Go Visit Hawaii

Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources recently launched a spruced up website loaded with great information on Hawaii’s State Parks. Here’s how to use this resource to help you with your vacation plans.

Finding the State Parks
It’s easy to find the state parks for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island with the interactive island maps. On each individual park page, you can find out much more about the significance of the park, hours of operation, and if there are facilities like restrooms and picnic tables, etc.

Learning Hawaii’s History and Culture
This section of the website is chocked full of information of which parks to visit to learn about life in ancient Hawaii.

Finding the Hiking Trails
You’ll find great hiking advice that is written specifically for Hawaii’s trails. You’ll find a listing of the trails maintained by the state in interactive maps. Here are the trail guides for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.

Camping and other State Park Lodging
Here, you’ll learn where you can camp as well as the permit process and fees required. You’ll find information for lodging in cabins at Hawaii’s state parks. For example, you can stay in a cabin at the Kokee State Park on Kauai.

Park Rules & Health and Safety
Before you visit Hawaii’s state parks, you should review the park rules and learn about the unique safety circumstance.

(We took the above photo at Waianapanapa State Park on Maui.)

I’m kicking off this new series of one day island itineraries with a visit to Kauai.  If I only had one day to visit Kauai, I would focus my time on seeing the Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks.  These colorful parks are adjacent to each other, so it’s easy to see both in one day and they are completely free to visit.  Baring any weather issue, I promise you’ll end up with many beautiful photo opportunities and views that will almost take your breath away. The photo above shows the Kalalau Valley that you can see from the Kalalau Lookout and Puu o Kila Lookouts at Kokee State Park. So, let’s take a practical look at how we can see these excellent parks in one day.

Arrival and arranging transportation:

First, you’ll most likely arrive in Kauai at the Nawiliwili Harbor or at the main airport in Lihue.  You can pick up a rental car there.  (I suggest you shop around for rates and make a reservation before you arrive.) Be sure to grab a free map provided by the rental car company and use it to navigate your way to the Southwest side of the island heading in the direction of Highway 550, Waimea Canyon Drive.  If you don’t want to do the driving, you can easily find tour companies who can arrange a full service tour for you.

Considerations before you get to the parks:

• There is only one restaurant in the park.  It’s located at the Kokee Lodge and it serves breakfast and lunch, so plan accordingly. 
• You’d be wise to bring along a sweater or other types of layers as the higher altitude means about 10 to 20 degrees cooler weather in these two parks.  
• Allow approximately 90 minutes travel time to and from Lihue.  Maybe add a tad more to be on the safe side.  Be sure and allocate enough time to return your car and get to your gate at the airport or harbor for your cruise ship.
• If you are prone to car-sickness on winding roads, you may want to bring something to prevent it.

At the parks:

• Allocate about three hours to drive around and stop at the lookouts. Most of the lookout points will be very obvious.  Don’t miss the Kalalau Lookout and if you are able to walk a little ways from the end of the road, do go further up to the Puu o Kila Lookout for an even better view of the Kalalau Valley. Clouds often drift in an out of here, so if it’s cloudy at first, wait for a bit.  That’s what I did and I was able to capture the photo at the top. 
• If you the time available, consider some hikes, but be prepared with water, proper shoes and clothing, sunscreen, and mosquito repellant.  I particularly liked Canyon Trail. You can learn more about the hikes here. 
• I liked driving Highway 550 into the parks and Highway 552 out.
• See my article on Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks for a few more details.

If you still have time, here are other ideas of what to see on your way back to Lihue:

• Take a drive down to see the blowhole Spouting Horn in Poipu. 
• Drive North of Lihue and see Wailua Falls.

And what else would I do if I had two days or maybe more?

• I’d take a helicopter tour of Kauai. In my opinion, Kauai is one of the most beautiful islands for helicopter tours.  (Make sure you do your helicopter tour homework in advance.)
• In smoother water during summer months, I’d take a catamaran cruise of the Na Pali Coast.
• See the North Shore and stop along at some of the gorgeous beaches there.
• See more of my suggestions for best Kauai things to see and do. 
• Also see these other itinerary ideas.

Kauai is loaded with great free stuff to see and do. If your vacation budget doesn’t allow for a luau on Kauai, then catch a free hula show at the Coconut MarketPlace in Kapaa on the East side of the island. (Click here for directions.) The shopping center offers a free hula show every Wednesday evening at 5pm.

The Coconut MarketPlace has 60 “distinctively Hawaiian shops and restaurants” where you can find souvenirs. The center also makes for a good place to grab an inexpensive late lunch, shave ice, or early dinner before or after the hula show. It’s easy on the wallet and we all love that!

This article includes all the information you’ll need to know about Kauai luaus - from prices to schedules to reviews. This article is intended to help you choose the best Kauai luau that fits your budget.

