover another tasty Kauai treat.

merrimans-fish-house-restaurant-poipu

Kaua‘i is not known for mega malls or upscale stores, however many treasures can be had shopping in Kauai’s quaint and charming towns. Sometimes strolling through the small shops and boutiques can be the best rejuvenation after hours spent in the sun. Kauai is also fully equipped to cover all your needs while on island, with large stores such as Walmart and Costco and a number of grocery stores.  From Poipu to Hanalei, we’ve highlighted the best places to shop on Kauai:

 

SOUTH

The Shops at Kukuiula

The shops at kukuiula farmers market

The Shops at Kukuiula embraces the island lifestyle in its open air shopping center filled with upscale shops and a variety of restaurants, from basic burgers to gourmet fine dining. Some of Hawaii’s best chefs have restaurants here, including Roy Yamaguchi and Peter Merriman. On Wednesdays, the Shops at Kukuiula transforms into the Kauai Culinary Market, with local farmers selling freshly grown produce and live entertainment.

 

Poipu Shopping Village

Shopping and dance don’t usually go hand-in-hand, unless you are talking about Poipu Shopping Village, which features a tahitian dance, fire knife and drumming show every Monday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m. The show takes place in the central courtyard, surrounded by shops and restaurants. Pick up a fun souvenir at the variety of themed shops, from local island art to children’s beach wear and a little bit of everything in between. Nearby Keoki’s Paradise is one of the premiere restaurants on the south side for fresh fish and musical entertainment in a tropical setting. Inside the shopping center, you will find american, thai, and mexican food restaurants.

North

Hanalei Town

Small shops, boutiques and eateries line the streets of charming Hanalei Town. The diverse shops and quaint atmosphere exude the feel of a small beach town. In the heart of the town, the old Hanalei school building was converted to house a restaurant, surf shops, and Hawaiian tropical attire. Across the street, the Ching Young Village, owned by a local Kauai family, has been in existence since the early 1900s and is home to Hanalei’s only grocery store, Big Save Market. While shopping in Hanalei, the view of Mount Namolokama, laced with waterfalls, is just the icing on the cake.

 

Princeville Center

Up the road from Hanalei is the Princeville Center, an all-in-one shopping center with a post office, doctor’s offices, boutiques, real estate, a gas station and grocery store. Tiki Iniki, owned by musician Todd Rundgren, is one of Kauai’s only true tiki bar on Kauai with fun tiki cocktails, live music and food. The center also has a shave ice stand with organic syrup flavors, the perfect way to cool off.

 

Kong Lung Historic Market Center

The small rural town of Kilauea was primarily a plantation town. Today, mostly local residents make up this small town, which is home to Kong Lung Historic Market Center, Kilauea Lighthouse and the Kilauea Point National Refuge. Kong Lung Historic Market Center blends the old with the new, scattered around the center is the “Remembering the Past: Historic Photo Retrospective” phone display, while the fashion forward boutiques and local craft shops are a reminder of how life has evolved. A local favorite is the Kilauea Bakery and Pau Hana Pizza. Their scones are “so ono!”

 

 

CENTRAL/EAST

Old Kapaa Town

Old Kapaa Town is filled with shops, including a music store, fine jewelry, workout clothing, hawaiian fabric and home decor. Most shops line the main highway going through the town. It is easy to spend an entire day exploring Kapaa Towns shops, eating in the restaurants or sampling from the many food trucks, savoring dessert at shave ice stands, and getting freshly made juice or coffee in its various shops. Bike rentals are available in the town to ride on Ke Ala Hele Makalae, a multi-use path that runs directly through the town.

 

Coconut Marketplace

The Coconut Marketplace is currently undergoing a huge makeover, that is expected to be completed this year. While fun and quirky souvenir shops are the main attraction, the marketplace also has hula shows and a weekly farmers market. For a real treat, go see Uncle Larry Rivera, who appeared on Blue Hawaii with Elvis Presley, perform on Fridays at 5 p.m.

