Kauaʻi’s Best: From Lush Valleys to Local Eats

Courtney Berthelsen
May 16, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Oct 6, 2025

The moment you step off the plane in Kauaʻi, you’ll feel it — the island has a way of wrapping you up in its laid-back aloha spirit. The air is softer, the sunsets more dramatic, and the beaches feel endless and untouched. As the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauaʻi has earned its nickname “The Garden Island” for good reason: it’s lush, wild, and impossibly beautiful. Everywhere you look, you’ll find sweeping valleys, rainforest-covered peaks, and stretches of sand that make you pinch yourself just to be sure it’s real.

Kauaʻi is one of those destinations that truly welcomes everyone — families, couples, solo travelers, groups. It’s equally great for adventure seekers who want to hike ridges and paddle rivers as it is for those who want nothing more than to sink into the sand with a shaved ice in hand. My top tip for exploring? Split your trip into two halves:

North Shore for hyper-local experiences, charming towns, and untouched beaches.
Poipu and the South Shore for sunshine, surf, and a front-row seat to Hawaiian monk seals.

This balance gives you the best of both worlds — and fair warning, it makes it very hard to leave.

Things to Do in Kauaʻi

North Shore

This part of the island feels raw and local in the best possible way. You’ll find surf towns, hidden beaches, and some of the most photogenic views on the island.

Beaches: Makua “Tunnels” Beach (arrive early, parking is limited!), Keʻe Beach, Anini Beach, and Hanalei Beach Park are my go-tos. You can try to track down Hideaways Beach — good luck, it’s a mission. And yes, there’s another super-local secret beach I love, but you’ll just have to book a trip with me to find out where it is. 😉
Sights: Don’t miss Queen’s Bath, the Hanalei Valley Overlook, or the Kilauea Lighthouse. Each is a different flavor of “wow.”
Hanalei Town: The dreamiest little surfer town. Spend an afternoon wandering, shopping, chatting with locals, and (of course) eating — food is a big highlight here.
Hikes: You can do the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail. It’s iconic, but fair warning: if heights make your stomach drop, this one might not be for you.
Wellness: Drop in for yoga at Waves Kauaʻi. If Lulu is teaching, get ready to sweat and smile at the same time.

East Side

The East Side (aka the Coconut Coast) is full of family-friendly spots, hikes, and waterfalls galore.

Lydgate Beach State Park is great for kids with its calm tide pools and playground.
Waterfalls: Don’t miss Wailua Falls, ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, and Kīpū Falls. Hike, kayak, or simply stop for the view.
Hikes: The Sleeping Giant Trail is a classic — do it once and you’ll understand why it’s so loved.
Towns: Kapaʻa was named one of America’s prettiest towns by Forbes. Wander its shops and, if you’re there the first Saturday of the month, join the Art Walk.
On the water: Kayak the Wailua River and experience the Fern Grotto, a magical lava cave wrapped in ferns.
Kilohana Plantation: Ride the train, hop off to feed the animals, and yes — stay for the rum tasting. Their luau is a great inland option too.

South Shore

The South Shore is all sunshine, gardens, and a great blend of history and nightlife.

Spouting Horn: A natural blowhole that’s even more magical at sunset.
Shopping: Warehouse 3540 is a mix of art, local shops, and food trucks (don’t skip Big Monster Sushi).
Luau: The Sheraton Poipu luau is a favorite — on the beach, with music, dance, and all the flavors of Hawaiʻi.
Gardens: Tour Allerton and McBryde Gardens to see why Kauaʻi is called The Garden Island.
Old Kōloa Town: Charming and historic, with plantation-era roots and plenty of sugar history. Cool down with a Fresh Shave shaved ice.
Markets: On Wednesdays, the culinary market at The Shops at Kukui‘ula is the place to pick up local produce (don’t leave without sugar loaf pineapple).

West Side

Wild and rugged, Kauaʻi’s West Side is where you’ll find some of the island’s most dramatic scenery.

Hanapēpē: Cross the swinging bridge and return Friday night for Hanapēpē Art Night with live music and galleries.
Polihale State Park: A sunset here — wide beaches with Nā Pali cliffs in the background — feels cinematic.
Waimea Canyon: Often called “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Drive, hike, or even bike — there are options for every comfort level.
Fishing & Boats: Stop by Kikiaola Boat Harbor to watch local fishermen or head out on a fishing charter / Nā Pali Coast boat tour (a must-do!).
Kauaʻi Coffee Estate: If it’s your first time on the island, this is a rite of passage.
Salt Pond Beach: Calm waters and easy snorkeling — perfect for a low-key beach day.

Places to Eat & Drink in Kauaʻi

North Shore

The Palate (Kīlauea): Wine and tapas in a cozy setting.
Dolphin (Hanalei): Fresh sushi with views.
Bar Acuda (Hanalei): My “run, don’t walk” recommendation.
Kīlauea Fish Market: Ahi wraps you’ll dream about later.
Hanalei Taro & Juice Co.: Local taro dishes, straight from the family farm.
AMA (Hanalei): Steamed buns + unforgettable views.

East Side

Lava Lava Beach Club: Go for happy hour with toes in the sand.
Pono Market: Classic local plate lunches — go early and go hungry.
Waipouli Deli & Restaurant: Hawaiian comfort breakfasts.
The Fish Express (Līhuʻe): Poke bowls that hit the spot.
Hamura Saimin (Līhuʻe): Saimin — the Hawaiian noodle soup staple — done right.

South Side

Kiawe Roots: Best for takeout with bold flavors.
The Fresh Shave: For the fluffiest, most flavorful shaved ice.
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler: Iconic and fun.
The Beach House Restaurant: Perfect for a farewell sunset dinner. Reserve early!
Poipu Dolphin Restaurant: Hawaiian flavors + a fish market if you prefer to cook in.
Little Fish Coffee (Poipu): Acai bowls that double as art.

West Side

Ishihara Deli (Waimea): Grab sushi to-go and turn it into a beach picnic.
Kauaʻi Ramen: Casual, no-frills, delicious.
Japanese Grandma’s Café: Sushi + ramen in a quirky, warm setting.
Midnight Bear Breads: Fresh breads and pastries worth the stop.

Kauaʻi is one of those destinations that changes you a little — slows you down, teaches you to breathe deeper, and reminds you that nature is often the best show in town. Whether you’re hiking ridge trails, tasting taro fresh from the field, or watching the sky turn fire-orange over the ocean, Kauaʻi leaves you both relaxed and alive in a way few places do.