Kaua'i Insider Tips

Kauai | Koloa Plantation Days, an annual celebration of Hawaii's sugar plantation history and the event's namesake town, returns to Kauai's sunny south shores in July. Held in the Kauai district where Hawaii's first sugar plantation was founded in 1835, the 10-day festival celebrates and honors the cultural history of the many ethnic groups that settled on the island to work its sugar plantations. We encourage Kauai-bound clients to experience the Koloa area's diverse cultures through the festival's lineup of live music events and performances, historic exhibits, culinary demonstrations, a Hawaii-style rodeo, parade and more.

Kauai | An exquisite 27-foot koa wood bar carved in traditional sugarcane and pineapple motifs is the spotlight of Stevenson's Sushi & Spirits at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. Honolulu raised Head Sushi Chef, Jay Ledee creates delicious sushi delights and the bar boasts an extensive selection of whiskies, cognac, sake and wine, plus creative martinis and tropical drinks. And, enjoy live contemporary island music each evening.

Kauai | Roy Yamaguchi and Peter Merriman are two of the chefs known for the Hawaiian Regional Cuisine movement. You can partake of their exceptional dishes at Roy's Poipu or Merriman's Fish House - also in Poipu, Kauai.

Kauai | For a fun family activity, consider trying Mountain Tubing, an exclusive experience on private lands that haven't been open to the public before in the Kauai Backcountry. Enjoy a leisurely float through open ditches, tunnels and flumes, followed by a picnic and swimming in a natural mountain swimming hole.

Kauai | Enjoy a delicious meal at Kilauea Bakery & Pau Hana Pizza - the Billie Holiday includes smoked ono, roasted onions and gorgonzola rosemary sauce. Visit Lappert's Ice Cream in Hanapepe or Princeville to enjoy a fresh cup of Kona coffee or a gourmet treat such as mango ice cream. Visit Kauai Kookie to sample unforgettable guava macadamia nut cookies and take home exceptional salad dressings, including Papaya Seed.

Kauai | Kauai is full of many types of fish, and you only need a license for freshwater fish. Consider a deep sea fishing excursion or stop by Alekoko or Menehune Fishpond near Lihue for your own fishing experience in Kauai, catching ono, mahimahi, opakapaka and marlin.

Kauai | Kauai is truly an amazing island with some of the most amazing natural phenomenon you'll ever seen. At night experience the "moon bow" a complete ring around the moon (caused by the moon reflecting off the water droplets in the clouds) and at Waimea Canyon, you can sometimes witness a rainbow that is a complete circle. Nature at its finest.

Kauai | Kick off Koloa Plantation Days Festival at the Paniolo Heritage Rodeo from July 19 - 21, 2019. Cheer at fast-action high-stakes barrel races, bull riding and roping with traditional and new rodeo sports , plus enjoy delicious local Paniolo BBQ, Hawaiian music and the display of Paniolos Heritage exhibition. Delight in paniolo-themed events, legacy music, Hawaiian Pau riders in their flowing skirts and flower leis, and children's rodeo events that will entertain and inspire the future Paniolos. This signature Rodeo weekend promises to educate, entertain and keep the culture and heritage of Hawaiian Paniolo alive in the memories of visitors and locals alike.