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!

Ono Ono Shave Ice

Hours : 10:30am-6pm daily

Phone : (808)822-1710

Address : 4-1292 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746

Take out restaurant, accepts credit cards

En route the tour, we will stop by this place for some delicious local grinds. Pono Market is located in downtown Kapa’a. This good solid place is famous for its poke, which is marinated raw fish and seafood dishes, beloved by Hawaii’s locals. It also has a good selection of lunch plates, ranging from the more traditional Hawaiian luau plates, to the pan American styles, such as meatloaf and fried chicken. It also has lots of food items with an Asian flavor, such as sushi and musubi. The dessert selections include items made from ingredients such as taro, coconuts, etc. We highly recommend this place for you to grab a bite to eat, or for picnic en route on the tour.

Pono Market is located 2 doors down from Ono Ono shave ice.

Pono Market

Hours : 6am-4pm daily

Phone : (808)822-4581

Address : 4-1300 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746

Take out only, accepts credit cards

En route the Wailua Valley and Waterfalls Tour, we will stop by this place outside of Lihue for some delicious good local grinds. Konohiki Seafood offers a solid selection of poke, lunch plate, sushi, local-fav desserts. Portion is generous and the flavor is excellent. Konohiki also sells freshly made Kulolo, which is similar to coconut mochi prepared the Hawaiian way. This is a perfect place to pick up something for a picnic down the road at places like Lydgate Park and Keahua Arboretum.

Konohiki Seafood

Hours : 5:30am-5pm daily

Phone : (808)245-1707

Address : 3-4301 Kuhio Hwy, Ste 102, Lihue, HI 96766

Take out only, accepts credit cards

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

This 3-mile round trip hike up the Sleeping Giant (or Nounou Mountain) is considered the easiest tail in this mountain. The other 2 being the Sleeping Giant East Trail and Kuamoo trail, both are a lot steeper than this West Trail. However, it’s still a moderately-difficult trail that requires preparation and good caution. Once you reach the top, you will be amazed by the sweeping views of the coast and Kapa’a town. The tall pine trees on the trail were planted during the great depression by CCC (civilian conservation corps) and are not native to Hawaii.

Trailhead Location

On Kamalu road, you’ll come to a grassy  pathway between two houses that leads towards the mountain. Find the metal gate with a sign that says Nounou West Trail.

Trail Direction

Follow the trail from the trailhead. About ¼ mile in, this West trail will meet another trail (Sleeping Giant- Kuamoo). Just continue to follow the wide trail between the pine trees to your left and you’ll reach the summit.

Cautions

• Stay on the trail. Those small paths may be pig trails that lead to nowhere.

• Don’t go beyond the bench on the summit. The trail becomes steep and gnarly after.

• This trail may be slippery after rain. Watch your footing.

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.

Kuilau Ridge trail is 2-mile each way and connects to other trail system that goes deep in the mountain. However I recommend that you just go the 1st mile and turn around when you see a bench. Sit and enjoy the panoramic view of Mt. Makaleha. The trail is considered moderate and has a few steep and narrow places. But most can manage the first mile no problem. You will get a very good view of Mt. Makaleha. And if weather permitting, you can even see Mt. Kawaikini and Mt. Waialeale.

Trailhead Location

The trailhead is well-marked ands starts across from the entrance of Keahua Arboretum. You will find an information stand and sign that says “Kuilau Ridge Trail”.

Trail Direction

Just follow the trail and stay on the main trail. 1 mile into it, you will come to a bench. I recommend that you turn around at the bench (but not without first sitting down and enjoying the view). If you continue, instead of turning around, this trail will continue to go for another 4 miles or so. Only attempt if you are well prepared.

Cautions

Just like all trails in Kauai, if it recently rained, this trail can get slippery.

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

Hinduism is the world’s 3rd largest religion after christianity and islam. Rather than having a very defined theological structure, hinduism is more like a broad range of philosophies and ways of life.

Perhaps you are wondering why we would find a hindu monastery here in kauai. This place is really worth checking out. It’s founder was born Robert Hansen in oakland california in the 1920s. When Robert was 20 years old, he traveled to India and learned at the feet of gurus and sages in Sri Lanka.