 

Kukui Grove Shopping Center

Considered the only mall on Kauai, the outdoor Kukui Grove Shopping Center is the only shopping center with larger chain stores, such as Macy’s, Famous Footwear, Gamestop, Foot Locker and Ross Dress For Less. There are banks, postal service, hair and nail salons, as well as a food court with a variety of cuisines. Times Supermarket covers all of your grocery needs. Kmart, Costco, and Home Depot are just a hop, skip, and a jump away.

 

 

WEST

Hanapepe Town

Once the only port of call for ships to deliver goods and arrival of newcomers, Hanapepe was once the economic hub of Kauai. In the 1990’s, damage from Hurricane Iniki ravaged the town, causing it to completely shut down. Fast forward to the present, and Hanapepe Town has once again been revitalized by its numerous art galleries and local artisan shops that line the street. The town maintains its plantation charm, with original buildings that have been maintained. Every Friday from 6-9 p.m., the town comes alive with street vendors, food trucks, and kanikapila, or live music.

Amid so many things to do, most may not think of shopping as a must do activity when visiting Kauai. The variety and uniqueness of special Kauai Made products are the perfect souvenir to remind you of that time you went on the best vacation of your life and experienced paradise.  And will leave you longing to return.

Easy hikes in Kokee Kauai

Kauai, the oldest of the Hawaiian Island chain, has long been called “The Garden Island.” 4,000 feet above sea level, away from the beaches and resort districts is Kokee State Park. Spread over 4,345 acres, there are 45 miles of hiking trails, camping and picnic areas, scenic lookouts, cabins for lodging, the Kokee Natural History Museum, and Kokee Lodge restaurant.

The best way to experience and appreciate Kokee’s beauty is to get off the beaten path and do some old fashioned hiking. When it comes to hiking in Kokee, the unofficial rule of thumb is the harder the hike, the better the payoff at the end.

We’ve rounded up a list of noteworthy hiking trails in Kokee, for the novice hiker to expert and everything in between.

Easy Hikes – Hikiwale

Puu Ka Ohelo Trail – 2.2 miles

Commonly referred to as the Berry Flat Loop, this 2.2 mile loop trail winds through a dense tropical forest with a mix of native and introduced foliage, including California redwood and eucalyptus trees, sugi pines. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for native birds playing about the forest.

Kaluapuhi Trail – 2.5 miles

With only 120 feet of elevation gain, and 2.5 miles Kaluapuhi Trail provides enough distance for an easy hiking workout.  During your stroll, you will breathe in the aromatic Hawaiian ginger that grows wild throughout Kokee’s forests. Seasonal fruits such as blackberries, strawberry guava and Kokee Plums can sometimes be found for a light snack on the trail.

Cliff Trail – 0.2 miles

Starting at Halemanu trail head, directly off Kokee Road, this short and easy trail leads to a scenic lookout overlooking Waimea Canyon. You may be able to spot wild goats standing on ledges as you peer down into the canyon.

 

Moderate Hikes- Akahele

Waimea Canyon to Cliff Trail – 3.6 miles

There’s a reason this is one of the most visited hiking trails in Kokee. Waimea Canyon, made up of cliffs covered in reddish brown and orange colored crumbling dirt that sparkle in the sunlight, is often referred to as ‘The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This trail can be easily accessed by parking on Kokee Road near mile marker14 and taking a short walk down Halemanu Road to the trailhead. To extend your hike, park instead at Puu Hinahina Lookout and enter through the Canyon trailhead. From there you can continue on go to the Cliff Trail lookout or continue to the stream crossing, which is actually the top of an 800 foot waterfall.

Pihea Trail – 2.1 miles

This trail can be as long or as short as you make it. The first mile, starting at the Puu Hina Hina lookout, offers expansive views from the ridge looking down into the lush oasis of Kalalau Valley and ends at the Pihea Overlook, which is the highest rim point of Kalalau Valley. While many choose to stop there, the more adventurous can continue on the Ala Kai Swamp Trail to the Kilohana Lookout. This additional hiking adds up to an 8-mile roundtrip trek.

