THINGS TO DO ON KAUAI

Relax, explore and enjoy all that Kauai has to offer!

 

Aloha and thank you for your interest in Kekaha Oceanside vacation rentals on Kauai’s west side. We rent luxury ocean front homes and plantation-style cottages here on the sunny west coast for adventure seekers and power loungers who come to explore and relax amongst Kauai’s natural wonders. The following are some of our favorite things to do and and places to eat on the Island.  Kauai is a diverse, beautiful, tropical paradise. Come enjoy a peaceful and unique west side Kauai vacation with Kekaha Oceanside!

Scenic Attractions & Adventures

Hanakapiai Beach, Na Pali Coast Kauai

Kauai County Visitor Information

 

Information on Kauai’s beaches and parks.

Kauai Parks & Beaches
Kauai State Parks
Kokee Hiking Trails

Polihale State Beach Park Kauai

Polihale State Park

 

Several miles to the West of Kekaha is the end of the road on the west side of Kauai is Polihale Beach and State Park.  A great place to watch sunset and walk along the wide, white sand beach for a view of the South end of the Na Pali Cliffs.

Waimea Canyon Kauai

The Waimea Canyon – Koke’e State Park

 

This breathtaking canyon area offers numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

 

Kokee Trail Maps & Info
Kokee Natural History Museum
Kokee State Park Information

NaPali Coast Kauai

NaPali Coast Boat Tours

 

Visit Kauai’s most stunning coastline by boat, departing from the nearby Kikiaoloa Boat Harbor daily, snorkel adventures, marine encounters and go inside sea caves.

Salt Pond Beach Park Kauai

Salt Pond Beach Park

 

Named for its traditional Hawaiian salt collecting ponds, Salt Pond Beach Park is protected by an outside reef with potential good winter snorkeling, fishing and swimming (conditions vary). Public parking, bathrooms and showers.

West Kauai sunset

Kekaha Beach for Sunset

 

An uncrowded, expansive white sand beach that stretches for miles.  A great place to to catch an amazing Kauai sunset as it sinks below the horizon and the Forbidden Island of Ni`ihau.

Kauai Coffee Estate

The Kauai Coffee Estate

Stop by the Visitor Center at Kauai Coffee Estate in Eleele.  Stroll through our coffee orchard, talk to our friendly guides, shop for gifts to take home and of course sample our exclusive line of estate-grown Hawaiian coffees.

Pakala's

Pakala’s Beach

 

Great local surf spot, short hike to gorgeous west side beach.

Local Interests

Bird Watching on Kauai

Bird-Watching

 

For high elevation endemic species visit the Kokee State Park and Alakai Swamp. For low-land/wet-land species, shorebirds and scrub-land species visit the Kawaieleele Sand-mine Bird Sanctuary.  The Kilauea Lighthouse is another wonderful place for sea bird viewing.

Menpachi fish Kauai

Kikiaola Boat Harbor

 

Stop by the nearby Kikiaola boat harbor in Kekaha to see local fishermen with their daily catch, or book a Fishing charter or NaPali Coast boat tour for a day on the water on Kauai’s most stunning coastline.

Kauai Farmer's Market

Kauai Farmers Market

A short walk from many of our Kekaha Vacation Rentals, is the west side farmer’s market at Kekaha Neighborhood Center every Saturday at 9am.   The Hanapepe Farmer’s Market is on Thursday at 3pm.  And we also love the Puhi Farmer’s Market at Grove Farm on Saturdays at 10am.

Click here for a full schedule of Kauai Farmer’s Markets

Hanapepe Art Night

Hanapepe Art Night

 

Every Friday night the sleepy town of Hanapepe comes alive with live music, local crafters and food trucks. Stroll thru a variety of local art galleries and an ecclectic Book Store.

Our Favorite Restaurants

Kauai Beach House Restaurant, vegan entree

Kauai Beach House

 

The Beach House Restaurant at the water’s edge in Poipu, is passionate about handcrafted food, drink, and merrimaking! Stunning sunset views, locally sourced fish, and beef and coffee come from neighboring ranches.  Vegan options are available.

Poipu Dolphin Restaurant Kauai

Poipu Dolphin Restaurant

 

At the Shops at Kukui`ula in Poipu, the Poipu Dolphin Restaurant offers gourmet sushi, fresh fish, steak and specialty cocktails, all served with local Hawaiian flavors. Adjacent fresh fish market has grab and go items.
Wrangler's Steak House Waimea Kauai

Wrangler’s Restaurant

 

Located in Waimea Town, Wrangler’s Retaurant is a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) themed nearby restaurant open for lunch and dinner featuring local caught fish and steaks.  For happy endings, try their delicious warm peach cobbler, just like Mom used to make.

Japanese Grandmas Cafe Hanapepe Kauai

Japanese Grandma’s Cafe

 

Authentic Japanese Food tucked away in the small town of Hanapepe, on Kauai’s west side.  Indoor and outdoor dining, awesome sushi and ramen and an ecclectic little gift shop.  Japanese Grandma’s Cafe is a real treat!

Kuulei's Gourmet Kauai

Ku`ulei’s Gourmet

 

Ku’uleis Gourmet can be found in the small town of Hanapepe located on the Westside of Kauai.  Homemade soups, salads, sushi and desserts.

Midnight Bear Bread Kauai

Midnight Bear Breads

 

Very popular artisanal bakery offering delicious breads, pastries, croissants, danish, sandwiches and coffee in sweet Hanapepe Town.  Visit Midnight Bear Breads website.
Kauai Ramen

Kauai Ramen

 

Located in Ele`ele, great local “dive” for quick, affordable, tasty ramen and sushi.

Kokee Lodge prime rib Kauai

Kokee Lodge

 

Located in Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow, in the heart of Kokeʻe State Park, Kokeʻe Lodge is a cozy and historic place to eat and drink.  Enjoy live music every Friday, Saturday & Sunday afternoon by the fireplace from 12pm-3pm.

Port Allen Bar & Grill Kauai

Port Allen Bar & Grill

 

Renovated warehouse featuring Pub Grub in Ele`ele close to Port Allen Harbor.  Favorites include fish and chips, poke nachos and beer on tap.

Brennecke's Beach Broiler Kauai

Brennecke’s Beach Broiler

 

Brennecke’s Beach Broiler is open for Lunch and dinner at Poipu Beach on the South side of Kauai.  Favorites include surf & turf, prime rib, king crab, tempura roll, and ceviche wonton tacos.
Gaylord's Restaurant Kauai

Gaylord’s at Kilohana

 

Located in Puhi at the Kilohana Estate, an original working plantation homestead, is The Plantation House by Gaylord’s featuring Kauai’s most authentic dining experience in the original courtyard with island-influenced dishes.

Ishihara Deli, Waimea, Kauai

Ishihara Deli

 

Sushi, Poke and other local favorites by the pound as well as lunch specials at the Ishihara deli in Waimea town.