Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole was born in Koloa in a grass hut near this beach to Princess Kinoike Kekaulike and High Chief David Kahalepouli Pi`ikoi. He became a delegate to U.S. Congress after Hawai`i became a Territory in 1900, serving for 19 years. He worked tirelessly on behalf of the Hawaiian people.
Koloa Heritage Trail
Aloha, and welcome to Ka Ala Hele Waiwai Ho’olina o Koloa, The Koloa Heritage Trail. Your journey will whisk you through 5 million years of exploration highlighting the natural history, archaeology, culture and history of the Koloa District of Kauai and its people.
The Koloa Heritage Trail is a 10 mile walk, bike ride or drive which includes 14 stops and monuments describing the significance of the location. Click here download a PDF copy of the Koloa Heritage Trail (5.2mb).
Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
Kauai’s southern coastline, stretching from Keoneloa Bay to Kawailoa Bay, features a fascinating hike along the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, with a treasure-trove of geological and cultural sites. This website takes you on a virtual tour of the trail and provides information on significant points of interest, along with notable plants and wildlife in the area. Ready to go?
Poipu Food and Wine Festival
Culinary Market | Cooking Classes | Poipu Pa`ina Gala
Nov. 6, 7 & 9
The Poipu Beach Foundation will host the 4th Annual Poipu Food & Wine Festival, from November 6th through November 9th. The three-day event will celebrate Kauai’s diverse culinary resources and talents while supporting the Culinary Arts Program at Kauai Community College (KCC).
The Poipu Beach Foundation cordially invites you to the inaugural “Poipu Pa`ina, An Exquisite Epicurean Gala”, Saturday, November 9th from 5:30-8:30pm at the Koloa Landing Resort as part of the Poipu Food & Wine Festival. Previously known as the KCC Spring Gala, this event will highlight masterful culinary creations by some of Hawai`i’s finest chefs, fabulous wine pairings and soulful entertainment.
The Poipu Pa`ina is a benefit for the Kaua`i Community College (KCC) Culinary Arts Program and will provide a classroom experience of a lifetime for students, where they have the opportunity to work directly with and learn from the most talented food industry experts and featured guest chefs. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the event will be presented to KCC to provide financial scholarships for students currently enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program.
Tickets for the Poipu Pa`ina are available online at www.
Mahalo to our sponsors; Hawaii Tourism Authority, Southwest Airlines and Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu.
May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii
Lei Image Courtesy Joel
Perfect spring weather, fragrant flowers sewn into colorful garland lei and the sounds of Hawaiian music on Kauai can only mean one thing – it’s May Day in Hawaii! Held on May 1 each year, May Day is a statewide celebration of the aloha spirit and the giving of the flower lei. A famous song captures the essence of May Day best, “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii, garlands of flowers everywhere, all of the colors in the rainbow, maidens with blossoms in their hair.”
It is unknown when the tradition of giving lei began; it was believed to be a custom with the original Hawaiians, who presented lei of nuts, seeds, shells, leaves, and flowers as offering to the gods. In 1927, writer Don Blanding realized that the act of giving a lei was being embraced all over the world and encouraged the local newspaper to urge their readers to give and wear a lei on May 1 to honor the Hawaiian culture and rejoice in being so fortunate to live in paradise. The idea was so popular and well received that it officially became known as Lei Day in 1929 and a celebration was held in downtown Honolulu. Over the next few years, the celebration outgrew its original location in downtown Honolulu and moved to Queen Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. Today, thousands of people still gather at Queen Kapiolani Park for hula exhibition, lei exhibits and sharing of the Hawaiian culture.
Photo Credit
May Day is highly anticipated each year by the people of Hawaii and visitors who plan their entire trip around the festivities. Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, May Day celebrations have evolved to include beautiful parades, lei contests and the appointing of a royal court. Even the schools celebrate May Day, with children of all grade levels learning the proper protocol for welcoming the royal court and performing hula. Each of the eight main Hawaiian Islands are represented on the royal court by color and type of flower that is worn; being selected to be on the royal court, or even being named a king or queen, is a huge honor that is taken very seriously by being a good example for peers and a good student in school.
You can even experience an authentic May Day celebration here in Poipu!
The Marriott Waiohai Beach Club holds May Day each year with its own royal court, hula and craft fair. In Lihue, the Kauai Museum holds its annual Lei Day contest. These leis are not your average orchid or plumeria lei; the skill and imagination woven into each lei is truly a sight to be seen. Many of our hotels offer lei sewing lessons for free or a small fee if you want to try your hand at making a lei yourself, contact your concierge on dates and times for lessons.