 

For the experienced Hiker- Hana nui

Alakai Swamp Trail – 3.5 mi

If sloshing through mud and grabbing on to branches while ascending and descending through ravines sounds like your idea of a good time, the Ala Kai Swamp trail is the trail for you. Fortunately, the State has built a boardwalk system that allows you to walk above most of the swamp area pretty effortlessly. The trail ends at Kilohana Overlook, which is as close to the north shore of Kauai that you can get to from Kokee and when clear from cloud coverage, offers views all the way to Hanalei.

Nualolo Trail – 3.8 mi

There is no other word to describe this trail besides spectacular. After traversing through a dense forest filled with Hawaiian koa trees and fragrant Hawaiian ginger, you find yourself standing on a bluff in the middle of the 3,000 foot Napali Coast. Prepare to be awestruck as the views take your breathe away. The return portion of the hike is the most strenuous, as you make a high elevation climb in a short distance.

Awaawapuhi Trail – 3.1 miles

This trail promises to awe even the most experienced hiker. While not relatively hard except for the high elevation ascent on the return, this trail leads through a cool misty forest to a desert-like climate overlooking both Nualolo Valley and Awaawapuhi Valley. Na Pali’s evergreen spores point directly toward the heavens while seabirds float gracefully in the sky below.

Kukui Trail – 2.5 miles

This difficult trail will challenge you as you scale down the walls of Waimea Canyon on the path of wild goats. The trail takes you to the bottom of the canyon where you can rest at Wiliwili campsite or cool off in the refreshing stream water. Due to the 2,000 elevation drop and return climb, direct sun, crumbly red dirt and wide open exposure, heat can quickly become an issue and you should make sure to have plenty of water on hand.

 

Know before you go

Here are some things that anyone planning to hike Kokee State Park should remember:

 

Lastly, have fun soaking in all the beauty Kokee State Park has to offer and don’t forget to bring a light rain jacket- there’s a reason why Kauai is the greenest of all the islands.

 

**Note: All trail distances are based on one way unless otherwise expressed.

Poipu Beach Park Kauai

Perfect Kaua‘i days are made of surf, sand, and salty water in your hair. It only takes one visit to one of Poipu’s numerous beaches to turn your entire day around and rejuvenate your spirit. We’ve provided a list of all of Poipu’s beaches to help you decide which slice of paradise you plan to dip your toes in.

Poipu Beach Park

Poipu Beach Park is the one beach where you can literally do it all. Swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, surfing, and are accessible from this beach park, named one of the best beaches by numerous travel magazines.  A protected “baby” pond on the east end of the park, lifeguard tower and nearby playground makes Poipu Beach a safe place for the keiki (children) to expend their never ending energy. You will feel as though you are in an aquarium and not the actual ocean as the two protected coves with coral reefs and a rainbow of sea life are fantastic snorkeling spots. The expansive park facilities, grassy area and playground are perfect for a beach picnic.

Waiohai Beach

Around the corner from Poipu Beach and less crowded is another small crescent shaped cove that locals refer to as “Waiohai Beach.” This cove is semi-sheltered from the “Waiohai” surf break outside. Easy swimming, snorkeling and surfing are available on the smaller waves that break inside. The small patch of sand fronting the cove is highly coveted beach real estate for setting up chairs and umbrellas. The earlier you get there, the better.

Shipwreck’s Beach (Keoneloa Bay)

Keoneloa Bay, or Shipwreck’s Beach, is a large white sand beach and park with a strong shore break for body surfers. Swimming at this beach should only be done by strong swimmers who are comfortable in the water; the waves are powerful and will easily send you tumbling if you get too close to the shore. It’s best to admire the strength of these waves and the skilled watermen who body board or body surf from afar and save the swimming for other more mellow beaches.

Baby Beach

Hidden in a small neighborhood on Lawai Road, Baby Beach is a gem of a beach. Keiki love to splash and play all day in the calm, clear and shallow waters at Baby Beach, while parents can take some time relax since there are no strong currents or rough waves to contend with. The sand bottom is usually no deeper than two feet and there are small sandy tide pools for the extra little ones.

