Island Experiences Await
Discover the natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences of Kauaʻi, the Garden Isle. Explore the island on your own or let the local experts at Huakaʻi Outfitters guide you through unique excursions and outdoor adventures, all curated by world-class athletes and knowledgeable Kauaʻi locals.
The beaches on the south shore of Kaua’i are sun drenched and breezy in summer. Mahaulepu Beach is isolated and charming, near the end of the Mahaulepu Beach Heritage Trail. Poipu Beach is perfect for families and has been rated as the best beach in America. Hanalei Bay Pavilion, on the island’s north shore, is in the center of a two-mile crescent bay with facilities perfect for a day trip in winter. Fuji Beach, on the east side, is popular for exploring tide pools, while Polihale Beach on the west side is great for enjoying Kauai’s spectacular sunsets.
For hikers, there are two of the world’s most incredible trails to explore on foot on Kaua'i. The Na Pali coast on the north shore offers a multi-day backpacking route, or a day hike on the Hanakapi’ai Trail to a breathtaking waterfall with a rewarding swimming hole. On the island’s south shore is Waimea Canyon, “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific” with views deep into the earth, waterfalls, and rainbows. For paddlers, the Wailua River is a lush boulevard into the island’s interior. And on the south shore, adventure seekers can choose zip lines, horseback, or 4x4 excursions to get intimate with the open landscape.
Locally grown ingredients take on new meaning when you’re on a 552 square mile island. Kaua’i boasts deep agricultural roots, and the cuisine is a paradigm of Hawaiian culture. Restaurants by Roy Yamaguchi and Peter Merriman are in The Shops at Kukui’ula, while more traditional eateries on the south shore showcase noodle bowls, laulau, loco moco, poke, and musubi. There is also a vibrant food truck scene on the east shore, excellent shave ice all over the island, and the popular Kaua’i Juice Co. has three locations.
The Arts & Culture scene on Kaua’i is anchored by the Kaua’i Museum as well as the Grove Farm Sugar Plantation and Museum in Lihue. Each summer, Bon Dances are held at the Japanese Buddhist temples around the island. In the fall, there are hula competitions, and slack key guitar and ukulele competitions are a regular fixture in Hanalei.
Island guests and locals alike frequent The Shops at Kukui`ula, Kauai's premier shopping, dining and fine art destination. You can get your retail therapy in as you walk along beautiful tropical Plantation architecture. The center is home to dozens of unique shops and boutiques perfect for finding that special gift. Enjoy award winning restaurants, browse through contemporary art galleries and experience free cultural events.
Be amazed as Kauai’s South Shore comes to life at Spouting Horn blowhole. The spectacular blowhole is one of the most photographed spots on Kauai, and for good reason! The salty ocean waves channel through a natural lava tube along the coast and releases a giant spray of water that can reach as high as 50 feet. Listen in as the roar and hiss of the traveling water has long been the lore of a Hawaiian legend, Kaikapu.
Surround yourself in global and native greenery at the National Tropical Botanical Garden. This not-for-profit institution is dedicated to discovering, saving, and studying the world's tropical plants and sharing what is learned. The large Kaua'i property consists of thousands of species from throughout the tropical world that have been respectfully gathered to form an amazing collection that is unparalleled anywhere else. Learn more about the continual research happening on site or simply take in the beauty of the vast living treasure of plants.
The Lodge at Kukui’ula is conveniently positioned on Kaua’i’s sunny south shore. The beautiful natural blowhole of Spouting Horn is less than one mile from the clubhouse, and some of the best views of it occur right from the Kukui’ula property. Next door is The Shops at Kukui’ula. With a beautiful array of local and internationally acclaimed stores and restaurants, there is something for everyone. Visit on Wednesday evenings for the weekly culinary market to enjoy a special taste of Kaua’i. On the other side of Kukui’ula’s property is the National Tropical Botanical Gardens (NTBG) and Allerton Gardens. Dedicated to preserving tropical plant diversity, the NTGB works hard to protect native and at-risk species and is home to the largest assemblages of endangered native Hawaiian plants and breadfruit cultivars in existence.
