Things To Do and Great Eats on Kauai
Your stay on Kauai offers so many things to do, and many tourists start their vacations without a plan that considers locally favorite sites, locally favorite attractions and restaurants, the ones locals on the island enjoy. We talked with Roy and Lina Skinner who have lived on the island for a number of years for their suggestions for the perfect locally-flavored vacation on Kauai. Roy and his wife Lina are the managers of 27 condominiums at Kauai Condo Vacations in Kapaa. Here are Roy's suggestions for locally flavored things to do and great eats on the island of Kauai. You'll go around the island to a few of the places even the locals enjoy.
Sunrise on Kauai with a morning Kona coffee
The sunsets on Kauai are stunning and well recognized as a major attraction but Roy recommends getting down to basics and starting your day after a good nights sleep by rising early to take in a morning cup of Kona or Kauai coffee during a spectacular sunrise. Pour yourself a cup of the locally grown coffee and relax in the peaceful quiet found on the lanai (porch) of your condominium. Or, stroll down to one of the bakeries near the condos.
Morning dip in the pool or swim in Wailua Bay
Aren't you so glad you got up early? You've seen the sun rise, had that perfect cup or two of coffee, and have hardly seen a soul. Roy now recommends a refreshing early-morning dip in the pool or a swim in the bay. Both are right outside your condominium door. Average daytime winter temperatures are about 78 and 85 in the summer, which makes Kauai the perfect vacation destination for water lovers. The beach next to your condo property also has a small rock-enclosed pool for protection from waves when the surf is up. Either way, a swim in the pool or ocean is a nice recommendation to start an awesome day.
Now let's take care of your morning appetite!
For the type of breakfast you expect to find on Kauai, simply walk from your condominium to the Lava Lava beachfront restaurant or a bakery down Papaloa Rd.. Roy recommends this eatery to all his friends and guests of Kauai Vacation Rentals. Roy's favorite dish? Try the pineapple pancakes with a fresh orange juice. Or go to Kapaa town for more great places to eat breakfast including the Kountry Kitchen.
Rent a bicycle and ride the Kauai path
Kauai has family-friendly biking and walking paths that covers much of the East side, and after breakfast, consider a short trip along the path. Explore Kauai's scenic East side for breathtaking ocean and coastline views. Kauai residents work together to preserve, protect, and extend the paths around the island for non-motorized multi-use. For more information on all the paths and the various projects, visit the Kauai Path website. www.kauaipath.org
Time for Lunch... local Hawaiian Style!
As you make your way around the island, be sure to skip the local Burger King and McDonalds. Instead, Bubba's Burgers across from Kapaa Town Beach Park is your best choice in a local restaurant for the locals. Numerous food trucks are available in Kapaa town. But Bubba's eatery is an institution on the Island of Kauai and is usually packed, but well worth the wait.
Kauai Products Fair - local "Made in Kauai" souvenirs and across the street are several food trucks
Kauai Products Fair - local "Made in Kauai" souvenirs and across the street are several food trucks
While on your biking journey along the multiuse path, stop by and support the local indigenous economy at the Kauai Products Fair where you'll find real Made In Kauai items. You’ll probably find gorgeous Hawaiian prints, nice gifts and a local coffee shop too. Purchase your souvenirs and lots of handmade items by the locals. Address: 4 1621 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI (808) 246-0988
North Kauai and the Historic Kilauea Lighthouse
This photo-perfect lighthouse is located on Kilauea Point in the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. But one of the best reasons to make this a day-trip destination are the awesome beaches along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for a Hawaiian monk seal napping along the sunny beaches, and before heading back to your condo, be sure to spend time at Hanalei ("lei making") and drive to the End of the Road at Ke'e State Park. If you feel spunky, hike the Kalalau Trail for a spectacular vista. 3500 Kilauea Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754
Other locally favorite restaurants - just ask Roy!
If you're looking for restaurants that are favorites with the locals, consider these locations on Kauai's south side and the East side:
Monico's Taqueria
Without a doubt, the best Mexican on the island.
Next to the fire department station in Kapaa
Johnny's Wings and Things
Our newest place to get great eats and drinks. Next to the Islander On the Beach (just a short walk and
behind the Coconut Marketplace. Tell Johnny we sent you.
Monico's Taqueria
Without a doubt, the best Mexican on the island.
Next to the fire department station in Kapaa
Johnny's Wings and Things
Our newest place to get great eats and drinks. Next to the Islander On the Beach (just a short walk and
behind the Coconut Marketplace. Tell Johnny we sent you.
Hukilau Lanai
Upscale but not too expensive....always a great meal and great service.
Reservations required (popular place)
520 Aleka Loop, behind Coconut marketplace.JO2
A small, but lively restaurant specializing in local seafood with local veggies.
A little pricey but excellent Hawaiian inspired cuisine and excellent service 5 to 9 p.m.
808-212-1627 Reservations recommended, 4-971 Kuhio highway Kapaa
Sam's Place
Sam's is one of the few places that has a dining room with an ocean view. Food is
good too.
Brennecke's Beach Broiler (Poipu)Delicious lunches, sumptuous dinners, happy hour specials, beach
deli, seafood, pasta, steak and pupu platters. What a mouthful!
2100 Hoone Rd, Kauai, HI 96756 (808) 742-7588Beach House Restaurant (Poipu)Great food, includes spectacular sunsets.
5022 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756 (808) 742-1424
Please check with the restaurant for hours (Covid-19 has changed hours for
many places)
