Wondering what to do on Kauai for the weekend? I have some suggestions! Read on for some activities to do when visiting the Island of Kauai.
What To Do On Kauai For The Weekend
Since I grew up on Kauai, I’m often asked by co-workers and friends, “What should I do on Kauai for the weekend?”
There’s always a new restaurant or business we find each time we visit and I’m always happy to share our experiences with friends. I always tell them to visit the go-to places that we enjoy.
What To Do On Kauai For The Weekend – Coffee
As soon as we land on Kauai we go to breakfast at Kalaheo Cafe in Kalaheo. My favorite is always the roasted veggies and an easy-over egg on top of brown rice. And it comes with a cornbread muffin.
Help yourself to a selection of Kauai coffee. Everything is so good and satisfying. If you’re headed to the westside to Kokee, this is a perfect stop for breakfast along the way.
What To Do On Kauai For The Weekend – Eat
Ask every local and they will tell you to go to Hamura Saimin. A local staple from lunch to late-night munchies, Hamura saimin has been in the same location on Kress Street in Lihue since 1952 with only 6 stools.
Nowadays, local Concierge will send visitors to this must-visit eatery. Ask for the “Sumo” size which is not on the menu and is large enough for 2 people. It’s garnished with a hard-boiled egg, pork, and cabbage. Order a side of skewered teriyaki meat and you’re set to experience a meal that hard-working locals enjoyed since the era of sugar plantations.
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast, stop by “Little Fish” in Poipu or Hanapepe for a fresh cup of coffee and a breakfast bowl (I recommend the poi bowl) or bagel sandwich.
If you’re wanting something cool and refreshing, there’s a variety of shave ice vendors that we regularly visit and new ones that we’ve discovered. Our go-to was always “The original Jojos” in Waimea where the LiHing syrup has bits of LiHing in the syrup. But, we’re not always in Waimea so we’ve found other excellent shave ice around the island.
TegeTege in Kapaa for unique Japanese style shave ice, “The Fresh Shave” at Warehouse 3540 in Lawai, and “Waikomo Shave Ice” in Poipu. All are very good and highly recommended!
What To Do On Kauai For The Weekend – Hiking
Be sure to get an early start if you’re planning on going on day hikes in Kokee. There are many scenic and challenging trails. Several popular trails are the Canyon trail, Awaawapuhi, and Nualolo.
Hiking trails on the Northshore and Eastside are the very scenic Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau trails. Be prepared to camp over if you’re doing the Kalalau trail.
You will need a permit to camp at both Hanakoa and/or Kalalau and costs $20 per person, per day ($5 discount for residents). Get your permit early to ensure to camp at Kalalau.
Of course, the “Sleeping Giant” hike in the Wailua area has 2 entry points, one side is from the Wailua houselots, and the other entrance is from Wailua homestead. While it’s a great hike, some people use this trail for their daily exercise.
It’s about a 45 minute hike one way to the chest. Take the additional time to scale your way to the top of the head for amazing 180 degree views of the eastern coastline from Lihue and beyond, to Bali Hai.
What To Do On Kauai For The Weekend – Visit The Beaches
If you are wondering what to do on Kauai for the weekend, of course you can’t forget to make time to visit the amazing beaches. Every side of the island has amazing beaches. There’s much to do on Kauai that you’ll want to come back again for more adventures.
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