My Top Picks for the Westside...
Best Art Walk
Hanapepe Art Walk
Great little town that mixes 1960's USA vibe with Hawaiian culture, art and food. The stores are open, food trucks sell good eats and there is always live music. Fun for the whole family.
Every Friday night from 5:00pm-9:00pm
Great little town that mixes 1960's USA vibe with Hawaiian culture, art and food. The stores are open, food trucks sell good eats and there is always live music. Fun for the whole family.
Every Friday night from 5:00pm-9:00pm
Best Beaches
Salt Pond Beach
Located in a relatively well-protected cove on Kauai’s western shore, Salt Pond Beach is a crescent beach set between two rock outcroppings connected by a natural lava rock ridge that creates a small lagoon. This lagoon provides a nice swimming area for children. The beach is frequented by local families and is a popular camping area. Tidepools along the shoreline are fun for exploring while surfers enjoy the waves that break outside the reef. Snorkeling is best near the rock outcropping on the salt pond side of the beach. The center area of the beach is unprotected so swimmers should stay close to shore. Swimming, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddle boarding, picnics & camping with a permit. Salt Pond Beach is located next to Hawaii’s last remaining natural salt gathering area.. This is an important Hawaiian cultural tradition that continues today. During times of large waves there are rip currents & can create very dangerous swimming conditions. Never go in the ocean during times of high surf or rough seas and always stay close to shore.
Located in a relatively well-protected cove on Kauai’s western shore, Salt Pond Beach is a crescent beach set between two rock outcroppings connected by a natural lava rock ridge that creates a small lagoon. This lagoon provides a nice swimming area for children. The beach is frequented by local families and is a popular camping area. Tidepools along the shoreline are fun for exploring while surfers enjoy the waves that break outside the reef. Snorkeling is best near the rock outcropping on the salt pond side of the beach. The center area of the beach is unprotected so swimmers should stay close to shore. Swimming, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddle boarding, picnics & camping with a permit. Salt Pond Beach is located next to Hawaii’s last remaining natural salt gathering area.. This is an important Hawaiian cultural tradition that continues today. During times of large waves there are rip currents & can create very dangerous swimming conditions. Never go in the ocean during times of high surf or rough seas and always stay close to shore.
Polihale Beach
This is my all time favorite beach on Kauai. It’s where people like me who live and work here can get away from it all, whether it’s just a day trip or a camping trip. Nothing compares to the calm I feel when I visit here. It’s the longest beach in the state, the furthest west you can get in the country and without a doubt the best sunset you can see on island. The Dali Llama himself has been known to come to Kauai just to pray here in this sand. There are so many colorful Hawaiian legends that surround this area. Unofficially, Polihale has been translated as the "House of the Po", where Po is the Hawaiian afterworld. By this account, spirits are said to travel to the coastal plain adjacent to the beach, and stay in the temple, known as the heiau. From there, they would climb the cliffs to the north, jump off into the sea to get to the mythical Po. The story further indicates that this belief was so strong that all the homes built in the vicinity of Polihale would have had no east facing doors, so that no traveling spirit could become trapped within. The legends and stories are what we talk about when the sun goes down which makes it for an exciting evening around the fire.
One thing is certain, if you really want serenity, but something wild and adventurous, something out of the ordinary, this is the place to go. It’s a place where you can let the worries of the world take a back seat. It’s simple directions, but not easy to get to so pay attention to the route and directions, your vehicles needs and your personal needs once you are all the way there. It’s desolate. A 4-wheel drive is preferable. No matter how tempting it is, don't park in the sand, a lot of people get stuck and it's really hard getting out. I should know, it happened to me and it was pure torture getting my truck out. It took literally hours and help from over 15 innocent local bystanders.
The beach is several miles long, yet only the area known as "Queen's Pond" offers safe swimming. The shore is unprotected from the open ocean. The usual surfing, snorkeling, etc. are not safe activities along this beach. If you see a surfer out there it’s because he knows what he is doing. The beach drops off rapidly to deep water and rip currents along the shore are very strong, especially in the winter months. I have never seen, but heard of some remarkable rescues, and some not so lucky ones. Pay attention and take plenty of food and water, no matter how long you stay. They have showers and restrooms.
This is my all time favorite beach on Kauai. It’s where people like me who live and work here can get away from it all, whether it’s just a day trip or a camping trip. Nothing compares to the calm I feel when I visit here. It’s the longest beach in the state, the furthest west you can get in the country and without a doubt the best sunset you can see on island. The Dali Llama himself has been known to come to Kauai just to pray here in this sand. There are so many colorful Hawaiian legends that surround this area. Unofficially, Polihale has been translated as the "House of the Po", where Po is the Hawaiian afterworld. By this account, spirits are said to travel to the coastal plain adjacent to the beach, and stay in the temple, known as the heiau. From there, they would climb the cliffs to the north, jump off into the sea to get to the mythical Po. The story further indicates that this belief was so strong that all the homes built in the vicinity of Polihale would have had no east facing doors, so that no traveling spirit could become trapped within. The legends and stories are what we talk about when the sun goes down which makes it for an exciting evening around the fire.
