En route the tour, we will stop by this local shave ice place. Located in downtown Kapa’a, Ono Ono shave ice has a great selection of flavors, such as coconut, mango & guava, passion fruit, pineapple, lychee, lime and more. You will also have the option to add a scoop of ice cream (we highly recommend it) of the flavor of your choice. In addition to shave ice, this place also has Halo Halo (Filipino shave ice), acai bowl, cold brew and other items.

Parking is available at the shopping center where this place is located. Pono Market where you will find lots of good local grinds, such as poke, lunch plates, sushi to go, etc. is just 2 stores down. If you have time to kill, there is a beach access in the small lane right by the store. Get some delicious treats here, eat it on the beach and enjoy life!

After you’ve finished learning about the history of some Kapa’a’s landmarks, we’re sure you’ll be ready for some lunch. 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 of plate lunch, but we’re sure you’ll notice all the cute little cafes and restaurants in Kapa’a. Take your pick and refuel. 

Pro Tip! You’re right by Kapaa Beach Park and you’re almost done with the tour. Take your lunch and have a picnic on the beach or go for a post-lunch swim break.

They specialize in items like poke and plate lunches, but they have some pies, mochi and spam musubi. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you there on the tour. 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. 

A small local-style mini mart, located at the perfect place in the Wailua Valley for you to restock your food and liquid supply. And oh, just like any other mini marts in the island, you can always find spam musubi in the store. Never tried spam musubi yet? You gotta give it a try to see why locals here just love this stuff.

Menehune Mini Mart

Hours : 6am-9pm daily

Phone : (808)821-1487

Address : 5665 Kawaihau Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746

Take out only, accepts credit cards

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.

If you’re planning on doing one of the later hikes -- Sleeping Giant or Ho'opi'i (or both) -- you might want to skip the Kulia Ridge trail and take a stroll through Keahua Arboretum. This is technically more of a leisurely walk than a hike. Here, you’ll see local plant species like monkey pod trees. If you’re lucky you might even spot a rainbow eucalyptus. 

At this point in the tour, you’ll have the choice of two more hikes. We recommend you choose one of the two. The first is Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) - West Trailhead.

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. 

If you’re looking for the chance to hike to a waterfall and swim in its pool, you might want to skip Sleeping Giant and head straight to the nearby Ho'opi'i Waterfall Hike.

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 ho’opi’i trail 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.

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.

There are lots of things to do at the Smith’s Family Paradise. Here you can rent a kayak and paddle up the river or take the smith family’s wailua river cruise to the fern grotto. It’s a lovely boat ride, with a narrated tour that comes complete with live music and a hula show.

The smiths have been doing this boat ride since 1946! The destination is the fern grotto which is a natural cave amphitheater with ferns growing all over. It is truly awesome! And if it is around dinner time, you may want to stick around and check out the smith family garden, and luau, which is one of the best on kauai. Park at the main building here to get more information. There is also a restroom and a few shops here if you would like to buy some snacks.

Smith Tropical Paradise

https://www.smithskauai.com/

Phone : (808) 821-5895

Call for Fern Grotto Boat Rides & Luau Reservations.

Renting a kayak and peddle up and down the Wailua River is a popular activity to do in Kauai. You will find kayak rental companies conveniently located near the rivermouth. You do not need to transport the kayak on your car, since the river is within walking distance. After getting your kayak, gears and what not, the fun is to paddle 2 miles upstream the Wailua River. At the end you will come to a landing area. From there you can hike up to a waterfall called the Secret Falls. Plan for at least half a day for kayaking in the Wailua River. Cost varies from company to company but is about $40-60 per person. Cost is higher with a personal tour guide.

Kayak Kauai

www.kayakkauai.com

Phone : 808-826-9844

Address : 3-5971 Kuhio Hwy bldg 3 Kapa'a HI 96746

7:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m Monday - Saturday

8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m Sunday

We are Kauai's Adventure Company that offers Kayak tours up the Wailua river, Hanalei river/bay to snorkel and of course the infamous 17 mile Kayak tour of the Napali Coast. We also specialize in Hiking tours, SUP lessons/rentals, Kayak Rentals, Camping gear rentals.

“Our one-of-a-kind Kauai activities include tubing down an old sugar plantation irrigation system, through open canals and several tunnels hand-dug circa 1870. Or you can soar through the air on our 7-line zipline course, traversing the side of a mountain down to a lush bamboo grove. Through it all you will learn about our island’s history, culture and natural environment. Come join us and take home memories for a lifetime!” - www.kauaibackcountry.com

Kauai Backcountry Adventures

3-4131 Kuhio Hwy

Lihue, HI 96766

808-245-2506 - Call for Reservations!

Hrs: 8am-5pm Mon-Sun

www.kauaibackcountry.com

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. For more information about visiting this site, such as dress code and etiquette, visit its website here.

There’s no entrance fee but donations are welcome.