Just as convenient, stop by Blue Orchid Floral Design in Koloa Town for a special fresh flower lei. A full service florist shop, they have a great variety of flower lei, including the rare strands of the maile vine, the fragrant buds of the pikake blossom and the intricately woven colorful orchids. Even if you aren’t visiting on May Day, you can still have a blast dressing up like the locals with a flower lei from Blue Orchid.
Visitors are encouraged to take part in May Day festivities on Kauai. Although it may be intimidating at first, honoring someone with a lei will make a person feel special and appreciated. Here’s a couple etiquette tips to remember when participating in a May Day celebration or just giving a lei:
- When offering a lei to a person, always remember to drape (not throw) the lei around the neck of a person and rest it on their shoulders
- It is customary to give a person a kiss on the cheek or hug when presenting the lei
- If you are fortunate enough to receive a lei as well, make sure to continue to wear your lei while in the presence of the giver
With May Day just around the corner, we look forward to welcoming you soon to Poipu, Kauai!
Hiking in Poipu
Kauai has an incredible hike on almost every side of the island. The hikes in Poipu offer serene coastal views while many of the walking options take you through the flora and fauna for which Kauai is well known. Whether you are looking for a cultural experience, to meander through breathtaking gardens, or explore a seaside hike, the south shore has it all. Here are three hiking and walking recommendations to get you out of the hotel room and on the trail!
Mahaulepu Hike
The hike to Mahaulepu beach, part of the Koloa Heritage Trail, takes you along the ancient and undeveloped coastline from Shipwrecks Beach (in front of the Grand Hyatt Kauai) to the brilliance of Mahaulepu Beach. The 4-mile round trip hike traverses a rocky trail with extraordinary views around every corner. You may even see a Hawaiian Monk Seal or sea turtles along your adventure. You can park in the lot for Shipwrecks Beach, and walk east across the beach to the start of the hike.
Koloa Heritage Trail
This adventure takes you 10 miles visiting 14 historical sites through Poipu and Old Koloa Town. You will learn about the legend a huge mo’o, or lizard, caught in the famous blowhole at Spouting Horn Park and the Makawehi Sand Dunes in Keoneloa Bay. Other stops include the Sugar Monument in Koloa honoring the Koloa Plantation, the first mill in Hawaii to export sugarcane, as well as the Koloa Missionary Church. Each site is accessible by foot, bicycle or car.
Download the Koloa Heritage trail guide
National Tropical Botanical Garden Walking Tours
Kauai’s south shore is home to the McBryde and Allerton Gardens, known for their unique combination of plant collections, climate, topography, and rich history. The McBryde Garden’s self-guided tour is approximately one mile. Walk at your own pace, but it typically takes about 1-1.5 hours. You will see native and exotic plants as you wander along the Lawai Stream flanked with enchanting palms and awe-inspiring trees.
Allerton Garden, once a retreat of Hawaii’s Queen Emma, is a guided tour showcasing the majestic cliffs of Lawai Valley and stunning bougainvillea among a multitude of tropical plants. This one-mile tour takes about 2.5 hours as you explore some of the most stunning scenery in Poipu.
McBryde Garden Self-Guided Tour (across from Spouting Horn Park)
Visitors Center open daily, 4425 Lawai Road, Koloa, Hawaii 96756
Adults (13 years and above) $20; children 6-12 years $10; children 5 and under are free
Phone 808-742-2623
Allerton Guided Tour (across from Spouting Horn Park)
Departs daily from the Visitors Center, 4425 Lawai Road, Koloa, Hawaii 96756
Adults (13 years and above) $40; children 6-12 years $15; children 5 and under are free
Phone 808-742-2623
Pick your preferred pace and terrain, pack some water and sunscreen and head off to explore the magnificence of Poipu.
Hawaiian Words To Know Before Your Kauai Vacation
When people think of Hawaii, one of the first words that come to mind is “aloha.” Hawaii is a unique state with two official languages, Hawaiian and English. Only approximately 2% of the population in Hawaii can speak the Hawaiian language fluently, although it is not unusual to hear Hawaiian words incorporated into daily conversation.
Hawaiian Pidgin English, a local dialect, was recognized only in 2016 by the United States Census Bureau as an official language that is spoken prevalently in Hawaii. Hawaiian Pidgin English was formed during the sugar and pineapple plantation era, when immigrants from Portugal, China, Philippines and Japan arrived in Hawaii and found themselves working together on the plantations. Since the workers could not communicate with one another, they began speaking in a broken English, blending words from their home country, which became Hawaiian Pidgin English.
Because of this, it is helpful to know common Hawaiian and Pidgin English words when visiting Kauai and how to use them. With our help below, you will be speaking like a local in no time.
Aloha (hello, goodbye, sharing of spirit and love)
The universal term for greeting one another or saying goodbye in Hawaii. The term aloha has a much deeper meaning and symbolizes a standard for the way of life and giving nature of the people of Kauai. To have aloha is to share your life energy with another individual, to make them feel welcome in your home and treat them with respect and love.
