Kaua’i, HI ~ Our top 6 favorite sites to see

Over the years we’ve visited this Island many times. In this blog, we will share our top 6 favorite Kaua’i sites. Some are mainstream and a couple that are off the beaten path. Whether you have a week or just a couple days, these are the best Kaua’i sites you won’t want to miss!

Waimea Canyon

This area is the largest canyon in the Islands and is aptly called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Starting at the beach in the town of Waimea, take the Waimea Canyon drive to the top. As you travel up the road to the Canyon viewing area you’ll pass through several different landscapes. For example, you’ll see Norfolk pines, Koa trees and maybe even some wild boars. The vista at the top is spectacular. The canyon spans over a mile wide and 3500 feet deep. There are several waterfalls visible from the lookout point. If you want to hike, you’ll be in heaven because there are over 45 miles of trails in the area. The added bonus is the presence of street vendors in the parking lot selling sugarcane and banana bread in addition to many more locally made snacks. 

Back in the town of Waimea, be sure to stop at Jojo’s shave ice for some of the best shave ice on the island!

Shave ice looks very white due to its small water particles. Added Flavored syrups are absorbed by the ice instead of surrounding it. There is rarely a need for a straw for a properly made shave ice confection, since the flavors are in the ice and not at the bottom of the cup. Although the traditional American flavors are common, shave ice in Hawai’i is often flavored with local ingredients such as guava, pineapple, coconut cream, passionfruit, li hing mui, lychee, kiwifruit and mango. Hawaiian shave ice is traditionally served in a conical paper or plastic cup with multiple flavors and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and/or adzuki bean paste at the bottom of the cup. Sweetened condensed milk drizzled over the top is sometimes called a “snow cap”. This style of shave ice is common on the north shore of O’ahu, as well as on Maui, Kaua’i and the Big Island of Hawai’i (where it is called “Japanese style”).

Wailua Falls

These falls are one of the most picturesque places on the island. Just north of Lihue, the access is easy and parking is just a couple steps away from this spectacular view. These falls are where the Wailua river pours out in two streams to a pool below. There are plenty of hiking trails that take you down to the pool below or to the top of the falls. However, you can get perfect photos of the falls from the viewing area. The drive up to the falls is as picturesque as the destination. 

Stone Dam

This breathtaking garden is on the North side of the island and an easy hike on the Wai Loa loop trail that leads you to the dam. Fortunately this 4.5 mile round trip path is easy enough for children. Along the way you’ll pass the largest mahogany ranch in North America. Once you arrive at the dam, not only are there numerous places for a picnic. This is considered a meditation garden and provides many places to sit quietly. Just above the damn is a spot where you can jump in and swim. The dam was built in the late 1800’s to assist the sugarcane farmers with irrigation. Each stone was hand carved and it is a now a beautiful backdrop to this lushious garden. Thisis a Kaua’i site we go back to on every visit!

Nāpali Coast

There are two main ways to see the Nāpali coast, by boat or trail. You can jump on one of the many charters from Port Allen that includes snorkeling tours and sunset dinner tours. Or, you can hike the Malala trail that starts at Ke’e Beach and goes to Kalalau Beach. The boat charter will give you a view of the coast that you can’t see any other way.  The sunset tour will give you some of the best photos of your trip. The hiking trail is a fun day trip. The trail is 11 miles long so you can do all of it or as much as you want. It is a rugged trail with spectacular vistas of the area. The added bonus is the usual presence of a shaved ice truck in the parking lot. It’s just what you’ll need after a long hike! 

Spouting Horn blow hole

Located on the Southside near Koloa is the natural landmark, Spouting Horn blow hole. This site has great importance as part of the ancient Hawaiian legends of the Island. The spouting is always consistent and reliable and the sounds it makes when pushing thru the lava tubes is haunting. If the weather is good, there are some street vendors selling locally made products that range from jewelry to home decor. It is a great place to pick up some souvenirs while supporting local artisans. 

Hanapepe Art Walk & swinging bridge

One of our favorite Kaua’i sites is the Friday Night Art Walk in Hanapepe. The main road through town is shut down and filled with street vendors. The shops along the street open their doors and welcome locals and tourists. The food vendors sell local favorites like lilikoi (passion fruit) cheesecake, plate lunch and guava lemonade.

The plate lunch (Hawaiian: pā mea ʻai) is a quintessentially Hawaiian meal, roughly analogous to Southern U.S. meat-and-threes. However, the pan-Asian influence on Hawaiian cuisine, and its roots in the Japanese bento, make the plate lunch unique to Hawaii. Standard plate lunches consist of two scoops of white rice, macaroni salad, and an entrée

The art galleries are fun to explore and many of the artists are available to speak with. Just to the north of the center of town is the Hanapepe Swinging bridge that spans the Hanapepe River and connects the residential area to the business district. Located on the South side of the island between Waimea and Lihue, this little town is off the beaten path and worth a detour. 

Be sure to check out our other blogs of Kaua’i for the best beaches and best eats on the island.