KAUAI TRAVEL GUIDE | Best Things to do in Kauai, Hawaii
Aloha!
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Creating videos about places like this are always an internal battle for me.
On one hand, I want to showcase how beautiful this world is and help you guys travel deeper…
While on the other hand, by doing so, I am inevitably adding to the tourist population of these destinations.
And I am especially sensitive to this when talking about the Hawaiian Islands.
A place and people with such incredible history and pride.
The reason I decide to press on and click upload is with hope that you guys are different.
Out of all the videos you can watch while planning your trip to Kauai or Kaua’i, as it’s properly known, this video can help form the narrative of what it should means to travel here.
So If you take one thing away from watching this, beyond the trail maps and restaurant names, let it be this – respect.
Show respect to the people who call this place home.
Show respect to the nature by taking out what you bring in.
and show respect to local culture and laws. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you’re immune to being a decent human.
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To me, the Hawaiian Islands are like the hot girls in school.
You want to get to know them, you want to tell everyone about them, but they would be happy just being left alone.
But if you’re kind and respectful, they might just give you a glimpse of their beauty.
They’re proud and loyal to their true friends because they’ve been burned before.
I want this video to be a guide on how to talk to them and make a good impression for us regular guys (white guys).
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Alright, with that said, let’s have some fun…
This past December I took my mother to Kauai.
She was freezing in Upstate New York and we were long overdue for an adventure together.
It was her first time in Hawaii and my first time on the Garden island.
Now one thing to note about my mother, she isn’t normal. Her perfect vacation is a packed schedule of activities and excitement, wonder where I got that from?
We didn’t stay in a resort, nor did we spend much time laying on the beach. If that’s your thing, this video probably won’t be much help.
I planned a trip to maximize our 10 days of balling on a budget, and it all started on the east side of the island in Ka-pa-a…
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First things first, breakfast. And there’s no better place for that in town than at the Kountry Kitchen.
Everything’s good, but the Macadamia Nut French Toast with Coconut Syrup is on another level.
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and from here, it’s straight to one of our most anticipated activities of the entire trip.
(talk)
Over 10 days, we splurged on three excursions, and this 50-minute helicopter ride over the island was definitely well-worth stretching the budget for.
From the Waimea Canyon and Jurrasic Falls to the unbelievable Na Pali Coast and pristine turquoise-blue waters of Hanalei Bay
The views are just insane.
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For a little more low-key sightseeing, we grab bikes back in Ka-pa-a.
In total, it’s a nice and easy 8 miles on a paved pathway along the coconut coast.
We pass by plenty of surf spots, safe swimming areas, and even some old pineapple plantation-era landmarks.
It’s a laidback way to spend a few hours in between hikes.
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When hunger strikes, my favorite lunch spot of the entire trip was this unsuspecting shop right in town called Pono Market.
It was recommended to us by a local friend, and they serve up some Hawaiian favorites like Lau Lau, Chicken long rice, and of course Poke.
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Refueled, afternoon activity options on the east side are virtually endless.
We check out Wailua Falls from above, but decide not to trek down the closed trail to its base.
Instead we hit the nearby 18-hole Wailua Golf Course with a few locals…
(cock joke)
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The next day we pile into the back of a covered utility truck to get another unique perspective of the island’s history.
Back in the day, sugar farming was a major economic source for the Hawaiian islands.
and In 1870, a series of ditches and tunnels were hand-dug by Chinese laborers to deliver water from the rainforest down into the sugar can fields near Lihue.
Today, most of Hawaii’s sugar production has left for countries with more lucrative labor laws,
Leaving this private property to become an eco-friendly lazy river.
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But before things get too leisurely, it’s about time we climb a mountain.
One important thing to note about hiking here in December is that it’s inevitably muddy.
Rain comes and goes quickly, so usually you can just wait out any rainfall right on the trail.
But mom and I will trade mud for crowds any day.
Sleeping Giant is just under 2 miles one way with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet, and we cruise up at a quick clip to beat the sunset.
It is 100% worth it and the views from the top made this my favorite hike on the east side of the island.
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Now, for dinner in Ka-pa-a, there’s a handful of budget-friendly options.
You got Bubba’s for a quality burger.
There’s chicken-in-a-barrel for some good bbq.
