Enjoy all of our Top Ten suggestions. From rainy day adventures to the best spots for keiki (children), we’ve curated the best of Kauai just for you.
Top 10 Things to do on a Rainy Day
- Take an ATV ride. It is much more fun in the mud and they provide all of the protective gear.
- Visit the Kauai Museum.
- Be Challenged in the Escape Room.
- Taste some Koloa Rum at Kilohana and have lunch at Gaylord`s.
- Treat yourself to a spa day.
- Take in a matinee at the Historic Waimea Theater.
- Go bowling.
- Take out some books and movies at the State Library.
- Hang out at The Grand Hyatt (spa, lunch, hula show, or sushi at Stevenson`s Library).
- Shop for souvenirs at Kukui Grove.
- Pro Tip: Go west! It might be sunny on the west side of the island.
Top 10 Activities with Children
From nine-year-olds surfing to toddlers at Baby Beach, here are activities sure to bring a smile to all:
- Kokee State Park: Vistas, the museum, and lush picnic grounds.
- Luaus: Polynesian culture, food, and fire dancing.
- Farm Tours: Coffee plantations, cacao farms, and more.
- Surf Lessons: For the adventurous child who loves the water.
- Farmer`s Markets: Sample exotic fruits and ice-cold coconuts.
- Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens: Hedge mazes, koi feeding, and a rubber treehouse.
- Kapaa Bike Path: 7 miles of coastal path perfect for strolling or biking.
- Kamalani Playground: Swings, bridges, and mazes near Lydgate Beach.
- Beaches: Shell hunting, snorkeling, and Baby Beaches for the little ones.
- Shave Ice: A must-have treat at least once on the island.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Sometimes you want a special meal where children are catered to. Here are our favorites:
- Keoki`s Paradise (Poipu): Great kids’ menu, fun atmosphere, and live music.
- Duke`s Barefoot Bar (Lihue): Try the famous (and huge) Hula Pie.
- Dolphin Restaurant (Hanalei & Poipu): Kids can play on the grass; non-fried menu options.
- Eating House 1849: Casual Roy`s concept. Kids get quesadillas and ice cream.
- The Grand Hyatt: Every restaurant here caters to kids with toys and crayons.
- Hanalei Gourmet: Casual atmosphere. Don’t miss Taco Thursdays.
- Brick Oven Pizza (Wailua/Kalaheo): Kids get dough to play with while waiting.
- Verde (Kapaa): Quesadillas, nachos, and tacos.
- Luaus: Dinner and a show—the ultimate family event.
10 Best Restaurants for Foodies
Kauai is a food lover’s paradise. Here are 10 unique culinary experiences:
- The Beach House: Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with ocean views.
- Kauai Grill (Princeville): Grilled Octopus with black olive tapenade.
- Bar Acuda (Hanalei): Tapas style—try the Shrimp & Chorizo.
- Merriman`s (Poipu): Farm-to-table. Try the Grilled Beef Tenderloin.
- JO2 Natural Cuisine (Kapaa): “Curry Up Duck” with sweet potato and kale.
- Eating House 1849: Poke Tacos with fresh ahi and crispy shells.
- The Dolphin: Grilled Opah with Lilikoi Butter.
- Red Salt (Poipu): Lobster Risotto with Kauai prawns.
- Oasis on the Beach: Lemongrass Beef Skewers.
- La Spezia (Koloa): Tagliatelle alla Bolognese and Burrata.
10 Most Unique Things about Kauai
- Na Pali Coast: Breathtaking sea cliffs (Jurassic Park filming location).
- Waimea Canyon: The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
- Spouting Horn: A natural blowhole shooting water 50 feet high.
- Polihale Beach: 17 miles of white sand; Hawaii’s longest beach.
- Hanapepe Town: Historic art galleries and the Swinging Bridge.
- Kalalau Trail: Challenging 11-mile hike along the Na Pali Coast.
- Wailua Falls: Famous from the “Fantasy Island” opening credits.
- Kilauea Lighthouse: Historic beacon and whale watching spot.
- Limahuli Garden: Ancient Hawaiian agricultural terraces.
- Hanalei Bay: Postcard-perfect crescent beach for surfing and swimming.