VISITING THE GARDEN ISLE

Kaua’i Travel Guide

Aloha! We’re so excited that you’ve decided to visit one of our favorite places in the world! We know you’re going to have an amazing time. Kaua’i is filled to the brim with adventure, delicious food, and unforgettable views. We’ve divided the recommendations based on what side of the island they are on. Hope you have the best time!

*If you’d like to see our recommendations on a map, you can find the suggestions pinned on this Google Maps guide! Super handy for on-the-go!

HELPFUL TIPS: 

  • Check Instagram for Hours: Most local spots (restaurants, shops, food trucks) post their most updated hours on Instagram. 

  • Waimea Canyon: The canyon fills with clouds during the day. The best times to go to the lookouts/trails are early morning or evening. If the clouds have already rolled in don’t worry, head over to the lodge and wait it out. They might burn off! Canyon Trail is almost never cloudy and a great backup plan.

  • Plan Ahead: There’s little to no cell service in Koke’e/Waimea Canyon.

  • Chase the Sun: It’s almost always raining somewhere on the island. Don’t worry! It will most likely pass or you can drive to the other side where you may find sun! West side and south side are the sunniest. Pro-tip: If you want to check to see if a different side of the island is sunnier, go to the FAA Webcam website and scan over to Kaua’i. There are a few cameras around island that will show the real time weather conditions.

  • Sunscreen Up: The UV here is intense. Keep reef-safe sunscreen on hand to protect both your skin and our reefs!

  • Watch Your Step: Wana (pronounced “va-na”), or sea urchins, hide on rocks near/in the water. Be careful not to step on them, they’ll hurt like crazy. 

  • Respect Signs: Hawaiians are very proud of their home and culture (as they should be). Respect is extremely important here. Be as mindful/respectful as possible when visiting, taking pictures, hiking, etc. “Kokua” means to care for or help (to extend help to others in a sacrificial way, with no intent of personal gain). When you come to visit, please kokua the islands and care for them as if you lived here! Show aloha and you’ll receive it back. :)

  • Leave No Trace: Leave no trace. On the beaches. In the mountains. If you see trash, please pick it up! A little help goes a long way and we are so grateful for it.

  • Skip Location Tagging: Lastly, please refrain from location tagging on social media! We don’t mean to be gatekeepers, but social media has turned many beautiful places into busy tourist destinations. We have learned from our friends who grew up here that it is respectful to the local community to keep these places sacred. So go ahead and post the photos just, if you can, don’t share the location :) *Our local businesses, however, would love your support so tag away and share how much you love them!