Kukui‘ula Harbor

Nearly all of the south shore boating activities take place out of Kukui‘ula Harbor, including canoe paddling, scuba diving tours, and catamaran tours. A small beach fronting the harbor is calm and gentle for swimming, while the large grassy lawn area is perfect for some beach Frisbee and a picnic. Pavilion and bathroom facilities are available for having a small get together.

Mahaulepu Beach

Discovering Mahaulepu Beach is almost a spiritual experience. The road to get there is an old sugar cane dirt road that extends for several miles, full of potholes and dips. It will leave you questioning of whether going to Mahaulepu is a good idea. Once you arrive, you realize the drive was completely worth it. Surrounded by limestone cliffs, white sand stretches for approximately two miles while waves lap the shore. Monk seals often take refuge in these remote shores for their daily naps, while humpback whales can be seen frolicking only a half mile off shore during whale season. Fishermen and kite surfers often frequent this remote beach.

Prince Kuhio Beach

Easily one of the best spots to snorkel on the south side, Prince Kuhio Beach is a short and narrow beach fronting Lawai Road. The Beach House Restaurant is located next to the beach, serving their fresh Pacific Rim cuisine for lunch and dinner daily. Out in the distance, adventure seeking surfers carve up and down waves at the surf break called “PK’s”, which is located just outside the calm waters. Later in the day, crowds gather on the seawall in front of the restaurant to experience the best Hawaiian sunset views on the south side of Kaua‘i.

Lawai Kai or Allerton’s Beach

A picturesque crescent shaped bay of white sand, lava rock formations, and lush abundance of flora and fauna, Allerton Beach is where royalty and the rich and famous came to play. Queen Emma often frequented Lawai Kai in the 1870’s as her private sanctuary.   The land was later purchased by the McBryde Family who planted sugar cane above and leased the valley to Chinese rice and taro farmers. Philanthropist Bob Allerton later purchased the property and transformed the gardens into what is now known as the McBryde Tropical Botanical Gardens.

Allerton’s Beach is completely remote from the rest of the south shore and is only accessible by two ways: 1) kayak or boat or 2) visiting the beach as part of a National Tropical Botanical Gardens guided tour. The third option, which is to trespass on private property, is highly not recommended.

Brennecke’s Beach

At the eastern end of Poipu Beach is Brennecke’s Beach, a beach for body surfing and boogie boarding. One of the only true shore breaks on the south side of Kaua‘i, there is always a consistent flow of waves. There is not much sand for sunbathing here; however the adjacent beach park has plenty of grass for lounging while you take a break from the waves.

Now that you know where to go and what to do in Poipu, it’s time to get that swimsuit, slather on some sunscreen and hit the beach!

 

Much of the fun at Kauai’s beaches happens above water.  Surfing, swimming, boogie boarding and paddleboarding are some of our favorite ways to spend a perfect Kauai beach day.  But putting on a snorkel mask and fins on your feet will give you a perspective of Kauai that is completely different from the above view.  Underwater, Kauai’s coral reefs are teeming with sea life; colorful fish in a rainbow of hues and sizes coexisting in their underwater oasis.

Poipu’s warm waters range from 70˚ to 80˚ Fahrenheit year round, meaning every day is the perfect day for snorkeling.  Poipu Beach is the only life-guarded beach in Poipu and offers some of the best snorkeling available in its two crescent shaped bays, which are separated by a natural sand tombola, and well populated with an abundance of fish, including the humuhumunukunukuapuaa (the official Hawaiian state fish) silver needle fish, pennant fish, blue parrot fish and more.  Poipu Beach was named America’s Best Beach by The Travel Channel and offers park facilities, restrooms, and showers.

Not far from Poipu Beach is Lawai Beach, a small beach with calm waters and excellent snorkeling.  Less crowded than the popular Poipu Beach, you will find schools of fish that twist and turn over and around the ocean reefs.  Lawai Beach also happens to be one of the best vantage points to take in the evening sunset and has a nice grassy area to set up your beach towel for the show.

