Savvy360 Kauaʻi - Fall/Spring 2024-25

KAUAʻI

Local Vibe

Red dirt ... jewels of the rainforest ... territorial hunters ... purple prize ... local lingo.

Mindful Traveler

A few ways to have an impact and give back to Kaua‘i during your stay.

Lay of the Island

Getting familiar with the Garden Island.

Becoming the Wai Kai

Peleke Flores works to restore an ancient fishpond— teaching Hawaiian culture and values in the process.

RESTORING ALAKOKO

PHOTO COURTESY: (TOP) ZACK HARRIS; (BOTTOM) KEITH KETCHUM

LOCAL VIBE

The island’s premier shopping and dining destination

CULINARY MARKET

KAUA‘I GROWN AND MADE

WEDNESDAYS | 3:30 - 6 PM

KANIKAPILA

RELAX TO LIVE MUSIC

FRIDAYS | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

BLUE GINGER

COUTURED BOUTIQUE

CRUISE KAUA‘I

HA‘UPU OUTPOST

LATITUDES FINE ART GALLERY

MAHINA

MANA GRANDE’S GEMS

MARTIN & MACARTHUR

SALT + SEA

SUNGLASS HUT

TOMMY BAHAMA

BUBBA BURGERS

EATING HOUSE 1849 BY ROY YAMAGUCHI

HAPA RAMEN

LAPPERT’S HAWAII

LEONG’S MARKET & GRILL

LIVING FOODS

MERRIMAN’S KAUAI

SAVAGE SHRIMP

SCOTTY BROWNS HAWAI‘I (COMING SOON)

TABLE AT POIPU

UNCLE’S SHAVE ICE

URGENT CARE AT POIPU AND MANY MORE!

Cultural Calling

Ke Kumu o Hihinui Cultural Center.

Scenic Treks

From accessible waterfalls to remote rainforests, Kaua‘i has no shortage of picturesque places to hit the trail.

Destination Hanalei

Cross the iconic one-lane bridge connecting the remote town of Hanalei with the rest of the island and spend a day in paradise, taking in the area’s charm and timeless beauty.

Enamored Arts

Artist Leslie Frasier draws inspiration from her surroundings in paradise.

Local Catch

How a local fishing supply has been outfitting fishermen and imparting knowledge of Kaua‘i’s waters for generations.

Resilient Roots

Emilio Ruiz Romero is helping Kaua‘i recover ancient practices and values through agriculture.

Hot Spot

A new omakase experience emerges at Japanese Grandma’s Café in Hanapēpē.

What We Love Now

Trends on the culinary scene—coffee nirvana, tropical twist, bowls of comfort and beloved plates.

The Guides

Start planning your trip with curated guides.

MASTHEAD

KEVIN GEIGER

DANIEL DUVAL

MUN SOK GEIGER

MICHELLE LACOUR

Garden Island from our central seek adventure or relaxation, this is special ways for you to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Kaua‘i.

ISLAND LIVING |

MARY TROY JOHNSTON

KRYSTAL KAKIMOTO

KEITH KETCHUM

SARA STOVER

ZACK HARRIS

DIGITAL

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TIDEPOOLS AT GRAND HYATT KAUAI

Make it a night to remember, from moonrise and starlit skies to open-air bungalows as koi fish swim below. Feast on fresh, locally caught fish, succulent steaks, garden-fresh salads and sweet treats. Savor the island’s flavors and exceptional service.

Free valet parking for diners. For reservations book on opentable.com or call 808 240 6456.

NA HOKU Na Hoku has been creating Hawaii’s finest jewelry since 1924. Their Hawaiian and Island Lifestyle jewelry features hand engraved heirloom, floral and seallife designs. nahoku.com

SHOE ENVY Shoe Envy features stylish, comfortable resort footwear for the whole family. Step into the latest fashions from brands like Olukai, Pikolinos, and Keen. You will also find unique handmade vintage clutches, leather handbags and accessories. shoeenvypoipu.com

MARTIN & MACARTHUR Handcrafted Koa furniture and personal accessories made by the finest craftsman in Hawaii for over 50 years. Choose from their collection of Koa wood watches, Eternity Rings, and Koa sunglasses made by their private stock of Big Island Koa. martinandmacarthur.com

WATER WEAR Water Wear will prepare you for beach life at its finest! Visit the shop for a complete selection of swimsuits, beach tops, sarongs, and beach slippers featuring popular surf brands.

TORI RICHARD Founded in 1956, Tori Richard is proud to continue their tradition of quality made-in-Hawaii craftsmanship and playful eclecticism for the resort lifestyle. From the finest textile printing techniques and unique fabrications, to the one-of a kind prints that adorn and delight, Tori Richard captures a piece of Hawaii like no other. toririchard.com

SUNGLASS HUT The ultimate destination for sunglasses. Live for fashion or sport? Sunglass Hut has the best designer brands under the sun. sunglasshut.com

AFEINBERG GALLERY Come experience one of Hawaii’s premier fine art photographers, Aaron Feinberg. Aaron’s work ranges from the grand landscape to the surreal abstract, which will have you second guessing whether this is a photograph or painting. Specializing in small Limited Edition and even more exclusive Artist Proof prints, all artwork is customizable to your needs and shipped worldwide. afeinbergphotography.com

ACCENTS From fresh food and drinks to locally made and island inspired accessories and gifts, Accents brings you the best Hawaii has to offer.

POIPU BAY GOLF SHOP Within walking distance of the resort, you’ll find contemporary resort logo wear and accessories for both men and women. The Golf Shop features the newest designer collections for on and off the course. poipubaygolf.com

Red Dirt

A distinctive characteristic of the island of Kaua‘i is the vibrant red dirt found throughout the island. The unique color is a result of the iron oxide content of the volcanic rocks found on the island and the high clay content of the soil. Kaua‘i is approximately five million years old and the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain. As the years passed, the lava rock broke down from dark basalt into the dirt we see today. While red dirt can stain everything, including clothing, there are benefits of this distinct soil. The high level of clay in the soil

helps absorb heat during the day, keeping plant roots warm overnight. The high infiltration of the soil absorbs water, proving beneficial in rainy locations, like Kaua‘i. Red dirt can be seen throughout the island—as you drive by sugarcane plantations or along hiking paths like the Sleeping Giant Trail. However, to view a wonder of nature, visit the Red Dirt Waterfall in Koke‘e, just past mile marker 22 along Waimea Canyon Road. Active year-round, water rushes over the side of a red dirt embankment creating a beautiful contrast.

Over 60 years of service with Aloha

Over 60 years of service with Aloha

WHY JACK HARTER HELICOPTERS? WHY JACK HARTER HELICOPTERS?

Originator of helicopter tours on Kauai with rich history for

Originator of helicopter tours on Kauai with rich history for a unique experience a unique experience

FULL 60 minute tours = more viewing and better photos

FULL 60 minute tours = more viewing and better photos

Option for Doors Off or Doors On

Option for Doors Off or Doors On

Only company on Kauai to fly 2 types of helicopters

Only company on Kauai to fly 2 types of helicopters

Customized private charters

Customized private charters

Highly-skilled pilots with over 70k flight hours combined

Safety is #1 priority Safety is #1 priority

Highly-skilled pilots with over 70k flight hours combined

Jewels of the Rainforest

Found in the high altitudes of Hawaiian rainforests, the ‘i‘iwi is an endemic Hawaiian forest bird prized by Hawaiians for its brilliantly colored feathers. In ancient times, skilled bird catchers used specialized tools to capture these tiny birds and pluck their scarlet and black feathers. These feathers were used to create ‘ahu‘ula (feather cloaks) and mahiole (feather helmets), symbols of societal rank worn during special ceremonies and in battle. Today, these precious jewels of the rainforest are in peril, with their numbers dwindling due to habitat loss, predators and diseases

like avian malaria. In the last twenty years, the population of ‘i‘iwi on Kaua‘i has fallen to only approximately 2,000 birds. Measuring about 5.5 inches in length, lucky hikers can spot these bright red honeycreepers as they fly high above, searching for ‘ō‘hia lehua trees, which they drink the nectar of and help to pollinate. On hikes like the Alaka‘i Swamp Trail in Koke‘e, you can hear these birds chattering above, giving off sounds ranging from shrill whistles to their melodic “wee-woo.”

PHOTO COURTESY: KEITH KETCHUM

Discover Your Place In Paradise

Your island home awaits at Kauanoe o Kōloa in the highly soughtafter resort area of Po‘ipū. Here, on the sunny southern shore of Kaua‘i, remarkable residences, adventurous days, restorative moments, a rich culture, and unrivaled natural beauty come together to create a truly exceptional place to call home.

Territorial Hunters

Found in waters surrounding coral reefs and in shallow lagoons, the Dragon Wrasse is also known as Rockmover Wrasse and even Reindeer Wrasse. Measuring about 12 inches in length, these highly territorial fish work in teams to hunt for prey. After one fish shifts or turns over a rock, the second fish will swoop in to grab prey like mussels, starfish, urchins and shrimp. While snorkeling, you can spot these lively fish based on their markings. Juvenile Dragon Wrasse are

daintier in appearance with a reddish brown coloring and white speckles along their body. The first two dorsal fins are longer than the adult versions. Mature Dragon Wrasse are darker than their juvenile counterparts and have oblong bodies and wedge-shaped heads. Adults will be dark green or brown colored and feature bright white spots along the entire length of their body. While they are tough predators, they are known to dive into the sand when they are spooked.

Purple Prize

Found sprawling across the sandy areas of beaches, pōhinahina is a hardy shrub native to the seashores of the Pacific. A member of the mint family, pōhinahina can be identified by its clustering of purplish-blue flowers, usually in groups of three or four, and its gray-green leaves which have a slightly fuzzy appearance. Found on all the Hawaiian Islands except for Kaho‘olawe, pōhinahina is prized for its leaves which Hawaiians would place between layers of kapa (barkcloth) material in storage. The aromatic leaves give off a spicy, vegetal scent

which can be described as a blend of sage, basil and black pepper. The leaves would also repel insects with their scent, protecting the material from being eaten. Pōhinahina was also used in lā‘au lapa‘au (Hawaiian traditional medicine) as a treatment for headaches, stomach pains and nausea. Today, the leaves and flowers of the pōhinahina plant are incorporated into lei making and are specifically used to create lei po‘o (head lei), and the shrub is planted to help stabilize soil.

Local Lingo

A gesture synonymous with the islands is the shaka, a salute where you lower your middle three fingers and extend your thumb and pinky to convey feelings of aloha and that there is no need to worry. It is unknown who created the shaka, but many attribute it to Hamana Kalili, a plantation worker from Lā‘ie who lost his middle three fingers while on the job. After his injury, plantation management moved him from the processing line to become the security officer for the train between Sunset Beach and Ka‘a‘awa on O‘ahu. Kalili’s main task was deterring local chil-

dren from hopping on the train to hitch a free ride, often waiving his hand at them with only his remaining thumb and pinky extended. Over time, the children adopted this gesture to signal to one another that Kalili was not working, and it turned into an “all-clear” signal. Today, the shaka continues to be seen as a greeting between friends or even a gesture of thanks when merging your car into traffic. It has become so popular that in 2024, a bill was passed, making the shaka the official gesture of Hawai‘i.

Kilauea Fine Jewelry

Hui Maka‘āinana o Makana Workdays

Learn to care for the ‘āina during one of the community workdays hosted by Hui Maka‘āinana o Makana. The organization offers community workdays every first and third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., depending on the weather. During workdays, volunteers tend the lo‘i (taro fields), which serve as an important food source for the community. At noon, the group breaks for a potluck lunch, and volunteers are encouraged to bring a dish to share with everyone. After lunch, volunteers can choose to end their workday or continue volunteering. Open to volunteers of all ages, these workdays are a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience tending the lo‘i by participating in various activities such as harvesting kalo and tending

to the area with weeding or clearing debris. The work can be muddy, so wearing clothing that can get dirty is recommended. Wearing a bathing suit underneath is also recommended so you can jump in the water when you are done working. Other items to bring include a water bottle, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, a towel and covered shoes or tabis. The hui will provide each volunteer with a water jug, work gloves and tools.

Hui Maka‘āinana o Makana Workdays; huimakaainanaomakana.org; workdays are off ered on the first and third Saturdays of the month (depending on weather) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; email info@huimakaainanaomakana.org for more information or to volunteer.

The Garden Isle’s fascinating history and unforgettable geographic splendor are reasons why it remains exclusive from other islands in the Hawaiian Archipelago—and throughout the world.

L ay of the Island

Its beauty is profound. Kaua‘i is the oldest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands, which means it has had more than five million years to develop its uniquely gorgeous geologic features. The Garden Isle’s one-of-a-kind, rich topography fluctuates from vast, emerald mountains and deep red dirt-laced valleys to windswept, craggy coastlines and flora-filled forests. Varied vistas aren’t the only reason this island stands apart; there are anthropological reasons as well. Polynesian settlers of the Garden Isle were resilient warriors when it came to protecting their sovereignty and ‘āina (land), so Kaua‘i was never taken by force, despite the many attempts of powerful rulers from other Hawaiian Islands. Even though Kaumuali‘i, the last reigning king of Kaua‘i, finally reached an amicable resolution with Kamehameha in 1810, the noble warrior spirit remains a significant part of the unconquered island’s legacy.

Inaccessible regions still abound and nature is more commonplace than buildings, which, by the way, aren’t allowed to be taller than a coconut tree. Laid-back sleepy towns like Waimea and Hā‘ena abound and kama‘āina (residents) are often more inspired by the day’s surf than the daily grind.

The island is roughly the same size as O‘ahu, but its population is only some 70,000. Kaua‘i has one highway

that circles its periphery from Kē‘ē Beach to Polihale State Park. The verdant valleys and dramatic emerald cliffs of the Nāpali Coast, however, remain disconnected from the rest of the island and exclusively viewed by foot, boat or air.

A rural atmosphere makes Kaua‘i the Shangri-La of outdoor adventures. Hike through misty rainforests of Kōke‘e State Park, into the dusty red gorge of Waimea Canyon or along the ragged coastline of Māhā’ulepū. Rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard and coast along the Hanalei or Wailua rivers that are fed by Mount Wai‘ale‘ale, one of the wettest spots on earth that averages more than 400 inches of rain each year. Swim at celebrated beaches, such as Hanalei Bay, set against the mighty Namolokama Mountain, or the perpetually sunny South Shore’s family-friendly, Po‘ipū Beach. Kaua‘i’s quiet characteristics are also ideal for relaxation. Full service resorts around the island provide so many amenities and comforts that guests don’t have to leave in order to enjoy the island’s rehabilitating attributes. While weather is ideal yearround, keep in mind that rain is more consistent during the winter season when tides also pick up on the North Shore, whereas the summer is hotter and surf kicks into higher gear on the South Shore.

BECOMING THE WAIKAI

Peleke Flores works to restore an ancient fishpond— teaching Hawaiian culture and values in the process.

story SARA STOVER

images ZACK HARRIS

From the moment you step onto the lush grass growing alongside Alakoko Fishpond, it’s clear that you’ve arrived at a transformative wahi pana, a storied place celebrated in Hawai‘i’s cultural traditions. After welcoming guests to the fishpond, Fred “Peleke” Flores, Mālama Hulē‘ia’s Field Operations and Resource Manager of Alakoko Fishpond, cultivates the sense of working as one entity and not as many individuals by asking everyone to form a circle. “Leave whatever might be weighing you down at the front gate,” he instructs, referring to the stones intentionally stacked at the entrance. “It will be waiting for you to pick it up on your way out. Or leave it there and move on.”

Born in Hilo, Hawai‘i, and raised in Waimea, Kaua‘i, Flores attended Kapiolani Community College after graduating from Waimea High School in 2001. He then transferred to UH Manoa to pursue Hawaiian Language and Hawaiian Studies, focusing on mālama ‘āina (caring for the land). This choice launched Flores into nearly twenty years of work for ‘āina-based nonprofit organizations, including fishpond restoration.

“As we restore the fishponds, it can help us really understand how our kūpuna survived in the middle of the ocean, growing and gathering 100% of everything they needed. It can help us understand our environment and how we can protect it a little better,” says Flores.

Recognized nationally for his role in the preservation of Hawaiian fishponds, Flores is experienced in building traditional hale (homes), uhau humu pōhaku (Hawaiian dry stack masonry), and restoring Hawaiian food systems such as lo‘i kalo (taro), lo‘i pa’akai (salt beds) and loko i‘a (fishponds). For almost nine years, he served on O‘ahu as Kū Hou Kuapā Project Caretaker/ Manager of Paepae O He‘eia. During that time, Flores applied his knowledge of dry stack wall-building and mālama ‘āina practices to restoring the 800-year-old He‘eia fishpond with the help of community members. In 2018, Flores brought his expertise back home to Kaua‘i to work at Alakoko Fishpond, Kaua‘i’s largest remaining Hawaiian fishpond. Today, Flores’s work is as much about education as it is about restoration, as he teaches students, community members and business groups about the role fishponds played in traditional Hawaiian food systems and their function today through hands-on experiences.

Mālama Hulē‘ia is a nonprofit organization committed to using traditional Hawaiian practices to restore a free-flowing, healthy, productive Hulē‘ia ecosystem at Alakoko Fishpond and Hawaiian culture and values in the process. The 600-year-old fishpond is nestled in Kaua‘i’s Nāwiliwili and Hulē‘ia region, an area once fed by fresh water from streams flowing into Nāwiliwili Bay, including Hulē‘ia. In 1973, the once self-feeding Alakoko Fishpond was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its vulnerability to environmental degradation, accelerated by damage from storms and the invasion of red mangroves, led the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation to give it an alarming designation as one of Hawai‘i’s most endangered historic places in 2009.

For the past six years, Flores and Mālama Hulē‘ia have been working to revitalize the suffocating fishpond whose walls had been torn apart by mangrove roots. Along with removing invasive mangroves, they plant Hawaiian wetland vegetation like limu, which are used around the fishpond’s border. Recently, native plants have

been re-establishing themselves around the pond, providing shelter, nesting and food for native water birds and fish. “The return of native birds is a sign of the abundance of food in the area. It’s a sign of a healthier ecosystem. And since the plants are used for food, medicine, shelter and traditional practices like making rope, we as people benefit,” Flores says.

Flores can be found throughout the year at Alakoko Fishpond, leading workdays and training in restoring ancient Hawaiian sites and sustainable practices. As a result, students and volunteers play a pivotal role in protecting all 102 acres of the historically significant site and perpetuating the cultural tradition.

Before launching into a community workday at Mālama Hulē‘ia, Flores has some instructions: “It’s important that we know who we represent.” Everyone in the circle, including Flores, shares their name, where they are from and who they are symbolically bringing with them into the fishpond. “It’s also important that we know where we are going. Know the

place’s name and what it is,” Flores insists. “In Hawai‘i, we have different kinds of fishponds, from wai (freshwater) and kai, which is salt, to waikai (a mix of fresh and saltwater). This includes kuapā such as Alakoko, a type of pond that is like a giant icebox functioning off waikai.”

