Ingrid’s Kauai Guidebook
Beaches
Great beach for kids and adults. There are 2 protected pools, one very shallow for young kids and one deeper for older kids and snorkeling. Across from the parking lot is a great playground as well. An all abilities playground was just finished in Spring 22.
22 paikallista suosittelee
Lydgate Beach
Great beach for kids and adults. There are 2 protected pools, one very shallow for young kids and one deeper for older kids and snorkeling. Across from the parking lot is a great playground as well. An all abilities playground was just finished in Spring 22.
Cute and trendy surf town. Great food and shopping choices. Beach is amazing with mountain views.
76 paikallista suosittelee
Hanalei
Cute and trendy surf town. Great food and shopping choices. Beach is amazing with mountain views.
Another great beach with a protected kids area. But there is plenty of beautiful beach if you don't have kids as well. I've seen more resting sea turtles here than anywhere else. Please give them their space. There are fines for interfering with them.
118 paikallista suosittelee
Poipu Beach
Another great beach with a protected kids area. But there is plenty of beautiful beach if you don't have kids as well. I've seen more resting sea turtles here than anywhere else. Please give them their space. There are fines for interfering with them.
Sightseeing
The town Lilo and Stitch is from. Its a small town but a really cute downtown areal. Best time to go is Friday nights for the Hanapepe Art Night. Lots of food choices and street vendors. We've found it to be a great way to end the day after exploring Waimea Canyon.
30 paikallista suosittelee
Hanapepe
The town Lilo and Stitch is from. Its a small town but a really cute downtown areal. Best time to go is Friday nights for the Hanapepe Art Night. Lots of food choices and street vendors. We've found it to be a great way to end the day after exploring Waimea Canyon.
The Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Its worth the drive to the top to the last 2 lookouts. Kalalau and Pu'u O Kila Lookouts. Try to go on a clear day but if it is cloudy, try waiting to see if it clears. I've heard it works, never has for me though. :) Koke'e Lodge is a great place to grab lunch, a coffee or a souvenir. Lots of hiking options as well.
37 paikallista suosittelee
Waimea Canyon Trail
779 Kokee RdThe Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Its worth the drive to the top to the last 2 lookouts. Kalalau and Pu'u O Kila Lookouts. Try to go on a clear day but if it is cloudy, try waiting to see if it clears. I've heard it works, never has for me though. :) Koke'e Lodge is a great place to grab lunch, a coffee or a souvenir. Lots of hiking options as well.
I'm going to include a lot of places to this one. At the very end of the road is Ke'e Beach at Haena State Park. You MUST have a pre-purchased entry pass via shuttle or a parking pass. They are difficult to get so you need to plan ahead and try to get them 30 days in advance. This is also where the trailhead for the Kalalau Trail is located. You must have a permit to go overnight. There is a beautiful botanical garden nearby that you also need to purchase admission to ahead of time. I believe it is well worth the drive, not only for the education you get about the history of the area but it is a stunning drive. Tunnels Beach is also nearby. You do not need a pass, but you do need to show up early to get a parking spot. Please do NOT illegally park at Tunnels.
20 paikallista suosittelee
Haena Beach
I'm going to include a lot of places to this one. At the very end of the road is Ke'e Beach at Haena State Park. You MUST have a pre-purchased entry pass via shuttle or a parking pass. They are difficult to get so you need to plan ahead and try to get them 30 days in advance. This is also where the trailhead for the Kalalau Trail is located. You must have a permit to go overnight. There is a beautiful botanical garden nearby that you also need to purchase admission to ahead of time. I believe it is well worth the drive, not only for the education you get about the history of the area but it is a stunning drive. Tunnels Beach is also nearby. You do not need a pass, but you do need to show up early to get a parking spot. Please do NOT illegally park at Tunnels.
There is a great hike on the way to this spot. It starts at Shipwreck Beach in Poipu and goes along the Poipu Bay Golf Course. Go early because there is not a lot of shade. The cave accepts donations but does not charge admission. Near the cave there is a tortoise sanctuary which is delightful.