On Kauai, you’ll find a nice assortment of settings from ocean front to plantation to garden settings. Kauai luaus are situated near all the major resort areas. I’ll arrange the luau listings geographically starting in the North and working our way South as we did with the Big Island luau listings. (Photo by permission and courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau.)

North Shore Kauai Luaus

Princeville Hotel Beachside Luau
Opens: 6:00
Nights: Mondays & Thursdays
Location/Setting: Beach side at the Princeville Resort Hotel
Prices: $99 for Adults, Teens and Seniors for $90 and Children ages 5 - 12 for $45.
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show, Taxes
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-826-2788
Reviews: IgoUgo, iExplore
Additional Information: Official Brochure

East Shore Kauai Luaus

Tahiti’s Hava Pasefika Luau at ResortQuest Kauai Beach at Makaiwa
Opens: 5:15
Nights: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
Location/Setting: Hotel grounds
Prices: $65 for Adults, $59 for Seniors (age 60+), $42 for Teens (13-18), and $32 for children ages 3 - 12 (Taxes are extra)
Price Includes: Buffet, Polynesian Show (No Open Bar)
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-822-3455
Reviews: TripAdvisor, Viator
Additional Information: Official Website, I found several activity resellers for this luau, so shop around for pricing.

Smith Family Garden Luau
Opens: 5:00
Nights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays always. During summer months, the luau is also open on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Location/Setting: By the Wailua River (Directions)
Prices: Book online seven days in advance for these 10% discount rates: Adult $67.50, Children ages 7 - 13 are $27 and Children 3 - 6 are $17.10. There is an option to see the show only, call for rates.
Price Includes: Tour of Gardens, Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show,
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Book online or call 1-808-821-6895
Reviews: TripAdvisor, IgoUgo, the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook calls it the best on the island.
Additional Information: Official Website

Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana
Opens: 4:30
Nights: This luau has catered to the cruise passengers, but has recently opened to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Location/Setting: Plantation
Prices: $95 for adults, $65 for children ages 3 - 16. (Taxes are extra)
Price Includes: Craft Demonstration, Buffet, Open Bar, Hula and Polynesian Show
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-246-9333
Reviews: IgoUgo, CruiseCritic Forum
Additional Information: Official Website

South Shore Kauai Luaus

Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau
Opens: 5:00
Nights: Sundays and Thursdays
Location/Setting: On Grand Hyatt Kauai grounds. (See the photos here.)
Prices: $78 for Adults, Teens 13 - 20 are $68.00, Children 6 - 12 are 40.50 (Taxes are extra)
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-240-6456
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Additional Information: Official Website

Surf to Sunset Luau at Sheraton Kauai
Opens: 5:00
Nights: Mondays and Fridays
Location/Setting: Oceanfront on Poipu Beach
Prices: $75 for adults and $37 for children ages 6 - 12 for traditional seating. You can choose to upgrade for stage side seating and table service for $87 for adults and $43 for children. Kamaaina rates are available.
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show, Taxes.
Imu Ceremony: No
For Reservations: 1-808-742-8200
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Additional Information: Official Website Another point worth noting is that this luau serves the traditional luau foods as well as modern Hawaii fare.
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All prices and times were accurate at the time this article was written. As resorts periodically change dates and prices, please verify current times, days, and prices.

If a luau doesn’t fit in your travel budget, then catch a free hula show at the Coconut Markeplace.

Have you been to any of these Kauai luaus? What did you think?

We will be continuing this series over the coming weeks. Subscribe to our free updates via e-mail or RSS, to make sure you don?t miss a beat on all the best that Hawaii has to offer.

I really enjoyed writing the best budget friend sights and activities series of articles over the last month. As I wrote each one, I tried to bear in mind that most people usually only have seven days for their vacation in Hawaii. So, it was quite challenging to narrow down the list to something that could be achieved within a week and still hopefully have some relaxation time to spare. I thought it would be useful to wrap up the series of Hawaii budget activities articles into one convenient spot for you. Here they are:

• Maui’s Top 7 Free or Nearly Free Things to Do and See
• 10 Best Free Activities and Sites on Oahu
• Best Free Activities on Kauai
• Best Big Island Budget Activities
  

I’m not sure how the quote “the best things in life are free” initiated, but this phrase is certainly true of Kauai’s wonderful sight seeing. Kauai is arguably the most scenic Hawaiian island. (Hey, there is even a song about Kauai aptly entitled “Beautiful Kauai“!)

Kauai is stunningly beautiful with its rugged green cliffs of the Na Pali coast, uncrowded beaches and Waimea Canyon. You’ll practically find a picture postcard everywhere you turn. If you don’t believe me then check out our Kauai photos, which are only a sampling of the real untouched photos that my husband and I have personally taken.