With buckets in hand, volunteers wade into the fishpond, where they alternate between scooping mangrove propagules (floating juvenile trees) out by hand and skimming buckets across the pond’s calm surface where the feral plants collect. “We’re in the mud removing mangroves by hand, and it’s hot. I try my best to keep the students or volunteers motivated, creating that vision in their heads that they are doing something that’s going to help the next generation. My hope is that they get why they’re doing it, even if it’s a few years later,” shares Flores, who successfully gathered together a monumental 2,000 volunteers to help rebuild the 2,700-foot wall of the Alakoko Fishpond in celebration of Mālama Hulē‘ia’s five-year anniversary in October of 2023.

“It’s our kuleana (responsibility) to educate, maintain, restore, repair, sustain and show the brilliant work of our ancestors and how we can

carry it on in our lives today,” says Flores of what drives him. When he’s not organizing and leading workdays, Flores serves as Board President of Nā Pali Coast ‘Ohana, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural resources of the Nāpali Coast. He is also on the board for Iwikua, a non-profit that partners with Kuamo‘o Farms in Hanapēpē.

“There are diverse ways of farming going on at Kuamo‘o, with the māla‘ai garden, the aquaponics lo‘i lettuce and the lo‘i kalo. I’ve been working on clearing the land for the lo‘i kalo,” says Flores of the irrigated terraces where lettuce and taro will grow. “And on Sundays, I bring my own kids down to Hanapēpē to check the beds of pa‘akai. They are learning to make clay beds and gather the salt.”

Flores’s tireless efforts as a community leader and love for the ‘aina have not gone unnoticed. In July, he was presented the Ellison S. Onizuka Memorial Award at the National Education Association’s Annual Human and Civil Rights Awards in Philadelphia after being nominated by the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association Kaua‘i Chapter. Named after the late astronaut and engineer from Hawai‘i, the Onizuka Award honors those who significantly impact the education, achievement and equal opportunity of Asians and Pacific Islanders.

“I truly believe that the importance of Hawaiian fishponds, along with the knowledge and resources that come from them, can be of great use to our communities within these modern times,” Flores says of the larger implications of a morning spent scooping invasive plants out of an ancient pond. “Fishpond restoration can contribute to the goals of sustainability and food self-sufficiency across Hawai‘i for generations to come.”

When you stand shoulder to muddy shoulder, filling buckets with mangrove propagules and dumping them onto a growing pile of hope, you are the waikai. The fresh and saltwater, the past and the future, blending into one powerful, nourishing force for the sake of something bigger.

Learn more about Mālama Hulē‘ia and volunteering at monthly community workdays at malamahuleia.org.

CULTURAL CALLING

Ke Kumu o Hihinui Cultural Center

story KRYSTAL KAKIMOTO

images KEITH KETCHUM

Immerse yourself in a place of learning at the Ke Kumu o Hihinui Cultural Center at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa. Heralded as a space to gain appreciation and a better understanding of Hawaiian culture, the classes, activities and programs are all tailored to help visitors mindfully participate in cultural activities.

Behind the programming is Moani Tolentino, the Hawaiian Cultural Manager at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i. Born and raised on Kaua‘i, she grew up in Kōloa, spending her days at the beach fishing with her ‘ohana and dancing hula with her brother from an early age. They were able to participate in several Hawaiian groups during high school, such as Nā Mamo Makamae and a Nā ‘opio canoe racing group.

Even before she began working at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i, her family was inextricably tied to the resort, with her father, Kaui Low, playing music at the Seaview Terrace every week and her mother working at the Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course. However, the most significant connection that tied her to the cultural

programming offered at the resort came through the former Cultural Director at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i, Aunty Stella Burgess. She recalls, “Because of our long history with Aunty Stella, she often asked my ‘ohana to kokua (help) her with certain events. She would ask me to lead hula classes for large groups— to kokua with special welcomes and participate in Hawaiian protocol ceremonies.” After spending a lot of time at the resort, she was officially hired in 2008 as a hostess at the Yum Cha Asian Eatery. After working as a concierge and valet in the resort, she was promoted to her current position in 2019.

While cultural programming has existed at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i for several years, it is under Tolentino’s direction that the programming has grown and blossomed into what it is today. The limited offerings have expanded into a rotation of programs offered throughout the day with classes for participants of all ages. While you do not need to bring anything to the classes, it is recommended that you sign up online to reserve your spot.

Throughout the day, Tolentino leads classes like Hawaiian Language Basics, where guests can learn to pronounce Hawaiian words and name places, giving them the tools to be more comfortable understanding and speaking ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language). She can also tap into her dancing background while leading the resort’s hula classes. Rather than just focusing on hula as a dance, she explains how hula is a method to transmit information and stories from one generation to the next. Other exciting classes include ‘ohe kapala (Hawaiian stamping), pua hulu (feather flowers) and a beginner ‘ukulele class for guests seven years and up. What started as a small collection of classes has now grown into a flourishing program that Tolentino is proud to lead. “I feel that it is my kuleana (responsibility and privilege) as a Kānaka Hawai‘i (Native Hawaiian) to honor my kūpuna (ancestors) by sharing their stories and sharing how amazing our Kānaka Hawai‘i was and still are. Hawai‘i would not be special without our culture and our people.”

While the list of classes offered through Ke Kumu o Hihinui has significantly grown under her stead, she plans on continuing to add to her classes and develop new programming. Each year, she works on creating one to two new activities to share even more aspects of Hawaiian culture with her guests. For Tolentino, programs like those offered at Ke Kumu o Hihinui are vital aspects of the hotel and resort industry because they help ensure that Hawaiian culture is being represented respectfully and that guests are allowed to learn about the practices and protocols of Hawaiian culture so they can enjoy their Hawaiian vacation while respecting the place they are visiting.

Ke Kumu o Hihinui Cultural Center at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa; 1571 Poipū Road, Kōloa; Located in the central breezeway between the lobby and Anara Spa. (808) 240-6362; hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/ kauai-grand-hyatt-kauai-resort-and-spa

MANY ORGANIZATIONS OFFER VISITORS A CHANCE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KAUA‘I AND HAWAIIAN CULTURE THROUGHOUT THE ISLAND.

KAUA‘I MUSEUM

Located in the heart of Līhu‘e is the Kaua‘i Museum, the oldest museum on the island and a pillar of cultural preservation for the community. Opened in the 1960s, the museum houses and showcases the history of the island and artifacts that represent and help tell the story of Kaua‘i. Guided tours are available and delivered by knowledgeable docents leading guests through the various rooms and exhibits on display. Popular displays include the Royal Family of Kaua‘i & Ni‘ihau and their Cultural Exhibits, which rotate seasonally with topics such as kapa (Hawaiian barkcloth), quilting and Ni‘ihau shell lei being some of the artifacts on display.

Kaua‘i Museum; 4428 Rice Street, Līhu‘e; (808) 245-6931; kauaimuseum.org; open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

KOKE‘E NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Nestled high in the remote mountains of Koke‘e is the Koke‘e Natural History Museum, which showcases the plants and animals that have shaped the history and landscape of Kaua‘i. While at the museum, you can learn about the native birds who live in our Hawaiian rainforests, invasive predators who threaten the lives and habitats of native animals and the delicate balance of the ecosystem in Hawai‘i. Guests can also see and feel wood samples from Hawaiian forest trees and learn about the complex of hiking trails in the surrounding park. They also have an excellent shop full of books and maps to complement a visit to their museum.

Koke‘e Natural History Museum; located just past mile marker 15 along Koke‘e Road; (808) 3353353; kokee.org; open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GROVE FARM MUSEUM

History comes to life at the Grove Farm Museum, where guests can tour the historic home of the Wilcox family and immerse themselves in what life was like on Kaua‘i in the 1800s. Along with the main Wilcox home, the walking tour takes visitors through the homestead to learn about the history of sugar plantations on the island and how it shaped future generations. During the a two-hour tour, you will be led through the property by a passionate guide who will bring their expertise to the subject. You will even taste sugar cookies made in the kitchen and take home unique souvenirs from the gift shop.

Grove Farm Museum; 4050 Nawiliwili Road, Līhu‘e; (808) 245-3202; grovefarm.org; tours available Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

SCENIC TREKS

From accessible waterfalls to remote rainforests, Kaua‘i has no shortage of picturesque places to hit the trail.

story KRYSTAL KAKIMOTO

images KEITH KETCHUM

The beautiful valleys and verdant mountainsides of Kaua‘i are the perfect setting for exploring trails and understanding why the island is called the Garden Isle. Regardless of your age or hiking ability, the island offers a range of hikes with stunning views of its lush, tropical scenery. So put on your hiking shoes and take the time to explore some of the most popular trails on the island.

This two-mile, out-and-back hike is nestled in the back of a residential area, taking hikers along a short, action-packed route to view two separate waterfalls and a variety of island flora. To reach the trailhead, head north along Kūhiō Highway through the town of Kapa‘a. Around the nine-mile marker, turn left onto Kawaihau Road and follow the road as it winds towards the mountains. After driving for about ten minutes, you will see Kapahi Road approaching on your right-hand side. Turn onto Kapahi Road and drive through the quiet, residential area for about 0.3 miles until a tiny break in the vegetation appears on the left-hand side of the street. In the same location, you will also see an equally tiny area where you can park your car parallel to the road.

Enter this tiny break in the trees, and you will find yourself along the Ho‘opi‘i Falls Trail. The first part of the trail will take you directly into the jungle and along a dirt path under a canopy of towering trees. The path can be a little muddy, and many tree roots run below, so be sure to watch where you

step to avoid falling or twisting your ankle. After about ten minutes of walking, the trail will start to run parallel to the Kapa‘a Stream, and you might start to hear the rush of the first waterfall as you approach. After about twenty minutes of walking, the first waterfall will appear, which measures about 30 feet in height. After cascading alongside a rock wall, the waterfall settles in a small pond below. While some enjoy dipping their feet in the pond, jumping into this pond is not recommended since there are rocks and shallow parts below that can cause injury. As you continue along the path, the second waterfall will shortly appear. Measuring about 15 feet in height, the upper waterfall empties into a larger pond below, where you might find some hikers swimming. Overall, the hike is flat, gaining only about 150 feet in elevation along its course, but there are a few parts that require you to scramble over rocks, which can be a strenuous maneuver. While the trail can be slippery, especially after it rains, this short hike can provide a few hours of joy without much exertion.

HO‘OPI‘I FALLS TRAIL

KEIKI FRIENDLY

NOUNOU MOUNTAIN (SLEEPING GIANT) TRAIL MODERATE

A little farther south, in the town of Wailua, you will find the Sleeping Giant Trail, one of the most heavily traversed trails on the island. Tucked in the back of the Wailua Houselots subdivision, this 3-mile, out-and-back hike snakes up the side of the mountain, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of Kapa‘a town, the Royal Coconut Coast and the Wailua River. Legend has it that long ago, the local villagers tricked a giant into eating many rocks they had hidden in fish and poi (steamed and mashed taro root). After overindulging, the giant laid down for a nap and has never awakened. To reach the trailhead, turn towards the mountain from Kūhiō Highway into the Wailua Houselots subdivision and follow Hale‘īlio Road until you reach the base of the mountain. As the road starts to bend, you will come upon a gravel parking lot and a sign marking the Sleeping Giant Trail on the right-hand side of the road. After

securing your vehicle, head to the right-hand side of the parking lot, where you will see a dirt path that cuts between the trees, leading you to the start of the eastern side of the trail. The first part of the trail will take you along a dirt path under the cover of dense foliage. At about 0.5 miles in, there is a bit of a scramble where you need to boost yourself over a formation of rocks, but this tends to be the most difficult part of the path. Continue along the route as it steadily increases in elevation until about the 2.5-mile mark, where the eastern trail merges with the western trail. From here, the two trails will straighten into one path, leading you under the cover of ironwood, guava, and silk oak trees. You will find benches and a picnic table under a small shack at the summit of Nounou Forest Reserve. With a total elevation gain of 1,000 feet, you will be at a vantage point to take in the stunning views of the surrounding area.

ALAKA‘I SWAMP TRAIL CHALLENGING

Head to the pristine wilderness of Koke‘e for a chance to hike the Alaka‘i Swamp Trail, one of the most unique trails in the entire state. This 8-mile, out-and-back trail takes hikers through bogs and the habitats of endemic plants such as ‘ōhi‘a lehua and hāpu‘u ‘i‘i (Hawaiian tree fern). It is an unforgettable experience that leads to the breathtaking Kilohana Lookout.

Gaining access to the trailhead of this hike can be difficult because it requires an additional hike to reach it. To start, drive along Koke‘e Road, passing landmarks such as the Koke‘e Natural History Museum and Kalalau Lookout. At the end of Koke‘e Road, you will find a parking lot at the Pu‘u o Kila Lookout. After securing your vehicle, hop onto the Pihea Trail, which winds through the forest leading to a fork in the path, which is the trailhead for the Alaka‘i Swamp Trail. After veering left onto the trail, you will find yourself walking along a dilapidated boardwalk that sits above the bog. Be careful to stay on the boardwalk to avoid sinking into the mud below and damaging any of the plants in the area. Despite being a well-known hike, the path is not as populated as other hikes on the island, and you may go for long distances before seeing another hiker or birdwatcher. After traveling through the fog, mist and dense native forest, you will come to the end of the trail and the Kilohana Lookout, which presents those who complete the route with rare views of Wainiha Valley and Hanalei Bay from perspectives that few can achieve. Although the entire route of the Pihea - Alaka‘i trails only sees an elevation gain of approximately 329 feet, it is important to remember that Koke‘e is situated between 3,200 and 4,200 feet above sea level and that this elevation can put extra strain on the body.

No matter your ability level, hikes throughout the island will allow you to see the beauty of Kaua‘i up close. Whether you are venturing into a rainforest to view waterfalls or climbing new heights to reach some of the wettest parts of the earth, the varied hikes of Kaua‘i will provide you with multiple paths leading to new memories. Please always remember to respect the land and leave it in a better place than when you came.

DESTINATION HANALEI

Cross the iconic one-lane bridge connecting the remote town of Hanalei with the rest of the island and spend a day in paradise, taking in the area’s charm and timeless beauty.

story KRYSTAL KAKIMOTO

images KEITH KETCHUM

Once you arrive in Hanalei, kickstart your morning with a delightful breakfast at Hanalei Bread Company, a charming local bakery and coffee shop in the Hanalei Center. Here, you can treat yourself to an array of freshly made pastries that change daily. Pair these delectable treats with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Choose from various coffee options, such as the lightly roasted 100% Kona coffee, the medium roasted Sunrise Blend and an assortment of espresso-based drinks like Americanos and lattes. If you’re in the mood for a more substantial breakfast, be sure to try their popular Fancy Toast, featuring goat cheese, smoked salmon, arugula, cherry tomatoes, pickled shallots and garlic and thyme oil on freshly toasted bread. Additionally, you can indulge in their Waffles & Strawberries, served with whipped butter, maple syrup and sliced strawberries. Whether you decide to dine in their inviting open-air area or opt for takeout, you’ll appreciate the vibrant flavors and colorful dishes at Hanalei Bread Company.

After breakfast, take some time to walk around Hanalei Center, a commercial hub in this small town. The center is in the old Hanalei Elementary School, where the former classrooms have been transformed into spaces that now house a diverse mix of shops, restaurants and services. One of the long-time residents of Hanalei Center is the Hanalei Surf Co., founded in 1982 by renowned surfer Charlie Cowden. In addition to surf apparel and beach accessories, the store also offers bodyboards, snorkels and surfing rentals to gear you up for a day at the beach. Hanalei Center

provides a laid-back atmosphere where you can leisurely stroll and chat with local vendors.

As you continue your day, visit the Hanalei Farmers Market. It’s a great opportunity to meet local farmers and craftspeople and try out the island’s amazing produce. The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. You can find various exceptional local products such as tropical fruits, freshly squeezed juices and locally harvested honey. To get to the market, head down Kūhiō Highway until you reach the intersection of Malolo Road. Turn left towards the mountains, and you’ll see a grassy field on your left where the outdoor market is held. Approximately fifty local vendors showcase their products each week. You can find not only fresh produce but also fruit jams, compound butter and crafts made by skilled artisans. While you’re there, be sure to grab an ice-cold coconut to refresh yourself before heading to your next destination.

If you happen to be in Hanalei on a Tuesday afternoon, you must visit the farmers market hosted by the Waipā Foundation. It is located near the Waipā one-lane bridge, just one block away from Hanalei Bay. This farmers market focuses on organically grown fruits, vegetables and flowers. You will find farmers, artisans and an informational booth where you can purchase Waipā merchandise and learn more about how their foundation supports the ahupua‘a (land division) of Waipā.

After enjoying breakfast and browsing through the markets, you might want to delve into the history of Hanalei. Situated between the Hanalei and Waipā Farmers Markets,

just off Old School House Road, the Wai‘oli Mission House provides a glimpse into life during the early days of Christian missionaries on the island. Originally constructed by Reverend William Alexander of Kentucky, the house was inhabited by the missionary teachers Abner and Lucy Wilcox in 1846, where they raised their seven sons. The site was restored in the 1920s and now offers guided tours of the two-story, four-bedroom home. The tours showcase relics from the Wilcox family’s life, including the original lava rock chimney, the couple’s koa bed and a clock installed in 1866 that still keeps perfect time today.

After exploring the historic sites of Hanalei, make sure to visit Hanalei Taro, a farm that has been providing the island with fresh taro products for six generations. The W. T. Haraguchi farm has grown taro in the Hanalei region for over 100 years. In 2000, Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama, the great-great-granddaughter of the farm founder, established Hanalei Taro to connect her family’s farm with the present. You can join Farm Eco Tours on Wednesdays from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45

p.m., where Lyndsey shares her family’s methods for growing and harvesting taro as a fifth-generation taro farmer. You can also visit the farm’s food truck and order products made using their hand-cultivated taro. Offerings include gluten-free Taro Mochi Cakes, specialty plate lunches served with poi (steamed and mashed taro), taro macaroni salad and a side taro dessert. Don’t forget to try the refreshing ginger lemonade and a smoothie that blends fruits and steamed taro from their beverage menu.

A visit to Hanalei Bay is a must when you’re in Hanalei. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with two miles of crescent-shaped, golden sand and safe waters for swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddling and surfing. Drive through Hanalei town

and turn right at Aku Road to get there. Keep going until you reach Weke Road, then turn right again and follow the road until you reach the parking lot for Hanalei Bay. You can relax on the soft sand and take a dip in the clear blue waters. At the far end of the bay, you’ll find Hanalei Pier, which was built in 1892. It used to be a key point for farmers to transport their produce from Hanalei Valley to the market. Nowadays, people of all ages enjoy jumping off the pier into the water below. There are also lifeguards, restrooms, showers and picnic tables available.

After a relaxing day at the beach, you might crave something sweet. Visit Pink’s Creamery, which is just a short drive from Hanalei Bay on Aku Road. At Pink’s, you can enjoy delicious

scoops of Roselani ice cream, which has been made in Wailuku, Maui for over 80 years. Their slow-churned ice cream is rich with 16% butterfat, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture. You can choose from classic flavors like Hawaiian Vanilla Bean and Strawberry or try fun blends like Banana Mac Nut Brittle and Chocolate Macadamia Nut. In addition to ice cream, Pink’s offers handmade smoothies and shakes and their famous Hawaiian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Original Grilled Cheese features pulled kalua pork, Muenster cheese and a piece of pineapple grilled between two pieces of bread and served with chips and a pickle.

