Kauai: Tips

Beach safety Hawaii has the second highest drowning rate in the country. The following site offers continuously updated conditions and hazards at specific Kauai beaches.

Local cuisine Don’t miss the island’s ‘ono (delicious) local specialties, a mélange of multicultural culinary delights: malasadas (sugar-coated donuts), loco moco (fried egg and gravy atop hamburger and rice), manapua (pork-filled bun), musubi (seaweed-wrapped rice). Also, stop at an okazuya, Hawaii’s equivalent of a deli. Try Po’s Kitchen in Lihue or Pono Market in Kapa‘a.

Underwater camera Even inexpensive, disposable underwater cameras can capture precious memories, whether it’s a belly-flop entry into the resort pool or a turtle’s graceful glide past colorful reef fish.

Shave ice Order azuki beans and ice cream with your shave (not shaved) ice and you’ve made a good thing better.

Early to rise As Robert Frost wrote, “Nature’s first green is gold.” Some of Hawaii’s most magical hours are the ones right after sunrise, when the ocean is glassy, the beaches are empty, and the birds awaken.

Guard your valuables Even paradise has an underbelly, and parking areas at popular attractions are high-theft areas. Try not to leave any valuables in your vehicle, not even in the trunk.