You really don’t have to budget much money for tours on Kauai. You can stay busy for days just sight seeing independently. Just grab a good guidebook Here are my top picks for free or nearly free things to do and see on Kauai:

1. See Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks
These two adjacent parks are phenomenally beautiful and not to be missed. For more information, see these details and tips for visiting these two parks.

2. See the gorgeous waterfalls.
Now, who doesn’t love a waterfall? Kauai has many picturesque waterfalls and most of them are easily accessible. The photo above is of Wailua Falls is my favorite. It’s located on the East side of the island near Lihue.  Another pretty East side waterfall is Opaekaa Falls. When you are on the North shore around the Princeville and Hanalei area, be sure and look towards the mountains to see many tall, skinny waterfalls.

3. See the Beaches
I particularly love the quiet North shore beaches. Kee, Tunnels, Hanalei Bay, Anini, and Lumahai beaches are all real beauties! Be careful as North shore beaches can have dangerous waves and currents, particularly in winter months (generally, October through May). When in doubt, it’s best to watch the waves from the shoreline rather than get into them. Always check the Hawaii Beach Safety site for up to date conditions and warnings.

4. See Kilauea Lighthouse
This North shore site is another picturesque point worth a visit. See this link for a photo, directions and tips for seeing Kilauea Lighthouse.

5. Hiking
You must not forget to pack your hiking shoes for Kauai. This island is loaded with many miles of rewarding hiking trails. My favorite hike is the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast Unless you’re super fit and like living on the edge, I wouldn’t advise hiking any further than the first two miles in and then back out. (Beyond the first two miles, the trail is a bit treacherous. A friend told me she had to grasp onto the side of a cliff and walk sideways at one portion of this trail that’s beyond the two mile mark.)

Another favorite hike of mine is the Canyon Trail at Kokee State Park. It is a beautiful trail that takes you into Waimea Canyon for a 360 degree view of the canyon. You can find more details on that trail and the others in the park here.

6. See Spouting Horn
Spouting Horn blow hole is probably the most dramatic blow hole you’ll find across Hawaii. It is also one of the easiest to find and access.

7. Watch sunset
Okay, I admit I may be sounding like a broken record, but watching sunset in Hawaii is something I advise everyone to do. It’s such a relaxing and beautiful event to watch. It can be even more memorable when you have a sunset picnic. I particularly enjoy watching sunset from Princeville with the “Bali Hai” peak in the background. (Click here for a photo of sunset from Princeville.) Another place that’s great for sunsets is Poipu Beach. We took the photo on the left during a sunset picnic at Poipu Beach.

In Conclusion
So, as you can see, there are plenty of free activities on Kauai. You could stay busy for days just looking at beaches and waterfalls and hiking. Please pardon this non-free moment, but I feel that I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there are some paid tours that you really must do when you visit Kauai. You must see the Na Pali Coast either by boat, catamaran, kayak, or helicopter.

The Discover Kauai web site has some useful information. You can order a free Kauai Travel Planner.

This article is the third in the series of the best free or almost free things you can do in Hawaii. In case you missed them, you can also read my top picks for Maui and Oahu free activities and Hawaii’s Big Island.

This photo is of the “cathedrals” area of the Na Pali Coast.  We took this photo during a helicopter tour of Kauai.  In my opinion, Kauai is the best Hawaiian island for touring by helicopter.  To get a bit of an idea what it is like to see Kauai by helicopter, see this brief video of the cathedrals.  (Video credit to bhawaiianhelicopters)

If you are considering a helicopter tour in Hawaii, check out our tips on choosing a helicopter tour.

No visit to Kauai is complete without seeing the beautiful Waimea Canyon and the Kalalau Valley. When you see Waimea Canyon, you might think you’ve been transported to Arizona, because Waimea Canyon has been dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. The canyon is one mile wide by ten miles long and over 3,600 feet deep.

Waimea Canyon State Park and Kokee State Park are adjacent to each other on the west side of Kauai. (For a Google Map, click here.) There are two ways to get to these state parks via Highway 550 (Waimea Canyon Drive) and by Highway 552 (Kokee Road). The advice that I followed and liked was taking Waimea Canyon Drive up to the parks and return on Kokee Road.

At a minimum, you must drive to the parks to stop off and admire the beautiful vistas, but if you have a bit more time and energy, plan in a rewarding hike or two. I can recommend the Canyon Trail of Kokee State Park. It is a 1.8 mile hike (one-way) into the canyon with stunning views. Allow three hours for this hike as you’ll want to pause several times to enjoy the views. This hike is mostly downhill on the way in and uphill on the way back, so be sure you bring an energy bar and plenty of water. A hiking stick is also advised as the trail can be slippery after rain. You can find more information about the 19 different hikes in Kokee State Park here.