Today, the 363-acre monastery is considered one of the holiest of religious sites in the hindu tradition. It is also home to a few dozen monks. But they are not the traditional monks you might think. the monks here are actually quite modern. They not only build websites and write blogs, but also publish a magazine called “hinduism today”.

Kauai Hindu Monastery

Phone : 808-822-3012

Hours : 9am to noon daily.

Caution : Respect needed, Dress modestly or use sarongs to cover up. This is a religious ground.

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 really cool place for kids both young and old alike. There is the gigantic kalamani playground, if you have kids, it will definitely help get their wiggles out. and maybe yours too! 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.

Lydgate park has been featured in many movies, including blue hawaii and diamond head.

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 waterfalls 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.

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

‘Opaeka’a falls is the second of three waterfalls we’ll see on today’s tour. Opaeka’a is one of the most popular waterfalls on kauai because it’s very accessible. the falls are 151 feet, or 46 meters high, roughly the height of a 15-story building. the water also runs year-round, thanks to the abundant supply of water from the mountains.

Opaeka’a means “rolling shrimp” in hawaiian. it’s said that there used to be plentiful shrimps in the water here, which hawaiians caught as a source of food.

If you continue to follow the pathway next to the guardrails, you’ll cross the highway to another incredible view of the wailua valley. this is the location where scenes from indiana jones- raiders of the lost ark, jurassic park and even outbreak were filmed. Be careful as you go across the road! There are restroom facilities here if needed.

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.

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.

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

The Hikinaakala, or the rising sun heiau, was created about 1200 years ago. It was dedicated to the sun. Because it’s located on the east side of the island, this is a great place to watch the sunrise! In ancient times the dawn of the day was celebrated here with chants, drumming and prayers. It is said that on special sunrises during equinoxes, the sun literally lit  up the heiau. Its walls were believed to have been six feet high and up to eleven feet wide! that’s a lot of heavy rock, hand-picked, carried and placed.

Right next to this heiau is another heiau called Hauola Heiau. The Wailua rivermouth is also nearby this heiau. Walk around to see if you can find petroglyphs in the rocks. And see if you can find the 8 boulders that were Maui’s 8 brothers.

Although not large in size, archeologists believed that this holoholoku heiau is the oldest temple on kauai and of great significance. It used to be a sacrificial war temple, a place where humans were killed and sacrificed to the gods. This was not only done prior to battles, to ensure victory, but also on a designated night every month.

Usually those who were sacrificed were war prisoners, but at times when there weren’t any, the temple priests would choose an unfortunate person from the village instead. These sacrifices were dedicated to the war god ku, for his blessing of success in wars. The image of ku was carved on large logs that also stood on the temple grounds.

All the scary history aside about this human sacrifice heiau, just on the far backside of this heiau are the sacred birthing stones, where ancient queens and chiefesses came to give birth.

Located right next to Holoholoku Heiau, a sacrificial heiau is the birthstones. Isn’t it so strange that the place of birth and death are located so close to each other? In the hawaiian tradition, a chief must be born here, otherwise he would be regarded as a commoner.

In fact, legend says that if the child born here was destined to be a great chief, the sky would fill with lighting, thunder, and a downpour of rain. When the storm cleared, a rainbow would appear over the birth area, with one end indicating the exact spot of the child's birth.Interesting isn’t it? As a matter of fact, if you took my north shore tour, the last king of kauai, king Kamuali’i was born here as well.

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 !

Although this heiau might look a bit underwhelming now, let’s use some imagination to picture it in its heyday. Poli’ahu heiau is special because it’s located high above the riverbed. Legend has it that this heiau was built by the menehune people, the legendary small people of kauai who were expert architects and builders. Some archeologists suggest that the stones were brought from the westside of kauai all the way up here.

No one really knows for sure what is the purpose of Poli’ahu Heiau. Some believe that the heiau is dedicated to gods and high chiefs for them to make merry and party down! It is said that deities, gods, demigods and high chiefs gathered here once a month on the night of kane, or the 27th night of the moon. While commoners were too afraid to get close, they could see the glimmer of lights, and hear the beat of drums, the applause and loud laughter from many miles away.

In ancient times there used to be a bellstone here. When struck in just the right way, it would make a deep thumping sound that would echo throughout the valley. The exact location of this rock is now lost.

Also from the small parking area you’ll get a chance to see a great view of the mighty wailua river down below.