10 paikallista suosittelee
Makauwahi Cave Reserve
1571-4 Poipu RdThere is a great hike on the way to this spot. It starts at Shipwreck Beach in Poipu and goes along the Poipu Bay Golf Course. Go early because there is not a lot of shade. The cave accepts donations but does not charge admission. Near the cave there is a tortoise sanctuary which is delightful.
Beautiful beach and waters are usually calm. Good for snorkeling.
175 paikallista suosittelee
Anini Beach
Beautiful beach and waters are usually calm. Good for snorkeling.
Food scene
Here is a recap of local restaurants we recommend (in no particular order):
1. Bubba's burgers (also located in Poipu)
2. Java Kai (Also located in Kilauea)
3. Jojo's Shave Ice (a favorite of our daughter!, also located in Hanalei and waimea)
4. Island Craves
5. Pono Coffee and Bakery
6. Pono Market (possibly best plate lunch on the island, get there early though)
7. Paco's Tacos (also in Hanapepe and Kilauea)
8. Tiki Tacos
9. Mermaids Cafe
10. Jimmy's (Ocean Front in North Kapaa)
11. Lava Lava Beach Club (Ocean front near Kauai Shores hotel)
12. Chicken in a Barrel (2 locations near Kapaa, also in Waimea and Hanalei)
In Lihue:
1. Hanalima Bakery
2. Marks Place
3. Ko Bakery
There are many many more and we are still trying to figure out our favorite pizza place. Recommendations welcome!!
51 paikallista suosittelee
Kapaʻa
Here is a recap of local restaurants we recommend (in no particular order):
1. Bubba's burgers (also located in Poipu)
2. Java Kai (Also located in Kilauea)
3. Jojo's Shave Ice (a favorite of our daughter!, also located in Hanalei and waimea)
4. Island Craves
5. Pono Coffee and Bakery
6. Pono Market (possibly best plate lunch on the island, get there early though)
7. Paco's Tacos (also in Hanapepe and Kilauea)
8. Tiki Tacos
9. Mermaids Cafe
10. Jimmy's (Ocean Front in North Kapaa)
11. Lava Lava Beach Club (Ocean front near Kauai Shores hotel)
12. Chicken in a Barrel (2 locations near Kapaa, also in Waimea and Hanalei)
In Lihue:
1. Hanalima Bakery
2. Marks Place
3. Ko Bakery
There are many many more and we are still trying to figure out our favorite pizza place. Recommendations welcome!!
Here are our favorite restaurants in Poipu/Koloa.
1. Puka Dog - no trip to Kauai is complete without trying it.
2. Da Crack Mexican food
3. Fresh Shave
4. Lapperts Ice Cream
There are many many more options than this, but this is all we've tried. Again, would love some recommendations!
15 paikallista suosittelee
Poipu
Here are our favorite restaurants in Poipu/Koloa.
1. Puka Dog - no trip to Kauai is complete without trying it.
2. Da Crack Mexican food
3. Fresh Shave
4. Lapperts Ice Cream
There are many many more options than this, but this is all we've tried. Again, would love some recommendations!
Favorite food on west side of island (Hanapepe and Waimea included).
1. Porky's (Waimea)
2. Midnight Bear Bakery (try the lavender latte)
3. Popo's cookies
Waimea
Favorite food on west side of island (Hanapepe and Waimea included).
1. Porky's (Waimea)
2. Midnight Bear Bakery (try the lavender latte)
3. Popo's cookies
Favorite Food in Hanalei
1. Holey Grail Donuts
2. Tumeric
3. Pinks
4. Wake Up Delicious
5. Hanalei Bread Company
76 paikallista suosittelee
Hanalei
Favorite Food in Hanalei
1. Holey Grail Donuts
2. Tumeric
3. Pinks
4. Wake Up Delicious
5. Hanalei Bread Company
Shopping and restaruants close to the condo. Tuesdays and Thursdays there is a farmers market starting at 9am.
30 paikallista suosittelee
Coconut Marketplace
4-484 Kuhio HwyShopping and restaruants close to the condo. Tuesdays and Thursdays there is a farmers market starting at 9am.
For the Kids
One of our favorite playgrounds on the island. Great way to tucker out the kids.
Anaina Hou Playground
2723 Kuhio HighwayOne of our favorite playgrounds on the island. Great way to tucker out the kids.