Beyond the Obvious in Kauai: Beaches, trails and plate lunches
Curious about what you'll do when you live on Kauai? If you like the idea of hiking through jungle trails, look forward to getting artsy at local craft markets, and are daring enough to try zip-lining over canyon cliffs, Kauai is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from sunrise beaches to starlit peaks, and give you a taste of Kauai's adventurous island spirit.
Matt, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Matt was born and raised on Oahu and currently makes the North Shore playground his home. He has lived in four states, half a dozen countries, and more houses across Oahu than he can remember. Each move requires relocating something like 40 surf, foil, and paddle boards and the sobering realization that they all have to fit somewhere. He is an adventure journalist, backcountry snowboarder, rock climber, mountain biker, and relentless swell tracker who loves scouting out obscure waves in far-flung corners of the world. Favorite constants include swell checks, tide charts, and vegan sushi at Tane. At Snappy Scout, Matt edits Hawaii guides with saltwater honesty and local precision.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Kauai?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
On a Saturday with perfect weather
Na Pali Coast boat tour before the trade winds ruin everything.
When the gals come to town for the weekend
Sunrise paddle boarding, then mimosas at a Poipu Beach Resort.
Dude hangout
Surf session at Hanalei Bay, followed by mandatory fish tacos.
Rainy, dreary day
Waterfall chasing, because they're flowing at full capacity.
Outdoorsy
Kalalau Trail—where Instagram influencers meet their physical limits.
Fitness-oriented
Hike the Sleeping Giant trail and earn that post-workout acai bowl.
With your dog
Lydgate Beach Park, where good boys and good girls get sandy and ecstatic.
Family-oriented
Kayak the Wailua River to Secret Falls without anyone falling overboard.
In need of a selfie
Queen's Bath when it's calm (or your phone goes swimming).
You have to see this
Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon's tropical cousin).
On a budget
Sunset at Hanalei Pier, where the view costs absolutely nothing.
To avoid the crowds
Polihale Beach, at the end of a gnarly dirt road.
My Favorite Local Spot in Kauai
Hamura Saimin Stand is legendary. It's been around for more than 70 years, and still serves up some of the best saimin on the island. And when you are done slurping noodles, don't forget to order a piece of lilikoi pie. Life as a Hawaiian foodie doesn't get better.
— Matt Rott
Hawaii Local Expert
Ready to See If Kauai Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Kauai guide for the bigger picture.