At lunchtime in Hanalei, there are several dining options to choose from. One popular food truck in the area is

Pictured, from L-R: Hanalei Bread Company; Wai‘oli Mission Church; Pink's Creamery

Fresh Bite Kauai, which specializes in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food. Located just a short walk from Pink’s Creamery, the food truck is usually parked in a small lot off Kūhiō Highway, next to the Hanalei Liquor Store. A standout item on their menu is the salad wraps, which can also be served as a bowl. One particularly refreshing wrap is the Buddha Wrap, made with organic salad greens, cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, green onions and chopped macadamia nuts, all tossed in a zesty lime macadamia nut satay sauce. Customers can add organic chicken breast, local and grassfed steak or creamy avocado to the wrap. The menu also includes steak, chicken or veggie sandwiches served with homemade ranch, chipotle, honey mustard or chimichurri sauces. To complete your meal, consider ordering a side of hand-cut French fries made from russet potatoes or purple Okinawa sweet potatoes.

Spend your afternoon exploring the shops and art galleries that Hanalei is famous for. Check out The Barn 808, which features a unique collection of home goods and clothing curated by the couple Petra and Donavon Frankenreiter. The couple travels the world due to Donavan’s career as a singer, songwriter and guitarist, sourcing items that reflect their bohemian, beachy style. At their store, you can find cozy items like 100% cotton indigo throws and hand-pressed incense cones to bring comfort to your home. They also offer hand-dyed silk sleep masks for a luxurious sleep routine. In addition to home goods, they carry classic tanks, vintage shorts, platform sandals and woven bags to add a laid-back island vibe to your wardrobe.

A short three-minute walk up the street will bring you to Halele‘a Gallery. There, you can explore their curated collection featuring some

of the most unique and talented artists and designers from across the state. Anna and Chad Ulmer, the pair behind this gallery, first met as kids while living on the same street in Dillon Valley, Colorado. They later reconnected as adults at Anna’s brother’s wedding and immediately hit it off. The couple then moved to Kaua‘i to work on a fruit orchard but soon discovered their passion for the arts. Anna, a graduate of Parsons School of Design, and Chad, a music major who traveled the world to study African drumming, have created a one-ofa-kind environment at their gallery where visitors can view distinct art pieces. From captivating photographs to handcrafted rings, the offerings at Halele‘a Gallery will enhance every aspect of your life.

After seeing the gorgeous creations at Halele‘a Gallery, head to Ching Young Village. This well-known shopping center is located on a former

rice mill site and a mercantile store opened by a Chinese immigrant named Ching Yuk Hom in 1911. Today, the center has a collection of locally owned stores, including Sway Hanalei. Dedicated to offering clothing and housewares that reflect the coastal, modern lifestyle famous in the area, Sway Hanalei is the best spot to gather everything you need to outfit in a surf-inspired aesthetic. From breezy maxi dresses to structured bucket hats and gauzy button-up shirts for men, their clothing collection will make you feel cool and stylish in the warm island weather. Tie your looks together with pieces from their curated jewelry collection, including puka shell and pearl necklaces, pineapple textured statement rings and shark tooth necklaces that are perfect for layering. Don’t forget to check out their houseware section, which includes highly coveted hand-dyed bedding created on the island of Kaua‘i that will

make your bedroom feel like a peaceful sanctuary.

After you’ve logged a few hours browsing and shopping, you might be in the mood for something cool and refreshing. For some of the best shave ice on the North Shore, head to JoJo’s Shave Ice, located in a grouping of stores and restaurants next door to Ching Young Village. Opened in 1992, each location boasts using syrups made only from cane sugar. At this shave ice shop, you have several options to choose from. You can try one of their pre-made combos, such as the Tropical Breeze, featuring guava, liliko‘i and mango syrups on top of the shave ice, along with a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream and homemade haupia cream topping. Another option is JoJo’s Special, with chocolate and butterscotch syrups, vanilla ice cream, homemade vanilla cream topping and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. If you prefer, you can also create your own

combination by choosing a scoop of ice cream and up to four flavors of syrups, including options like sweet lemon, root beer and tropical flavors like lychee and papaya.

After enjoying your shave ice treat, head back to Aku Road, near Pink’s Creamery, and visit Michal’s Art Studio. Michal Abramovitz is the talented artist behind the bold and invigorating designs. She studied at the Sorbonne University in Paris, honing her skills and gaining a solid foundation in art history and theory. Michal’s unique artistic style sets her apart in the Hawai‘i art scene with her bold brushstrokes, rich textures and vibrant colors. You can view her stunning designs in her gallery, which have been adapted into everything from clothing to housewares. Each style has been crafted in her clothing collection for both style and comfort. This includes light and airy 100% Tencel dresses, Aloha shirts, sustainable and eco-

Pictured, from L-R: The Barn 808; Halele‘a Gallery; Sway Hanalei; JoJo's Shave Ice

Pictured, clockwise from top: Michal's Art Studio; Tahiti Nui; Kalypso Island Br & Grill; (opposite) AMA Restaurant

friendly bathing suits and rash guards with SPF 50 protection. Additionally, you can explore Michal’s original art pieces or purchase a giclee print to hang in your home or office as a perfect souvenir of your Hawai‘i vacation.

As your afternoon turns to evening and hunger starts creeping up, consider dinner in one of the many restaurants located in Hanalei, all just mere minutes from each other. On the corner of Aku Road and Kūhiō Highway is Kalypso Island Bar & Grill, known for its laid-back atmosphere and classic bar food with an island twist. A favorite starter on their menu is the Mussels, one pound of clams and mussels steamed in white wine, garlic and herbed butter broth. Other popular starters are ahi poke lettuce wraps and mahi mahi sliders. Their dinner menu offers everything from kalua pork tacos to New York steak, but if you are in the mood for pasta, opt for the Kalypso Pasta. This dish features eight Tiger shrimp sauteed with herbs, olive oil and garlic with penne pasta tossed in fresh tomatoes, basil and their house cream sauce. In addition to great food, their drink menu is another fantastic temptation. From non-alcoholic drinks like refreshing Arnold Palmers to

Horchata, you can also enjoy delicious tropical drinks like pina coladas and daiquiris—perfect to accompany your meal in paradise.

Just one block away from Kalypso Island Bar & Grill, another restaurant and bar is known as “The Nui,” which has been a popular spot for generations. The restaurant first opened in 1963 when Bruce T. Marston, a US Air Force Lt. Colonel, and his wife Louise, a native of Tahiti, moved to the island. Initially a small diner with a curio shop attached, The Nui has expanded its menu offerings and gained fame over the decades. Dinner entrées like Zesty Coconut Crusted Fish, Macadamia Crusted Chicken and Soy Wasabi Island Fish combine island flavors with international tastes. The personal pan pizzas, especially the Tiki Man loaded with kalua pig, pepperoni, chicken, garlic, red onion, mushrooms, pineapple, cilantro and a smoky BBQ sauce, are also a must-try. No meal at The Nui is complete without one of their specialty cocktails. While their Pele’s Passion and Wild Coco Rita will put you in a festive mood, many come here for a chance to drink their WorldFamous Tahiti Nui Mai Tai. Years ago, founder Aunty Louise created

her secret original recipe to make her friends from Tahiti say, “Mai Tai Roa Ae,” which translates to “Out of this world! The best!”

If you find yourself craving a satisfying bowl of ramen paired with expertly crafted cocktails, head to AMA Restaurant in Hanalei Center, a mainstay of the Hanalei region known for its Asian dishes brimming with comfort and flavor. One way to open your meal is with their Bao Buns, two steamed buns filled with braised pork belly, pickled slaw, cucumbers, peanuts and bell peppers, drizzled with okonomiyaki sauce and yuzu aioli. Noodles are a main draw of their menu, and you can’t go wrong with the Braised Beef Laksa, which combines chewy ramen noodles topped with braised beef laksa, tofu, fried shallots, a softboiled egg, bean sprouts, cilantro and fresh lime. AMA also offers excellent donburi (rice bowls), including their AMA Ahi Bowl, which features pieces of seared ahi tuna, Bok choy, chilies, lime, scallions, bell pepper furikake, yuzu aioli and ponzu (soy citrus) dressing. Round your meal out with a handcrafted cocktail, non-alcoholic mocktail or glass of wine from their international and lengthy wine list.

Pictured, from top: Bar Acuda; The Hanalei Dolphin

Staying in Hanalei Center you will also find Bar Acuda, a tapas restaurant specializing in small, savory plates. Owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team Hanna and Kenny Uddifa, they have worked hard to establish relationships with local farmers and fishermen to ensure the freshest ingredients are used in their dishes. Start your meal by sharing plates of Mediterranean olives and housemade brioche buns served with hazelnut romesco butter and smoked sea salt. Try their Seared Sea Scallops served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, garlic, shallots and chili lemon crisp. Blending the flavors of the Mediterranean with ingredients from the islands is best exemplified in their Blackened Hawaiian Fish served with tomato and fennel pearl couscous, saffron aioli and True Leaf Farms sunflower sprouts. Complement your meal with a selection from their wine menu that reflects an enclave of passionate producers from Italy, France, Spain, Oregon and California. And don’t forget to check out the dessert menu that features stunners like their Cold Brew Pot de Crème and housemade Coconut Sorbet sprinkled with cardamom, dark chocolate magic shell and toasted coconut.

Popular since its opening in the 1970s is The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant. Located at the beginning of Hanalei Town, in the Hanalei Dolphin Center, this restaurant has become known for its fresh fish, unique sushi rolls and riverside dining options. Open your meal with a warm bowl of their Seafood Chowder brimming with shrimp, calamari, clams, bell peppers and onions in a creamy white sauce. Other classic appetizers are a Shrimp Cocktail served with homemade cocktail sauce and a 4 oz. serving of sashimi served with ponzu sauce and fresh wasabi. The Teriyaki Ahi entrée is always a good choice and has been the house specialty for over thirty years. A thick cut of ahi steak is marinated in homemade teriyaki (soy sugar) sauce, charbroiled until medium rare, and served with drawn butter. Beer-battered fresh fish, fried shrimp, scallops baked in wine and 12 oz. New York steaks are also stars on their consistently good menu. “Over the Top” sushi rolls bursting with flavor, shrimp and vegetable tempura and other Japanese dishes round out their menu.

From day to night, Hanalei offers a variety of activities, restaurants and hidden gem shops to excite everyone.

• Hanalei Bread Company; Hanalei Center, 5-5183 Kūhiō Hwy. C2, Hanalei; (808) 826-6717; hanaleibreadco.com

• Hanalei Center; 5-5161 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 8267677; hanaleicenter.com.

• Hanalei Surf Co.; 5-5161 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 8269000; hanaleisurf.com.

• Hanalei Farmers Market; 5-5299 C Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-1011; halehalawai.org

• Waipā Farmers Market, 55-785 A Kūhiō Hwy, Hanalei; (808) 826-9969; waipafoundation.org/farmers-market.

• Wai‘oli Mission House, 5-5373 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 245-3202; waiolimissionhouse.org.

• Hanalei Taro; 5-5070 Kūhiō Hwy., Ste. B, Hanalei; (808) 651-3399, ext. 1; hanaleitaro.com

• Pink’s Creamery; 4489 Aku Road, Hanalei; (808) 2129749; pinkscreamerykauai.com

• Fresh Bite Kauai; 5-5100 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 6520744; freshbitekauai.com.

• The Barn 808; 5080 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 320-3555; thebarn808.com.

• Halele‘a Gallery; 5016 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 8260001; haleleagallery.com; open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Sway Hanalei; Ching Young Village Shopping Center, 5-5190 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-7360; swayhanalei. com; open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• JoJo’s Shave Ice; Ching Young Village Shopping Center, 5-5190 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 378-4612; jojosshaveice.com.

• Michal Art Studio; 4489 Aku Road, Hanalei; (585) 3642425; michalarts.com

• Kalypso Island Bar & Grill; Ching Young Village Shopping Center, 5-5156 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-9700; kalypsokauai.com.

• Tahiti Nui; 5122 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-6277; thenui.com.

• AMA Restaurant; 5-5161 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 8269452; amahanalei.com.

• Bar Acuda; 5-5161 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-7081; cudahanalei.com

• The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant; 5-5016 Kuhiō Hwy. C, Hanalei; (808) 826-6113; hanaleidolphin.com.

ENAMORED ARTS

Leslie Frasier draws inspiration from her surroundings in paradise.

story MARY TROY JOHNSTON

images KEITH KETCHUM

Artist

Leslie Frasier is enamored of the Garden Island’s natural beauty and has found a way to infuse her art with the colors, shapes and contours she experiences daily. “The inspiration for my art comes from the landscapes and seascapes of Kaua‘i, though it is a loose interpretation,” according to the artist. To inform her work, she observes “the play of colors in the ocean and on the mountains and how that is ever-changing with the clouds and light and sky.” Each piece stems from her own “joy.” She does not work beforehand with a “set intention” for how she wishes the viewer to interact with her art.

Before moving to Kaua‘i, Leslie taught at a school in Santa Barbara, California, for eleven years, where she began integrating art into her subjects. Her “teaching art” skills developed over time, although her training was not in art. She has not always seen herself as an artist, partly because, as a child, she did not feel like she could draw well while associating being an artist with capable drawing. She recognizes that she “always had a vision for creating something.” The school projects she liked the most as a child required artistic elements.

When she moved to Kaua‘i, she became more immersed in teaching art, eventually establishing herself as the sixth-grade art teacher at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School. Leslie describes the

relationship between teaching and making art as “symbiotic,” a two-way flow that increases creativity. She explains to her students that “drawing is only one aspect of being an artist, and there are many other ways to express yourself artistically.” Her teaching, consequently, includes “many different types of art forms.” Leslie thrives on experimenting with different media and varying size scales. A large project came from a fiber arts unit she developed for her students during COVID-19. As classes were halved in size, she could involve her students more directly in a project. Having “long felt that schools are too institutional and need to feel more humanizing and welcoming,” she set her sights on a barren, one-hundred-foot chain link fence fronting the school. To her, it was “just ugly and cage-like.” Her instincts told her, “It needed something soft and colorful to elicit joy.” Drawing on “the concept of yarn-bombing,” she and her students worked to weave fabric strips through the chain links for several weeks, layering vivid and contrasting colors in a striking, elongated visual display. The vibrancy is even more expressive against the background of neutral school buildings. Being outside, working as a group and making something beautiful must have been such an incredible antidote to the monotony and suffering of COVID-19.

Leslie transitioned from an art teacher and artist to more of a craftsman. It was not a breakout moment but a journey that happened over time. She began selling her art at Pu‘uwai Gallery & Boutique, grateful that owner Veronica Groepler was the first to express confidence in her work. She was still not there in terms of defining herself as an artist until she entered the Kaua‘i Society of Artists show in 2022. It was her first, and as a juried show, it was serious. As she experienced the nerves of publicly putting her art out there, Leslie even told some of her friends that she felt a tinge of “imposter syndrome” because her work had been accepted into the show. When she received the award for best in show, she described herself as “flabbergasted.” “To see the faces of my friends in the moment captured in photographs was priceless. I was not the only one that was surprised, to say the least.” When the realization dawned on her that a curator for art in U.S. embassies worldwide had selected hers as the winning piece, it was time to release self-doubt and accept her talent.

The method she uses, printmaking by means of a gel plate, is a very fluid process that sometimes has an intention of its own, aside from the artist’s purposeful work with the materials. It is a dynamic process with an additive phase in which the artist applies the paint; acrylic is Leslie’s choice. The image continues to be created in the subtractive phase in which the artist uses stencils to move the paint around, transforming the original field of color. Even though the method is fluid, the final image is impressively grounded, almost sinking into a state of peace into a serenely blended color field with minimally pronounced details. The gentleness of the color flows yields a subtle tonality, as do the gradual arcs of the mountain and shore contours. In fact, it is all about natural contours, how the ocean frames the shore, the curvaceous lines the mountains yield to the sky and the perfectly beautiful interplay of all these natural features on Kaua‘i when tinted by changing colors from the play of light. Because drawing is not the medium that produces Leslie’s art, the image that emerges through creative manipulation is almost impressionistic, the absence of detailed forms fully informed by the presence of light, form and color with an intuitive sense on the

part of the artist as to how the elements interact for striking beauty.

Leslie describes her artistic process in creating the piece “Break of Day.” After applying the paints to a gel plate, she works the field to achieve diverse “layers and textures.” The large mountain, which almost resembles the back of an exotic sea creature, the artist stenciled “with a store-bought texture plate.” She gave a different treatment to “the light blue ‘clouds’ in the pink sky,” texturing that surface with a brayer, a hand roller often used as an accessory in printmaking for texturing and to apply paint to stamps. She is very fond of this work because it demonstrates her “use of space, air and light to tell a story.” She adds, “These elements work together to create a specific mood.” The artist sees this image as “an early morning scene, where the sun is low, and the sky is starting to brighten with shades of pinks and corals, and there is still a lot of shadows on the mountains and sea.” Leslie has an original style with her choice of color. Whereas images of Kaua‘i landscapes are often predominantly green, it is fascinating to see a particular scene portrayed in pinks, browns, corals and grays. She captures rare moments that might not be as apparent to the nonartist observer, lending to her work an element of surprise.

It is easy to understand how Leslie gained recognition. She presents what might be called the discerning artist’s eye, her unique interpretations that expand the vision of her viewers. Her art’s beginning point is her enamorment, and the endpoint is a unique image conveying that love and admiration. Her openness to evolving as an artist is part of savoring the inspiration that occurs between teaching and making art and tapping into the “magic” that has repeatedly presented itself on the journey.

You can discover Leslie’s art at Puu‘wai Gallery & Boutique, Banana Patch Studio and Aloha Spice Co. in Hanapēpē, Monkey Palm Mercantile and KIKO in Old Town Kapa‘a, and Aspire Furniture and Nāwiliwili Harbor in Līhu‘e.

For new works and artist pop-ups, visit her website at lesliefrasierart.com or follow her on Instagram at @ lesliestudio808.

LOCAL CATCH

How a local fishing supplier has been outfitting fishermen and imparting knowledge of Kaua‘i’s waters for generations.

story MARY TROY JOHNSTON

Many young fishermen have come through the door of Lihue Fishing Supply on Kaua‘i and learned how to tie a fly, select the best equipment to snag the desired fish and “talk story” about the best local fishing spots. For over seventy-five years, even before Hawai‘i statehood, the store has been raising up local fishermen. It all began with Shiro and Kimi Kanemaru. Their grandson, Michael Nakamura, shared the story of how the business made the transition from Ideal Dry Cleaners to fishing supplies. It all started with his grandfather, who decided to sell lures from the business. He began with a television tray (anyone remember those?) and spread out enough lures to fill one tray. Michael describes how one tray became two, and two became three until the dry cleaners were fully netted in fishing supplies and put the cleaners out to sea.

Michael’s mother, Jean Nakamura, has been running the store for the past thirty-five years. Always by her side was Aunty Masie Chow, who is now 96 and retired after COVID-19, although everyone has been trying to convince her to return. The personalities of these truly remarkable women shaped the store. Michael describes Mom and Aunty Masie as “loaded with intellectual property regarding fishing waters of Kaua‘i.” If they do not collaborate on a book, they should be “sales reps for the major manufacturers like Shimano, Penn, Maruto, Yamashita, Okuma and the famous Izuo Brothers,” makers of the first fishing equipment sold in the store.

