After you’ve finished learning about the history of some of Kapa’a’s landmarks, you can pull over into a nearby parking lot (we’ll guide you there) and stop for a bite to eat. We recommend Pono Market for poke or a plate lunch, but we’re sure you’ll notice all the cute little cafes and restaurants in Kapa’a. Take your pick!

This spot specializes in items like poke and plate lunches, but they have some pies, mochi and spam musubi as well.

If you’re starting the tour in Lihue, we recommend you pick up some snacks and water here, there are limited spots to grab food until you reach Kapa’a where you’ll have tons of choices. Not hungry? Just skip this spot. 

The restaurant recently re-opened, so it may only be taking call-ahead orders for curbside pickup. Check its website for updates.

Open daily 7am - 2pm

Technically, Sleeping Giant has three hikes of varying difficulties, but our tour takes you to the Sleeping Giant West Trail, which is the easiest. This trek is just over 2-miles round trip, and once you reach the top, you’ll be amazed by the sweeping views of Kauai’s coast and Kapa’a Town.

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This is technically more of a leisurely walk than a hike. Here, you’ll see local plant species like monkeypod trees. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a rainbow eucalyptus.

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The Kuilau Ridge Trail is a relatively flat trail with a broad shaded path through an old growth forest. It’s actually quite long, but we recommend just hiking the first mile or so.

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This is the most accessible and easy hike on this tour (except for Keahua Arboretum, which is more like a stroll). But it’s not just a good, easy hike. There is a reward of 1 (and 2 if you’d like) waterfalls at the end of the hike.

To the first waterfall:

The hike to the first waterfall is about 2-mile round trip. after entering into the trail, take the main trail and hang a right at the stream. Then just follow the river for about 10 minutes. when you hear the waterfall, take the second path down to the waterfall. It is a little steep, but the roots kinda act like stairs. The first path is much steeper, though leads to the same place.

To the second waterfall:

From the first waterfall, return back to the main trail then continue for about 30 minutes or so. Close to the trail’s end the trail forks to the right, then you have to climb up a small hill before getting down to the base of the waterfall where you can swim. The second falls plunge into a wider pool with a rope swing. When done, just return back the way you came.

Just so you know, if you decide to check out the second waterfall, you may see signs that say “no trespassing,” but the land is actually state land. However, the access path is leased by some farmers. Occasionally the farmer may discourage going further, and if so, you need to respect their wishes. But mostly, no one minds as long as you respect the area and pick up your trash.

Direction to Trailhead:

Go to the end of Kawaihau road, the trail starts next to the last house on the left. There is no sign and might be overgrown with grass. But you’ll find a worn-out path that leads you on the trail.

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Cautions:

• Drive slow in the residential neighborhood.

• Use good judgements as usual.

• Do NOT go if recently rained or there is flash flood warning.

• RESPECT the residential neighborhood.

Please note: the Kauai Hindu Monastery closes at noon. 

Nestled on the outskirts of Wailua State Park, you’ll find a 363-acre Hindu monastery that’s considered one of the holiest sites in the Hindu religion. This Kadavul Temple is home to the largest quartz crystal on earth surrounded by 108 golden statues of the Hindu god Siva. At the monastery, you can also walk through the site’s sacred garden where you’ll see rudraksha trees, a shrine to Ganesha, and a Hindu demi-god in the form of an elephant. 

Reservations are required; email puja@hindu.org to set it up.

There’s no entrance fee but donations are welcome.

Lydgate Park is a is a really cool place for kids both young and old alike. Here you will find a gigantic Kalamani playground perfect for little kids. There are also rock-enclosed pools that make swimming safe and fun. The protective pools were constructed so that reef fish can still come and go as they please. You can also find picnic tables, and even a restroom here. 

Located in Wailua River State Park, Opaeka’a falls is a spectacular 150-ft waterfall that flows over volcanic basalt rocks. This is another stop for a photo op right next to the parking lot, as there’s no hike to the falls. If you have the time, follow the path here and cross the road for a nice view of Wailua river. 

At this point in the tour, there are a few historical sites one after the other, and we recommend you stop and listen to the stories of each! These sites include four heiaus, which are ancient Hawaiian sacred spots, and birthing stones where mothers would come to birth future chiefs. Here are the spots, and how much time you should expect to spend at each: 

• Rising Sun Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Hauola Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Holoholoku Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Birthing Stones - 10 minutes 
• Poliahu Heiau - 5 minutes 

At this point in the tour, there are a few historical sites one after the other, and we recommend you stop and listen to the stories of each! These sites include four heiaus, which are ancient Hawaiian sacred spots, and birthing stones where mother’s would come to birth future chiefs. Here are the spots and how much time you should expect to spend at each: 

• Rising Sun Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Hauola Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Holoholoku Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Birthing Stones - 10 minutes 
• Poliahu Heiau - 5 minutes 

At this point in the tour, there are a few historical sites one after the other, and we recommend you stop and listen to the stories of each! These sites include four heiaus, which are ancient Hawaiian sacred spots, and birthing stones where mother’s would come to birth future chiefs. Here are the spots and how much time you should expect to spend at each: 

• Rising Sun Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Hauola Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Holoholoku Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Birthing Stones - 10 minutes 
• Poliahu Heiau - 5 minutes 

At this point in the tour, there are a few historical sites one after the other, and we recommend you stop and listen to the stories of each! These sites include four heiaus, which are ancient Hawaiian sacred spots, and birthing stones where mother’s would come to birth future chiefs. Here are the spots and how much time you should expect to spend at each: 

• Rising Sun Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Hauola Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Holoholoku Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Birthing Stones - 10 minutes 
• Poliahu Heiau - 5 minutes 

Wailua Falls is the first waterfall we will visit on this tour. It is one of the largest and most accessible waterfalls in Kauai. Dropping 200 feet below (although some say 80 feet), this waterfall offers a very remarkable view.

The name Wailua in Hawaiian means “2 waters”. Some say that this represents the two forks of this great river, or the meeting of 2 waters – fresh water & salt water, at the river mouth. but some historians suggest that Wailua was named after the great 14th century chief, Wailua Nui Aho’anu.

Standing below Mt. Kawaikini and Mt. Wai’ale’ale, which is the wettest place on earth, Wailua Falls flows year round with an abundant supply of water. If you are lucky, you will see a rainbow over the falls. It is a real treat.

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Pull over into a parking lot to learn about Sleeping Giant and view the mountain from a completely different vantage point. 

Kapa’a Town is a seaside neighborhood with cute restaurants, a few hotels, and some historic landmarks. During your visit, walk around the town to visit local shops or try some delicious Hawaiian food.

For the landmarks in Kapa’a Town, we’ll have you pull over to listen to stories about these sites. Here’s what you’ll find: 

• Kapa’a Library and Mo'ikeha Railroad Bridges
  
• Japanese Lantern 
• Hee Fat Building