Jared's Guidebook
Food scene
We have only gone here on special occasions as it is pricy! But we have loved it when we have gone. The food is great and ambience is beautiful.
If you’re looking for a spot on your way to Princeville or on your way back to the airport and have some time to kill, go here! Great food and it’s right on the beach.
97 locals recommend
Lava Lava Beach Club
420 Papaloa RdIf you’re looking for a spot on your way to Princeville or on your way back to the airport and have some time to kill, go here! Great food and it’s right on the beach.
In addition to being a great spot to pick up groceries, this place makes the best poke (pronounces po-kay and is fresh raw fish) on the island. It’s our favorite.
129 locals recommend
Foodland
5-4280 Kuhio HwyIn addition to being a great spot to pick up groceries, this place makes the best poke (pronounces po-kay and is fresh raw fish) on the island. It’s our favorite.
Trucking Delicious, along with the other food trucks in Hanalei are a great spot to try some of the local foods at good prices.
14 locals recommend
Trucking Delicious
Aku RoadTrucking Delicious, along with the other food trucks in Hanalei are a great spot to try some of the local foods at good prices.
Cafe Turmeric is another one of the Hanalei food trucks and has the best Indian food on the island. It is cash only.
11 locals recommend
Cafe Turmeric
5-5100 Kuhio HwyCafe Turmeric is another one of the Hanalei food trucks and has the best Indian food on the island. It is cash only.
Nanea Restaurant
3838 Wyllie RdBeaches
Where to go when the ocean and sand are calling your name!
Hanalei Bay is gorgeous and almost always has great waves to play in and a wonderful beach to hang out at.
172 locals recommend
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is gorgeous and almost always has great waves to play in and a wonderful beach to hang out at.
Anini Beach park is close by and a great place to hang out.
8 locals recommend
Anini Beach Park Campground
3727 Anini RoadAnini Beach park is close by and a great place to hang out.
This beach might be our favorite on the whole island, BUT... it is very difficult to find parking and is a steep, sometimes muddy, trail leading down to it. It is about a mile walk from our unit, or if you go early enough or are patient enough you can find parking in the small lot adjacent to the trailhead. There is also paid parking nearby at the Princeville Resort. If you take the trail down further to Queen's Bath, you are in for a treat but beware of currents! Too many tourists have gotten swept away which could be very dangerous.
45 locals recommend
Hideaway Beach
This beach might be our favorite on the whole island, BUT... it is very difficult to find parking and is a steep, sometimes muddy, trail leading down to it. It is about a mile walk from our unit, or if you go early enough or are patient enough you can find parking in the small lot adjacent to the trailhead. There is also paid parking nearby at the Princeville Resort. If you take the trail down further to Queen's Bath, you are in for a treat but beware of currents! Too many tourists have gotten swept away which could be very dangerous.
One of the most gorgeous beaches you will ever see. You will want to reserve a parking spot beforehand on Kalalautrail.org or you might be waiting a long time or turned away.
92 locals recommend
Ke'e Beach
One of the most gorgeous beaches you will ever see. You will want to reserve a parking spot beforehand on Kalalautrail.org or you might be waiting a long time or turned away.
Hiking
Kauai is home to some of the most beautiful hiking in the world. Make sure to do your research on difficulty level.
This is usually a much less populated trail but one we enjoy a lot! It is also a mid more moderate than the Kalalau Trail.
10 locals recommend
Okolehao Hiking Trailhead
4732 Ohiki RdThis is usually a much less populated trail but one we enjoy a lot! It is also a mid more moderate than the Kalalau Trail.
Sleeping Giant
If you want a great sunrise hike this one is great!
Sightseeing
Kilauea Lighthouse
3580 Kilauea RdThis is a beautiful spot to go explore!
Waimea Canyon is a long drive from up here in Princeville, but you won't regret going to see it! There are lookouts from the roads, lookouts requiring a bit of walking, as well as easy to moderate hikes to some gorgeous lookouts. We highly recommend spending a day on that side of the island and explore. It makes for a good activity to do on the same day as a boat tour of the Napali Coast line which also departs from that side.
90 locals recommend
Waimea Canyon State Park
Waimea Canyon DriveWaimea Canyon is a long drive from up here in Princeville, but you won't regret going to see it! There are lookouts from the roads, lookouts requiring a bit of walking, as well as easy to moderate hikes to some gorgeous lookouts. We highly recommend spending a day on that side of the island and explore. It makes for a good activity to do on the same day as a boat tour of the Napali Coast line which also departs from that side.
Traveler advice
Customs and culture
Drive with "aloha"
Local drivers don't typically honk at each other or get road rage. You will see that typical right-of-way might not be followed as drivers will tend to let other drivers turn left in front of them or stop to let someone back out. A "Shaka" is usually used to thank someone for letting you in or helping you out.
Getting around
Check traffic on your maps!
You might get the feel that it's all country out here and not plan enough time to get to the airport on time. We often get stuck in traffic in Kapaa while heading to the airport. If you have a smart phone check for traffic delays and allow plenty of time to get to Lihue.
Useful phrases
Some useful Hawaiian words/phrases
Aloha-Hello, Goodbye, and I love you
Mahalo-Thank you
E komo mai-Welcome
Wahine-Woman
Kane-Man
Howzit?-How are you?
Pau(pronounced pow)-all done or over
Kapu-Keep out
Da kine- placeholder word like we would say in English whatchamacallit
Slippahs- flip flops or sandals
Makai-toward to ocean
Mauka-toward the mountain