South portion of the island is the hotel zone. It's the main tourist hub and where you'll find most of the large hotels: poipu, Koloa, etc.

Lihue is the capital and more industrial/commercial than the rest of the island. It's where you'll find Walmart and Taco Bell etc.

Wailua/Kapa'a - centrally located and situated on a bay north of the Wailua River. Smaller waves which can be nice if the south or north sides are swelling, but still a nice area. Not as touristy as the south but still has some larger older developments like Kauai Shores and Islander at the Beach but also some newer 5-15 mm dollar places like LaniKai. Nice spot if you're looking to travel north and south and don't want to get caught in Prince Kuhio traffic or in the hustle and bustle of the larger southern tourist area or want more development than the north side but less development than the south side. Probs one of the best foil boarding spots on the island.

Princeville - great if you have kids or just want a stupid amazing view but nothing really there outside of the planned development. Pro: close to Hanalei Con: Far from everything else

Hanalei: my fav city in Kauai. Old surf town with amazing beaches and enough development to keep you happy but not so much that you feel like you're at a Cancun all inclusive like you can catch on the side side Con: solid 1 1/4 drive w no traffic to southern part of island or 1:30-45 the canyon. Pro: super close to 2 of the best beaches, scenery like you've never seen, and some real Hawaiian aloha.

Kekaha and anything west of Eleele were mostly built originally as part of the sugar cane industry. It's the flat dry side of the island outside of Waimea Canyon. I wouldn't stay over there unless you've been to the island and have a feel for things. It's a little rougher a little more averse to tourists and not really much there unless you know where to look and what you're looking for. It's still gorgeous but I wouldn't pick that side of the island if I was coming in for vacation.

Oh yeah - if you're planning on renting a car and driving up north and south and over to the canyon and back etc, look at finding a rental that's a hybrid if you can. Thank me later because you'll save a ton on gas.

Those are some great suggestions. Thank you! I didn't plan for enough in advance, all the zip lines are booked up. But we have some great activities planned though it's already a great trip. . I tried the chocolate factory and it was booked.

We have a hike to a waterfall booked tomorrow that was recommended, and I think after that we will go to the south beaches and try to spot some turtles. My daughter really wants to hit the beach, so we might even be there tomorrow morning at sunrise.

For a small island, there is a ton of t options to do different things. We walked through the shopping center in Koloa tonight and was all high end stuff. It really is nuts how many chickens there are around this island.

Dang that is great information, Yount depth of knowledge of the island is incredible. Thank you so much,

You are a blessed man! My daughter kept telling me tonight she has never seen a place as beautiful as what she has seen today.

The rose ringed parrots all fly in to Poipu each night at dusk. Chart House has a pretty solid view IIRC. It's THOUSANDS of little green parrots. They look like swarms of bats almost because there's so many of them. Just thinking that's something she may enjoy.

Snorkel some and then chart house for a little bite to eat and watch the parrots.

The chickens are my favorite. Nothing like a 3:45am cockadoodle doo to help wake ya up…

Here's the thing that will make you crazy jealous: not only do i get to go for 4-6 weeks a year, I get paid to be there. Mind blown…

Outstanding information
We frequent Maui and most of our go to places are similar to your recommendations
Definitely will check out the Parrots
Purple Martins are out in abundance right now in Austin. Really cool.
Any good places to catch an A&M football game?

Maybe not an A&M game, but the following show CFB and NFL: Kalapaki Joes or Robs Good Time or Lava Lava Beach Club.

JustPanda said:

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The rose ringed parrots all fly in to Poipu each night at dusk. Chart House has a pretty solid view IIRC. It's THOUSANDS of little green parrots. They look like swarms of bats almost because there's so many of them. Just thinking that's something she may enjoy.

Snorkel some and then chart house for a little bite to eat and watch the parrots.

The chickens are my favorite. Nothing like a 3:45am cockadoodle doo to help wake ya up…

Here's the thing that will make you crazy jealous: not only do i get to go for 4-6 weeks a year, I get paid to be there. Mind blown…

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That is mind blowing! Kauai is a postcard everywhere you look. It is likely the most beautiful place I've ever been.

We did the walk to the hidden waterfalls today, that was well worth it, and I enjoyed the guide. Did some snorkeling at poipu beach this morning, saw a seal and several turtles.

Kauai may be favorite place I've been, it is so relaxing, but leave the hotel and things are out of this world beautiful. I loved Maui when I went there years ago, but Kauai is tranquil.

We are looking forward to the Chart House tonight and the parrots!

We are headed to Kauai on 9/9. Staying in Kapaa & unfortunately I have planned nothing! 2 couples, active 60ish. Keep the suggestions coming!
We have been to Maui multiple times. Just heartbreaking.

Aloha au i ka pilina me ka 'uhane o moana!

Hanakapi'ai Falls hike if you're into that sort of thing. It's fairly strenuous but the reward is worth it!

And the Grand Canyon of the Pacific

Just gotta make sure to get the permits first. It's a **** feeling when you see people try to enter the park and get turned away after driving from the south side of the island.

