Archive for category: Exploring Kauai

Henna tattoo art makes for a lasting impression of the Old Kapa’a Town Art Walk! Stop by henna artist’s booth on your walk for a fun and temporary henna design.

On the first Saturday of each month, Old Kapa’a Town comes to life from 5 PM to 9 PM. Local artists, musicians, and food trucks line the streets for almost four blocks. The Old Kapa’a Town Art Walk is a must-do for visitors and residents alike!

Parking & Where to Start

First off, finding parking can be a challenge. Prepare to do some walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Dress like you’re going to a casual restaurant, and don’t forget a light jacket if you’re going anytime between December-April. For the ultimate art walk experience, I recommend parking on the north entrance of the town and starting your stroll from there.

Eat Some “Ono” Food

There are a handful of excellent restaurants right in town, so plan on eating out for dinner. The wait times are usually longer on art walk nights, so eat a light snack beforehand if you’re a hungry person (like myself). The little taco truck (tucked between two larger Mexican restaurants) on the north end of town is one of my favorites. Or if you’re in the mood for a classic American meal, you can never go wrong with a Bubba Burger, right at the north entrance of the main street.

Listen to Local Musicians & More

Calling all music lovers! Kapa’a Art Walk hosts a variety of gifted Kauai musicians. From Hawaiian slack-key guitar players, to classical violinists, anyone can enjoy the local talent. Here’s something to note: the art walk bands and artists typically don’t play in the exact same location every art walk, so you’ll have to follow your ears to find them along the main street.

If you’re in the mood for dancing, the little Mexican restaurant at the north entrance of town plays traditional salsa music and even hosts the occasional salsa dancing lesson. Dance your burrito off on their dance floor (~for FREE~) in the warm Hawaiian weather.

Be sure to peruse the wide assortment of local artwork as you make your way down the street. You may end up taking home a beautiful Kauai painting or photograph!

Mark Your Calendar

Enjoy one of Kauai’s top social events year-round. The next art walk will take place on March 3rd, 2018. It will be a tropical Kauai night to remember!

Congrats! You’re traveling to Kauai with a teenager… planning an entertaining agenda can be tough, but not on Kauai. There are so many amazing, teen-friendly adventures to embark on. Here’s what I recommend: 

1. Take your teen to watch a North Shore sunset.

There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset from Hanalei Pier or Ke’e Beach. Your teen can capture the perfect Snapchat (#nofilterneeded) or simply enjoy the array of colors Kauai’s sunsets provide. Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, sunset times vary. Pack a picnic and plan to arrive at your destination of choice at least twenty minutes before sunset. Parking on the North Shore is usually limited, so plan to leave a few minutes early.

2. Buy them some “ono” shave ice.

Shave ice on Kauai is to die for. Teenagers will love these cold, sweet treats, especially in Kauai’s warm weather. The best shave ice places on Kauai use fresh and (mostly) local fruit to make their shave ices colorful masterpieces. Bring your teen to Wailua Shave Ice (in Kapaa) or Uncle’s Shave Ice (in Lihue and Poipu), and they won’t be disappointed.

3. Go on a helicopter tour… doors-off!

Kauai is truly an island to be seen from a bird’s-eye view. Book you and your teen on a doors-off tour  for a thrill they will never forget. For one amazing hour, they will get to experience the entirety of Kauai’s stunning landscape from above.

4. Hike the Mahalepu Trail.

This two-mile ocean-side trail is a gem that all ages can enjoy. Located on Kauai’s South Shore, the Mahalepu Heritage Trail takes you along unique limestone formations and “rocky inlets”. This hike is short but sweet- the perfect length for a teen who wants to experience Kauai’s beauty, but not necessarily go on a lengthy journey to do so.

5. Learn to surf.

Learning to surf is something your teen(s) will be telling their friends about for months. If you visit Kauai during late summertime (August-September), the surf is the perfect learning size. Kauai is equipped with many different “surf schools” that will give your teen a fun and safe surfing experience.

