Episode 86: The Ultimate Kauai Travel Guide
Aloha food lovers! Are you ready to embark on a journey of culinary delights on Maui? In this episode of Hawaii’s Best: Traveling with Aloha Edition, we’ll explore five mouthwatering local food places on the island of Maui that you absolutely must visit.
So pack your appetite and join us as we taste our way through Maui’s food scene.
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This post gives general info and isn’t legal or authoritative advice. It helps travelers with tips but can’t replace personal abilities, fitness, experience, or local knowledge. Marine activities have risks; assess conditions and follow local laws.
Welcome to another episode of Hawaii’s Best, where Bryan Murphy and Andrew from Shaka Guide take you on a virtual tour of Kauai, the Garden Isle.
Shaka Guide is a GPS-based driving tour app that allows you to explore Hawaii’s islands at your own pace. In this episode, they dive into the highlights and hidden gems of Kauai, starting with the North Shore.
The North Shore boasts breathtaking views of the Napali Coast and popular destinations like Princeville and Hanalei. Bryan and Andrew discuss the Kilauea Lighthouse, a bird refuge with stunning cliffside scenery.
Hanalei, a charming beach town, offers a variety of shops, boutiques, and eateries. They caution against visiting during winter due to high surf but recommend Haena Beach Break, Tunnels Reef, and Ke’e Beach for summer water activities. They also mention Moloa Beach, known for its connection to the iconic TV show Gilligan’s Island.
Moving on to the logistics of exploring the North Shore, they talk about the limited access to the Napali Coast, requiring a voucher reservation to proceed beyond Hanalei. They recommend reserving in advance through the Go Cayenne website.
The conversation provides valuable insights into the attractions and practicalities of visiting the North Shore using the Shaka Guide app as your self-guided tour companion.
Next up is the South Shore, known for its calm waters and the resort town of Poipu. Bryan and Andrew highlight Poipu Beach, ideal for spotting monk seals, and Shipwrecks Beach, a favorite among surfers. They also mention Baby Beach and the natural wonder of Spouting Horn, where waves create an impressive blowhole.
They then take a trip to Koloa, a historic sugarcane plantation town on the South Shore. Koloa offers a charming walkable environment, with its own unique attractions and shops.
The discussion concludes with an exploration of the West side, where Waimea takes center stage. Waimea is described as a Wild West-style town with wooden decks, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can immerse themselves in the town’s history and enjoy local culinary delights.
They mention Koloa Rum, produced at a sugar mill in Waimea, and recommend checking out the podcast episode featuring Bob Gunter, the president of Koloa Rum, for more historical insights.
The conversation then turns to Waimea Canyon, dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Bryan and Andrew suggest taking the scenic drive and stopping at various viewpoints along the way. They emphasize the entrance and parking fees at the state park and highlight the Waipo Waterfall hike as a moderate but rewarding option. They also mention the distinctive red dirt, a result of iron calcite in the volcanic rock.
Bryan and Andrew discuss the appeal of Kauai for different types of travelers, including families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts. They note the island’s slower pace, smaller community feel, and abundance of hiking trails and beautiful beaches. They jokingly address the island’s wild chicken population, advising visitors to bring earplugs due to early morning crowing.
In closing, Andrew promotes the Kauai GPS driving tour app by Shaka Guide, which offers immersive audio tours and encourages listeners to share their Kauai adventures on social media.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Hawaii’s Best for more exciting episodes. Mahalo for joining us on this virtual journey through Kauai, the Garden Isle.
Kauai Travel Guide Episode Resources
- Episode 70 – How to Volunteer in Hawaii
- Episode 55 – How to Travel Responsibly to Hawaii
- Episode 56 – Hawaii Island’s Pono Pledge
- Episode 35 – 5 Things to Not Do in Hawaii
- Episode 34 – A Local’s Guide to Ecotourism
- Episode 18 – 5 Things to Know Before Your Trip to Hawaii
Travel Pono (responsibly)
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Bumper music, Aloha Friday, provided by Coby G (used with permission)
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Our guest posts feature some of the best writers within the world of travel, surf culture, and all things Hawaii.
