KAUAI IS A STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL HAWAIIAN ISLAND WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF AMAZING NATURAL RESOURCES TO SEE AND LOTS OF FUN THINGS TO DO.
HERE ARE SOME OF MY OWN PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
Lydgate Farms Chocolate Tour (formerly Steelgrass Farms): See history in the making. Hawaii is the only US State that can grow the cacao bean, and there's a movement towards using some of Kauai's agricultural lands to build a cottage chocolate industry. Steelgrass offers a tour of the farm, and a double blind chocolate tasting. Heavenly. If you are interested in volunteering at a harvest, email: Henry@lydgatefarms.com.
Waimea Canyon: Kauai has it's own Grand Canyon that can be entered from the northwest side of the island. It's truly spectacular.
Waimea Canyon
Na Pali Coast: Stunning. You can not drive to Na Pali. You have to get there by foot, boat, or you can view by helicopter.
Na Pali Coast
First Saturday Old Town Kapaa Art Walk: It's really a big street party. Held only on the first Saturday of the month. There's dancing, antique cars, street food. Very popular.
First Saturday in Historic Kapa'a Town: visit Island Cotton & Hemp for great gifts.
Kayaking: The Island offers lots of kayak tours. My favorite, if you are up for the drive, starts as a tranquil trip through a small Hanalei river. After you get your sea legs, the tour heads into the ocean, stops at a snorkel beach for lunch and then heads back. Really really fun!
Kayak on a Hanalei River
Kauai Hindu Monastery: Some of the most spectacular scenery on the island is located within the grounds of this Monastery. Plan your visit a head of time and take the guided tour. Don't just show up. Quite often they have private retreats, and you won't be allowed to walk around. It's also very important to bring bug repellant and to wear the proper attire when you visit.
Kauai Hindu Monastery
Farmers Market: There is a farmers market every day on Kauai. The locally grown food is so much better than what is sold in the supermarkets. Try the apple bananas. My personal favs are the 3 PM Wednesday market at Kukuiula Shopping Center with its fresh fruit and produce, freshly made soups, bakery items, lasagna, the pie lady, and grab and go food from the various restaurants, the 9:30 am Saturday morning in Hanalei and the 3:00 pm Wednesday afternoon in Kapa'a town.
There's a Farmers Market everyday.
National Tropical Botanical Garden: This one is mind blowing. Book in advance and take part in the Allerton Garden guided tour and you will not be sorry. Plus, it's right across the way from Spouting Horn. A win win. This could make for an amazing day.
Location from Jurasic Park at Allerton Garden in the National Tropical Garden in Poipu.
Hanalei Strings: On certain evenings beginning Ukulele lessons are at 6:00pm - no experience necessary and they will provide you with an uke. There is a multi instrumental jam session to follow. You can also learn to knit. A string shop in the truest sense. Hanalei Strings is becoming one of the cultural musical centers on the island. Be sure to check their Facebook Page for upcoming shows. Kauai has some amazing local talent.
Hanalei Strings