Your Sustainable Guide to Kauaʻi: The Garden Isle

Experience the Nā Pali Coast by foot via the Kalalau Trail—11 miles each way of rigorous hiking, requiring permits even for day hikers. If you can’t commit to the entire 11-mile trek, take on shorter versions of the trail going to Hanakāpī’ai Beach and then Hanakāpī’ai Falls. Be warned, parking fills up early and you will pass along a one-lane bridge on your way.

Alternatively, see the Nā Pali Coast by catamaran and get stunning views of the pali, or sea cliffs. You may even be joined by dolphins playing alongside your boat. Holo Holo Charters feature either daytime snorkeling or sunset cruises, which leave from Port Allen in the south. They are also certified by the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawai’i, promote responsible dolphin interactions, and serve locally sourced food onboard.

Book one of the many kayaking tours of the Wailua River, but pick one that includes a hike to Uluwehi Falls (a.k.a. Secret Falls). The hike is moderate and the falls are gorgeous! Wear shoes that are comfortable and can get wet.

If you need a break from all the hiking and paddling, try a rum tasting at a distillery in Lihue. Make sure to leave room in your suitcase for a liquid souvenir that is produced with local Hawaiian ingredients, including sugar cane, coffee, and chocolate.

Another low-key activity is visiting local farms. There’s a variety of options that may involve tasting opportunities, including chocolate, honey, various fruits, and coffee, depending on where you are on the island. On the North Shore, you can discover how the all-important crop of taro (a.k.a. kalo) is cultivated and learn about its large historical place in Hawaiian culture.

Kauaʻi has three locations of the National Tropical Botanical Garden: Allerton and McBryde Gardens are just west of Koloa, and Limahuli Garden on the North Shore. There are self-guided or staff-guided tours, including one tour that features traditional medicinal plants.

Snorkeling all around the island is a great activity if you know the right place. There are appropriate snorkeling spots for every level of swimmer around the island, like beginner-friendly Po’ipu Beach and Lydgate Beach. My advice? Rent your snorkel gear when you arrive in Kauaʻi and return it when you leave—it saves money and avoids waste.

Want to give back locally while you’re in Hawai’i? Attend a Surfrider Kauaʻi beach cleanup to keep the sands pristine for everyone’s enjoyment. They also do Net Patrol, where they remove washed-up fishing nets from coastal areas.

Another way to help the Kauaʻi community is to take an adoptable dog out on a field trip for a day. The Kauaʻi Humane Society runs a program where you can take one of their pups on your adventure and match the personality of the dog to your plans for the day. This helps the dogs get time out of the shelter, as well as extra socialization.

Start your day with Little Fish Coffee in Po’ipu. Get there early to avoid the lines for a delicious açai bowl or smoothie. The options are incredibly fresh and healthy.

For a casual lunch, hit up Koloa Fish Market. This spot serves up amazing poké bowls with daily catches or plate lunch with rotating specials accompanied by timeless classics like mac salad or seaweed salad. They also have a Hawaiian classic: spam musubi...until they sell out. My husband and I enjoyed Koloa Fish Market so much we came back a second time a few days later during our trip.

Wailua Shave Ice in Kapaa is a great afternoon treat, particularly after kayaking the Wailua River. Shave ice is also called ice shave by some locals. Wailua Shave Ice has a variety of fresh flavors and delicious toppings. If you’re accompanied by a furry friend, you can get them an unflavored shaved ice. Wailua Shave Ice also has açai bowls.

If you want a fun night on the North Shore of Kauaʻi, spend your evening having dinner and cocktails at Tahiti Nui in Hanalei. It has a casual, romantic atmosphere with strong tiki bar vibes. This family-run restaurant partners with local farmers to provide a fresh and sustainable menu.

On the North Shore, you also have the opportunity to have a farm-to-table introduction to regenerative farming with Common Ground’s Farm and Food Experience. This features an immersive tour of their agroforestry operation and a plated meal. Some experiences also include a lei-making tutorial.

The Beach House restaurant in Koloa on the South Shore has delicious food and beautiful views. Their fish is sourced from Kauaʻi fishermen and they make a conscious effort to use local fruits and vegetables. The freshness shows in the food. The seafood is especially delicious, and my husband and I loved our macadamia nut–crusted fish when we ate here. This is the place to be for sunset, but you better have reservations or hope to get lucky with a spot at the bar.