Kauai path is that nice boardwalk along the coast you see, most visibly in Kapa’a. It’s a perfect place for walking, jogging or cycling, right next to the ocean. If you have a chance, it’d be fun to rent a bike in Kapa’a and explore the bike path.

En route the bike path you will see many information signs about the history of Kapa’a and Kauai’s. It makes this nice coastal path not only scenic but also fun to explore.

There is a bike rental company next to Ono Ono Shave Ice and Pono Market in Kapa’a called Hele On. This is their website http://www.kauaibeachbikerentals.com

Hele On Bike Rentals

Phone : 808-822-4628

4-1286 Kuhio Hwy. Kapaa, HI 96746

Read more about Kauai Path here: https://www.kauaipath.org/

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. 

Wailua Falls is an iconic 173-foot waterfall surrounded by jungle forest. This spot is just a quick photo op as there’s no hiking to the falls. It’s one of the most epic falls on the island, so you’ll definitely want to make the stop. 

Pro Tip! If you haven’t had breakfast stop, after this stop, check out Konohiki Seafood for some local eats. They specialize in items like poke and plate lunches, but they have some pies, mochi and spam musubi.

Don’t worry, we’ll guide you there on the tour. 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. 

At the poliahu heiau you’ll be higher up in the mountain and you’ll see a great view of the mighty wailua river down below. Here you’ll see the wailua river in all its glory as it makes its final voyage into the pacific. You might witness a ferry, a kayak tour or an outrigger canoe, you might even spot another ancient heiau, the malae heiau, down below

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. 

En route the Wailua Valley and Waterfalls Tour, we will go deep in the Wailua Valley and visit the scenic Keahua Arboretum. This public arboretum is maintained by the University of Hawaii and is located in a natural reserve that includes watershed areas. Admission is free and there’s bathroom facility available.

The arboretum is the perfect place to take a stroll. The well-maintained ground has trees both native to Hawaii and introduced by the University as an outdoor classroom. Some of the most noticeable trees here are the magnificent monkeypod trees. You might also see the colorful shower trees in full blossom. and the tall rainbow eucalyptus trees. Their colorful bark looks as if it was painted on by some great artist! As patches of the outer bark naturally shed, a bright green inner bark appears. Then overtime it darkens and turns blue, purple, red, orange, gray and even maroon. Totally amazing!

You will find a stream and picnic tables. Relax yourself and enjoy the beautiful scenery while you are here. The Kuilau Ridge Trail also starts nearby. I don’t recommend driving further up the dirt service road past the entrance to the arboretum. It’s gets windy and is recommended for four wheel drive only.

Good for : Picnic, taking a stroll, relaxing, splashing in the stream.

At Ho'opi'i You’ll meander along a forest trail until you reach the first of two waterfalls. If you want to swim, you’ll have to continue past the first fall to the second where you’ll find a rope swing that you can use to jump into the pool below. This hike is fairly easy and considered family friendly. Be warned -- there are some points where your shoes will get a little wet!  

Kauai museum is the best place to learn about the geological and human history of Hawaii. Here you can find exhibits of the formation of the islands, the chiefs, Captain Cook’s arrival in Waimea, Kauai and the monarchy. There are also art pieces in exhibit featuring artists in Kauai and Ni’ihau (a small island off Kauai).

Kauai Museum

Hours : Mon- Sat 9am-4pm. Closed on Sundays and major holidays

Phone : (808)245-6931

Website : http://www.kauaimuseum.org/

Address : 4428 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766

Admission required.

The Kilohana Plantation used to be the estate of sugar baron Gaylord Wilcox. Today this 104-acre attraction is a place to get a taste of Kauai’s plantation past. There is a historical mansion, agricultural park, plantation train (that you can ride), a restaurant, lu’au, rum winery and more.

Kilohana Plantation

Hours : Mon- Sat: 11am- 2:30pm, 5:30-8:30pm

Sunday : 9am-1:30pm

Website : http://www.kilohanakauai.com/

Phone : (808) 245-5608

Address : 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766

Admission required.

Another estate of the Wilcox family, the Grove Farm is also a good place to learn about the plantation history, lifestyle and artifacts from the last century. From historic buildings to plantation locomotives, the museum offers you a chance to step back into history in its well-maintained grounds. There is a 2-hour guided tours available, but advanced reservation is required.

Grove Farm Museum

Hours : Mon, Wed & Thurs: 10am- 1pm; Closed on other days.

Website : https://grovefarm.org/

Phone : 808-245-3202

Address :4050 Nawiliwili Rd, Lihue, HI 96766

Admission required

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 

The Hauola heiau, was a refuge and sanctuary. Here the gates were always open to the fugitive who broke the law, or kapu. He could rush in, and remain within its walls for a few days or more. upon leaving, he would be immune to punishment and free to go. Kinda like a get of jail free card, do you think?

Hauola Heiau is located right next to Hikinaakala Heiau, or the rising sun heiau.

When you explore the heiaus, you’ll find it difficult to tell the 2 heiaus part. It’s ok. everybody does !

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