I spoke with Dr. Molly Lutcavage, a tuna researcher and Director of the Large Pelagics Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts. She spends part of the year on Kaua‘i because of her interest in researching and tagging Pacific ‘ahi, also known as yellowfin tuna. Molly has always appreciated the insights and experience of fishermen that they glean from being on the water and realized early on that they possessed close knowledge about fish stocks that were more observant than data collected by aerial

flights. Molly recounted how Jean, whom she calls the “doyenne of fishing gear,” helped her establish relationships with fishermen on Kaua‘i. Jean was also an inspiration to her— “quite influential”— with a wealth of knowledge about local fishing and a great rapport with her customers. The doyenne was “regal, smart and beautiful”—someone like a fish out of water as a business entrepreneur in the last century and, back then, in the male-dominant fishing world. Certainly, the two formidable women hit it off, as Molly is a bit of an unusual “fish” as she describes her fascination with “looking at guts and gonads” as part of her research.

Saltwater fishing on Kaua‘i is popular from the shoreline or from boats that troll lines or drop baits over six hundred feet. According to Michael, the lines are rigged with colorful lures, “as few as one or as many as seven.” They also have colorful names like Dirty Monkey or The General. The store originally accommodated shoreline fishing but has evolved to supply boats and freshwater fishing. Kaua‘i supports several lakes, although freshwater fish were not indigenous to the island and had to be introduced. When the world’s largest peacock bass was caught on Kaua‘i, fishermen began to branch out into new sports fishing. Fishermen across North America also came to the island to test their skills. Freshwater fishing supplies now constitute about six to eight percent of Lihue Fishing Supply’s business.

As for saltwater, local fishermen are always happy to see September roll around as it is the start of moi season. When Hawai‘i was a kingdom, only ali‘i (royalty) could eat moi (Pacific Threadfin). They were also farmed in fishponds so the ali‘i would have a good supply. According to Michael, “Moi is best caught during the full moon.” Most moi fishing is accomplished with medium-weight long rods, ten to fourteen feet long, from the shoreline. Their favorite habitat is sandy bottom reef crevices. Brysen Lucero, a young local fisherman who likes to hang out at the store, caught a nice moi. He shared his secret with us: come to find out, they like shrimp as most of us do!

"Catching a

fifty-pound ulua

is a rite of passage.”

Michael mentions another fish, the jack or trevally, that attracts a lot of attention, one that Molly calls a “beloved fish” of Kaua‘i. When the fish weighs less than ten pounds, it is called a pāpio. Imagine the generations of keiki-fishermen who started out by catching their first pāpio. When the fish reaches a weight of ten pounds and over, it becomes an ulua. Catching a fifty-pound ulua, Michael describes it as a “rite of passage.”

The ultimate prize is a one-hundred-pound ulua, which happens once or twice a year. When that happens, “it makes the fish magazine cover.”

Typically, it is a picture in which the fish is as tall as the fisherman, and in Michael’s words, you see “just eyeballs peeking over the tail.” The sport is in the power-to-weight ratio. The Ulua is also mighty in terms of stealing the lures.

I asked Michael about the best-eating fish on Kaua‘i. After thinking about it, he decided to reveal the local secret. The fish called nabeta (a deep-water parrotfish) is by far the most desired by locals. If a local catch gets posted on Instagram, it sells off in fifteen minutes. He describes the fish as “flaky,” one that “holds flavor very well,” is the silken “tofu of fish” and, of course, so ‘ono (delicious). It is hard to catch because it has a parrot beak that helps free itself by cutting the line. The fish’s smallish mouth makes it hard to sink a hook inside of it. The depth at which the nabeta is caught, between forty and two hundred feet, adds another element of difficulty and a sense of victory when caught.

Molly yielded some insights on the fish stocks in Hawai‘i. Whereas some data showed that fish stocks were reducing, fishermen kept reporting they were seeing more than the numbers reported. As it turned out, the fishermen knew best in some cases. For example, regulations had set aside some restricted areas for fishing for ulua, some of which have now been partially lifted. It is good news for the fish stock and

a sign of “successful fisheries management and conservation practices by the fishermen,” according to Molly. Considering the ancient practices of Hawaiian fishermen to take only what is needed and not waste, continuing to practice sustainability is in keeping with tradition. Mark Oyama, a well-respected fisherman on the island, catches most fish for his family’s restaurant Mark’s Place, famous for delicious plate lunches. He will be bottom fishing this fall and winter, going after onaga, ehu, ‘ōpakapaka and seabass. He tells how he drops a line with around six to eight hooks on it, fishing at depths from four hundred to nine hundred feet. He also hopes to bring in the pelagic fish that swim in the open sea tunas, ono and marlin. Mark’s favorite fish is gindai (Japanese for “gold snapper” and known in Hawai‘i as ‘ukikiki). He describes it as “very soft and sweet.” The preferred cooking methods for bottom fish are steaming or sautéing. If Mark gets an ‘ahi (yellowfin tuna), he will use various methods, from grilling, searing and sautéing to eating it raw. If he is lucky enough to get one of the larger akus (skipjack tunas), locally called otaru, he has a prize fit for sashimi (raw sliced fish) or the local favorite, poke (raw cubed fish). Now, back to that island-secret nabeto. Mark confirms it is a “fisherman’s fish,” meaning if a fisherman catches it, he is sure to keep it. It is possible to sample some of Mark’s bounty by going to Mark’s Place, where you can immerse yourself in all kinds of local flavors, especially line-caught fish. You can be sure he is out in his boat if he is not in the kitchen.

Lihue Fishing Supply; 2985 Kalena Street, Līhu‘e; (808) 245-4930; lihuefishingsupply.com

Mark’s Place; Puhi Industrial Park, 1610 Haleukana Street, Līhu‘e; (808) 245-2522 & (808) 245-2722; marksplacekauai.com.

RESILIENT ROOTS

Emilio Ruiz Romero is helping Kaua‘i recover ancient practices and values through agriculture.

story MARY TROY JOHNSTON

images KEITH KETCHUM

On a small island, the benefits of sustainable farming are appreciable. Sustainable farming not only produces a chemical-free product but one that tastes ‘ono (delicious). Clean farming practices help to enrich the soil and can even prevent soil erosion since depleted soil is more likely to wash or blow away. On Kaua‘i’s west side, experimental farm practices are taking the lead and transforming the island we know as the Garden Island into becoming a food paradise Resilient Roots has been at the forefront of this exciting and innovative food activity. Emilio Ruiz Romero’s farm is an outgrowth of his interest in making a variety of flours. Initially, when he began producing these flours, he developed a relationship with local farmers to buy the ingredients for his products. He describes his mission as: “Our efforts are centered on creating a solid agricultural foundation for flour production in Hawai‘i while growing Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy.”

Agricultural land is hard to come by on the island. The expense is exorbitant, and there is always competition with real estate development. Californiabased Andros Engineering initially hired Emilio to be the farm manager for a twenty-seven-acre parcel the company owned on Kaua‘i. With the idea of securing the supply of the agricultural ingredients he required for his line of flours, he directed the company’s focus to farming kalo (taro), manioka (cassava) and mai‘a (green bananas). That crop diversity enabled Emilio to, in turn, purchase these products to make his flours. After COVID-19, the company decided to leave Hawai‘i, offering Emilio the chance to lease the acreage and continue to develop his plans.

“Focus on sustainable practices and ensure transparent communication with customers to build a dependable supply chain.”

Emilio describes his commitment to sustainability and how he maintains the health of his soil. His operation avoids “pesticides and herbicides.” “Instead, we focus on sustainable methods like mowing, weed whacking, using cover crops and applying organic fertilizers.”

The farm uses a method of irrigation called “drip tape irrigation” that helps to conserve water and deliver it more directly to the roots of the plant, curbing evaporation and seepage. Furthermore, “no-till farming” has benefits for the ecosystem. Emilio states, “This practice helps capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas levels and improving soil health.” He continues, “The soil is healthy and productive, evidenced by [his] thriving crops and the presence of beneficial soil life.” The methods are labor intensive but well worth it for the health of the product and nurturing the soil, not to mention preventing pollution whose effects are magnified in a limited area. The crops are abundant, and the green bananas provide a natural boundary with a neighboring farm.

Kalo is a traditional product of the Hawaiian Islands, but Resilient Roots is using it to make new types of products, such as chips, flour and a kulolo syrup mixed with coconut and sugar. The manuka also yields various products, including chips, boba and flour. Boba is a popular ingredient for tea, with tapioca pearls floating in the drink for an exotic flare and nice texture on the tongue.

Emilio’s first adventure into flour-making began in 2015 when he started farming edible crickets. When that product did not take off, he continued to learn by incorporating local crops into his flours and, in his words, transitioning to “drying, milling and siding local crops,” the

ones he now grows. The flours can be used in traditional bakery goods and now include kalo, manioka, ulu (breadfruit) and mai‘a These, except manioka, were the canoe plants brought to the islands by Polynesian explorers. He says his “all-purpose mix combines these flours for a nutritionally dense alternative to traditional wheat flour,” also offering a glutenfree alternative.

The flours are now used extensively in restaurants and bakeries throughout the island, creating new local island flavors. Collab Cafe Kaua‘i in Kapa‘a mixes the Resilient Roots flours from ulu and kalo in their sourdough bread. Red Eye Snack in Lihue uses Emilio’s flour in their waffles and pancakes. Friendly Waves in Kōloa purchases the all-purpose mix and ulu flour for chicken batter, in a new twist of applications, and baked goods. The restaurant also buys frozen manioka and kalo chips to offer their customers. The Granola House in Kapaia ran a summer special on an açaí bowl called The Wailua Bowl, which it brought back due to customer demand. It consists of layers of açaí, signature granola topped with fresh fruit, bee pollen, cacao nips, coconut flakes and the ingredient that puts it over the top, Resilient Roots’ kulolo syrup. Owner Taleea Carvalho could not say enough about how unique and delicious the kulolo syrup is: slightly on the thick side, able to be squeezed out of a squeeze bottle, coconutty, not as starchy as other kalo products and good enough to eat with a spoon.

Emilio is readying his next plan—the opening of a food truck. The philosophy will be the same as that of the farm, Resilient Roots. All the baked goods will be made from his flours. A variety of coffees and juices will be served. The chips will be made from the

products he farms. It could be one of the first “farm to truck” operations on Kaua‘i, given the extent to which the offerings will be so directly infused by the crops he grows. He reports, “The first ResiRoots Cafe will be in the heart of Kekeha at 8206 Kekaha Road.” The location is close to schools in Kekaha and located at Nita’s corner, the site of a community store whose front was blown away in Hurricane Iniki in 1992. The idea is to restore and return it to a community gathering place. Resilient Roots is already doing a pop-up café there, serving waffles, cold brew and kulolo cheesecake with a crust made from his all-purpose flour.

Emilio has always worked with other farmers, some of whom farm with him on the land he leases. He has a successful collaboration underway with Kelsey Hesapene, owner of Kō Caine Garden Island Kombucha. They farm sugarcane together at Resilient Roots, sharing the work on the farm and the harvest equally. Emilio presses the sugarcane into juice, serves it at the cafe and makes raw sugar from it. Kelsey uses the sugarcane in his kombucha.

Part of being on the West side is the opportunity to collaborate with other farmers. Big organizations that support and promote farming are also located

on the West side, where he notes the conditions of “ample sunshine and sufficient water” are “crucial for crop growth.” It is a close community of farmers who work cooperatively even if their farming methods differ. He can easily reach out to companies if he needs equipment to keep the acres mowed. The farmers also share advice with each other. He offers advice for farmers who are also interested in developing value-added crops and recommends starting “with crops that are easy to maintain and have a market demand” and “establish[ing] reliable relationships with local markets and restaurants.” His main formula is to “focus on sustainable practices and ensure transparent communication with customers to build a dependable supply chain.” Farmers will tell you it is never easy, especially when the goal is sustainability. We are fortunate that Kaua‘i now boasts a growing community of sustainable farmers devoted to the highest standards of food quality, adding to the resilience of the soil and creating a new experience of what it means to live in paradise—certainly, an experience that reflects the ancient practices and values of Hawai‘i. Resilient Roots is helping Kaua‘i recover those ancient roots.

Authentic Hospitality

story KRYSTAL KAKIMOTO

images ZACK HARRIS

Serving up high-quality ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere, Japanese Grandma’s Café unveils a new omakase experience.

Tucked away in the quiet town of Hanapēpē is Japanese Grandma’s Café, one of the hottest restaurants on the island. It is recognized for its authentic Japanese cooking, prepared with the same love and mindfulness that your own grandmother would give to each dish.

The force behind Japanese Grandma’s Café is Keiko Napier, a Japanese-born and California-raised mother of two hapa (Hawaiian for half-white) Japanese sons. While on a trip to Kaua‘i, she passed by the former USO Club Building in Hanapēpē and instantly fell in love with it. After purchasing the building, she was flipping through the Kaua‘i phonebook and realized there were no Japanese restaurants on the island’s west side. Drawing from her upbringing as the daughter of a Japanese Master Chef and a mother who believed in eating the rainbow at every meal for good health, Napier founded Japanese Grandma’s Café in honor of her mother,

whom her sons would affectionately call their Japanese Grandma.

The restaurant opened in 2016 along Hanapēpē’s historic main street. It immediately gained attention not only for the delectable menu offered but for the highquality ingredients and the way each guest is welcomed like family. “In my house, food was always at the center of our gatherings, and there could never be enough guests or food. I think of the Japanese concept of omotenashi (Japanese art of hospitality to care for your guests authentically). That is why, at Japanese Grandma’s Café, we source the freshest ingredients, organic when possible, to think about the experience our guests will have.”

Napier is also excited to welcome the restaurant’s new Executive Chef, Koji. The Japanese-born chef studied the art of sushi and culinary arts in his homeland before establishing a name for himself in the United States. After garnering attention as the Executive Chef in restaurants across New York and Los Angeles and owning his own restaurants, Koji joins the team bringing his unique set of skills to breathe new life into the menu. One exciting mark Chef Koji will have on Japanese Grandma’s Café’s menu is the edition of a new omakase menu which will launch in the fall of 2024. Translating to “I leave the details up to you,” omakase is a tradition that began in Japan in the 1990s when restaurants began offering multi-course meals prepared where guests sat down to be wowed by the chef’s culinary talents and extravagant ingredients. The omakase menu at Japanese Grandma’s Caféwill range from six to seven courses focusing on traditional Japanese dishes created with locally sourced ingredients. Their Certified Sommelier, Taka, will also offer sake pairings to accompany each dish.

In addition to the new omakase menu, guests can still enjoy the lunch and dinner menus, which has made Japanese Grandma’s Café a

favorite among locals and visitors. A popular lunch item are the Poke Bowls, which start with a bed of steamed Tamanishiki white rice, brown rice, salad or a combination of the choices. Guests can choose from their house poke, spicy poke or vegan avocado poke. Their lunch menu also offers small bites like their refreshing Sunomono salad, a traditional Japanese cucumber and seaweed salad flavored with a light vinaigrette.

Their sushi menu, which features both nigiri and roll-style sushi, is available for lunch or dinner. One crowd-favorite specialty roll is their Tiger Roll, which starts with crispy shrimp tempura and spicy ahi wrapped in nori (dried seaweed) and sushi rice seasoned with a special vinegar blend created in Japan. The roll is topped with filets of cooked shrimp and garnished with wafu dressing.

The dinner menu takes on the style of an izakaya, where guests are encouraged to order small, tapa-like dishes to be shared at the table.

A delicious opener to your meal is Crispy Rice which starts with four pieces of crisped rice topped with spicy ahi, creamy avocado, sliced jalapeno, tomato, masago (capelin fish roe) and a drizzling of eel sauce. Another must-try on their menu is the Ahi Poke Wonton Tacos which start with fried wonton wrappers shaped into mini taco shells. Cubes of poke are added to the tacos, which are then topped with avocado, tobiko

(flying fish roe), yuzu (Japanese citron) and a wasabi (Japanese horseradish) aioli sauce. Noteworthy hot dishes include their New York Steak, which is prepared sous vide style and pan seared with yuzu kosho sauce, and Grandma’s Chicken Karaage served with a choice of homemade teriyaki (soy sugar) sauce, yuzu kosho eel sauce and tamari garlic ginger sauce.

When it comes time to end your meal, a popular option is their Green Tea Mochi, which features gelato dusted in matcha powder and served alongside azuki beans, creating a sweet yet earthy, balanced dessert.

When asked what things help make Japanese Grandma’s Café a success, Napier points to her team of employees. While living through the COVID-19 pandemic, the group got closer as they battled new challenges that the pandemic posed, and the group has become like a second family. And now, after welcoming her first granddaughter a few years ago, Napier’s path has come full circle as she has become a Japanese Grandma in her own right, welcoming guests like family to her cozy corner of Hanapēpē to enjoy a meal to nourish both their body and soul.

Japanese Grandma’s Cafe; 3871 Hanapēpē Road, Hanapēpē; (808) 855-5016; open Wednesday through Monday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; no orders after 8:30 p.m.; japanesegrandma.com.

Coffee Nirvana

A stone’s throw away (pun very much intended) from Hunter Gatherer gallery and gift shop on the North Shore in a historic stone building is a community coffee joint that brings people together through excellent coffee. The passionate baristas at Trilogy Coffee & Tea Bar eagerly await your arrival to share their quality coffees, dynamic teas and epic treats with you. The Trilogy team is proud to serve Onyx Coffee Lab Espresso, a unique coffee company specializing in sourcing the best coffee beans, roasting sustainably and delivering quality in every cup. In addition to their espresso-based drinks, Trilogy offers adaptogenic elixirs, a revolving selection of organic teas and other beverages. If you need something extra with your cuppa, their menu features a variety of sweet and savory organic, raw, vegan and vegetarian dishes. Start your morning with a savory muffin or satisfy your craving for a freshly baked cookie. Trilogy’s food options complement their drinks and cater to different dietary preferences. In addition to dine-in choices, this to-go coffee shop has grab-and-go options available, perfect for picnics or quick meals while exploring the island.

Trilogy Coffee Kauai; Kilauea Plantation Center, 4270 Kīlauea Road, J, Kīlauea; trilogykauai.com; open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tropical Twist

End your day with a freshly made Mai Tai at Merriman’s Kaua‘i. Now ubiquitous in the islands, the Mai Tai is said to have been invented by Victor J. Bergeron. Jr. in 1944 (founder of Trader Vic, a worldwide chain of Polynesian-themed restaurants) and introduced to the islands in 1953. Merriman’s Kaua‘i elevates this famous tiki drink by adding locally sourced and housemade ingredients that turn this classic cocktail into a memorable drinking experience. Merriman’s Mai Tai begins with a blend of light and dark rums from Kula Rum, a locally crafted rum made from freshly pressed cane sugar blended with deep ocean mineral water. House-made mac nut orgeat is added to the rums, bringing flavors of macadamia nuts and fragrant orange blossoms to the mix. The sweetness of the drink is balanced by adding curaçao liqueur, made from the dried peels of the laraha, a bitter orange grown in Curaçao, and a splash of fresh lime juice. The shining star of Merriman’s Mai Tai is the generous serving of their Kaua‘i honey liliko‘i foam, which adds a bit of tropical sweetness to the cocktail.

