ALEKONA KAUAI Blog

In Hawaiian, the word kokua means “to help.” There are many ways for visitors to show kokua when visiting Kauai, from hauling out your trash and cigarette butts at the beach, being mindful and respectful of sensitive cultural areas, and obeying local signage warning visitors of ocean dangers and other risks.  If you have a passion for volunteering and want to find causes on Kauai that you can give back...

Kauai’s north shore, with its quaint villages, winding roads over single-lane bridges, and pristine beaches, will transport you to a place and time reminiscent of old Hawaii. At the end of the road, Haena State Park is home to Ke’e Beach and is also the starting point for both the Hanakapiai beach and waterfall trail and the Kalalau Trail. Haena State Park is open daily from 7 am to 6:45...

Kaua‘i’s food scene has grown over recent years, with a variety of healthy options to not-so-healthy options.  We’ll show you where the local residents go for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour (because Jimmy Buffet always said it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!)  From popular restaurants to off-the-beaten-path, we make it easy to fuel up on the best local food on Kauai! BREAKFAST Aloha Aina Juice Bar Start your day right, with...

Every year, thousands of people converge on Kauai to celebrate Koloa Plantation Days, a celebration commemorating the history of the sugar plantation life and its economic and cultural influence. When Koloa Sugar Plantation began operating in 1835, it was the beginning of an industry that would transform the future of Kauai and the rest of the state. Soon, workers flocked from countries all over the world – Japan, China, Philippines,...

The Makauwahi Cave Reserve in Poipu is one of Kauai’s hidden archeological gems.  A fantastic activity for kids, the 17-acre ancient archeological site, with a huge limestone cave as the main attraction, was home to many now extinct species including the turtle jawed moa-nalo bird and the blind and flightless Kaua‘i mole duck. It’s the kind of site that archeologists drool over. Since the early 90’s, archeologists David Burney and...

It’s been said that you can never have too many options. Although usually true, it can be a difficult decision to decide where to eat while on vacation. Fortunately, we’ve narrowed down for you a list of the best restaurants in Poipu:   Best Sunset View Poipu sunsets are striking to witness, with hues of pink and orange that streak the sky. The Beach House Restaurant is beyond a doubt...

For an island that is only 90 miles from one end to the other (25 miles inaccessible by vehicle), Kauai boasts an impressive roster of award-winning golf courses, many designed by world-renowned golf course architects such as Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Weiskopf and Jack Nicklaus. Kauai’s year-round sunny weather and cool ocean tradewinds mean that golf can be an everyday activity and there is plenty of variety to keep...

Kauai isn’t called “The Garden Island” for nothing. Its warm temperatures, nightly rainfall, and sun-filled days all work together to produce some of the juiciest and sweetest fruit imaginable. Here are some Hawaiian fruits to look out for at the local farmers markets and grocery stores: Mango – Summer in Hawaii means one thing: Mango season. There are several different varieties grown in Hawaii, the most well known being the...

The Koloa Heritage Trail on Kauai’s south shore is a treasure hunt of the past. All the gold that can be found on this map are within each stop, where landmarks, scenic lookouts and monuments showcase Koloa and Poipu’s rich history, dating from pre-contact Kauai to present day. The self-guided 10-mile Koloa Heritage Trail, or Ka Ala Hele Waiwai Hoolina o Koloa, winds through numerous historical, cultural and geological sites....

If you’re spending Christmas on Kauai and looking to find dinner outside of the comfort of your vacation rental, take a look at our list of restaurants offering a special menu for Christmas dinners: Poipu Red Salt Reservations: Reservations with credit card required. Must cancel 72 hours or more in advance to avoid penalty Special Menu: Yes Located in the Koa Kea Hotel on Poipu Beach, this boutique hotel is hosting...