One thing is certain, if you really want serenity, but something wild and adventurous, something out of the ordinary, this is the place to go. It’s a place where you can let the worries of the world take a back seat. It’s simple directions, but not easy to get to so pay attention to the route and directions, your vehicles needs and your personal needs once you are all the way there. It’s desolate. A 4-wheel drive is preferable. No matter how tempting it is, don't park in the sand, a lot of people get stuck and it's really hard getting out. I should know, it happened to me and it was pure torture getting my truck out. It took literally hours and help from over 15 innocent local bystanders.
The beach is several miles long, yet only the area known as "Queen's Pond" offers safe swimming. The shore is unprotected from the open ocean. The usual surfing, snorkeling, etc. are not safe activities along this beach. If you see a surfer out there it’s because he knows what he is doing. The beach drops off rapidly to deep water and rip currents along the shore are very strong, especially in the winter months. I have never seen, but heard of some remarkable rescues, and some not so lucky ones. Pay attention and take plenty of food and water, no matter how long you stay. They have showers and restrooms.
Best Hike’s - Waimea Canyon
Alakai Swamp
I did this with the 5th grade class. We camped for a couple nights up at one of the lodges at Koke. Koke is at the very top of the canyon. For the visitors, it's perfect for an all day outing. But you can rent a cabin or pop a tent. It gets cold up there at night but is warm, if not really hot most of the day. This hike was easy in some parts and more challenging in others. It's inconsistent. Wear sturdy shoes you can get wet and muddy and a plastic poncho if you can. They are cheap and tiny when they are packaged and you can get them everywhere. It will most likely be rainy and sunny both. Take plenty of food and water. This is an all day event. When the weather is just right, the views from this vantage overlooking the Wainiha Pali are amazing and worth the effort.
I did this with the 5th grade class. We camped for a couple nights up at one of the lodges at Koke. Koke is at the very top of the canyon. For the visitors, it's perfect for an all day outing. But you can rent a cabin or pop a tent. It gets cold up there at night but is warm, if not really hot most of the day. This hike was easy in some parts and more challenging in others. It's inconsistent. Wear sturdy shoes you can get wet and muddy and a plastic poncho if you can. They are cheap and tiny when they are packaged and you can get them everywhere. It will most likely be rainy and sunny both. Take plenty of food and water. This is an all day event. When the weather is just right, the views from this vantage overlooking the Wainiha Pali are amazing and worth the effort.
Waipoo Falls
While there are many great hikes through the canyon, my favorite hike is to Waipoo Falls. It is not as hard as the others, it is more accessible and it has stunning views of the canyon from inside the canyon, and it ends at the top of the 800 foot Waipoo waterfall. It looks a lot smaller from a distance but don't let that fool you. This hike allows the you the chance to swim in a waterfall. Wear sturdy shoes you can get wet and muddy, bathing suits, bring towels and plenty of food and water.
2 miles each way.
While there are many great hikes through the canyon, my favorite hike is to Waipoo Falls. It is not as hard as the others, it is more accessible and it has stunning views of the canyon from inside the canyon, and it ends at the top of the 800 foot Waipoo waterfall. It looks a lot smaller from a distance but don't let that fool you. This hike allows the you the chance to swim in a waterfall. Wear sturdy shoes you can get wet and muddy, bathing suits, bring towels and plenty of food and water.
2 miles each way.
Best Local's Favorite "hole-in-the-wall" Lunch Spots
Ishihara's Market
This historic market (c1934) offers a deli with an array of take out, sushi, poke and hot lunch specials. Daily specials and marinated meats as well. This is one of the most well loved hot spots to visit of you are on the West Side. Stop in and get your lunch to go on your way to the canyon or the beach. Don't forget drinks, utensils and napkins. I highly suggest wet wipes.
Sunday 6:00am-7:00pm
Monday-Thursday 6:00am-7:30 pm
Friday/Saturday 6:00am-8:00pm
808.338-1751
9894 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796
This historic market (c1934) offers a deli with an array of take out, sushi, poke and hot lunch specials. Daily specials and marinated meats as well. This is one of the most well loved hot spots to visit of you are on the West Side. Stop in and get your lunch to go on your way to the canyon or the beach. Don't forget drinks, utensils and napkins. I highly suggest wet wipes.