Merriman’s Kaua‘i; The Shops at Kukui‘ula, 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Street, #42, Kōloa; (808) 742-8385; merrimanshawaii.com/poipu/; open daily from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Bowls of Comfort

Ask a bunch of locals where you should eat on your trip to Kaua‘i and often Hamura Saimin will be top of their list. Opened in 1952 in converted army barracks, today, the humble restaurant stands in the same spot along Kress Street and still welcomes people in for some of the island’s best saimin (local noodle soup dating back to Plantation-era Hawai‘i). This no-frills restaurant has one communal counter that guests shimmy up to and the menu is just as simple as the restaurant layout. Regular saimin comes in four sizes and is served with sliced green onion, ham and fish cake. Locals know that no matter what you order, from Regular saimin to the Sumo Special Bowl, you must order BBQ beef sticks on the side. And remember to bring cash, because Hamura’s is still cash-only.

Located at 2956 Kress St., Līhu‘e; (808) 245-3271

Beloved Plates

In its third generation of family ownership, Pono Market is a central hub of Kapa‘a Town where locals gather to grab breakfast or lunch before continuing their busy days. Opened in 1968 as a meat market, Pono Market now offers daily plate lunch specials and treasured local favorites like Spam musubi (Japanese rice ball) and manju (Japanese baked confection). Whether heading out for a beachside picnic or just grabbing a bite during a car ride, Pono Market is a one-stop shop to curb your hunger. Here, the plate lunch specials change each day and range from slow-cooked pork lau lau to a coveted Friday fish special. If you are in Kapa‘a town, be sure to visit Pono Market and see why locals keep coming back to this beloved mom-and-pop shop.

Located at 4-1300 Kūhiō Hwy., Kapa‘a; (808) 822-4581; ponomarketkauai.com, @ponomarket

GO GRAND

ANARA SPA AT GRAND HYATT KAUAI

Rediscover you. Unwind with a soothing facial or massage as healing customs blend with fresh island botanicals leaving you relaxed and refreshed.

- Facilities include sauna, steam, whirlpool, cold plunge, cardio/weights, fitness classes.

- Full service hair and nail salon.

- FloatPod and LightStim therapy to optimize peak performance.

- Boutique features luxe skin and hair care plus comfortable island-wear.

- Day, monthly and yearly passes available.

A Hawaiian spa experience like no other. Visit grandhyattkauai.com or call 808.240.6440.

THE GUIDES

SEE + DO GOLF BEACHES

EAT + DRINK SHOP

ISLAND LIVING MAPS

TRAVELOGUE

DOWNLOAD THE SAVVY360 APP This link will take you to the appropriate app store to install the app, where you can create a trip, start building your itinerary, collaborate with friends, and more...

SEE + DO

ULTIMATE KAUA‘I OFF ROAD RANCH TOUR off-road tour

WATERFALL TRIPLE TRAIL EXPEDITION off-road tour

NI‘IHAU + NĀPALI COAST SUPER TOUR boat tour

NĀPALI COAST SNORKEL SAIL boat tour

NĀPALI COAST SEA CAVES boat tour

NĀPALI COAST PRIVATE CHARTERS boat tour

JURASSIC PARK LANDING ADVENTURE air tour

GLIDE ABOVE KAUA‘I’S GRANDEUR air tour

LUXURY HELICOPTER EXPERIENCE air tour

DOORS-OFF HELICOPTER EXPERIENCE air tour

HISTORICAL TRAIN RIDE AT KILOHANA historical tour

‘ŌPAEKA‘A FALLS hiking & waterfall

LŪ‘AU KALAMAKU lū‘au

LŪ‘AU KA HIKINA lū‘au

RUM SAFARI tasting tour

SUNSET GOLF CART TOUR sightseeing tour

GOLF ADVENTURE golf lessons

WAILUA FALLS sightseeing

KAUA‘I OCEAN DISCOVERY CENTER museum

WAIMEA CANYON & KOKE‘E ADVENTURE sightseeing tour

KĪLAUEA LIGHTHOUSE historical site

KALALAU VALLEY LOOKOUT sightseeing

WAIMEA CANYON STATE PARK sightseeing & hiking

MĀHĀ‘ULEPŪ HERITAGE TRAIL hiking

Ultimate Kaua‘i Off-Road Ranch Tour

OFF-ROAD in LĪHU‘E

› EXPLORE DIVERSE LANDSCAPES

› LEARN ABOUT KIPU RANCH HISTORY

› FOR BEGINNERS OR SERIOUS RIDERS

Take a beautiful and breathtaking 3-hour Kauai off-road scenic tour through Kipu Ranch. With diverse landscape, abundant wildlife and spectacular views, this signature tour makes Kipu Ranch one of the premier eco-tour locations in Hawai‘i. Ride through lush green pastures, venture down into tropical Hulē‘ia Valley and ascend under the canopy of the rainforest, as it leads you to the breathtaking backdrop of Mt. Hā‘upu, Kaua‘i’s untouched paradise. Enjoy the historic landscape with photos of famous movie locations such as Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Descendants. From kama‘āina to visitors from around the world, this tour will leave you speechless!

Kipu Ranch Adventures (808) 246-9288 • KipuTours.com 235 Kipu Rd., Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

Waterfall Triple Trail Expedition

Experienced guides will lead you through an expansive 3,000-acre trail system on a working cattle ranch, which is full of breathtaking scenery, blockbuster movie hits, cultural history and Hawaiian legends. You will navigate your own vehicle throughout the different trails and obstacles to a private waterfall, bamboo jungles and much more! This tour holds nothing back. Here you’ll find well-maintained top of the line ultra-smooth suspension vehicles. A well thought out and crafted route is where great expeditions begin; and they have mapped out just that. Traverse the best open view, mountain and jungle sections of all three of their trail systems combined into one epic trip.

› TREK ACROSS ALL 3 TRAIL SYSTEMS

› VISIT POPULAR MOVIE SET LOCATIONS

› DRIVE RIGHT UP TO A PRIVATE WATERFALL

Kipu Ranch Adventures

(808) 246-9288 • KipuTours.com

235 Kipu Rd., Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

OFF-ROAD in LĪHU‘E

Ni‘ihau + Nāpali Coast Super Tour

› 65’ KAUA‘I-BUILT POWER CATAMARAN

› VOTED 2ND BEST US BOAT TOUR

› A FULL DAY OF FUN & ADVENTURE!

Say yes to adventure and create memories to last a lifetime. Snorkel one of the most remote and pristine tropical reefs off the “Forbidden Island” of Ni‘ihau and sightsee the historic Nāpali Coast in one amazing day. Holo Holo Charters is the only company to offer this amazing tour daily. The adventure begins with sightseeing along the world-famous Nāpali Coast. Capture some great memories with picture-perfect backdrops of cliffs, valleys, waterfalls and more. The adventure continues as we head to Ni‘ihau to explore the waters of Lehua Crater. Here you will have the opportunity to snorkel in cobalt blue waters, viewing endemic fish, endangered monk seals, underwater lava cathedrals and much more.

BOAT

Nāpali Coast Snorkel Sail

BOAT TOUR on the WEST SIDE

Say yes to adventure with this exclusive Nāpali snorkeling & sailing tour. Holo Holo Charters invites you to go cruising on their Kaua‘i-built catamaran for a day of fun, sightseeing, snorkeling and sailing. Voyage to Kaua‘i’s world-famous Nāpali Coast with the wind in your sails. Take in the breathtaking 4,000-foot cliffs from sea-level to really capture the scale and beauty of this enchanting place. Complete the trip with a snorkel stop along Kaua‘i’s coast to view tropical fish, turtles and other local marine life. Breakfast, lunch and drinks are all included in this memorable tour for the whole family.

› 50’ KAUA‘I-BUILT SAILING CATAMARAN

› ONBOARD WATERSLIDE TO THE NĀPALI

› SNORKELING EQUIPMENT & INSTRUCTION

Holo Holo Charters

(808) 335-0815 • HoloHoloCharters.com

4353 Waialo Rd., #5A, Ele‘ele (Map, D, PG 173)

Nāpali Coast Sea Caves

› SEE ASTONISHING SCENERY

› SMALLER CAPACITY BOATS LEND TO A MORE INTIMATE TOUR EXPERIENCE

Join locally owned and operated Na Pali Experience on their Nāpali Coast boat tours for an unforgettable experience at one of the most spectacular attractions in the world. Often regarded as the most beautiful portion of Hawai‘i, the 17-mile stretch of coastline known as the Nāpali Coast is a must see. Experience the magic of sea caves and crystal-clear waters on a choice of two boats that handle the seas well and fit into all the caves along the coast. Each cave is unique and special in its own way but “Double Door” or Wai‘ahu‘akua in Hawaiian is a favorite. On one side you enter a giant amphitheater cave, but as you continue around the cave, it reveals a spectacular waterfall that cascades from several thousand feet. Their small-group adventures include whale watching in winter, snorkeling in summer at Nu‘alolo Kai— the best snorkel spot— and viewing the valleys, beaches, caves and waterfalls on the coast.

Na Pali Experience (808) 635-1131 • NapaliExperience.com

Kikia‘ola Small Boat Harbor, Kekaha (Map A, PG 170)

BOAT TOUR on the WEST SIDE

Nāpali Coast Private Charters

PRIVATE BOAT TOUR on the WEST SIDE

Private tours are without question the best way to enjoy a day of sightseeing, snorkeling or whale watching along the Nāpali Coast. If you are looking to experience a once-in-a-lifetime personalized trip with a small group, Na Pali Experience’s topof-the-line, six-person, power catamaran offers a unique and personal experience of the Nāpali Coast. Bring your family and friends for a relaxing day on the water where you’ll have the personal attention of the captain and crew. Instead of listening to narrations, knowledge is passed conversationally, and instead of being a face in the crowd, their private charters feel more like hanging out on a boat with friends. Their private and small-group explorations of Kauai’s beautiful coast will expose you to spectacular views, including secret beaches, sea cliff waterfalls, hanging valleys and gaping caves. If your party size is larger than six, their 35-ft deluxe power catamaran accommodates 18 guests comfortably.

Na Pali Experience (808) 635-1131 • NapaliExperience.com

Kikia‘ola Small Boat Harbor, Kekaha (Map A, PG 170)

› AN INTIMATE, PRIVATE TOUR EXPERIENCE

› SNORKELING, SIGHTSEEING AND SEASONAL HUMPBACK WHALE WATCHING

Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure

› THE ONLY WAY TO LAND AT THE FALLS

› WALK THE SITE OF FILM, JURASSIC PARK

› GREAT VALUE + UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE

In this tour offered only by Island Helicopters, you’ll land at the epic Manawaiopuna (Jurassic) Falls and learn the fascinating history of this remote area. Discover native plants, geologic formations and explore the grounds of this breathtaking setting of Jurassic Park with your experienced guide. Island Helicopters’ exclusive landing access to the 400-foot falls makes this a one-ofa-kind, high-value experience for Jurassic fans and adventure-seekers alike. In addition to the landing adventure, you’ll see Kaua‘i’s other magnificent landmarks from the sky with the Grand Skies Island Tour included. Island Helicopters flies with custom, ceiling-to-floor windows for optimum viewing and comfort. This tour is 75-80 minutes total and is only offered five days a week.

Island Helicopters Kauai (808) 245-8588 • IslandHelicopters.com 3788 Ahukini Rd, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

Glide Above Kaua‘i’s Grandeur

Founded in 1980, Island Helicopters is Kaua‘i’s most experienced air tour company. With safety and comfort as a priority, all trips fly with doors on and welcome guests of all ages. A signature of Island Helicopters, the Grand Skies Island Tour, soars past Kaua‘i’s most stunning landmarks, like Waimea Canyon, the Nāpali Coast, and Manawaiopuna Falls (made famous in the blockbuster Jurassic Park). Island Helicopters flies closer to Kaua‘i’s spectacular landscapes and offers the most affordable rates on the island. All pilots are locals of Kaua‘i and possess thousands of hours of flight time. Legacy, safety and adventure combine to yield an unforgettable journey above this breathtaking island. This tour is 50-55 minutes total. Please contact Island Helicopters for more details.

Island Helicopters Kauai

(808) 245-8588 • IslandHelicopters.com

3788 Ahukini Rd, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

› LOCALLY OWNED/OPERATED 40+ YEARS

› ISLAND HELICOPTERS' SIGNATURE TOUR

› BEST RATE FOR A KAUA‘I AIR TOUR

Luxury Helicopter Experience

› FLY IN STYLE IN A EUROCOPTER ASTAR

› 60-MINUTE TOUR

› SPACIOUS CABIN + PLUSH INTERIOR

Soar around Kaua‘i’s most awe-inspiring views in the comfort of a 6-passenger AStar, designed for providing a smooth and luxurious ride. From luscious valleys to rugged coastlines to dramatic canyons, bear witness to Kaua‘i’s unparalleled natural beauty. You will feel like a celebrity in the aircraft’s spacious cabin with custom made floor-to-ceiling windows for optimal viewing, air conditioning and Bose noise-canceling headsets. With no age restrictions, this tour is perfect for your entire family. Gain a new perspective of the island on this tour, as over 70% of Kaua‘i is inaccessible by land. We can guarantee you will never forget gliding through the Wai‘ale‘ale Crater and its 3000' waterfalls or flying down the stunning 17-mile Nāpali coastline.

Jack Harter Helicopters (808) 245-3774 • Helicopters-Kauai.com 4231 Ahukini Rd, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

Doors-Off Helicopter Experience

Feel the cool breeze on your face and smell the tropical rainforest as you fly in and out of lush valleys. Fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Kaua‘i on a thrilling doors-off helicopter tour. Experienced pilots will safely guide you throughout the 60-minute tour, offering interesting facts and history about the area. Witness the jaw-dropping Nāpali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Wai‘ale‘ale crater and many others from a bird’s-eye-view. There is nothing but your camera between you and the island’s most picturesque landscapes, making it the ideal tour for photographers. Not only seeing the grandeur of Kaua‘i but truly feeling it is what makes this tour an experience like no other.

› NO DOORS = A PHOTOGRAPHER'S DREAM!

› A 60-65 MINUTE TOUR WITH UP TO 4 PASSENGERS IN AN MD HUGHES 500

Jack Harter Helicopters

(808) 245-3774 • Helicopters-Kauai.com 4231 Ahukini Rd, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

Historical Train Ride at Kilohana

HISTORICAL TOUR in LĪHU‘E

‘Ōpaeka‘a Falls

HIKING & WATERFALL on the EAST SIDE

Climb aboard this 40-minute conductor-narrated tour of the 105-acre Kilohana Plantation in the same type of locomotive used in the sugarcane fields. Relax in the mahogany and ipe wood cars while you are entertained and educated by knowledgeable conductors. The 2.5-mile rail line passes stands of original island crops like sugarcane and taro, and you will pass groves of mango, banana, papaya, pineapple and native and exotic hardwoods from around the world. Learn about Kaua‘i’s agriculture and history. Well out into the heart of the plantation you will disembark to spend time feeding the pigs, goats, sheep and their friendly donkey, Steiny. For the total experience, enjoy a guided 3.5 hour tour, complete with train ride, lunch from The Plantation House by Gaylord's, history, and a 1.5-mile walk to explore the grounds and sample fruits from twelve acres of exotic tropical trees. There is something for everyone. It’s fun for all ages.

Kauai Plantation Railway at Kilohana (808) 245-7245 • KilohanaKauai.com 3-2087 Kaumuali‘i Hwy., Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

High in the hills of Wailua, once the center of court and religious life on Kaua‘i, is the lookout to one of the most consistent and easily viewed waterfalls on the island—‘Ōpaeka‘a Falls. Shrouded in a heavy forest of trees, ferns and native fauna, this popular waterfall offers visitors dynamic photo opportunities without the strain of a long hike. This beautiful waterfall is the easiest to view, as it tumbles out of the jungle into a dramatic plunge over a high cliff about a 150-feet into the Wailua River. The name means "rolling shrimp," for the days when swarms of shrimp were seen rolling in turbulent waters at the base of the falls. The best time to view the cascading falls is mid-morning, and the best view is from the path along the highway.

Located on the ‘Ōpaeka‘a Stream in Wailua River State Park Take Hwy 50 to Kuamo‘o Rd. (Rte. 580) for about 1.5 miles (Map G, PG 175)

Lū‘au Kalamakū

Lū‘au Kalamakū delivers an authentic Hawaiian experience and is a “mustsee” for all Kaua‘i visitors. The extravaganza held Tuesday and Friday evenings (Mondays during summer months) is performed “in-the-round,” offering great views from every seat. Before the main show, join a traditional imu ceremony. A craft fair featuring local artisans awaits on the lawn. Feast on a delicious buffet of local favorites and enjoy a mai tai from the open bar. The 45-minute main show shares the amazing story of the ancient Hawaiian legend of Kalamakū “child of the new land” and the epic voyage taken by islanders between Tahiti and Kaua‘i. Through laughter, fear and seduction a new legacy is born and culminates with a fantastic fire dream featuring fire poi balls and traditional fire knife dancing.

› PERFECT VIEWS FROM EVERY SEAT

› DELICIOUS LOCAL CUISINE + OPEN BAR

› COME EARLY TO VISIT THE ARTISAN MARKET

Located at Kilohana Plantation (808) 833-3000 • LuauKalamaku.com 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

LŪ‘AU in LĪHU‘E

Lū‘au Ka Hikina

LŪ‘AU on the EAST SIDE

› SPECTACULAR OCEAN VIEWS

› AN AUTHENTIC CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

› MODERN TAKE ON A HAWAIIAN FEAST

You cannot leave Kaua‘i without an authentic lū‘au experience. Lū‘au Ka Hikina takes place in a newly built, open-air event pavilion, Halau Ho‘okipa, which boasts unparalleled views over the ocean. From the impressive torch lighting ceremony that kicks off the evening’s festivities along with mesmerizing hula kahiko (ancient hula) dances performed under the direction of Leilani Rivera Low, an awardwinning kumu hula (hula master). Lū‘au Ka Hikina invites you to experience a memorable evening celebrating Hawaiian and Polynesian culture—complete with a locally sourced, traditional Hawaiian feast with a modern point of view and live music.

Located at Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort (808) 822-3455 • SheratonKapaa.com 650 Aleka Loop, Kapa‘a (Map E, PG 172)

Rum Safari

Step into a one-of-a-kind, open-air Safari Truck to explore the beautiful 105acre Kilohana Plantation. On tour you will enjoy a Kōloa Rum tasting, sip on their signature Mai Tai, meet and interact with farm animals, and have a fresh cocktail made with fruits and herbs grown on the plantation. Stroll on a boardwalk through a tropical rainforest to taste the award-winning Kōloa Rum at the Jungle Bungalow. Now it’s time for a little safari as you ride through an animal pasture to feed a herd of pigs. At their Loi Lanai, your mixologist will whip up a farm-to-glass cocktail that will knock your socks off. We are talking about a drink made entirely from fruits and herbs grown on the plantation.

› GET UP CLOSE WITH NATURE

› SIP A MAI TAI IN THE JUNGLE!

› A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE AT KILOHANA

Kauai Safaris

(808) 652-4707 • KauaiSafaris.com

3-2087 Kaumuali‘i Hwy, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

Sunset Golf Cart Tour

SIGHTSEEING on the NORTH SHORE

› WATCH THE SUN SET BEHIND MT. MAKANA AT ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SPOTS ON THE PLANET

The Sunset Golf Cart Tour at Princeville Makai Golf Club is one of the most enjoyable, educational and truly stunning activities on the North Shore. The tour is a guided golf cart tour of the golf course, flora and fauna that make up the North Shore of Kaua‘i—intertwined with both cultural and geographical educational elements that will give you a greater understanding for the ‘aina (land) and the moana (ocean). Best of all, the final stop on the tour is truly one of the most stunning locations in the world to witness a sunset—the signature par-3, seventh hole on the Princeville Makai Course that makes for the perfect viewing spot and photographable moment.

