David’s Kauai Guidebook

Aloha = Hello/Goodbye Aloha ʻĀina= Love of the land Mahalo = Thank you Howzit? = How are you? Honu = Green sea turtle Ohana = Family Lanai = Patio/balcony Shaka = Hand gesture when the thumb and pinkie are extended. Symbolizes a friendly greeting, known as "hang loose". Lilikoi = Passion fruit Pitaya = Dragon fruit

Clothes: Comfortable shirts, tank tops, and shorts. Can bring light jackets for the cool evening ocean air. Beach attire includes swimsuits, rash guard, and cover-ups. Lightweight rain jacket: There are frequent rainfalls on the island that occurs spontaneously. Hiking/tennis shoes: Take note that many trails in the jungle can be muddy. Sunglasses: Preferably ones that are polarized to reduce the glare of the sun from the ocean and sand. Sunscreen: Preferably a reef-safe sunscreen to reduce the damaging effects on the coral reefs in the ocean. Reusable shopping bags: Hawaii has a plastic ban.

There are several car rental agencies on the Island. Hertz, Avis, Fox Car Rental, Dollar, Discount Hawaii Car Rental and more are available at the Lihue Airport. Take note that many Collision Damages Waivers will not cover vehicles on unpaved roads or beaches. Kauai Bus goes from Kekaha to Hanalei which costs $2/trip or $5 for an all day pass. There are stops along the main highway but some aren't always marked.

Hikes with children aged 5-10: Koke'e Trails - Kaluapuhi Trail, Water Tank Trail North Shore - Historic Kilauea Stone Dam Hike East Shore - Sleeping Giant, kuilau Ridge Trail (Note: trails don't have fencing to prevent from drop-offs and vegetation can hide steep hills. Keep your children close when hiking.) Beaches & Swimming: Lydgate Beach Park - has a boulder-enclosed kid pond and two playgrounds. Po'ipu Beach Park - attracts locals and visitors Other Activities: Kauai Plantation Railway - 2.5 mile ride where you stop along the way to feed pigs and sheep, a highlight that children love.

When invited to someone’s house for a get together, bring a gift or pick up a dessert. It is not common to use your car horn while driving. Cars will frequently pull out in front of you while driving so be alert. Spam is widely consumed across Hawaii. Festivals: Waimea Town Celebration (Feb), Prince Kuhio Festival (Mar), Coconut Festival (October).

Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park: One of the most beautiful coastlines including the Kalalau Trail. Make an online reservation well in advance for walk-in, parking, or shuttle. Helicopter Tours: My favorite is the Island Helicopters. You can even land at the Jurassic Park waterfall. (It’s pricy but they offer deep discounts for booking online) Zipline: My favorite is the Koloa Zipline. River Trips: Kauai is the only island in Hawaii to offer river trips. Smith’s Motorboat Service stops at the Fern Grotto which is a fern covered lava rock grotto.

Grocery stores: You can find fresh tuna poke at Times Supermarket and Big Save grocery stores instead of spending big bucks to get the same thing at a restaurant. Check out Walmart for a huge variety of unique Asian snacks and go to Costco if you’re looking to bring home tasty Kauai treats for yourself or as a souvenir present!

Kauai Coffee Company: Offers free coffee samples and you can even explore the coffee plantation. There is also a free Kauai Scavenger Hunt every Wednesday where you will receive a free bag of Kauai Coffee if you participate. Koloa Heritage Trail: One of the most underrated places in Kauai. You can walk, bike, and even drive to many of the sights which includes 14 stops such as Spouting Horn Park and Pa’u A Laka (garden).

Wailua Falls: The infamous double waterfall opening credit to the TV show “Fantasy Island”. Wailua Falls is north of Lihue and is a popular spot for photography amongst tourists. Spouting Horn: A blowhole near Poipu that is a definite must-see attraction. The lava tube gets flooded from the oncoming ocean waves which gathers in the hole and sprouts out through the blowhole for a picturesque experience. Hanalei Valley Outlook: A beautiful lookout point and popular photography spot to view the taro fields and mountains.