When you’re planning a Kauai vacation, it can be inspiring to research all the fun things to see and do on the island. There are activities on Kauai that every visitor should experience, but be sure to break free from the tourist crowd for a while and experience authentic life on Kauai!
You don’t want to spend your entire getaway surrounded by the crowds and only see tourist-centric sites. There’s so much more to discover off the beaten path! We’ve compiled a complete guide of all the best non-touristy things to do near our Kauai rentals to help you plan out your vacation.
How to Live Like a Local
The first thing to remember about visiting Kauai, no matter where you’re coming from in the world, is that you’re a tourist. As much as we don’t want to ever feel like a tourist on vacation, we are! And that’s a beautiful thing. As tourists, though, we have to make sure we appreciate the unique culture of the area. Kauai, and Hawaii as a whole, has an entirely different way of life than the rest of the United States and the world, so it’s essential to respect the local culture and lifestyle. Here is a list of tips from the locals!
While you’re exploring all the fun Kauai things to do, make sure you’re respectful to the native people and their homeland. If you wouldn’t do something at home or you wouldn’t want to be treated a certain way, extend that same mindset to your Hawaiian friends. Whether it’s not rushing in traffic or respecting others’ space on the beach, it’s the little things like these that ensure everyone, both tourists and locals, stay happy.
Slow Down
When you’re on vacation, it’s so tempting to try to pack your days full of activities. But the whole point of a getaway is to, well, get away! Be sure to take the time to slow down and relax. One of the best ways to do that is to take advantage of the stunning Kauai beaches. You can bring a towel and a good book and watch the waves roll by and carry your worries out to sea. If you’re an animal lover or you’re just looking for something a bit more fast-paced, Kauai is also incredible for snorkeling! There’s nothing more exciting than getting face-to-face with the native marine life in their natural habitats.
What’s more relaxing than a good beer? If you’re looking for an authentic Hawaiian brew, head to the Kauai Island Brewing Company in Port Allen. They’ve always got more than ten house beers on tap, as well as a full bar where they offer unique cocktails to suit every palate. But that’s not all! You can also come here for a complete meal using only the freshest ingredients in the area, and when you’re done eating, head upstairs to experience Hawaii’s biggest collection of pinball machines in the game room!
If you’d rather cook and eat in your rental, you don’t have to sacrifice a tremendous Hawaiian meal. Head to Koloa Fish Market to grab some of the freshest catches on the island. This business has been family owned and operated since 1994 and continues to serve up fresh fish, poke, bento, and more. If you want to get something that’s already prepared, they also have plate lunches featuring authentic Hawaiian and classic American cuisine. This establishment is truly the definition of a hidden gem!
Get Out Into Nature
Kauai is often referred to as “The Garden Island,” so you can’t miss out on exploring the stunning nature all around you! If you’re looking to satisfy that craving for adrenaline, head to Da Life Outdoors to experience Kauai in a whole new way. This company offers excursions of all kinds, from waterfall rappelling to hiking tours to surf lessons and more. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll have an experienced guide by your side who can show you the ropes and take you through gorgeous sections of the island. Da Life Outdoors provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for every guest.
You might not think about going clay target shooting while you’re on Kauai, but a trip to Kauai Sporting Clays is simply a “must do!” If you’ve never been shooting before, they have a popular Sporting Clays Intro class led by instructor Ben Ellsworth to help you get comfortable with the activity. If you’re already experienced, you can pick a more advanced course to participate in. Regardless of what you select, you’ll always be completely safe and will have access to some of Kauai’s most stunning nature.
Appreciate History
Part of being a good visitor is respecting the local culture and understanding how it came to be. Learning a bit about Kauai’s history while you’re in town is the perfect way to make the most of your time on the island. Kauai is full of fascinating historical sites where you can learn about the island’s past, but if you want to stay away from busy attractions then you may want to skip the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Lighthouse and Waimea Canyon State Park or go at off-times of the day to avoid crowds.
Kauai also has a couple of museums for a more hands-on look at the island’s past. Some of the most popular include the Kokke Natural Museum in Kokee State Park, the Waioli Mission House and Waioli Huiia Church in Hanalei Town, and the Kauai Museum Lihue. Each of these locations transports you back in time to discover what life was like in Kauai’s early days and the events that shaped the island into what it is today.
Take Time to Savor
Everyone knows that one of the best parts of any vacation is the food! Be sure to experience the authentic Hawaiian cuisine while you’re in town. Chicken in a Barrel is your ultimate spot to sample some mouthwatering barbecue. Stop in for the classic Chicken in a Barrel plate or choose from baby back ribs, pork, beef, and more. They also have delicious burgers made with 100% Kauai beef and authentic Mexican offerings, salads, sides, and more.
To finish off your meal, you don’t want to miss out on a slice of the famous Hula Pie from Duke’s! This delicious pie is made with a delectable macadamia nut ice cream on top of a chocolate cookie crust with whipped cream, hot fudge, and toasted macadamia nuts. We can almost guarantee there won’t be any crumbs left by the time you’re through!
Take the Less Beaten Path
Finally, the most important thing about finding the non-touristy sites is to be willing to stray from the beaten path. Take some time to escape the crowds and explore Kauai for yourself. Try some unique foods and explore the beaches where tourists don’t see Kauai through a whole new lens. Getting away from the tourist crowd will help you have a more authentic and memorable vacation without the stress. It might take a bit more effort and research, but we promise it’s worth it!
Kauai Accommodations
At the end of the day, come back to our Kauai condo rentals to relax and reflect on the amazing sights you’ve seen. The Waipouli Beach Resort on the Royal Coconut Coast has everything you need for the getaway of your dreams! If you want to stay on a separate part of the island, we recommend Islander on the Beach on the island’s East Shore. No matter where you visit, you’ll have stunning views, luxurious amenities, and fantastic customer service. Ready to experience Kauai for yourself? Contact us today to discover all of our Kauai condo rentals and start planning your dream trip!