Princeville Makai Golf Course (808) 826-1912 • MakaiGolf.com/SunsetCartTour 4080 Lei O Papa Road, Princeville (Map I, PG 177)

Hōkūala Golf Adventures

Hōkūala Golf Adventures, hosted by PGA Professionals, transcends the destination golf school. Enrich your connection to the Aloha Spirit through golf and excursions. This trendsetting golf academy offers many on-course golf experiences and golfer development programs. Join weekly scrambles that will help scale your new skills and cultivate new friendships. Golf may be in the name, but these adventures are far more encompassing than a four-letter word—and a lot more fun. Uncover and deepen your appreciation for the island and culture. Awaken your Aloha Spirit with The Sunrise Hui Aloha tour. Enjoy a serene stroll to the farm, then enjoy its bounty of fresh island cuisine and signature cocktails. Begin your journey to a deeper enjoyment of golf and the Kaua‘i lifestyle.

GOLF INSTRUCTION & FARM TOUR in LĪHU‘E

› A NEW TAKE ON GOLF INSTRUCTION

› GAIN A NEW APPRECIATION FOR THE ISLAND

› FARM-FRESH CUISINE & LIBATIONS

Ocean Course at Hōkūala (808) 241-6000 • GolfHokuala.com 3351 Ho'Olaulea Way, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

Wailua Falls

SIGHTSEEING in LĪHU‘E

› DRAMATIC, BUT VERY ACCESSIBLE

› JUST A FEW MINUTES FROM LĪHU‘E

› A VERY PHOTOGENIC SIGHT

Nicknamed the Fantasy Island waterfalls for the prominent opening scene of the falls for the hit television show, this stunning 80-foot tiered waterfall is easy to view close to the roadside lookout. It’s best to view the falls in the morning when the sun adds to the beauty of the falls, and rainbows are common from the mist.The falls can sometimes appear much taller, as determined by the amount of rainfall farther up the stream. Please do not hike to the bottom of the falls (also advised against by the county and posted signs) as this is a very slippery and dangerous path. This is a simple and quick stop with a great photograph opportunity.

Located at Wailua State Park in Līhu‘e Take Hwy 50 to Ma‘alo Rd. for about 3 miles (Map A, PG 171)

Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery Center

Affiliated with the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery at Kukui Grove Shopping Center in Līhu‘e shares the tradition and knowledge of our ocean connections and inspires stewardship. Learn about humpback whales (koholā), Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles (honu), albatrosses and more. Take a tour of the extensive Hawaiian archipelago, including Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Visit an underwater world through videos, interactive displays and hands-on activities. Hear the Hawaiian creation chant, Kumulipo, and see an original mural inspired by it. Nearby in the shopping center, a Keiki Corner provides ocean-themed fun for the little ones. Rotational exhibits feature community and student projects. The facility is free and open to the public.

Located in Kukui Grove Center (808) 246-2861 • HawaiiHumpbackWhale.noaa.gov 3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy #1618, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

› OPEN WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS 2-5PM

› OPEN SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 11AM-2PM

› CALL FOR WEEKLY SPECIAL EVENTS

Waimea Canyon & Kōke‘e Adventure

SIGHTSEEING TOUR on the SOUTH SHORE

› "THE GRAND CANYON OF THE PACIFIC"

› EXPERIENCE SEVERAL MEMORABLE STOPS ALONG THE WAY

Journey through the heart of Kaua‘i’s countryside and ascend a meandering road engulfed by trees to reveal what Mark Twain aptly described as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Marvel at the immense cliffs and deep gorges of the Waimea Canyon. Watch ocean waves propel water through ancient lava rock at the Spouting Horn Blowhole. In a quaint town view Hanapēpē Valley from the lookout. Venture down a nature trail in Kōke‘e State Park for an easy trek amidst native Hawaiian flora and fauna. Listen for the lyrical chirping of the rare red ‘apapane or ‘i‘iwi bird species who sip nectar from the blossoms. Stroll the orchards at the Kauai Coffee Plantation along the coast while relaxing in the warm Hawaiian sun before returning to your hotel with memories that’ll last long after your vacation.

Polynesian Adventure Tours (800) 622-3011 • PolyAd.com 4031 Halau Street Bay #4, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

Kīlauea Lighthouse

SIGHTSEEING on the NORTH SHORE

Known today as the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse, this impressive 52-foot structure is situated on a rocky peninsula 180-feet above the Pacific Ocean. A National Historic Landmark, this lighthouse had the largest clamshell lens of any lighthouse in the world and served as a beacon since it was built in 1913 to guide passing sea and air traffic. The light was replaced in the 1970s with a lowmaintenance light beacon. You can walk into the lighthouse but not the lantern room. The Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is open Thursday - Saturday from 10am - 4pm. Check for current tour availability and hours. Reservations are required for entry at recreation.gov.

› ONE OF HAWAI‘I'S TRUE TREASURES

› FOR NATURE LOVERS, WILDLIFE ABOUNDS

› LIGHTHOUSE RECENTLY FULLY RESTORED

Located just past Kīlauea town (808) 828-0384 • kilaueapoint.org

3580 Kīlauea Rd., Kīlauea (Map A, PG 171)

Kalalau Valley Lookout

SIGHTSEEING on the WEST SIDE

› BEST VIEWING EARLY ON A SUNNY DAY

› A SCENIC MASTERPIECE

› A SHORT WALK UP FROM THE CAR

The lookout provides panoramic views into the majestic valley—without breaking a sweat—from the 18-mile marker. It is one of the most spectacular views on earth with striking sea cliffs and the cobalt Pacific looks into the largest valley in Nāpali. Kalalau Valley is dramatic, with jagged emerald ridges, and is best viewed in the morning to avoid the clouds. Farther ahead is Pu‘u o Kila Lookout, which offers even more astonishing views of the valley and the deep blue ocean. Both lookouts are located at the end of the Kōke‘e Road.

Located at Waimea Canyon Take Hwy 550 all the way to the top (Map A, PG 170)

Waimea Canyon State Park

The Grand Canyon of the Pacific is a breathtaking gaping gorge with dramatic ridges and deep ravines shaped by the steady process of erosion and collapse of the volcano that formed Kaua‘i. It is roughly 10 miles long and 3,600 feet deep. The canyon is spectacular and majestic with jewel-tone colors of reds and greens. Take the scenic but narrow drive on Waimea Canyon Drive (Rte 550) from Hwy 50, or turn up the steep Kōke‘e Road at Kekaha. The two roads merge into Kōke‘e Road after a few miles up. Waimea Canyon Lookout is between mile markers 10 and 11. Check out the spectacular vistas from scenic lookouts at Pu‘u Hinahina (3,336 feet elevation), where the private island of Ni‘ihau can be seen on clear days, and Pu‘u Ka Pele where the Waipo‘o Falls are visible after a heavy rainfall. Be prepared for cooler weather, and make sure you have some fuel in your car.

Located past Waimea town

DLNR.Hawaii.gov

Hwy 50 to Hwy 550 for 6 miles to park (Map A, PG 170)

SIGHTSEEING & HIKING on the WEST SIDE

› SCENIC LOOKOUTS WITH SPECTACULAR VISTAS ON CLEAR DAYS

› ENTRANCE FEE FOR NON-RESIDENTS

Māhā‘ulepū Heritage Trail

HIKING on the SOUTH SHORE

› THE TRAIL SPANS 4-MILES ROUNDTRIP

› THE REWARD LIES AT SECLUDED MĀHĀ‘ULEPŪ BEACH

Nestled between a luxurious resort and renowned golf course, it may seem odd to find a hiking trail, well known and well traveled by many adventure enthusiasts. However the Māhā’ulepū Trail near Po‘ipū is just that—a wild and scenic stretch of coastline on Kaua‘i’s South Shore, encompassing sandy pathways and ironwood trees. This hike is a switch from the lush green mountainsides to ocean front views, sandy dunes and saltwater breezes that induce peace and serenity. The trail spans from Shipwreck Beach to Māhā’ulepū, climbing the Makawehi Bluff. Here, hikers can tiptoe to the edge of sand dunes and marvel over the aquamarine sea churning below. As hikers continue on the Māhā’ulepū Trail, the destination will be Māhā’ulepū Beach, one of the last unspoiled treasures on the South Shore.

Located near the Grand Hyatt Kauai Park near the trailhead at Shipwreck Beach (Map A, PG 170)

GOLF

PXG golf clubs + apparel

KIAHUNA GOLF COURSE golf course

POIPU BAY GOLF COURSE golf course

OCEAN COURSE AT HŌKŪALA golf course

PRINCEVILLE MAKAI GOLF COURSE golf course

PUAKEA GOLF COURSE golf course

DOWNLOAD THE SAVVY360 APP

This link will take you to the appropriate app store to install the app, where you can create a trip, start building your itinerary, collaborate with friends, and more...

Let’s set the record straight: You don’t have to be a great golfer to get custom fitted for clubs. In fact, beginners often have the most to gain from playing clubs that are properly fitted. PXG Fittings are immersive, data-driven, fully personalized and totally fun, focused on maximizing your performance, whether you are a novice or a scratch golfer. Once you are fitted by a Master Fitter for the right club heads, shafts, loft, lie and grips to suit your specs, these are the benefits can you expect from a PXG Fitting: Increased confidence on every shot from tee to green; longer distance and improved trajectory off the tee box; greater accuracy and consistency, even on mishits; improved short game on and around the green; and more enjoyment of the game!

Schedule your PXG club fitting now at PXG.com or by calling 844.PLAY.PXG.

GOLF CLUBS on the SOUTH SHORE

Kiahuna Golf Course

GOLF COURSE on the SOUTH SHORE

› A SKILLFUL RTJ, JR. DESIGN

› ENJOY WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS

› TIGHT FAIRWAYS & PASPALUM GREENS

Experience pure Kaua‘i golf at half the price. Kiahuna Golf Club offers challenging resort golf within a fascinating area of ancient Polynesian archeology. Touted as the best greens on the island, enjoy your game surrounded by the lush, natural beauty of sunny Po‘ipū Beach. World renowned architect, Robert Trent Jones II, skillfully included many ancient remnants of an authentic Hawaiian village into his design, where you will experience the course’s beauty and a sense of the enduring history of Kaua‘i and the Hawaiian culture. The Kiahuna Golf Club is a sanctuary for many of Kaua‘i’s endangered species including the state bird of Hawaii, the nēnē, the rare Hawaiian Stilt and the very shy Moorhen. Take in the views of the golf course or watch daily sports while you dine at the onsite location for Paco’s Tacos Cantina.

Poipu Bay Golf Course

Adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa on the sunny south shore of Kaua‘i, this outstanding course is backed by lush emerald mountains and sculpted from a rolling plateau eight stories above the Pacific Ocean. Nestled among the gentle contours of Po‘ipū Bay you’ll discover the remains of Hawaiian heiau (places of worship) and ancient stone walls. If this weren’t challenge enough, Mother Nature presents you with one distraction after another. From rare Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles and humpback whales, you’ll have lots of wild excuses to back your scorecard. Plus, Po‘ipū Bay is home to nēnē (Hawaiian goose) which are endemic to Hawai‘i, and not encountered anywhere else in the world outside of their native environment. Here, even the most focused golfer will be challenged by the breathtaking views.

(808) 742-8711 • PoipuBayGolf.com

2250 Ainako St., Po‘ipū (Map B, PG 172)

› AN OCEANFRONT CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE

› A ROBERT TRENT JONES, JR. DESIGN

› HOSTED PGA GRAND SLAM FROM '94-'06

GOLF COURSE on the SOUTH SHORE

Ocean Course at Hōkūala

› ONE SIGNATURE HOLE AFTER ANOTHER

› A COMPLETELY RENOVATED JACK NICKLAUS DESIGN

The Ocean Course at Hōkūala, a Timbers Kaua‘i Resort, is the only Signature Jack Nicklaus designed golf course on Kaua‘i. While boasting the longest continuous stretch of ocean front golf holes in Hawai‘i, Hōkūala’s true beauty lies in their signature Aloha Spirit shared throughout the property. Elevate your golf game while enjoying a great Hawai‘i experience with the Hōkūala Golf Adventures team. After one visit to the Ocean Course, each guest will leave with a memory that this is truly where aloha begins.

Located at Timbers Kaua‘i (808) 241-6000 • GolfHokuala.com 3351 Ho'Olaulea Way, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

GOLF COURSE in LĪHU‘E

Princeville Makai Golf Club

GOLF COURSE on the NORTH SHORE

As Mr. Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s first ever solo design, Princeville Makai Golf Course is truly one of the world's most stunning golf and resort locations. Since undergoing an extensive $6 million renovation, the Makai Course has soared to the top of almost all of golf's respected rankings imaginable—including being ranked amongst the Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America by Golf Digest, within the Top 3 Best Courses You Can Play in Hawai‘i by GolfWeek and being named to the list of America's "Top 5 Great Golf Settings" in the world by National Geographic Traveler. With immaculate course conditions and six oceanfront holes, it is impossible for any other golf course on the Hawaiian Islands to rival Princeville Makai's true Hawaiian golf adventure!

› A STUNNING RTJ, JR. DESIGN

› PRISTINE COURSE CONDITIONS

› SIX OF THE HOLES ARE OCEANFRONT

(808) 826-1912 • MakaiGolf.com

4080 Lei O Papa Road, Princeville (Map I, PG 177)

Puakea Golf Course

› AMAZING LANDSCAPES & VIEWS

› BE SURE TO GRAB A PRE- OR POSTROUND BITE AT PUAKEA GRILL

Designed by architect Robin Nelson, Puakea Golf Course is a public, daily-fee golf course built on more than 200 acres of historic property which was once home to a sugar cane plantation. Sports Illustrated stated that the course “is too spectacular to keep off our list … dramatic in the extreme, the course offers fabulous views of the Pacific and is built amid volcanic cliffs, massive ravines, giant sinkholes and lush tropical undergrowth.” The 18-hole, par 72 layout offers a variety of looks for golfers of all skill levels, with rolling mounds, strategic bunkering, water features and a spread of foliage that shape its 6,954 yards. Puakea also has a spacious practice facility with six target greens on their all-grass driving range, including a picturesque backdrop of the Wai‘ale‘ale Mountain Range.

(808) 977-3777 • PuakeaGolf.com 4150 Nuhou St., Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

GOLF COURSE in LĪHU‘E

BEACHES

KEKAHA BEACH PARK west side

SALT POND BEACH PARK west side

SHIPWRECK (KEONELOA) BEACH south shore

KALAPAKĪ BEACH līhu‘e

LYDGATE BEACH PARK east side

PO‘IPŪ BEACH south shore

‘ANINI BEACH north shore

MAKUA (TUNNELS) BEACH north shore

HANALEI BAY

PRO TIP A complete beach guide, along with geolocation is available in the Savvy360 app.

Please wear reef-safe sunscreen. Respect the ocean and sea life. Leave these beautiful places better than you found them.

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Kekaha Beach Park

Salt Pond Beach Park

BEACH on the WEST SIDE

This beach park is located on the west side of Kaua‘i facing south / southwest and typically has the calmest ocean access and gorgeous views including distant views of Ni‘ihau and Lihoa islands. If you are looking for more seclusion and less hustle and bustle, this park is rarely crowded, and offers a refreshing change from the more popular beaches located near resorts. Beachcomb, stroll or sunbathe on the beach while watching the fishermen and surfers. If you don’t mind a more crowded area of Kekaha Beach, make your way to the southern end to watch surfers riding a break at Davidson Point. There is a lifeguard on duty daily from 9 a.m.5 p.m., and basic amenities such as picnic tables and pavilions, restrooms, roadside parking and showers are available.

Located near Waimea Hwy 50 West between MM 24/25 (Map A, PG 170)

The protected reef in this pretty crescent shaped beach with lots of palms is great for swimming, snorkeling and beachcombing. Snorkeling is a popular activity here, with an abundance of colorful reef fish, coral, sponges and you may even spot a honu (green sea turtle). Swimming is usually safe year-round in the large lagoon and the sunsets are spectacular. Salt ponds are nearby where generations past made salt by evaporating seawater in red earthen pans and still do today. Please do not enter the salt-making area. Respectfully observe from a distance. The beach is also great for windsurfing, boogie boarding and exploring the tidepools. There is a lifeguard on duty; and amenities include picnic tables, pavilions, grills, camping, restrooms and showers.

Located near Hanapēpē Left off Hwy 50 onto Lele Rd., right on Lokokai Rd. to park (Map D, PG 173)

BEACH on the WEST SIDE

Shipwreck (Keoneloa) Beach

Located on the South Shore in the Po‘ipū area in front of the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa, Shipwreck Beach is perfect for sunbathing, long walks and wading, but not a good swimming beach due to dangerous ocean conditions. But it’s a good beach for boogie boarding, surfing and windsurfing for the experienced. Named for an old and badly damaged small wooden boat on the water’s edge that has long disappeared, this beach has become very popular with brave thrill seekers jumping 40 feet into the sea from Makawehi Point’s cliffs, as did Harrison Ford and Anne Heche from Six Days, Seven Nights. There is no lifeguard on duty, so be cautious before entering the water. Showers and restrooms are available. Take the public access road between the Grand Hyatt and the Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course.

› NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY

› SHOWERS & FACILITIES AVAILABLE

› SURF CAN BE DANGEROUS, BE SMART

BEACH on the SOUTH SHORE

Located fronting the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa

Ainako St., Po‘ipū

(Map B, PG 176)

Kalapakī Beach

Lydgate Beach Park

This is a beautiful, white sand, crescent-shaped beach with tranquil water and a great place to learn to surf on the offshore break with great views of Nawiliwili Bay and the Hoary Head Mountains. It’s a favorite place to swim when conditions are calm, which is most of the time, but beware of strong rip currents during high surf. There isn’t a posted lifeguard, so be aware of water and weather conditions before swimming. If you are looking for some water activities for the family, there are surf lessons and catamaran cruises, as well as water sports rentals nearby. Close to the airport, hotels and cruise port, Kalapaki is conveniently located off Rice St. west of Līhu‘e in front of the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort. There are no set hours or entrance fees. Park in the public parking lot at the hotel.

Located at Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort 3610 Rice St., Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

Lydgate Beach is a scenic family beach that is very popular since it offers something for everyone including a park. Considered to be one of the safest places on the island for snorkeling, there are two large rock-enclosed pools great for children and offers safe swimming and snorkeling for beginners. There is a large lavarock wall that protects swimmers year-round, and the ironwood groves provide shade. Kamalani playground has a wooden volcano and jungle gym, and bright ceramic sea creatures adorn the playground. Amenities include picnic pavilions, grills, showers and restrooms, and there is a lifeguard on duty. If you are looking for land activity, stroll along the 2.5-mile paved coastal path.