Sunday 6:00am-7:00pm
Monday-Thursday 6:00am-7:30 pm
Friday/Saturday 6:00am-8:00pm
808.338-1751
9894 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796
The Shrimp Station
If you like shrimp this is the place to go. Smell the aroma of their shrimp as you pass through Waimea on Highway 50, and it’s a great place to stop before or after a tour of Waimea Canyon. They offer a wide variety of shrimp dishes, including Garlic Shrimp, Cajun Shrimp, Thai Shrimp, Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp Burgers, and more. And of course you must try their Coconut Shrimp.
Open daily from 11:00 am -5:00 pm.
Closed the following holidays: Labor Day/Thanksgiving Day/Christmas Day/New Year’s Day/Superbowl Sunday
808.338.1242
9652 Kaumualii Hwy
Waimea, 96796
If you like shrimp this is the place to go. Smell the aroma of their shrimp as you pass through Waimea on Highway 50, and it’s a great place to stop before or after a tour of Waimea Canyon. They offer a wide variety of shrimp dishes, including Garlic Shrimp, Cajun Shrimp, Thai Shrimp, Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp Burgers, and more. And of course you must try their Coconut Shrimp.
Open daily from 11:00 am -5:00 pm.
Closed the following holidays: Labor Day/Thanksgiving Day/Christmas Day/New Year’s Day/Superbowl Sunday
808.338.1242
9652 Kaumualii Hwy
Waimea, 96796
Best Sightseeing
Waimea Canyon
Also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, the Waimea Canyon is approximately 14 miles long,1mile wide and 3,600 feet deep. Waimea Canyon Drive leads you a grand lookout at the very top. I always send the visitors who have no desire to hike up the canyon, to drive instead, in their vehicle calling it, “The Waimea Canyon Drive Through.” You can start at the bottom and stop at all of the lookouts all the way up and back down. There are restrooms at the grand lookout. On your way back down you most likely will have not noticed a fork in the road, while you were looking off to the right hand side on your way up. Take that fork to the right and finish your self guided tour and you will have seen it all. You will end up back down at the main Highway that wraps around the island, just a short distance from the entrance you started at. It wont take more than an hour tops getting to the top so figure your time in with that and don't forget the time spent up at the top and back down. I always tell everyone that they can take a picnic and have that under the large pine trees located at Koke State Park adjacent to the lookout. There is also a lodge up there complete with a small visitors center/gift shop and restaurant.
Located at the bottom of the canyon at the entrance is the West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center.
The Keepers of the Culture are a museum style resource center with a collection of historic photographs, exhibits and multiple projects that are intended to encourage dialogue and cultivate an interest in learning more. Their gift shop features island made gifts including Niihau shell jewelry, photographs and educational books.
Open Daily Monday-Friday 10:00am-4:00pm
Closed Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays
Admission is by Donation.
March 24, 2017 to mid-October 2017, Lei Making will be offered by reservation every Friday starting at 10:00 am
Please call them at 808.338-1332 to make your reservations.
The Visitor Center is located in the West Kaua`i Technology and Visitor Center Building. Corner of Waimea Canyon Drive -550 and Kaumuali`i Highway -50. Waimea 96796
Also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, the Waimea Canyon is approximately 14 miles long,1mile wide and 3,600 feet deep. Waimea Canyon Drive leads you a grand lookout at the very top. I always send the visitors who have no desire to hike up the canyon, to drive instead, in their vehicle calling it, “The Waimea Canyon Drive Through.” You can start at the bottom and stop at all of the lookouts all the way up and back down. There are restrooms at the grand lookout. On your way back down you most likely will have not noticed a fork in the road, while you were looking off to the right hand side on your way up. Take that fork to the right and finish your self guided tour and you will have seen it all. You will end up back down at the main Highway that wraps around the island, just a short distance from the entrance you started at. It wont take more than an hour tops getting to the top so figure your time in with that and don't forget the time spent up at the top and back down. I always tell everyone that they can take a picnic and have that under the large pine trees located at Koke State Park adjacent to the lookout. There is also a lodge up there complete with a small visitors center/gift shop and restaurant.
Located at the bottom of the canyon at the entrance is the West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center.
The Keepers of the Culture are a museum style resource center with a collection of historic photographs, exhibits and multiple projects that are intended to encourage dialogue and cultivate an interest in learning more. Their gift shop features island made gifts including Niihau shell jewelry, photographs and educational books.
Open Daily Monday-Friday 10:00am-4:00pm
Closed Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays
Admission is by Donation.
March 24, 2017 to mid-October 2017, Lei Making will be offered by reservation every Friday starting at 10:00 am
Please call them at 808.338-1332 to make your reservations.
The Visitor Center is located in the West Kaua`i Technology and Visitor Center Building. Corner of Waimea Canyon Drive -550 and Kaumuali`i Highway -50. Waimea 96796