You can also take the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Totally forgot to mention that earlier. Shuttle and entry passes are WAY easier to get than Parking + entry. I don't think they have any P+E open any day for the calendar days released. You legit have to get them the day they drop or they're gone.

JustPanda said:

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Just gotta make sure to get the permits first. It's a **** feeling when you see people try to enter the park and get turned away after driving from the south side of the island.

You can also take the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Totally forgot to mention that earlier. Shuttle and entry passes are WAY easier to get than Parking + entry. I don't think they have any P+E open any day for the calendar days released. You legit have to get them the day they drop or they're gone.

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Yup
30 days in advance
Reservations open at 5am Central Time
P+E sell out in 1-2 minutes
Shuttle option is much more expensive than P+E
Pro Tip - Grab early P+E time slot then try back next 20 minutes or so. A few other times will be released.

IIRC, it doesn't hold your spot through the booking process, so you don't want to fart around on the page fiddling and diddling because by the time you go to checkout it will show as sold out/unavailable.

They may have changed that but I doubt it. You sound like you know the ins and outs of the reservation system. Killer info.

Exactly
I expect that is why more reservations are released after 15 minutes. Some people reserving were likely timed out

I reserved an early time slot then went back after 15 minutes and was able to add a later one. Reserving multiple time slots is permitted.

Looks like you have lots of great advice so I'll just add a little bit from our trip that we learned.

First, you've gotten lots of advice about the Napali coast. We did it via helicopter, so I wanted to add some thinking to that in case you are considering it. I would not try to talk you out of it, but there are advantages and disadvantages.

On the good side.. .first, it's an awesome experience. Just a helicopter ride is fun. We did it doors off which added to the excitement, however it was very loud and quite windy. You get to see parts of the island that are completely inaccessible otherwise. There were two negatives, though... one, back to the wind. By the end of the tour, my eyes were watering so that it actually inhibited the experience a bit. And then the other negative... it was over so soon. The Nepali coast is so breathtaking, I wanted to just gawk at it. I think in the end, I wish we had done it by boat so we got more time. If you budget allows, there is actually merit in doing both... the time of the boat, and then add the helicopter to see the parts that can't be seen from the ground or sea.

If you do a boat tour, do you research well. Lots of boats leave out of the south side of the island and when you read the fine print, you realize they really only see a small portion of the Napal coast. You want to make sure you tour will show you the entire thing, the best parts are the parts closer to Hanalei.

We've done three island, and Kauai, to me, edged Maui out by a smidgeon. There is just so much to see and do, you can't go wrong. (And of course Maui is going to need some time to recover.)

Good stuff here. I thought Glass Beach was pretty cool.

We're headed there Friday. Our trip to Kaanapali was obviously changed so we pivoted. We stayed in Princeville for a week a decade ago. This time staying near Lydgate Park Pools.

We plan to go back to Princeville for a day, but mostly looking for places to eat and drink. I think we have the beaches ironed out and after a few back injuries long or difficult hikes are not an option for me. Wife wants to spend 3-4 hrs a day on the beaches.

Tiki Iniki, Mamahunies, the breweries

All recommendations welcome!

May have missed it, but if not already recommended:
-Book a rigid frame inflatable for the Napoli coast tour. These are so fun. Captain Andy's is who I've used.
-Or, if you're really adventurous, the Napoli coast kayak tour (if still offered) with Outfitters Kauai.
-Smith Family Luau is the best IMO, but get a reservation well in advance.
-rent your own Kayak and/or paddle board and go self guided. Wail is kayak adventures in Kapaa will set you up and recommend where to go.
-Kauai is not a nightlife kind of place. It's and outdoor adventure place. Get up and out early, and plan to eat dinner fairly early. If you're having fun until 8:30pm don't expect to find a lots of restaurant options.

would you mind sharing your email?

I'll be on Kauai in three weeks and would appreciate any further local guidance you can provide. In particular, the secret parking spot near Tunnels.

Agreed on Hanalei and the beach called Tunnels.

If you get up on the Na pali trail keep in mind that if it rains and gets muddy you can bust your ass getting down. Some trail runners are ideal.

Also theres a place called the blue room or the blue hole or something like that. Its a giant domed cave with tidally influenced seawater in it. You can go inside the cave and swim. A really wild place. Highly recommend.

AlaskanAg99 said:

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We're headed there Friday. Our trip to Kaanapali was obviously changed so we pivoted. We stayed in Princeville for a week a decade ago. This time staying near Lydgate Park Pools.

We plan to go back to Princeville for a day, but mostly looking for places to eat and drink. I think we have the beaches ironed out and after a few back injuries long or difficult hikes are not an option for me. Wife wants to spend 3-4 hrs a day on the beaches.

Tiki Iniki, Mamahunies, the breweries

All recommendations welcome!

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Just realized Tiki Iniki is owned by Todd Rundgren - 70s rock star who raised Liv Tyler as his own daughter.

bump for JustPanda signal; heading that way next week

JustPanda said:

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Koloa FM is good on the south side of the island. Lawai'a FM is in Lihue and Kiluaea FM is on the north side. They're all solid. Most locals go to Konohiki in Lihue for poke, chirashi bowls, and stuffed Inari sushi.