Located past Hanalei on Kūhiō Hwy Take one of two dirt roads near 8-mile marker (Map A, PG 170)

BEACH in LĪHU‘E

BEACH on the EAST SIDE

Po‘ipū Beach Park

Named America's Best Beach by The Travel Channel, Po‘ipū Beach is popular because of the sunny weather and calm water that surrounds the chain of beautiful wide, white sandy beaches. Probably the most popular beach on Kaua‘i’s South Shore, Po‘ipū has something to offer for everyone: snorkeling, swimming, surfing or leisurely walks along the beach. An offshore reef causes the waves to break before they reach the shore making it a keiki-friendly beach. Swimming and snorkeling are great between the offshore reef and the coast while the breaking waves outside the calm waters create surfing and boogie boarding opportunities. Dangerous water conditions can occur during periods of high surf, usually in winter. Beginning surf lessons are available as well as a nearby playground. Lifeguards, showers, picnic tables, charcoal grill pits, pavilions and restrooms are also available.

off Po‘ipū

› LIFEGUARD ON DUTY

› A TOP NATIONALLY-RANKED BEACH FOR A REASON

BEACH on the SOUTH SHORE

Located

Rd., south of Ho‘owili Rd. Ho‘one Rd., Po‘ipū (Map B, PG 172)

‘Anini Beach

BEACH on the NORTH SHORE

Mākua (Tunnels) Beach

BEACH on the NORTH SHORE

This beautiful, tranquil white sand beach has one of the largest coral reefs in Hawai‘i and has ideal safe water conditions for snorkeling, windsurfing, swimming and paddle boarding. Although there is no lifeguard posted on ‘Anini Beach, it is still considered one of the safer beaches on Kaua‘i’s North Shore due to the huge reef that offers protection even in large surf. Because this beach is a popular place for permitted camping and picnicking, there are plenty of picnic tables, grills, pavilions and shade trees, as well as creature comforts such as restrooms and showers. ‘Anini Beach is usually less crowded than other North Shore beaches and easy to find.

Located near Waimea Hwy 50 West between MM 24/25 (Map A, PG 170)

This is one of the best snorkeling beaches on the North Shore due to the wide-fringing coral reef (so large it can be seen from space) with a huge variety of fish swimming around in the shallow inner and outer reefs. The exceptional beach is surrounded by gently sloping sand and is well protected with incredible mountain scenery popular with swimmers, surfers, windsurfers and beachcombers. The best snorkeling is in the center by the crescent shaped reef. Scuba divers can explore the underwater caverns near the shore. Beware of sharp reefs, rip currents and dangerous water conditions. There are no facilities at this beach, but the facilities at Hā‘ena State Park are nearby, and there is a lifeguard on duty. Take one of two dirt roads off Kūhiō Hwy / Route 560 north of Hanalei near the 8-mile marker.

Located past Hanalei on Kūhiō Hwy

Take one of two dirt roads near 8-mile marker (Map A, PG 170)

Hanalei Bay

Located on the North Shore of Kaua‘i and set between two rivers—Hanalei River to the east and Wai‘oli River to the west—Hanalei Bay is probably one of the most majestic places on earth. The sunsets are spectacular and the moonlight over Hanalei Bay is magical. There are four beaches included in the two-mile sandy crescent shaped bay, and all have lifeguards on duty except Waikoko Beach. Black Pot Park is located next to the Hanalei River mouth and is a local gathering place with a variety of water activities. The Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park is a popular spot for picnics. Wai‘oli Beach Park is near the center of the bay, set in an ironwood grove. Waikoko Beach is located on the westernmost section, and is protected by Waikoko Reef, so it’s popular with snorkelers and families. Picnic area, tables, pavilions, grills, showers and restrooms are available.

› ONE OF THE MOST PICTURESQUE, MAJESTIC PLACES ON EARTH

› GREAT BEACH FOR WATER ACTIVITIES

BEACH on the NORTH SHORE

Located in Hanalei

Take Hwy 50 to Hanalei, right on Aku Rd. to Weke Rd.

(Map I, PG 177)

G O GRAND

STEVENSON’S LIBRARY AT GRAND HYATT KAUAI

Craving sushi? The south shore’s best sushi spot serves up vast views, crafted cocktails, and scrumptious sushi. Sip inventive cocktails, martinis, tropical drinks, local beers, aged whiskies, cognacs and ports. Savor all the sushi favorites plus Chef’s signature rolls.

Sushi rolled nightly 5:30-10:00pm. Bar open until 11:00pm.

Free valet parking for diners. For reservations book on OpenTable or call 808 240 6456 .

EAT + DRINK

EATING HOUSE 1849 hawaiian & asian fusion cuisine

STEVENSON'S LIBRARY sushi & spirits

TIDEPOOLS regional cuisine

THE CABANA BAR & GRILL american & asian fusion cuisine

TABLE AT POIPU hawaiian & pan asian cuisine

ROB'S GOOD TIMES GRILL sports bar & grill

HUALANI'S farm to table cuisine

THE PLANTATION HOUSE BY GAYLORD'S regional cuisine

MOAMOA HAWAIIAN FISH HOUSE island-inspired cuisine

FIRE HEN chicken & hot wings

THE CROOKED SURF island-inspired

HOLOHOLO GRILL island-inspired

BAR ACUDA tapas & wine

PAPAYA’S NATURAL FOODS market & café

MARIACHI'S AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE mexican cuisine

BANGKOK HAPPY BOWL THAI BISTRO & SUSHI BAR thai & sushi

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Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi

› A ROY YAMAGUCHI GEM

› LOCAL COMFORT FOOD AT ITS FINEST

› RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

Embark on a culinary adventure at award-winning Chef Roy Yamaguchi’s creation, offering the perfect opportunity to savor the multicultural flavors of Hawai‘i. The celebrated chef famous for international cuisine honors the many different cultures that have made Hawai‘i the “melting pot” that it is, and incorporates Portuguese, Filipino and American seasonings, among others, in cravable spicy and savory dishes served in a plantation-style eatery. Paying homage to Hawai‘i’s vibrant culinary heritage, with a nod to restaurateurs like Peter Fernandez who, the story goes, opened one of the first restaurants in Hawai‘i—called the Eating House—back in the mid-1800s, using what was available from local farmers, ranchers, foragers and fishermen. It’s here that the easy ambiance and simple flavors of a plantation town meet the dynamic modernity of haute cuisine.

Located at The Shops at Kukui‘ula (808) 742-5000 • RoyYamaguchi.com

2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Rd. #A-201, Kōloa (Map B, PG 172)

HAWAIIAN & ASIAN FUSION on the SOUTH SHORE

Stevenson’s Library

AND OPEN-AIR LANAI CREATE A WELCOMING

This unique Kaua‘i bar boasts the freshest and most delicious sushi and cocktails from sake to Scotch, draft beer to creative martinis and delectable tropical drinks. Savor the flavor combinations, or simply enjoy a cocktail while taking in the sweeping views. The warm woods of this classic lounge create a welcoming atmosphere. Scrumptious sushi rolls are sure to please, with sushi served nightly from 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Bar closes at 11 p.m. Book on OpenTable. Free valet parking for diners.

Tidepools

REGIONAL CUISINE on the SOUTH SHORE

Dine Hawaiian-style in what has been recognized as the island’s most romantic restaurant. For the ultimate ambiance and delectable food, Tidepools is the place. Dine in thatched-roof bungalows that seemingly float above a koi filled lagoon at the base of a waterfall. Savor fresh island flavors in this extraordinary setting. You’ll relish the exceptional service and the fresh local fish and steak creations each prepared with bounty from the island. Tidepools will dazzle you with dishes like Grilled Hawaiian Catch, Macadamia Crusted Mahi or succulent steaks. Salads feature greens from their own garden and the desserts are luscious. Don’t miss this treat. Book on OpenTable or call for reservations. Free valet parking for diners.

› ISLAND-INSPIRED MENU

› TRANQUIL, ROMANTIC SETTING

› FRESH LOCAL INGREDIENTS

Located at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (808) 240-6456 • GrandHyattKauai.com 1571 Po‘ipū Rd., Kōloa (Map B, PG 172)

The Cabana Bar & Grill

AMERICAN & ASIAN FUSION CUISINE on the SOUTH SHORE

› SHADED TERRACE

› LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY-SUNDAY

› CASUAL FAMILY DINING

Welcome to the Cabana Bar & Grill—the hidden gem on the sunny South Shore. The menu offers a fusion of local, colorful items like the 12-hour, slow roasted Kalua Pork, Local Braddha Dave's Vegetarian Taro Burger, beautiful Kaua‘i grown salads, wild caught ‘ahi tacos and creative cocktails and mocktails. The Cabana is located inside the Poipu Beach Athletic Club and is OPEN to the public. Enjoy local live music under the covered lānai and happy hour every day from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Book your special events and experience true aloha from their amazing team. Walk-ins welcome or make reservations on Yelp. Order pick up on ChowNow and stay up to date by following them on Instagram @thecabanakauai.

Located at Poipu Beach Athletic Club (808) 320-3006 • TheCabanaKauai.com 2290 Po‘ipū Rd., Kōloa (Map B, PG 172)

Table at Poipu

Looking for the perfect spot for a dress-up dining experience? Chef and owner John-Paul Gordon, a multiple-award-winning chef over 24 years, shares some of his favorite recipes with a noteworthy assemblage of what he does best—keeping the menu fresh while serving up classics. Feast on the fruits of the sea with flavorpacked dishes like Kaua‘i Prawn Saffron Risotto and the Seafood Paella; or dig into traditional meat dishes like the Bone-in Pork Chop and 14 oz. Spiced Ribeye. There are even vegetarian options, and all dishes are cooked up with imagination. Chef John-Paul uses locally-sourced ingredients in partnership with Kaua‘i farmers and fishermen to cook up meals that are served simply and filled with warmth and aloha.

› SAVE ROOM FOR OUTSTANDING DESSERTS

› CLASSIC DISHES WITH INSPIRATION

› RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

Located at The Shops at Kukui‘ula (808) 742-7037 • TableAtPoipu.com 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St, Suite F207A, Kōloa (Map B, PG 172)

HAWAIIAN & PAN-ASIAN CUISINE on the SOUTH SHORE

Rob’s Good Times Grill

› DAILY HAPPY HOUR & SPECIALS

› INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING

› SERVING SUNDAY BREAKFAST

Located in downtown Līhu‘e for over thirty years, Rob's Good Times Grill is one of those places locals and visitors alike return to time and time again. With its lively sports pub ambiance, live music and locally-sourced ingredients that inspire their menu, it’s the perfect spot to wrap up your day after sightseeing or hanging out at the beach. Imbibe on handcrafted cocktails with freshly squeezed juices, wines and a large selection of craft and local beers at their full-service bar. Dine on creative casual comfort dishes, from sandwiches and burgers to bowls, salads and pupus. Whether you’re alone, with friends or family, they try hard to make you feel like family. Enjoy live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with happy hour served daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Live music Wednesday through Saturday and open for breakfast during football season.

Located in Rice Shopping Center (808) 246-0311 • KauaiSportsBarAndGrill.com 4303 Rice St., Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

Hualani’s

Oceanfront dining at Hualani’s is influenced by the seasons. What’s fresh at The Farm at Hōkūala inspires the farm-to-table menu, while the bar serves up well-balanced craft cocktails that complement the seasonality of the kitchen. Experience one of the best views on Kaua‘i and savor the island lifestyle from an elegant yet relaxed setting at the beautiful Hōkūala resort, just minutes from the airport. In addition to repeated honors of OpenTable's Diners' Choice awards for Kaua‘i Best Overall, Best Food, Best Ambiance, Best Service, Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine and more. Hualani's is also proud to partner with Surfrider Foundation as an Ocean Friendly Restaurant. Open daily; reservations recommended.

› INNOVATIVE, HYPER-SEASONAL FARE

› MINUTES FROM LĪHU‘E AIRPORT

› COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING

Located in at Timbers Kaua‘i within the Hōkūala Resort (808) 320-7399 • TimbersKauai.com/Hualanis

3770 Ala‘oli Way, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

The Plantation House by Gaylord’s

› LOCALLY-SOURCED INGREDIENTS

› PLANTATION-LIKE SETTING AT KILOHANA

› PLENTY TO EXPERIENCE AFTER YOUR MEAL

Located in Kilohana’s original courtyard, The Plantation House by Gaylord's offers Kaua‘i’s most authentic dining experience with island-influenced dishes by Chef Johnny Saguid. An original working plantation homestead, Kilohana was home to Gaylord Wilcox who operated Grove Farm Plantation, a 23,000acre Sugar Plantation. Today, The Plantation House offers one of Kaua‘i's most beautiful settings for lunch and dinner. The kitchen uses only the freshest, seasonal ingredients supporting local farmers and fishermen, and their 67-acre sustainable farm provides much of the produce and herbs used in their dishes and cocktails. After your meal take a walk around the Kilohana grounds, shop in their assorted boutiques, visit the rum shop, take a ride on the plantation train or Safari van. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Moamoa Hawaiian Fish House

ISLAND-INSPIRED on the EAST SIDE

Open-air dining while in Hawai‘i is as essential as the tropical, pineapple wedge-topped cocktail at Saturday night’s meal—and it just so happens that Moamoa Hawaiian Fish House at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort offers both. Along with the lovely sips and sites this beachfront restaurant has to offer, the inspired array of Hawaiian cuisine offers well-earned competition for your attention. Miles more curated than your run-of-the-mill resort eatery, Moamoa dreamed up a Hawaiian Caprese equipped with Kauai Heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, local mango, sweet basil, extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinaigrette. Other standouts include a Cioppino with mussels, clams, lobster tail, Pernod liquor and saffron, though don't forget to start things out with the Grilled Octopus or the Char Sui Pork Belly. Expect the Pelagic Fish Special to be cooked to perfection with locally farmed vegetables and burnt lemon, while the Liliko‘i Mochi Cheescake rounds out a memorable meal.

Located at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort (808) 320-3455 • SheratonKapaa.com

650 Aleka Loop, Kapa‘a (Map E, PG 174)

› FRESH, SEAFOOD-INSPIRED MENU

› TRY THE DAILY CATCH

› OPEN-AIR DINING ON THE COAST

Fire Hen Arcade & Wings

CHICKEN & HOT WINGS on the EAST SIDE

› IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SAUCE!

› ARCADE & BILLIARDS

› AMAZING FRIED CHICKEN & WINGS

Marinated for hours, tenderly breaded and crisped to golden brown in a warm vat of bubbly oil? Fried chicken is an icon of global cuisine with different cultures and cities welcomely taking the liberty to throw in their own innovative adaptations. On the eastern shore of Kaua‘i, Fire Hen is doing just that with an emphasis on the sauce. Many would argue that when it comes to French fries, fried chicken or anything of the dippable sort, we place 10% of our eating desire on the food and 90% on the sauce— and while Fire Hen’s chicken delivers moist meat with a crackly exterior, it’s their selection of sauces and flavorings that gets you hooked. Guava Habanero, Pineapple Jerk and Mango Lime Habanero make for bold flavors crispy layers are eager to soak up. Also be sure to check out their selection of bowls with sauced-up tenders, rice and veggies. Arcade open to Fire Hen patrons and resort guests.

Located at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort (808) 319-4030 • FireHenKauai.com 650 Aleka Loop, Kapa‘a (Map E, PG 174)

The Crooked Surf

ISLAND-INSPIRED on the EAST SIDE

The Crooked Surf is a sophisticated Tiki Bar experience, inspired from indigenous Hawaiian architecture and features al fresco drinks and food with an understated surf club vibe. The bar overlooks the sweeping vistas of the ocean surrounding this beautiful resort. It features live entertainment in the evening on weekends and a fun, high-energy vibe that will keep your good times going into the night. The menu focuses on island-favorite pupus, Asian-fusion sandwiches and burgers and approachable local plates that are both refreshing and nourishing. Sip a Coconut Beach Mai Tai and indulge in a fresh catch poke bowl or a host of resort favorites and a rotation of specials that highlight the seasonality and culture of Kaua‘i. Enjoy happy hour and live local artists performing kanikapila (live music) daily.

Located at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort (808) 320-3651 • SheratonKapaa.com

650 Aleka Loop, Kapa‘a (Map E, PG 174)

› OCEANFRONT, OPEN-AIR SETTING

› A TIKI BAR VIBE + LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

› LOCAL FAVORITES + ISLAND COCKTAILS

HoloHolo Grill

HoloHolo Grill features gastro-inspired Hawaiian comfort food and is a collaboration with James Beard award-winning chef Sam Choy. Here you will experience the sensational aromas and savory flavors of Chef Choy’s island style cooking and innovative recipes known throughout the world, earning him the title of Hawai‘i’s culinary ambassador. Chef Choy collaborates to develop a diverse menu for each restaurant and the result culminates in many of Chef Choy’s favorites, including the braised short ribs, Sam’s signature poke and island fish stew, and a signature Koloa sugar lava spice rub for meats, found only at Holoholo Grill. Located on the south end of the resort adjacent to the resort's main pool.

Bar Acuda

Tempting guests for nearly a decade, Bar Acuda is known for its Spanish-style tapas, which fuse the flavors of the Mediterranean with locally sourced ingredients. Chef-owners Hanna and Kenny Uddifa explain that their dishes are meant to be shared, bringing diners together in their sophisticated yet understated atmosphere. Their chef-driven menu allows the duo to take advantage of the freshest produce grown on the island and playfully experiment with locally grown products. Hanna and Kenny also focus on cultivating relationships with local fishermen, farmers and purveyors to emphasize a sense of place via the ingredients they cook with. Alongside the delicious plates, Bar Acuda’s exceptional wine list reflects an enclave of small, passionate producers from Italy, France, Spain, Oregon and California. The distinct emphasis on Rhone-style grape varietals pair exceedingly well with their provincial-style menu.

Located in Hanalei Center (808) 826-7081 • CudaHanalei.com 5-5161 Kūhiō Hwy. #4, Hanalei (Map I, PG 177)

Papaya’s Natural Foods & Vitamins

As Kauai’s largest family-owned natural food store, Papaya’s has been a part of the community since 1991 and is a must-visit for anyone seeking healthy, organic, locally sourced food options. Papaya’s has something for everyone, including vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options. Their kitchen offers an enticing variety of tasty and nutritious grab-and-go options and made-to-order wild-caught fish tacos, healthy wraps and local fare, all crafted with organic and locally sourced ingredients. Try a made-to-order fresh organic fruit juice or smoothie for something lighter but equally wholesome. With an extensive range of groceries, Papayas is perfect for stocking up your kitchen pantry or preparing for a day at the beach. Whether you're a health enthusiast or just looking to enjoy wholesome meals, Papaya’s provides a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff ready to assist. Shopping here supports local farmers and the environment and ensures you leave with nourishing, high-quality products. Open Monday - Saturday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

(808) 823-0190 • PapayasNaturalFoods.com

4-901 Kūhiō Hwy, Kapa‘a (Map E, PG 174)

TAPAS & WINE on the NORTH SHORE

MARKET & CAFÉ on the EAST SIDE

Mariachi’s Mexican Cuisine

› LOCAL DINING EXPERIENCE › HAPPY HOUR DAILY FROM 2-5PM

Experience authentic Mexican cuisine from a simple menu of flavorful comfort food homemade with fresh ingredients inspired by family recipes from Mexico and the passion for cooking of owner Hector Portillo's grandmother. The combination of flavors and the traditional Mexican ambiance is what makes Mariachi’s a very special restaurant. If you’re hungry for non-Mexican dishes, their menu has plenty of American and local Hawaiian favorites, as well as vegetarian options. They offer a margarita bar, with an extensive selection of tropical cocktails, tequilas and beers, including local options. Whether it's your first time at Mariachi’s, or you're a regular, they always strive to provide the best, traditional Mexican cantina experience.

Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar

A cornerstone in the Po‘ipū community, this colorful, laid-back bistro serves up authentic Thai cuisine with a sophisticated, modern twist on classic dishes and has been recognized for its outstanding food, excellent service and friendly staff. Owned by award-winning chef and restaurateur Paula Rungsawang-Coult with husband Kirk Coult, this popular Po‘ipū establishment features flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients—including classic Thai favorites such as curries, and noodle and rice bowls. Don't miss out on their sushi menu, which offers a variety of creative sushi rolls and fresh sashimi. Dine on their lānai and enjoy specialty cocktails from the full-service bar while enjoying the nightly live music. Stop in for their daily happy hour from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with live music nightly from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Winner of the 2023 Kauai Diner’s Choice Award.

Located in Poipu Shopping Village (808) 742-9888 • BangkokHappyBowl.com/kauai-hi

2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr., Kōloa (Map B, PG 172)

› TAKE OUT & CATERING

› HAPPY HOUR DAILY, FEATURING $2 OFF DRAFT BEERS & SELECT COCKTAILS

THAI & SUSHI on the SOUTH SHORE

SHOP + STYLE

THE SHOPS AT GRAND HYATT KAUAI shopping center

THE SHOPS AT KUKUI‘ULA shopping center

BLUE GINGER boutique & accessories

MAUI DIVERS jewelry

NA HOKU jewelry

MONDAY PAU HANA MARKET farmers market

KUKUI GROVE CENTER shopping center

KAUA‘I CULINARY MARKET farmers market

POIPU SHOPPING VILLAGE shopping center

KILAUEA FINE JEWELRY jewelry

KŌLOA VILLAGE shopping center

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The Shops at Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i

SHOPPING CENTER on the SOUTH SHORE

› EXPERIENCE A CURATED MIX OF ISLAND STYLE AND PREMIER BRANDS

› SHOP, SPA & DINE AT THE GRAND HYATT

Everything Kaua‘i in one beautiful space. The Shops at Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i features 12,000 square feet of retail shops, featuring Tori Richard aloha wear, Na Hoku fine jewelry, Shoe Envy, Anara Spa boutique, Waterwear, Sunglass Hut, Hawai‘i’s own Martin and MacArthur fine woodworking, fine art photography from aFeinberg Gallery and gifts and sundries from Accents. Within walking distance of the resort, the Poipu Bay Golf Shop offers golf equipment, accessories and logo wear. Whether you are looking for the perfect gift or a keepsake to treasure, you will find it all at The Shops at Grand Hyatt Kauai.

Located in the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa (808) 742-1234 1571 Poipu Rd., Po‘ipū (Map B, PG 172)

The Shops at Kukui‘ula

SHOPPING CENTER on the SOUTH SHORE

› EXPANSIVE, OPEN-AIR SETTING

› SIGNATURE RESTAURANTS & QUICK BITES

› LOCAL SHOPS, GALLERIES & BOUTIQUES

On the sunny south shore of Kaua‘i, nestled in the renowned resort playground of Po‘ipu, The Shops at Kukui‘ula is the island's premier shopping, dining and fine art destination. Showcasing architecture that pays homage to Hawai‘i's plantation past, the center is home to dozens of unique shops and boutiques, award-winning restaurants and contemporary art galleries. Strolling through The Shops at Kukui‘ula stimulates the senses, especially on Friday evenings when live music carries on the breeze; and hosts to some of the South Shore’s most cherished weekly, monthly and annual events. Every Wednesday beginning at 3:30pm, The Shops come alive with the lively Kaua‘i Culinary Market, offering fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other specialties and local favorites that are all Kaua‘i grown and made, supporting local farmers, producers and vendors.

Located at the roundabout in Po‘ipū (808) 742-9545 • TheShopsAtKukuiula.com 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka, Po‘ipū (Map B, PG 172)

Blue Ginger

BOUTIQUE & ACCESSORIES on the SOUTH SHORE

Live the aloha lifestyle in tropical resort wear from Blue Ginger. Perfect for any island occasion, Blue Ginger offers colorful, timeless resort wear sure to bring smiles and warm memories of the islands. Original batik prints inspired by the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands are available in comfortable clothing for all ages. A family run establishment, Blue Ginger has long been an island favorite with kama‘āina and visitors alike. With eight locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Blue Ginger has something for everyone, from the youngest keiki on up. Colorful sundresses, caftans, aloha shirts, accessories and more. Celebrating 39 years of living the aloha lifestyle, these exclusive prints and fashions continue to delight multiple generations.

› LIVE THE ALOHA LIFESTYLE

› MATCHING FAMILY PRINTS

› TIMELESS RESORTWEAR

Located in the Shops at Kukui‘ula (808) 742-2633 • BlueGinger.com 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St., Suite G145, Kōloa (Map B, PG 172)

Maui Divers Jewelry

› ESTABLISHED IN 1959

› EXCLUSIVELY MADE IN HAWAI‘I

› FOREVER GUARANTEE

Embark on an enchanting journey of everlasting memories with Maui Divers Jewelry. Impeccable artistry and genuine passion breathe life into their iconic Hawaiian jewelry. Backed by superior craftsmanship, expert design and unparalleled customer service, your story finds its home in every locally made design. Since 1959, each piece has included the valuable protection of their famous Forever Guarantee. It's a testament to their unwavering customer commitment and outstanding quality. Visit Maui Divers Jewelry on O‘ahu, Maui, Big Island, Kaua‘i and at MauiDivers.com. Unforgettable memories await.

Located in Anchor Cove Shopping Center (808) 246-2699 • MauiDivers.com 3416 Rice Street, #201, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

JEWELRY in LĪHU‘E

Na Hoku

JEWELRY on the SOUTH SHORE

The essence of Hawaiian lifestyle and tradition has been captured in the Na Hoku collection of fine jewelry. Hawaiian for “stars,” Na Hoku also stands for incomparable quality and craftsmanship. At Na Hoku, you will find original pieces set with Tahitian pearls, diamonds and colored gemstones, as well as collections by renowned designers such as Kabana®, Le Vian® and Effy®. Every piece of Hawaiian and Island lifestyle jewelry is designed to accent the individuality, taste and style of the one who wears it, and will forever be a memento of a treasured time in the islands.

NaHoku.com (808) 742-1863 • Grand Hyatt Shops (Map B, PG 172) (808) 742-7025 • Poipu Shopping Village (Map B, PG 172)

Monday Pau Hana Farmers Market

FARMERS MARKET in LĪHU‘E

Voted the #1 Kaua‘i farmers' market, the Monday Pau Hana Farmers Market is a partnership between Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau and Kukui Grove Center with the goal of supporting local agriculture. Held each Monday, rain or shine, from 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in the south parking lot, this outdoor market offers seasonal fruit, flowers and produce plus ready-to-eat items. Enjoy a fresh cracked coconut, savor a fresh made lumpia or Filipino delicacy or sample Kaua‘i honey while shopping for what’s in season and meeting Kaua‘i farmers. More local choices are available at the Food Court restaurants, many of which shop from these same farmers.

Located at Kukui Grove Center (808) 245-7784 • KukuiGroveCenter.com/Market 3-2600 Kaumuali‘i Highway, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

Kukui Grove Center

SHOPPING CENTER in LĪHU‘E

Nestled on 50 acres in Li‘hūe, Kukui Grove Center and Marketplace is the island's largest open-air shopping center. A dynamic mix of more than 60 stores, restaurants, local specialty shops, services and activities amidst outdoor seating and lush tropical landscaping, Kukui Grove is known as “The Place to Be” for Hawai‘i residents and visitors seeking to explore authentic Kaua‘i eats and style. Stop by for breakfast or lunch at Kaua‘i’s top food court featuring the diverse flavors of the islands, or come on Aloha Friday entertainment from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Center is a community hub for seasonal and cultural programming for all ages, with popular weekend events and a Monday Pau Hana Farmers' Market starting at 3 p.m. weekly. The Keiki Korner children’s play area and frequent kids’ activities make Kukui Grove a favorite stop for families.

Located in Līhu‘e (808) 245-7784 • KukuiGroveCenter.com 3-2600 Kaumuali‘i Hwy., Li‘hūe (Map H, PG 176)

› 60+ MERCHANTS INCLUDING TARGET

› AWARD-WINNING LOCAL FOOD CHOICES

› EXPLORE KAUA‘I OCEAN DISCOVERY CENTER

Kaua‘i Culinary Market

›

Held each Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., the Kaua‘i Culinary Market is an epicurean’s delight. Aromas of fresh food being cooked on the grill greet guests while live, local musicians perform in the background and crowds mingle at various booths to taste the offerings of local chefs. Along with a variety of tropical fruits ranging from lychee to starfruit and even the piercingly colored dragon fruit, this market has a variety of vendors offering their handmade pies, jams, fresh cheese and local coffee. While some choose to dance to the live music or mingle among the vendors, there is also a relaxing wine and beer garden awaiting those who want to sit back, enjoy their food and listen to the live music.

Poipu Shopping Village

SHOPPING CENTER on the SOUTH SHORE

Po‘ipū Shopping Village has everything you’re looking for. In the heart of Po‘ipū amid a lovely garden setting, this family-friendly outdoor mall has award-winning restaurants, unique and eclectic shops, gift stores, jewelry stores and boutiques. You will discover a colorful array of shops, services and eateries on Po‘ipū Road and Kiahuna Plantation Drive in one convenient location. It is the home of Keoki’s Paradise Restaurant, Bangkok Happy Bowl Thai Bistro & Sushi Bar, Crumb & Get It, Isola Cusina, That Indian Place, Anuenue Café, Papalani Gelato, Starbucks, Sky Boutique, Crazy Shirts, Honolua Surf Co., Na Hoku jewelry, Damary’s Fine Jewelry and much more. Join Poipu Shopping Village at their stage under the Banyan Trees for Hula Shows every Monday and Thursday at 5 p.m. Enjoy the performance of award-winning Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina‘ala as their dancers perform the beautiful hula dances of Hawai‘i to live Hawaiian music. Island shopping doesn’t get much better than this!

Located in the Po‘ipū Resort area (808) 742-2831 • PoipuShoppingVillage.com 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr., Kōloa (Map B, PG 172)

› OPEN DAILY

› WEEKLY HAWAIIAN ENTERTAINMENT

› RESTAURANTS, SHOPS & SPECIALTIES

Kilauea Fine Jewelry

Located in the heart of Kilauea, co-owners Tiffany, Karen and Nicky began making jewelry together as ‘ohana, then decided to bring their dreams to life by starting a women-owned business creating one-of-a-kind pearl, gemstone and diamond fine jewelry. Specializing in Tahitian and South Sea pearl jewelry, most of which is handcrafted in their store, they personally select each and every pearl from the most reputable pearl farmers around the globe. Using only ethically-sourced diamonds and gemstones, they have a team of goldsmiths able to customize any piece you can dream up. In addition to a new mens line, these ladies recently launched their signature collection of Sustainably Created Lab Diamond Fine Jewelry which includes an eco-friendly selection of classic engagement rings and bands.

Kōloa Village

MIXED USE SHOPPING CENTER on the SOUTH SHORE

Located in the heart of south Kaua‘i’s historic and picturesque Old Kōloa Town, Kōloa Village is the island’s newest neighborhood that celebrates the rich history and culture that make Kōloa such a special place. Experience the stunning oldworld, plantation-style architecture of the Village’s open-air design that takes full advantage of Kōloa’s balmy weather and beautiful surroundings. This walkable community attracts visitors and residents alike, offering a one-stop spot for everything Kaua‘i—from a wide variety of locally-owned shops, a brewery and eateries to an organic grocer and boutique fitness studios. Browse and experience one of the unique shops featuring products and gifts by Kaua‘i artists, designers, artisans and more locally made goods, or rent an e-bike for a day of exploring Old Kōloa Town and nearby Po‘ipū Beach and the historic Hapa Trail. Visit their Instagram page—@koloavillage—to learn more. Free weekly hula show on Thursdays at 2 p.m. with Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala.

Located in Old Kōloa Town

@koloavillage • KoloaVillage.com

5460 Kōloa Village Rd., Kōloa (Map C, PG 173)

› A VARIETY OF SHOPS & RESTAURANTS

› SITUATED IN OLD KŌLOA TOWN

› AMPLE PARKING AVAILABLE

ISLAND LIVING

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Timbers Kaua‘i

RESORT LIVING in LĪHU‘E

› OCEANFRONT REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

› JACK NICKLAUS SIGNATURE GOLF

Immerse yourself in the Garden Isle at Timbers Kaua‘i – Ocean Club & Residences. Here, you will find an intimate collection of private residences offering an oceanfront location like no other on the island. Located within the 450-acre Hõkūala resort, at your doorstep awaits 13 miles of nature trails, an infinity pool, a restaurant and an on-site organic farm, as well as an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature course boasting the longest stretch of oceanfront golf in all of Hawai‘i. Offering both wholly owned and fractional ownership opportunities with luxury amenities and a dedicated concierge team, Timbers Kaua‘i lets you decide how much space you need and how much time you’d like to spend here. Spacious new condo-style and townhome residences offer three or four bedrooms with wellappointed finishes and open indoor-outdoor living with private lānais. Whether you come for a visit or a lifetime, you’ll never live aloha the same.

Hōkūala Kaua‘i, a Timbers Resort (808) 465-2593 • timberskauai.com 3770 Ala‘oli Way, Līhu‘e (Map H, PG 176)

Kauanoe o Kōloa

› TWO, THREE AND FOUR-BEDROOM RESIDENCES AVAILABLE

› LOCATED IN SUNNY PO‘IPŪ

Your island home awaits on Kaua‘i’s sunny southern coast at Kauanoe o Kōloa. Situated in the highly desirable Po‘ipū Beach area, this small town with a vibrant island lifestyle is known for its gorgeous, sunny weather, beautiful beaches, worldclass restaurants and golf courses designed by world-renowned architects. This private enclave of only 279 homes encompasses Kaua‘i living at its best. Spacious two-, three- and four-bedroom residences feature open floor plan designs, islandstyle architecture, and amenities to include a clubhouse with a fitness center and restaurant, two swimming pools and spas, a poolside pavilion, barbecue areas and more! Here, remarkable residences, adventurous days, restorative moments, a rich culture, and unrivaled natural beauty come together to create a truly exceptional place to call home.

Meridian Pacific | RB-16590 (808) 556-6911 • kauanoeokoloa.com

5425 P‘au A Laka St, Kōloa (Map B, PG 172)

Koloa Landing

Koloa Landing at Poipu Beach is an exclusive, oceanside resort community located in one of the most coveted locations in the Hawaiian Islands. Nestled next to legendary Po‘ipū Beach, it’s setting ideally positions you to share in the abundance of natural and cultural treasures of Kaua‘i. World class amenities typically found only at exclusive resorts are yours at Koloa Landing. With architecture reflective of Kaua‘i’s multicultural heritage, the luxury villas combine various styles introduced at different periods in Kaua‘i history. The sweeping views of the ocean and sky are framed by generous picture windows. Disappearing glass doors bring paradise inside, providing you with a unique sense of tranquility. Each luxurious amenity is thoughtfully conceived and infused with aloha spirit. You won’t visit the island this time, you will feel a part of it.

MAPS

ISLAND MAP the garden island

PO‘IPŪ south shore

KŌLOA south shore

ELE‘ELE + HANAPEPE west side

KAPA‘A east side

KĪLAUEA north shore

WAILUA east side

LĪHU‘E central

PRINCEVILLE + HANALEI north shore

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KAUA‘I

Wailua Falls

Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park

Kalalau Valley Lookout

Waimea Canyon State Park

Māhā‘ulepū Heritage Trail

Kīlauea Lighthouse

Na Pali Experience

Kekaha Beach

Polihale State Park

Mākua (Tunnels) Beach

Lydgate Beach Park

‘Anini Beach

Opakapaka Grill & Bar

Warehouse 3540

Kilohana Plantation

Po‘ipū Beach

Shipwreck (Keoneloa) Beach

Poipu Bay Golf Course

PXG

Kukui‘ula Golf Course

Kiahuna Golf Course

Kauai Carts

The Shops at Grand Hyatt Kauai

Na Hoku

The Shops at Kukui‘ula

Kauai Culinary Market

Blue Ginger

Poipu Shopping Village

Na Hoku

EatingHouse 1849

Table at Poipu

Hapa Kauai Ramen & Whiskey

Stevenson's Library

Tidepools

Bangkok Happy Bowl Thai Bistro & Sushi Bar

The Cabana Bar & Grill

Kukui‘ula

Koloa Landing Resort

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Koa Kea Hotel & Resort

Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club

The Point at Poipu

Sheraton Kauai Resort

Kauanoe o Kōloa

Kauai ATV / Kōloa Zipline

Kauai E-Bikes

Sueoka Store

Kōloa Village

Kōloa Fish Market

La Spezia

Kōloa Mill Ice Cream & Coffee

The Fresh Shave

The Tasting Room Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

ELE‘ELE (PORT ALLEN) + HANAPĒPĒ

Blue Dolphin Charters

HoloHolo Charters

Kauai Sea Tours

Salt Pond Beach Park

Talk Story Bookstore

The Bright Side Gallery

Port Allen Sunset Bar & Grill

Kauai Island Brewery & Grill

Midnight Bear Breads

Bobbie's Restaurant

Unkos Kitchen

Japanese Grandma's Cafe MCS Grill

Rainbow Kayak Tours

Kīlauea Fine Jewelry

Coconut Grove Marketplace

Lū‘au Ka Hikina

Mariachi's Authentic Mexican Cuisine

The Crooked Surf

Moamoa Hawaiian Fish House

Fire Hen

Kenji Burger

Papaya's

Hukilau Lanai

Oasis on the Beach

Monico's Taqueria

Olympic Cafe

Bubba Burgers

Al Pastor Tacos

Chicken in a Barrel BBQ

Sam's Ocean View Restaurant

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

Waipouli Beach Resort

Common Ground

Kilauea Fine Jewelry

Wyland Gallery

Kong Lung Historic Market Center

Kong Lung Trading Co.

Palate Wine Bar & Restaurant

Java Kai Coffee Roasters

Kauai Juice Co.

Kilauea Fish Market

Goldsmiths Kauai

Kinipopo Shopping Center

Streetburger Kauai

Korean

Kipu Ranch Adventures

Lū‘au Kalamaku

Polynesian Adventure Tours

Jack Harter Helicopters

Island Helicopters

Kilohana Plantation Railway

Kauai Safaris

‘Alekoko Fishpond

KalapakĪ Beach

Ocean Course at Hōkūala

Pua Kea Golf Course

Kilohana Plantation

Kukui Grove Center

Maui Divers Jewelry

The Plantation House by Gaylord's Hualani's

Mariachi's Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Scorpacciata

Rob's Good Times Grill

Timbers Kaua‘i

Marriott's Kauai Beach Club

Royal Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort

Marriott's Kauai Lagoons - Kalanipu‘u

TRAVELOGUE

NOTES + SKETCHES document your travel adventures, the places you visit, experiences you encounter, or something weird you saw at the pool.

ITINERARY PLANNER prefer to keep it analog? You can still get the most out of your trip and start planning your itinerary here, just grab a pen and do it old school.

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