Kauai

The oldest and most lush Hawaiian island featuring the dramatic Nā Pali Coast and Wailua Falls. It offers pristine beaches, botanical gardens, and one of the wettest spots on Earth creating verdant landscapes.

Things to do

• Hike the Nā Pali Coast Trail — Trek the stunning 11-mile coastal path with emerald cliffs, hidden beaches, and ocean vistas that showcase Kauai's most iconic landscape.
• Visit Wailua Falls — Stand before this magnificent two-tiered waterfall cascading 80 feet into a freshwater pool surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
• Explore Kalalau Beach — Reach this remote and pristine crescent beach accessible only by boat or the challenging Nā Pali Coast Trail, offering solitude and dramatic seaside cliffs.
• Tour Kilohana Plantation — Ride a historic sugar plantation train through 105 acres of gardens, orchards, and working farms while learning about Kauai's agricultural heritage.
• Kayak the Wailua River — Paddle upstream through lush valley landscapes to reach a scenic grotto waterfall fed by underground springs.
• Visit Spouting Horn Beach Park — Watch seawater shoot dramatically through a lava tube opening and experience the natural geyser effect along Kauai's south shore.
• Hike Crater Rim Trail at Waimea Canyon — Walk along the rim of the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific,' a massive red canyon with sweeping vistas carved by ancient erosion.

Food to try

• Kalua Pork — Slow-roasted pork traditionally cooked in an underground imu oven, tender and smoky, served as a staple at local plate lunch spots across the island.
• Fresh Ahi Poke — Raw yellowfin tuna cubed and marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and local seasonings, best enjoyed fresh from island fishmongers and casual eateries.
• Loco Moco — A hearty plate lunch featuring rice topped with a beef patty, fried egg, and brown gravy, a beloved comfort food throughout Hawaii originating on the islands.
• Shave Ice with Li Hing Mui — Finely shaved ice topped with sweet and salty li hing mui plum powder, a refreshing local treat enjoyed at roadside stands and farmers markets.
• Lilikoi Desserts — Passion fruit-based pastries, pies, and jams that showcase Kauai's abundant lilikoi harvest with bright tropical flavor.
• Taro Root Dishes — Local taro is prepared as poi, chips, or in traditional Hawaiian plates, representing an ancient staple crop still cultivated and celebrated on Kauai.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Hawaiian Sacred Sites — Always ask permission before entering heiau (temples) or entering restricted areas, and leave offerings if you choose to visit these spiritually significant locations.
• Learn Basic Hawaiian Words — Using terms like mahalo (thank you), aloha (hello/goodbye), and kane/wahine (man/woman) shows respect for local culture and is appreciated by residents.
• Participate in the Aloha Spirit — Embrace the island philosophy of kindness, respect, and living in harmony with nature rather than rushing; locals value a slower pace and genuine connection.
• Support Local Farmers Markets — Visit community farmers markets like the Kapaa Market where locals sell fresh produce and crafts, and buying directly supports Kauai's agricultural communities and small businesses.