Another personal favorite is this under-the-radar spot called Saimin Dojo, which serves up a delicious bowl of Oxtail Saimin – a dish I’ve never had before.
And if you’re lucky enough to be in Old Ka-pa-a town on the first Saturday of the month, there’s a night market with tons of good food stalls.
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From Ka-pa-a we head north towards Princeville. This is another popular resort location and home to some amazing sights as well.
(talking lookout)
One of the most popular spots up here, which is technically closed, is Queen’s Bath.
To be straight forward, Many people have died trying to swim here or have been caught off-guard by incoming waves, so if you do decide to come here, be very careful.
A much better choice is the beautiful beach Hanalei Bay.
However, our main mission up on the north shore is all the way at the end of Highway 560.
The Kalalau Trail – in particular, a hike to Hanakopia Falls.
(talking)
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This is the famous 22-mile round trip Kalalau Trail, which takes you along the edge of the Na Pali Coast.
You have to make a reservation in advance to park and take the shuttle in, but it’s definitely worth.
And while I would love to come back and do the full trek another time and camp on the beach,
Today we’re happy with this 8-mile voyage to a very sweet payoff.
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On the complete other side of the island on the south shore is Poipu.
If you’re here on your honeymoon or a family vacation, this is most likely where you’ll stay.
After five nights in Ka-pa-a, we relocated here for the second half of our trip.
It’s home to some incredible coastline, good snorkeling, and the best weather on Kauai in the winter.
We could even spot whales and sea turtles right from our accommodation.
For breakfast, grab a bowl at the Little Fish Coffee, a hot dog at Puka Dogs for lunch, and try something new at one of the farmer’s markets.
(market talking)
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On our quest to experience this island by land, air, and sea, from Poipu, we make the short drive to the Port Allen Pier to spend the day on the water.
I really don’t have much to add about this one, it was just beautiful.
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On our final day on Kauai, we’re up early, and stop for a little treat before exploring the Waimea canyon.
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Then, it’s straight up the 550 into the Waimea Canyon State Park.
We stop quickly on the side of the road to walk across a landscape that seems more Mars than Hawaii.
From here, we pull over again to get a view of Waipo Falls from a distance, and we’re hoping we get a closer look later on.
And then it’s all the way to the end of the road to the Kalalau lookout.
Racing the sun once again, we push for one last hike…
(talking)
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We finish the day and our trip back in Poipu for sunset.
We’re tired, muddy, and couldn’t be happier.
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That’s it, I hope you guys liked the video and got some value from it if you’re planning a trip to this incredible island.
All the information I talked about is in the Kauai Travel Guide on my website, just click the link in the video description.
If you liked the video, give the video a like, comment any other information I missed or that you’re excited about.
Subscribe if you haven’t, hit that notifications bell if you are, and I’ll see you guys on the next one.
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Activities:
Our adventure begins in Kapa’a, a small town on the east coast of the island –
We got a nice two-bedroom airbnb right on the beach.
We rented a car from the airport – not a 4×4, because I rolled the dice and didn’t think we needed it. Jeep Wranglers are cool, but we were going to do a lot of driving.
Great decision to save money.
Clips:
– Car Rental
– Airbnb
Kapa’a
– Breakfast
– Helicopter (after a while, summer feelings)
– Bike Riding
– Golfing
– Pono Market
– From here you can go golfing, or check out the ___ Waterfall
– Sleeping Giant
– Bubba’s Burgers*
– Soup spot
– Evening market (missing)
North
– Princeville
– Beaches
– Queen’s Bath
– Waterfall Hike
Poipu
– Popular place for many honeymooners
– Boat Ride
– Tubing
– Launch pad for Wiamea Canyon & West Coast
– Red Dirt Waterfall
– Lookout Spot
– Na’Poli Coast Hike
– Waimea Canyon Hike
– Hot Dog Stand
EAST SIDE and WEST SIDE
NORTH SHORE and SOUTH SHORE
Roosters – they are sacred
Talk about Queen’s Bath
FOR ALL KAUAI TRAVEL GUIDE DETAILS VISIT –
Click to see where we stayed, favorite restaurants, hikes, and much more…
– Add market schedule to post
– I wanted to stay in bounds.
– I didn’t fly the drone much at all, most of the drone shots are royalty free clips I found online.
