10 Must-Do Activities In Kauai (Only Known By Locals) | TheTravel

Ranking as the fourth largest island in Hawaii, Kauai is a place of many unforgettable experiences. The Island’s first impressions are its beautiful lush vegetation, appealing beaches, and majestic mountains. These wonderful natural elements all combine to present travelers with a long list of things to enjoy in Kauai including these ones which are only known by locals.

10 Enjoy A Relaxing Atmosphere At Barking Sands Beach

Spending time on the beach in Kauai is something not to miss on this island of beach lovers. While many of the beaches are often crowded, the Barking Sands beach is a hidden beach that offers relaxing waters, gorgeous mountains, and majestic mountains. With the soft sand, gentle water waves, and mesmerizing sunset, the Barking Sands Beach will have travelers enjoying a laid-back beach experience.

9 Explore The Hanalei Farmers Market

The list of must-do activities for travelers sometimes gets so overwhelming that they forget to explore one of the core parts of this garden Island - the farmers market. The farmers market is one of the best places to experience the Hawaiian way of life and also the rich produce this island offers. The Hanalei farmers market is one of the most popular farmer's markets and perhaps the best place to enjoy the works of the Kauai farmers. Here, travelers will enjoy a huge list of fresh food items, including unfamiliar fruits, and other processed foods which can be eaten while exploring the market. Artistic goods, cosmetics, and clothes also make up the list of things that can be found in this market.

Related: Here's What You Need To Know About Visiting The Largest Farmer's Market In The U.S.

8 Swim At Lawai Beach And See Sea Turtle

Sea turtles are arguably the most loved animals in Kauai and while there are many other places to see them on the Island, Lawai Beach is one of the best places to get this experience. One thing though - sea turtles here are protected under the law so travelers should have some respect for the cute creatures and not harass them in any way.

7 Hike The Kalalau Trail To The Mesmerizing Kalalau Valley

The Kalalau trail is 11 miles long and is characterized by lush forests, steep hills, rushing streams, and giant rocks. The trail is tough and challenging but its rewards and scenic views are worth the difficulty. On the way, hikers can enjoy a refreshing relaxation at the Kalalau beach and then continue the hike to the Magnificent Kalalau valley. Due to the distance, those who have a camper's permit can camp on some parts of the trail when night catches up with them and continue their hike the next day.

6 Attend A Luau Event

The luau is a culturally significant event for the Hawaiians. It is an event done to celebrate relationships, the food, the music, and the general culture of the Hawaiian people. The locals in Kauai give special priority to this cultural event and travelers who really want to explore this island like the locals should also experience this event. Some of the most popular luau events to attend in Kauai include - Aulii Luau, Luau Kalamaku, and the Smith Family Garden Luau.

Related: Hawaii Etiquette: Attending A Luau? Here Are The Rules To Follow

5 Go Bird Watching

The huge lush Island of Kauai consists of more than a hundred species of birds including migratory, and endemic ones. This large bird presence makes Kauai a great place for bird watching. At Kokee State Parks, travelers will enjoy the sight and the beautiful songs of these winged creatures on almost all the park’s trails. Many other parks, rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife refuges also offer more of this spectacular experience.

4 Sail The Waters On A Double-Hulled Canoe

The Ancient Hawaiians were excellent sailors and this love for sailing is still inherent in modern Hawaii. In Kauai, (just like the other Hawaiian Islands), there are lots of water bodies that offer amazing stages for adventurous sailing by boat or kayaks. Boat tours are wonderful ways to explore the waters of Kauai but when it comes to sailing, the Hawaiian double-hulled canoe (which was popular with the first Hawaiians) remains the most adventurous way to cruise the waters and navigate by looking at the stars just like the ancient Hawaiians did.

3 Hike The Waimea Canyon

Many call it - “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific'' and with its green landscape, hilly paths, tall grasses, and towering mountains, Waimea Canyon is indeed grand. A look at this stretch of scenery will have travelers shivering in anticipation and hiking through it is one of the best things to do in Kauai.

2 Watch Sunset With A Loved One

Watching sunsets in Kauai is a popular thing to do but how about watching it with a friend, partner, or family? It is a whole new experience watching the gorgeous colors of sunset on this Island with a partner and this is definitely one thing locals do with their partners and travelers should too. Whether you’re on a honeymoon or simply traveling with friends and family, this experience is worth having.

1 Learn The Hula Dance

Hula is a form of dance that is native to the Hawaiian people and is said to be a way to tell stories and pass information from one generation to the other. It is one of the most treasured cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people and learning the Hula dance is a fun thing to do in Kauai. This dance is showcased in events such as the luau and other cultural events. Resorts offer Hula dance lessons for those who do not have the time to enroll in Hula schools and start chanting strange words with little children.

Next: 10 Best Must-Do Activities In Maui (Only Known By Locals)

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