Hidden Gems on Kauai: How To Get Off the Beaten Path

Kauai is an island of countless hikes, which traverse through tropical rainforests, past waterfalls, or even into canyons. However, the often-overlooked Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail offers something a little different from the rest of Kauai’s adventure spots. While you won't find mile-high waterfalls along this trail, the sights are just as beautiful if you know what to look for.

Over the trail's 3.8-mile (6.1-kilometer) oceanfront journey, keep an eye out for all sorts of interesting sights, native wildlife, and fauna, including the rare golden ‘ilima (sida fallax) blossoms, kōlea (Pacific golden plover) birds, distant whale spouts during winter, and ancient petroglyphs.

For a true local experience on Kauai, consider attending the Eō E ʻEmalani I Alaka'i Festival. Held annually in either October or November at Kokeʻe State Park, this festival pays tribute to 19th-century monarch Queen Emma, wife of King Kamehameha IV. It features hula performances, music, pageantry, traditional food, and much more. While this isn't an event that you'll find slammed with tourists, do keep in mind that parking at Kokeʻe State Park is very limited. If you can, plan to carpool and arrive early.

There are dozens of beautiful beaches on Kauai, but Salt Pond Beach Park is a hidden gem, thanks to the local industry that gives the site its name: traditional salt harvesting. The beach features manmade saltwater flats, and while you can’t harvest the salt yourself, you can occasionally spot the flats’ Native owners gathering the sun-dried, reddish crystals, especially during the summer months.

Plus, the beach's clear water and gentle waves mean that you're in for a lower-key experience than at some other parks—perfect if you're looking for a break from Kauai's tourist-packed surf and swim spots.

One of the more unique things to do on Kauai is to pop into Talk Story Bookstore. Recently relocated to the town of Kaumakani, this locally owned bookstore holds the title as the westernmost bookstore in the US. More interestingly, though, it has a bunch of local reads, from books on the history of Hawaii to countless island-inspired short stories. You can also find rare comic books, vinyl records, and the latest best sellers, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Taro has been a food staple in Hawaii for thousands of years, and many businesses have put a modern spin on the starchy root vegetable. Hanapēpē’s Taro Ko Chips is just one of the many taro innovators—and one of Kauai’s coolest secret spots—with its freshly fried taro chips. If you’re feeling adventurous, the company also makes breadfruit chips and potato chips dusted with li hing mui (a plum-based sweet, sour, spicy powder).

Insider tip: Taro Ko Chips is a cash-only business and its hours are also inconsistent, so you just have to show up and cross your fingers!

The Hawaiian Islands have a very fragile natural ecosystem, one that's home to hundreds of threatened or endangered native plants and animals. While there are many threats to the local flora and fauna, one particular threat is invasive species.

At Kauai’s Eat the Invasives Festival—which is typically held in September—local chefs prepare dishes using invasive plants and animals to help control their populations and educate the community. The menu changes every year, but in the past, ingredients such as venison, tilapia, and strawberry guava have been served.

Insider tip: Tickets for the Eat the Invasives Festival sell out quickly, so it’s best to reserve as soon as tickets become available.

Originally brought to the islands by Portuguese immigrants, the ukulele has now become a symbol of Hawaii’s music scene. With only four strings—as opposed to a guitar’s six strings—it’s one of the easier instruments to play, and makes a fun Hawaii souvenir.

If you do decide to buy a ukulele, steer clear of the gimmicky, brightly colored ones and opt for a sleek wood one from Kamoa Store instead. Located in Old Town Kapaʻa, this charming, family-owned shop is filled with high-quality ukuleles. The staff will be more than happy to help if you’re not sure which one is right for you.

As the island’s only dairy, Kauai Kunana Dairy is a local favorite at farmers markets, especially for its liliko‘i chevre (passion fruit goat cheese). And while a market visit is already a great addition to your itinerary, a visit to their working farm is even better. One of the lesser-known places on Kauai, it’s only open to the public for a 2-hour farm tour every Thursday; you’ll get to feed the adorable goats, stroll through the farm’s orchard, and sample loads of tropical fruits, local honeys, and goat cheeses.

Get off Kauai’s beaten path with a visit to Hanalei Spirits Distillery. This family-owned spot offers 90-minute tours and tastings, featuring some of the distillery's coolest concoctions. Try the taro vodka, sugarloaf pineapple rum, and its lilikoichello—aka passion fruit blossom liqueur—just to start. If you can’t make it for a tour or tasting, you can still sample Hanalei Spirits Distillery’s liquors at many restaurants around the island, including Bar Acuda in Hanalei and Fish Bar Deli in Kapaʻa.