Weather in December
I was nervous for rain
It turned out to be tropical rain (cleared up quickly)
Explain North shore, south shore, east and west side
17 Responses
We are planning on going to Kaui next summer and this information helped a lot and all your adventures are what we want to do on our vacation…. play spend some afternoons laying on the beaches 🙂 Thanks for all the info! I’m still struggling with we’re to to stay but thinking east coast ???
would love to know where you stayed! Looking at a honeymoon in July and am struggling to find a place to stay that wont break the bank!
Hey, thanks a lot! What is the best time of year to go to Hawaii?
Thank you for sharing with us the Kuawai hawaii Tour that’s so beautiful.
Loved how you first described the whole detailed story about your days in Kauai and then in the end highlighted all the important points for easy reference. Kauai is really a place for almost everything a traveler may need.
gareth,
the wife and i are planning a 10-14 day trip in october for a late 30th anniv. trip. we loved your youtube bit. my bride actually found your sugar cane video first. using a lot of what you showed as a rough sketch for our plans. really well done.
respectfully,
steve
Thanks for all the tips! My hubby and I are planning our honeymoon and found your video/blog super helpful.
Kauai, here we come!
Thanks so much for this awesome video! We will be traveling to Kauai January 2022 and can’t wait to check out your ideas in the video. You and your mom are amazing!
Thanks again!
Thanks so much! Your trip is the way we travel! We’re taking our 3 sons (ages 22, 19, 15) in January. Yalls trip in December helped me not be scared of the rain I’ve heard/read about!
Thank you for your informative video. It definitely helped. I’m traveling with my 19 year daughter to Kauai 3 full days and staying with friends on the north shore. I rented a car as I’d like to drive all over the island. I loved all you did with your mom, however, we won’t be able to do the hikes are they look strenuous for my daughter who is afraid of heights, she on the autism spectrum & high functioning but she can only handle easy going activities. So helicopter, ATV, diving, altitude, long hikes, muddy slippery trails are to be avoided. What would be your best top suggestions?
Thank you for your help.
Aloha,
Thank you so much for your video. It will be very helpful next week when I visit the amazing Kauai. I can feel the love of Hawaii in your voice. I can’t wait to check out your next adventure.
Hello Gareth,
My husband and I loved your video about Kauai and cannot wait to experience some of the adventures you have shown us! It will be our ten year anniversary this July and we have been saving up to make this happen! We were wondering, where did you guys stay in Princeville? And, what did you book through?
Also, we will be incredibly thoughtful to this beautiful island. My father always said to leave it better than you found it, in some way or another. 😄
Thanks and wherever you and your team are, I hope you are joyful!
Sha’ree Tucker
I loved your video of your trip with your mom in Kauai! My husband and I are taking a trip to Kauai in August 2022 for a big milestone anniversary — our first time to Hawaii. I am doing research to find the best places to go and I took lots of notes from your suggestions. Thanks for sharing — I especially am interested in riding bikes along the Coconut Coast, the Capt Andy boat ride, some of the cool restaurants you suggested, and the beautiful breathtaking hikes. Thanks for a great synopsis of your trip with mom — looks like you had a great trip and we are looking forward to our trip in August!
Really helpful, thanks!
I am reading your travel guide! I have only been to Oahu and it was amazing. I think I would like to hit all of the eateries you visited and other than the golfing and long hikes, everything else!! What was your budget for this trip and did you stay on point? Aloha
This video was absolutely perfect!! My family of 6 with kids ages 2-17 will be traveling to Kaua’i in December. Our family does NOT like the fast city life so we are looking forward to the Garden Island and natural adventures. Your video was so helpful in our planning of the trip. Thank you!
I loved the video! I am going to being Kauai in 3 weeks- arriving on NCL Pride of America. Although doing long hikes might be a challenge, I will look into the Back country tours for the river raft and Blue Hawii helicopter.
I am wondering if you used a vehicle for your entire journey? And, can you tell me if you could have toured the various areas of tge island and fit in some activities ( not including time on the trails) within 2 days?
I am interested in Waimea Canyon, Naapali, Poipu Beach, Whale sighting from shore…and wherever our wanderings reveal!! I was considering the “Shaka audio tour” .. I like to get off the beaten path and really”see” where I am visiting….but cannot do long hikes.