Japanese Grandmas Cafe in Hanapepe is good too.

For some other local spots hit up:

Pono Market
Saiman Dojo for vegan food
JoJos shaved ice
Hamura Saiman for lilikoi chiffon pie (Saiman is Hawaiian Ramen)
Holey Grail Donuts
Tip Top Cafe and Motel - haupia pancakes and tons of other carnivore centered items
Marks Place for butter mochi or Koy Bakery for lilikoi cupcakes
The Right Slice - amazing pie
Village Snack - tropical pancakes (no frills but tasty if you're going to a beach early or need a quick breakfast before boarding a boat)

Konohiki and Pono Market both sell out and get REALLY busy. 30 minutes after they open and the line is out the door until they close. Think Lexington BBQ but in Kauai. That's how those operations run so not a bad idea to look at the menus online to know what you want so that you don't hold things up.

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The Hamura's recommendation is spot on. Take cash though.

Whatcha looking to get into?

oops

I don't know how I forgot to mention SkyDive Kauai. Such a cool experience. Way better than Moab. If you're an aficionado of jumping off or out of things, it's magical. Their tandem and solo jumps are phenomenal. If you aren't sure if it's something you're into, it's a solid place to scratch the itch.

I have some amazing tattoo shop recs if anyone wants those as well. Just don't get it until the last day but there are some really amazing local artists in Kauai.

Edit to add: I think I have like 35-40 tattoos from various shops on Kauai. They do really GREAT work at surprisingly affordable rates.

JustPanda said:

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I don't know how I forgot to mention SkyDive Kauai. Such a cool experience. Way better than Moab. If you're an aficionado of jumping off or out of things, it's magical. Their tandem and solo jumps are phenomenal. If you aren't sure if it's something you're into, it's a solid place to scratch the itch.

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I don't know if the place is still there or not, but a long time ago I went skydiving on the North Shore of Oahu and it was incredible...I imagine Kauai is even better!

Garrelli 5000 said:

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AlaskanAg99 said:

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We're headed there Friday. Our trip to Kaanapali was obviously changed so we pivoted. We stayed in Princeville for a week a decade ago. This time staying near Lydgate Park Pools.

We plan to go back to Princeville for a day, but mostly looking for places to eat and drink. I think we have the beaches ironed out and after a few back injuries long or difficult hikes are not an option for me. Wife wants to spend 3-4 hrs a day on the beaches.

Tiki Iniki, Mamahunies, the breweries

All recommendations welcome!

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Just realized Tiki Iniki is owned by Todd Rundgren - 70s rock star who raised Liv Tyler as his own daughter.

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This is our last day. Nice relaxing trip, nothing too crazy to speak of. Hit some of the suggested places up and drove all over the island. Every day at one beach or another.

If you shop to eat in Big Save is noticeably cheaper than the big grocery stores.

We're right next to Mamahunies, about 2 min drive south. What I didn't know I'd if you buy the mug ($46 and includes a drink) refills of any cocktail are $10 and you can return with your mug. I tapped that a lot, $18 cocktails for $10? Sign me up.

OG, Jungle Bird, Zombie and Mojito were all legit. The rest were trash.

Kauai Island Brewing is way better than Kauai Beer Co.

All the chickens crack my **** up.

Also, if looking for Aloha shirts go to Gifts of Kauai in Lihue. Made in Hawaii, RJC shirts are $47. I've seen the same brand at stores in more expensive places $85-95. Huge selection.

https://gifts-of-kauai.business.site/

Get a Tiki Tuxedo.

Returned a couple of weeks ago from Kauai. It was everything and more that I expected. I really liked Tunnels beach. I actually saw Pierce Brosnan on his little scooter on the way to Tunnels. Still kind of surprised by the sighting. Tunnels beach was one of my favorite beaches I have been to. I loved the lava channels for snorkeling. We didn't have a problem getting a parking spot, but I think we just lucked out, as we got one of the 8 parking spots there when someone else was leaving.

Kauai has a different vibe than Maui, more relaxed it seems. I wish we had those Puka dogs here, those might be my favorite hot dogs I've had.

I appreciate all of the recommendations. We had a packed few days there, and came back talking about it and our future return.

JustPanda said:

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Whatcha looking to get into?

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my email is icecream14ta @ gmail

just looking for info on parking near Tunnels and may share our itinerary with you

I have had Kauai on my list.

What is the youngest age it'd be okay for an ideal family trip? Seems like a great trip for 10+ so curious as our youngest is not quite 10 but the water is her happy place.

I've been taking my son to Kauai since he was 4. He loves it as much as I do.

Id say anywhere between 4/5+. It's ENCHANTING as a kid. I remember going when I was around four and the only fish I would eat was "catfish". So, I had mahi mahi catfish, yellowfin catfish, ahi catfish, ono catfish etc. I still remember that vividly 34 years later.