Justine's Kauai Guidebook
Food scene
Keoki’s is a classic! Consistently great food and service, tropical open air ambiance, it's always a win.
77 locals recommend
Keoki's Paradise
2360 Kiahuna Plantation DrKeoki’s is a classic! Consistently great food and service, tropical open air ambiance, it's always a win.
This restaurant is amazing! I love their food and the staff is always great! Come here and the museum
Next door before you drive up to kalalau lookout.
8 locals recommend
Koke'e Lodge
3600 Kokee RdThis restaurant is amazing! I love their food and the staff is always great! Come here and the museum
Next door before you drive up to kalalau lookout.
Go to the bar and have the sushi, also you can have a burger with anything you want on it and fries (it’s not on the menu) bar only for $20! Sooo ono (delicious) I get grilled onions, bacon, avocado and cheese
14 locals recommend
Red Salt at Ko'a Kea
2251 Poipu RdGo to the bar and have the sushi, also you can have a burger with anything you want on it and fries (it’s not on the menu) bar only for $20! Sooo ono (delicious) I get grilled onions, bacon, avocado and cheese
Grab some fresh Ahi and/or squash and maui onion, a lemon or lilikoi from the vine for marinade with salt and pepper, and then throw it all on the grill! Dice up papaya or mango from the farmer's market and add ONE Hawaiian chili peppers for a quick tropical salsa - wow yum! Start your rice early and then lounge while you wait for your delicious dinner.
2750 Milo Hae Loop
2750 Milo Hae LoopGrab some fresh Ahi and/or squash and maui onion, a lemon or lilikoi from the vine for marinade with salt and pepper, and then throw it all on the grill! Dice up papaya or mango from the farmer's market and add ONE Hawaiian chili peppers for a quick tropical salsa - wow yum! Start your rice early and then lounge while you wait for your delicious dinner.
Sightseeing
Such an amazing place to visit and to learn about tropical flora, and part of this islands history. I recommend the sunset tour and dinner.
39 locals recommend
National Tropical Botanical Garden
4425 Lawai RdSuch an amazing place to visit and to learn about tropical flora, and part of this islands history. I recommend the sunset tour and dinner.
So beautiful and picturesque, winding drive up the mountain, it can be cool up there so bring a light jacket.
105 locals recommend
Waimea Canyon Lookout
So beautiful and picturesque, winding drive up the mountain, it can be cool up there so bring a light jacket.
Overlooking kalalau valley, if you can’t go north shore and take a boat ride this is the alternative.
51 locals recommend
Kōkeʻe State Park
Overlooking kalalau valley, if you can’t go north shore and take a boat ride this is the alternative.
Hikes and Nature
Sleeping Giant Trail Head
Haleilio RoadGreat hike for sturdy walkers, exceptional views.
A beautiful piece of our island, rich in culture it is very beautiful and the boat ride there is super fun! I recommend Smith's Kauai.
13 locals recommend
Fern Grotto
A beautiful piece of our island, rich in culture it is very beautiful and the boat ride there is super fun! I recommend Smith's Kauai.
This is such a great hike from Shipwrecks beach all along the coast that ends at this beautiful cave the Hawaiians used centuries ago. Or drive right up to it if you aren't keen on a trek along the cliffs.
10 locals recommend
Makauwahi Cave Reserve
1571-4 Poipu RdThis is such a great hike from Shipwrecks beach all along the coast that ends at this beautiful cave the Hawaiians used centuries ago. Or drive right up to it if you aren't keen on a trek along the cliffs.
Surf and Sun
Beaches, gear and good fun
Poipu beach is world renowned, for the beauty, accessibility, wildlife, snorkeling and swim safety. Definitely a great beach to relax.
118 locals recommend
Poipu Beach
Poipu beach is world renowned, for the beauty, accessibility, wildlife, snorkeling and swim safety. Definitely a great beach to relax.
Great place to buy swim suits, rent surf boards and snorkel gear!
11 locals recommend
Nukumoi Surf Co.
2080 Hoone RdGreat place to buy swim suits, rent surf boards and snorkel gear!
City advice
Customs and culture
Don’t sight see while you’re driving
I know it sounds silly, but tourists cause accidents all the time because they’re not looking at the road.
Getting around
You need a vehicle to see all of the island
Getting from one side of the island to the other will take longer than you think. Don’t tail people, relax and don’t speed... you’ll get there eventually.
Customs and culture
The Ocean is dangerous
Be smart, look at the warnings posted and if you’re not familiar with currents and ocean safety do not go into the ocean without a floatation device. If you are not a strong swimmer only go to beaches with Life Guards.