6. Shop around in Hanalei Town.

Hanalei Town, on the North Shore of Kauai, is full of adorable little shops and surf stores. There are also a handful of yummy cafes and restaurants. Whether your teen is more into finding a cool pair of surf shorts, or the perfect pair of handmade shell earrings, Hanalei Town has it all.

7. Go on a zipline tour.

Talk about an adrenaline rush! Kauai boasts some of the state’s longest zip lines, over tropical forests and lush valleys. These tours are totally teen friendly, and will provide tons of Instagram-worthy photo-ops. This is the ultimate adventure for your teen; zip lining on Kauai is seriously a blast.

Not too long ago, I was sitting in an airport, on my way home to Kauai. The woman next to me was talking to her kids very excitedly about the yummy fresh fruit they were going to try when they arrived on the Garden Isle. She turned to me, and asked if I knew where to buy the best fruit on the island. I happily recommended she visit one of Kauai’s farmer’s markets. They’re a must-stop for both visitors and locals. Kauai farmer’s markets are full of fresh and organic produce, tropical baked treats, fresh-squeezed juices, and dozens of other local flavors.

Some fruits you must try (if they’re in-season) while on Kauai are papayas, lychee (see picture above), apple bananas, longan (cousin to the lychee), and, of course, mangoes. Kauai-grown lychee and mangoes are strictly summertime treats. It’s rare to find either during their off-season. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a fresh Kauai mango, I highly suggest chilling it in a little cooler, and taking it straight to the beach. Apple bananas, on the other hand, can be enjoyed year-round here. They’re smaller, and much sweeter than the standard bananas found in supermarket chains. My mouth is watering as I type!

One of my favorite Kauai farmer’s markets is located on the North Shore, at the Anaina Hou Park (right by Kilauea Mini Golf). It takes place on Saturday’s, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It’s not the largest of markets on the island, but has a wide variety of locally grown/made goods that my family and I always enjoy. Even better, it’s right next to the Wai Koa Loop trail-head. If you start early, you can walk the trail and return in time to peruse the market. Or, if you’re with keiki (children) take them to Kauai’s one and only mini golf right across the street.

Buying from Kauai’s farmer’s markets helps to support our hardworking local farmers, and makes Kauai a more self-sustainable little island. Best of all, it promises more healthy and delicious produce for everyone to enjoy. You don’t have to look far to find of of these bustling Kauai gems. Here’s a list of when & where they happen:

Traveling with little ones can be a challenge, but Kauai’s bounty of family friendly beaches will entertain your keiki (children) for hours. Pack the floaties and sunscreen… it’s about to get sandy!

Hanalei Pavilion

There’s nothing like frolicking in the gentle waters of Hanalei Bay. Sand bars often form at the Hanalei Pavilion, allowing for shallower waters and even more fun. In the summertime, this spot rarely has waves, so it’s perfect for younger kids. In my opinion, Hanalei sand is the best for sandcastles, so don’t forget the buckets and shovels! A long stretch of grass connects the shaded Pavilion to the beach. Keiki can take a break from the sand, and play in the grassy area. The Hanalei Pavilion also has bathroom facilities and showers to rinse off the salt. Best of all, it’s a life-guarded beach!

Anini Beach

Born and raised here on Kauai, some of my favorite childhood memories are at Anini Beach. It’s peaceful, has lots of “fishies”, and is absolutely beautiful. The large surrounding reef forms a protective barrier closer to shore, and little ones will be delighted by the clear, shallow waters. Anini is a morning spot, as the wind can pick up in the afternoon. A stroll down this beach provides tidepools to explore and shells and pebbles to collect. It’s not a life-guarded beach, but is typically very safe in the summertime.