Water clarity is best in the mornings, before the crowds arrive to swim and snorkel.  Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional moray eel or green sea turtle, which sometimes feed on the seaweed covering the reefs.  Also, green sea turtles and the Hawaiian monk seals are protected endangered species.  Swimming next to them or touching them could not only be dangerous, but is also illegal and could result in a fine.  If you see one of these magnificent creatures while on your adventure, do your best to swim away and keep your distance.

Standing or walking on the reef can harm Kauai’s fragile ecosystem, which is detrimental to the sea life.  You could also possibly step on a sea urchin, whose sharp spikes can easily get lodged in your feet for an unpleasant trip to the doctor.  Reef shoes called tabbies can help protect you from being poked by sea urchins or cut by coral, but we recommend standing as little as possible and using fins instead to help you stay afloat.

Snorkel Bob’s and Nukumoi Surf Shop can get set up with snorkel masks and fin rentals. Purchasing a small bag of fish food will reap large rewards as fish swarm about you looking for a tasty morsel of food.

Snorkeling in Poipu is an unforgettable experience, one that will stay with you long after you leave Kauai.

View of Mt. Waialeale Kauai Hawaii

Kaua‘i’s volcanoes have long been dormant, but Mount Waialeale on Kaua‘i sees plenty of flowing each year that has nothing to do with lava. The name Waialeale, meaning “rippling water or overflowing” water in Hawaiian, is inherently accurate, with over 600 inches of rain per year and is known to be one of the wettest spots on earth. It also gets more than five times the amount of rainfall of other mountain peaks on Kaua‘i.

Which explains why Kaua‘i is so green.

The heavy rainfall is also responsible for Kauai’s only swamp, the Alakai Swamp and Wilderness Preserve, a portion of which can be easily hiked on the Alakai Swamp Trail in Kokee. In the early 2000’s, the State built a wooden boardwalk leading through the Alakai Swamp to a scenic outpost overlooking Wainiha Valley and the rest of the north shore. It’s one of the only ways to travel from the west to north on the entire island, since the mountainous Kokee State Park and 16-mile rugged coastline of the Napali Coast are impossible to drive the entire distance.

Mt. Waialeale sign in Kokee - Alakai Swamp Trail

Very few have ever actually been to the summit of Waialeale, which for the most part is very barren with the exception of some native plants that have adapted to sustain the heavy rainfall. The ancient Hawaiians clearly knew the way following an unmarked foot trail, leaving behind clues of their arrival there such as a heiau, or rock platform, and a small lake that has been altered to divert water to both the east and west. In the early 1900’s, before the use of helicopters, State workers followed the ancient trail by mule as far as they could go before walking the rest of the distance to check Waialeale’s rain gauges. Today, the trail leading to the summit is as difficult as trying to follow a treasure map and search for gold, and we do not recommend trying.

The Weeping Wall

In fact, the recommended way to see Mount Waialeale does not involve trudging through mud, but by helicopter tour. Nearly all helicopter tours on island fly into the Waialeale crater and offer a close up look at this amazing natural wonder. From the helicopter, tour goers will view a curtain of hundreds, if not thousands, of waterfalls blanketing the crater walls. This is called the “weeping walls,” over 5,000 feet of waterfalls flowing to the stream below like tears from the sky.

Although it’s been coined one of the wettest spots on earth, there is no need to worry that the rest of the island will also be covered in clouds. It is very likely that the rest of the island will be completely sunny. Mount Waialeale’s summit is located just below the “trade wind inversion layer” and its steep cliffs cause humid air to rise quickly. In simple terms, rain tends to remain in one spot. Which is good because it means that the rest of the island’s mountain trails and beaches are ready to be explored!

Every savvy traveler knows that the best way to get an authentic experience in a destination is to go where the locals go and eat what the locals eat.  Staying in a vacation rental over a traditional hotel has made living like a local on Kauai even more accessible.

