The first time we went to Kauai was in 1997. Anton was a toddler and I was pregnant with Stefan. We immediately fell in love with the island (accurately known as the Garden Island) and have returned to the same spot in Poipu for many years. We love to stay at the Kiahuna Plantation Resort due to the beautiful gardens, wide open lawns and gorgeous beach. We recently went with my niece’s family and the kids loved it. There are bigger resorts on either side where you can walk over for a poolside cocktail.
Here are a few highlights and travel tips that we enjoy during our time on the island that we wanted to share with you…
- First, I always travel with my Bokisch Growler! It is insulated and keeps your liquid beverage nice and cool! It is perfect to fill with water for the plane and even better at the beach with an adult beverage of your choice!
2. Get into “island style” immediately! We recently discovered that the Walmarts on the island have a special section for Hawaiian made clothing for all ages, styles and sizes! It’s the best way to go matching and get into the spirit! I didn’t exactly imagine that a trip to Walmart would be one of our top activities but, hey, why not? I mean look at these guys…aren’t they cute together?
3. Splurge for a night out at the Grand Hyatt for Sunset Cocktails, Live Music and Dinner at the Tidepools. The views are beautiful and if you get there at the golden hour they have live Hula dancing. The Tidepools Restaurant is located on floating bungalows and the seafood is some of the best on the island…definitely splurge worthy!
I love my new Hawaiian Dress!
4. Take an afternoon drive to the cute little town of Hanapepe. It is known for its art galleries and swinging bridge. The art is all made by local island artists and you will find the studio that produces the hand painted tiles that say “Mahalo for Removing Your Shoes.” The Banana Patch Studio also has an interior window where you can watch them making their artwork tiles.
The boys have been walking across this swinging bridge since they were toddlers! It’s amazing they still let you walk across it, it’s pretty rickety!
5. Find a local brewery! On our way back from Hanapepe, we stopped at The Kauai Island Brewing Company. It’s located in Port Allen where all of the Catamaran and snorkeling cruises launch so it might be crowded. Just remind yourself that you are on island time and “hang loose” if you have to wait for a table!
6. Sign up for an adventure! There are so many activities to choose from! We usually try to treat ourselves to something whether it be snorkeling, tubing on the irrigation canals or a sugar cane tour. We recently discovered the Rum Safari Tour at the Kilohana and it was a blast. You sit on their open top Safari bus, get driven through their gardens and orchards and end up at a private lanai where they treat you to a rum tasting and some pretty delicious cocktails. Even Gramma loved it!
The rum is produced on the island with pure cane sugar, instead of molasses. You can purchase on site but our guides gave us the local tip to go to Safeway for the best deal! We brought home some Chocolate Rum to sip on. It tastes like hot cocoa. Yum!
7. Find a locals bar or restaurant. The islanders also need a place to go out and have fun, but they avoid the expensive tourist driven restaurants and bars. The best local sports bar we’ve found is Rob’s Good Times Grill. They have live music, trivia nights, good food, beer and cocktails. It’s family friendly and has an awesome vibe to it. Check it out on your way to/from the Lihue airport or when you make your trip to Walmart!
Most of all, support Lodi wine while you’re on the island! Look for it at the grocery store shelves. You might even find some Bokisch wines in a few locations, but if not, ask for it! We always need more excuses to visit the islands to do market work!