Lydgate Beach

Ah, Lydgate, a toddler’s heaven. Two large, rock enclosed “ponds” that keep the ocean water in and the waves out, make this beach one of the safest places for little kids. To top it off, a giant playground (Kamalani Park) is only a short walk away. There are bathrooms, showers, and a lifeguard on watch. It’s no wonder Lydgate Beach is one of the most popular spots for families on Kauai.

Baby Beach in Poipu

On Kauai, you might hear locals refer to different “Baby Beach” locations around the island. Baby Beach in Poipu is one of the best if you’re staying on the South Side of the island. This little beach has calm and clear waters, protected by a sliver of reef that blocks the surf from entering. Close to Poipu Beach Park’s bathroom & shower facilities, Baby Beach is ideal for little ones. The only downside is the lack of a posted lifeguard. Remember- if in doubt, don’t go out (or bring your keiki out).

More Tips for a Happy Beach Baby

• Don’t forget to bring shovels, buckets, and other sand toys for your little ones. For a last minute DIY sand toy, grab a pasta strainer. The soft, fine sand will sift through the holes and fall in neat piles, perfect for squishing.
• Fill a gallon jug of tap water to rinse off sandy toes post beach day, if there are no shower facilities. Keep it tucked in the car during the day, and it will be nice and warm by the time you get back.
• Besides lots of sunscreen, sun hats and SPF sun shirts are also beach day necessities. Check out a Kauai shop to find the right gear.
• Pack a big beach blanket to picnic on or take naps. If there’s limited shade (like at the Hanalei Pavilion), I highly recommend bringing a beach umbrella as well.
• And as a friendly reminder, never allow small children to play in the water unattended, even in baby-safe beaches like the ones above.

For more information on Kauai beaches, visit our Kauai Beaches guide. Many Kauai.com tours are also baby-friendly. Call Kauai.com today for more details (808-822-2846)! Ask us about which tours can accommodate your little ones. 

The rise and fall of the tides is a predictable phenomenon caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon relative to the earth. King tides are also a regular occurrence signifying the highest tides of the year. They typically occur during summer months when the moon is either new or full and is closest to the earth.

This year, sea levels were anomalously high in the pacific basin, resulting in coastal flooding during these king tide events. April’s king tide broke the record set over 100 years ago, with a tide that rose 9 inches above the predicted level.

So what is causing this sea level anomaly? According to scientists at the University of Hawaii, a combination of ocean eddies with high centers, sea level variability from a recent El Nino, and long-term sea level rise caused by global warming all contribute to the excessive tides. Additionally, summer swells can bring even more water in towards the shore exacerbating the effect.

The result is often seen as coastal flooding. According to NOAA, the sea level around Kauai is running as much as a foot greater than the levels predicted by the tide charts. NOAA and the National Weather Service often issue special weather statements predicting tidal flooding, like the one issued on Tuesday, August 22nd when peak water levels are expected in the late afternoon and early evening. This can be seen near boat harbors and in beach areas through Wednesday evening.

What does it mean for visitors to the island? Hawaii’s tidal range is actually much smaller than those seen in mainland coastal areas. Still, if you are not expecting it, water can come up fast and take your belongings with it when it retreats into the sea. It can also damage electronic devices that may contain your vacation photos. It would be wise to check the tide charts and pay attention to where you put your belongings on the beach, especially if you plan leave them unattended.

Sea Grant created the Hawaii and Pacific Islands King Tides Project, to collect more data about these tidal events. The project involves citizen science where folks like you and me can submit pictures through an app called Liquid Mobile Data Collection that helps document coastal flooding. Scientist can then compile and evaluate the king tides and high water data that is submitted. Documenting the king tides is important to scientists to verify their models of wave run-up and harbor flooding. These events also give us a glimpse into the future as to what to what kind of flooding and subsequent erosion we can expect to see as sea levels continue to rise.

If you are interested in participating in the study, you can download the app and check out the Pacific Islands Kind Tides Project web-page for more information.