adventurous activities

  • Napali coast tour by zodiac or with snorkeling - This is our #1 recommendation for a must-do on the island! the napali coast is absolutely incredible, and seeing it by sea is pretty amazing. There are a lot of options for tours from Zodiacs, sailboats with snorkeling, to sunset cruises. Captain andy’s IS OUR FAVORITE companY.

  • QUEENS BATH - Taking a dip in this natural pond right next to the ocean overlooking Bali Hai is pretty incredible. However it can be dangerous, so make sure you follow all the recs and only go right at low tide, and on days with clear weather and low surf. Located in Princeville on the north shore - more trail info may be found here.

  • Go surfing - Kiahuna Beach is a great beginner surf spot, and you can rent a board or take lessons directly at our beach hut on-site. On the north shore, hanalei bay is a fun place to learn with shallow waters and mellow waves - check out hanalei surf school.

  • ke ala hele makalae coastal path in kapaa - rent a bike or an e-bike and cruise up the scenic and seriously beautiful paved trail on the east side. . Book bike rental here.

  • kayak (or sup) the hanalei river - Take a tour or just rent kayaks/SUPs and go up or down the Hanalei River. Would recommend a guide if you want to go into the bay because it’s very shallow and you have to navigate between reefs + waves. Book a tour or a rental here.

chill activities

  • Napali coast boat tour - This is our #1 recommendation for a must-do on the island! the napali coast is absolutely incredible, and seeing it by sea is pretty amazing. The sunset or dinner cruises are shorter and a little calmer on the ocean. Captain andy’s IS OUR FAVORITE companY.

  • Auli’i luau - Kauai’s only beachfront Luau. small personal setting, and held at the sheraton kauai resort only minutes away from the condo! Luaus are held on mondays + wednesdays. more info and reservations here.

  • Waimea canyon OVERLOOK + Pu’u O Kila Lookout - it’s always Worth a drive UP the canyon! Stop at the Waimea canyon overlook first - it is pretty majestic, and it’s hard to believe something so vast exists on this relatively small island. then continue up to the top to the Pu’u o kila lookout, which has views of the kalalau valley. If you want to get active, there are plenty of hikes in the canyon, and the pu’u o kila trail is one of our favorites - you can hike around the rim of the Kalalau valley, which is fairly flat most of the way and has Incredible views. go early in the morning for the best weather + hope it’s not cloudy! map to location found here.

  • Waterfall overlooks - Several majestic waterfalls are visible from the roadside + paved walking paths. Wailua Falls + Ōpaekaʻa Falls are in the same area and are easy to group together.

  • Kōloa Rum company - This local spot is situated on a beautiful plantation + offers fun rum tastings. Make a reservation here.

  • Kauai plantation railway - 2.5 mile rail line that goes through the 105 acre kiohana plantation. view traditional crops like sugarcane + taro and groves of tropical fruit trees. great kid-friendly activity + tour or lunch service trains available. book here.

  • hanapepe art night - every friday night hanapepe town hosts a fun art night on their Main Street - local shops, vendors, amazing food, and entertainment make up this fun marketplace + night out. More info here.

  • Kauaʻi culinary market - every wednesday, the shops at kukuiʻula host a great farmer’s market. more than 30 local makers + farmers sell a variety of locally grown vegetables, fruits, and other foods. live music + a beer/wine garden round out this fun event. more info here.

  • Botanical Gardens - There are several incredible gardens on both the south and north shores. The Allerton + McBryde Gardens are just a few min Utes away from the condo in Koloa, and the Limahuli Garden is in Hanalei. More info + reservations here.

hikes

  • maha’ulepu heritage trail - Beautiful coastal trail right in poipu, and one that we will do over and over again. Great ocean + mountain views, and a good spot for whale watching during winter months. quick/short incline at the beginning, then mostly flat. Can just go up to check out the views, or go all the way around the point at poipu bay golf course. Plenty of spots to stop along the way to include beaches, overlooks + some hidden sea caves. If you’re really adventurous you can follow some of the locals and cliff dive off the point at Shipwrecks Beach (which we probably wouldn’t recommend, but can be fun to watch). Trail starts at the end of shipwrecks beach, See more trail info here.

  • Pu’u O Kila TRAIL - Beautiful overlook at the TOP of waimea canyon, or hike around the rim of the Kalalau valley, which is fairly flat most of the way. Incredible views, go early in the morning for the best weather + hope it’s not cloudy! map to location found here.

  • kalalau trail - Beautiful coast trail. Hike 2 miles in to the beach + turn around, or take a turn at the beach + go an additional 1.5 miles inland to the hanakapiai waterfall you can swim in. Trail is up and down with a decent amount of inclines, and can be difficult and a little sketchy when wet. We have hiked to the beach and back with kids, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend as there are a lot of cliffs + trail can be slippery. Wouldn’t recommend taking younger kids past the beach because there are a lot of river crossings and some rock scrambling. Do not hike in wet/rainy weather - trail will be slick and river crossings can be dangerous. If you’re super adventurous you can backpack the full 7 miles into the valley and camp. You need a pass from Haena State Parks + must schedule a shuttle time for transport from Hanalei. Book in advance, Very few car permits are available, and shuttle spots are limited. get a permit here.

golf courses

  • Poipu bay golf course - Beautiful coastal views, clubs available for rent. Dan’s favorite holes are 15, 16 + 17.

  • princeville makai golf course - Resort style golf with incredible views. If you get a sunny day, it will be the best day of golf you’ll ever play.

  • Kiahuna Golf Course - Located just across the street from our place. Beautiful course at a more affordable price than many of the nearby courses.