Kauai residents love to eat.  Back in the plantation days, the Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and Hawaiian workers would gather in the field for lunch, each group bringing food from the countries where they originated.  This act of sharing blended cultures resulting in many unique, one-of-a-kind dishes only found in Hawaii and generally named “local food.”

While on Kauai, trying the local delicacies is a must.  Here’s a few of the local foods that must be tasted over and over again:

Saimin

One of the first types of local food that we recommend trying, preferably as soon as you step off the airplane at Lihue Airport, is a hot, steaming bowl of saimin soup.   Similar to Japanese ramen, saimin is a brothy soup filled with vegetables, luncheon meat, roast pork and fish cake.  Kauai residents tend to favor Hamura Saimin in Lihue, a fourth-generation family-owned saimin stand with countertop seating, which is located just five minutes from the airport.  Save room for the homemade lilikoi chiffon pie and be sure to strike up a conversation with your neighbor next to you.  Many local residents are willing to share their favorite eating spots and tips of where to visit over a bowl of delicious saimin soup.   Other notable favorites for saimin: Tip Top Café and Anahola Saimin Stand.

The Mixed Plate

The sharing of foods during plantation times resulted in the birth of the mixed plate, a meal that will not leave a person hungry.  Traditional mixed plates include a scoop of white rice and macaroni and potato salad with a protein, usually, chicken, beef or fish.  Nearly every town on Kauai has a local takeout spot or food truck where mixed plates are the staple menu item.  Local favorites are the kalbi ribs, barbeque chicken, and loco moco plates, which is a hamburger patty on top of a bed of rice and topped with an over easy egg and brown gravy.  On the south side, Koloa Fish Market combines the freshest recent catch daily, as well as Hawaiian food plates with delicious laulau (chicken or pork steamed in a luau leaf) or roasted kalua pig.

Spam Musubi

Hawaii is the capital of spam consumers.  Spam is a common replacement for other breakfast meats, such as bacon or sausage.  A quick and satisfying treat is the spam musubi, which can be found in convenience stores, bakeries, and snack shops.  A spam musubi is like a large spam sushi; spam is fried with a teriyaki sauce and laid on a bed of rice with a Japanese nori (seaweed) wrapper.

Hawaiian Poke

Poke is a Hawaiian raw food specialty of salted raw fish mixed with a soy-based marinade and tossed with other flavors, such as onion, avocado, seaweed, or tobiko.  This unique dish is becoming the latest trend and poke shops are starting to pop up all over the nation.  When served over rice, it becomes a deconstructed sushi called a Poke Bowl.  Locals prefer to eat their poke straight out of the container with a cold beverage to wash it down.  The advantage of trying Hawaiian poke on Kauai, as opposed to the mainland, is that you will get only the freshest line caught fish that is native to Hawaiian waters.  Ishihara Market, the Pupu Factory, Koloa Fish Market, Fish Express and Pono Market are a few our recommended locations to try some fresh fish, crab, octopus, or lobster poke.

Manapua

Manapua is another local food that was adopted from another culture and given its own twist to become unique to the Hawaiian Islands.  Similar to Chinese bao, manapua is a bun traditionally filled with char siu pork, but in recent years, bakers have had fun creating new varieties of this local favorite.  Kauai Bakery offers a variety of baked manapua filled with pastele, BBQ kalua pork, or portuguese sausage.

The Flying Saucer

The flying saucer is a true local Kauai original that can only be found at festivals and fairs throughout the year.  To make this delicious delicacy, white bread is covered with butter and filled with ground hamburger and American cheese, before being placed in a Pie Iron and cooked over an open fire.  The hamburger and cheese melt together for a gooey mixture that melts in your mouth.  The clanging sound of these pie irons and long lines to get a taste of the flying saucer is commonplace during the Japanese obon season and at special events such as the Kauai County Fair.

While not the healthiest of cuisines, the satisfying flavors and large portions make Hawaiian local food the ultimate comfort food.  Allow yourself to indulge in these dishes and more while on vacation and soon you will be eating like a local.