The photo on the left is of Kalalau Valley and a stop to this area is not to be missed. To find it, drive to the end of the Waimea Canyon Drive in Kokee State Park. You may have to park your car and walk a bit to see the lookout. The Kalalau Valley is actually the southern end of the Na Pali Coast. If get to the lookout and find that the valley is cloud covered, be patient for a bit and the clouds may just roll away. That happened to me and my patience was rewarded by the photo on the left.

Tips for when you go:

• The elevation is between 3,200 and 4,200 feet and quite a bit cooler than at the beaches, so bring a jacket or sweater. Average daytime temperatures range from as low as 45 degrees F in January to 68 degrees F in July.
• Make sure you have plenty of gas before you go, as there are no gas stations in the parks.
• Allow for at least three hours in this area and longer if you plan to hike.
• There is only one restaurant in the area at Kokee Lodge, so plan accordingly.
• Be advised that you will be driving on winding roads, so take precautions if you are prone to car sickness.

Other resources you may want to read:

• LA Times advice on what to do and see in Western Kauai.
• This Week had a some tips along with a video of Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park

In the Poipu area of Kauai, you will find an impressive blowhole called Spouting Horn.  A blowhole forms at the end of a lava tube and as waves crash in, water goes into the tube and it builds up pressure to blow the water back out.  The spouts of water can reach up to 50 feet high. Not only does the blowhole create an impressive display, but it also makes interesting sound effects as well.

This brief video from You Tube gives you a little peek at what Spouting Horn is like.  (Credit to miinaba):

The Hawaiian legend of how Spouting Horn began is interesting.  Here’s how it goes per the Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau’s web site:

Ancient Hawaiians believed this coastline was once guarded by a giant moo (lizard).  Everyone was afraid of the moo because it would eat anyone who tried to fish or swim in the area. One day a man named Liko entered the ocean. The moo went to attack him but Liko quickly swam under the lava shelf and escaped through a small hole to the surface. The large moo followed him and got himself stuck in the lava tube. To this day, you can hear the lizard’s groan and see his breath spraying from the hole.

 To find Spouting Horn on a Google Map, click here. 

  If you are going to Hawaii on vacation, do yourself a favor and plan to snorkel or scuba dive in some of the best waters on earth.  I wanted to provide you with some tips to help you decide how to choose the best snorkeling or diving excursion.  So I went to a source that I trust, which is Trilogy out of Maui.  Mike Jones, the Head Dive Master, was kind enough to conduct a Q&A with me. 

Go Visit Hawaii:  What makes the Hawaiian Islands a great destination for diving and snorkeling?  Are there any special fish or sea creatures that are unique to Hawaii?

Mike:  Hawaii has the second cleanest ocean water in the world, so we constantly experience crystal clear blue water on dives. We are a volcanic island chain so we have dramatic drop offs and underwater lava formations. Hawaii is the most isolated location on Earth so our marine organisms have evolved in isolation, 25% of our fish live no where else but Hawaii. We are blessed with a moderate water temperature range between 72F – 79F degrees, we are able to dive and snorkel all year without wetsuits.  

Go Visit Hawaii: What are the top 3 to 5 dive and snorkel spots on or around the Hawaiian Islands?

Mike:  The most famous by far is Molokini Crater, off the Southern coast of Maui. It is the most popular snorkel and dive location in the Pacific Ocean. The 2^nd most popular would be the Cathedrals off the south shore of Lanai. Also the manta ray night dive at Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii is very popular.  

Go Visit Hawaii: Do you have to know how to swim well in order to snorkel?

Mike:  You don’t have to be a good swimmer, but you need to be very comfortable in the water.

Go Visit Hawaii: What are the advantages of taking an organized excursion versus snorkeling on your own?

Mike:  When snorkeling on your own there are no directions, no safety orientation, no lifeguards, no naturalist information, and no site orientation.

Go Visit Hawaii: What sort of questions, specifications, qualifications, and safety questions should you ask or look for when choosing a snorkeling/scuba tour?

Mike:  Does the company provide:
In water lifeguards? Flotation devices provided? On board naturalist? Environmentally aware? How old is snorkel/scuba equipment? Ratio of snorkelers/divers to guides?

Go Visit Hawaii: What do you tell people who are afraid to snorkel or dive because of sharks?

Mike:  People are more likely to be killed by a bee or struck by lighting than to be bitten by a shark.

Go Visit Hawaii: What kind of camera should someone bring on a snorkel trip and/or dive excursion?   (FYI – we’re rarely had any good photos results from those disposable underwater cameras.)

Mike:  The disposable cameras are cheap and readily available at any store. If someone wishes to get a quality underwater camera they can purchase one before vacation online or at a camera store. With the digital revolution camera makers are now making underwater housing for most digital cameras now. If you have digital cameras check online to see if someone makes a underwater housing for your existing camera.

Mahalo to Trilogy for participating as the expert advisors for this Q&A!