Kauai Points of Interest

Food

Poi'pu Area

Amakē Juice Bar: A hidden gem in the back of a grocery store, Amakē Juice Bar has fresh acai bowls with reasonable portions and prices. For breakfast it was a nutritious and fresh meal. Very friendly staff as well. 

Kauai Juice Company: I got a matcha milk smoothie; one of the best I've ever had since it had fresh ingredients. There are multiple locations throughout Kauai. 

Little Fish Coffee: Great green juice smooties from a local favorite. Their smoothies and coffee are very popular. One tip is to order online and wait at Poi'pu beach instead of waiting in the long line that forms. 

Leong's Market and Grill (Shops at Kukui'ula): We had our first taste of Hawaiian poke here and some mochiko chicken. The chicken was a bit hard, but overall it was hearty meal to start our trip. 

Bangkok Happy Bowl Kauai: Massive portions in a nice quaint town. If you want your Thai food fix, go here. Plus it's on the second floor of the plaza!

Keoki's Paradise: This was one of our favorite restauratns on Kauai. During the evening we listened to live Hawaiian music and enjoyed the fresh fish. You have to cap off the meal with their famous Hula Pie!

Puka Dog: A unique play on hot dogs, the sauces really make the whole meal. It's a touristy experience to wa

North Shore

Fresh Bite Farm to Beach: A really fresh, organic sandwich food truck. The sweet potato fries were purple, but a little dry. 

Wailua/Lihue

Wailua Shave Ice: Nothing on the mainland beats shaved ice on the islands. The cream, ice, mango, and toppings combine into a cool, flavorful dessert. 

Garden Island Barbecue: This met our Chinese food fix with deliciosu meats and oxtail soup. Would skip the fried chicken though. 

West Side

Island Taco: Fresh fish tacos that were perfect after our hikes through the canyon. This roadside shack has a lot of character. 

Shrimp Station: Right across the street from Island Taco, is a must-visit. They cook their shrimp fresh and the coconut shrimp is hard to beat!

Activities

There are so many outdoor opportunities to explore on the island. Even though it may rain, it usually passes fast so you can enjoy the wonderufl nature. 

Hiking/Walks

Limahuli Garden & Preserve: One of the top-rated gardens in Kauai, it's a short hike turn long as you view all the plants and views. You have to drive all around to the top of the island to get here, but it's worth it. 

McBryde & Allerton Gardens: Another must-visit garden, espeically if you get the tour with Randy. By doing the best of both worlds tour you see both gardens and learn so much about the flora and fauna in Kauai. Plus, you see where Jurassic Park shot some scenes. 

Waimea Canyon State Park: The famous canyon has so many lookouts and trails. Even just driving through, you see so much of the island that you won't see in the gardens. 

Beaches

We actually didn't visit that many beaches in Kauai since we had the Grand Hyatt Kauai beachfront and then went to more of the gardens above when we were at the Lodge. Hanlei Bay and Poipu Beach were very popular. 

Things to Visit 

Kauai Coffee Plantation: If you're a coffee lover, this is a great stop. They have free coffee tastings and special Kauai coffee drinks and gifts. Plus there is a self-guided tour through their plantation and you can learn more about coffee beans. 

Kilauea Point: A key point of interest with a lighthouse at the end. Amazing views!