Mahalo (thank you)
Commonly confused by visitors for the word “trash” since most trash receptacles have the word “mahalo” painted on them, mahalo actually means thank you. As in, mahalo for throwing away your trash and helping to keep our island green and beautiful. Locals sometimes use the term “mahalo nui loa” (pronounced mah-hah-loh noo-ee loh-ah) which translates to “thank you very much” to emphasize appreciation and gratitude.
Pau Hana (to be finished with work)
Synonymous with happy hour, pau hana is a Hawaiian Pidgin slang for being finished with work, using the word pau, to finish, and hana, to work, in Hawaiian. If you get invited to pau hana, you are being invited out for cocktails at the end of the work day. Also, pau hana may be used to ask someone when do they finish work, such as “when do you pau hana?”
Ono (delicious)
The most appropriate way to respond when someone asks you how you like your meal. Ono translates as delicious in Hawaiian. Not to be confused with the Hawaiian fish ono – which actually is really ono and a must try when visiting our restaurants in Poipu.
Opala (trash)
Meaning trash or rubbish. If someone says “don’t forget your opala,” they are not reminding you to remember your personal belongings. Remembering your trash is just one of the ways we care for the environment on Kauai. Mahalo for throwing away your opala. 😉
Malama (to care for)
Meaning to protect or take care of something. Also used in the phrase “malama pono” as a way to wish a person to take care when parting. You will often find the word malama on informational signage throughout Kauai, reminding people to malama or take care of our beaches and parks.
‘Ae/A’ole (yes/no)
Self explanatory term for yes and no. ‘Ae is pronounced “eye” and a’ole is pronounced “ah-oh-lay.”
Maika’i (good)
If someone asks you how you are enjoying your vacation experience on Kauai, it is always appropriate to say it is maika’i or maika’i nui loa (very good). Pronounced “my-kah-ee.” This term is relevant to describing a luau show, a tour with one of our many island outfitters, shopping in our local boutiques or dining at our Poipu restaurants.
Kokua (to help)
Part of Kauai’s aloha spirit is the giving nature of the people. To kokua, means to help one another, even without being asked. It is not uncommon to experience meeting a local willing to kokua with driving directions or inquire if you need some kokua when you look confused. Helpfulness goes a long way in Hawaii and is a highly esteemed virtue among the Hawaiian people.
Kuleana (responsibility)
The term kuleana (pronounced koo-lay-ah-nah) often relates to one’s job or responsibility. Commonly, a lifeguard might say it is their kuleana to protect our beaches and beachgoers, as a way to broadly describe their job. Or it is a hotel concierge’s kuleana to help visitors decide what activities are the best fit for their guest. Kuleana has a deeper meaning to the Hawaiian people, for example, they might say it is their kuleana to malama or kokua family, friends and visitors.
Okole Maluna (bottoms up)
Leave the urge to say cheers at home and instead impress the locals with your knowledge of saying okole maluna, the Hawaiian way to say bottoms up. Okole maluna (pronounced “oh-koh-lay mah-loo-nah) refers to a person’s bottom, the okole, and a directive of rising above, maluna.
Howzit (how are you)
When someone says “howzit” to you, do not respond “how’s what?” Howzit is a Hawaiian Pidgin term for how are you or even as a greeting in place of hello. Give a person a shaka (hang loose hand symbol) with a howzit and they will think you are a local.
Slippahs (flip flops)
On Kauai, we never say flip flops or even worse, thongs. It is always called slippahs, no exceptions. Kauai residents prefer rubber slippahs found in local grocery stores over fancy footwear. Whenever you go to a person’s home, it is customary to remove your slippahs and make sure you leave with the right pair, although it can get a little confusing when everyone wears the same brand and style.
Choke (many, plenty, abundant)
Not to be confused with the verb, choke is actually an adjective in the Hawaiian Pidgin language to describe something as being abundant. Such as, “we went surfing and there was choke good waves,” or “come over and eat, we have choke food.”
Hana Hou (all over again, once more)
Instead of “encore” at the end of a show or concert, locals often yell “hana hou” to request one more performance. Also used as a verb, such as “went snorkeling at Poipu Beach today, tomorrow hana hou,” meaning that you plan to snorkel again tomorrow.
Remembering to incorporate a few of these terms into your vocabulary while on vacation shows the local residents that you are interested in the Hawaiian culture when you are willing to try to speak the language. It is a sign of respect for the people and the unique history of Hawaii and your effort won’t go unappreciated; or may give bystanders a good chuckle.
10 Reasons to love Salt Pond Beach Park
Next to Poipu Beach, Salt Pond Beach Park is one of our top picks for family beaches. Salt Pond is the kind of place where children and parents can relax without a lot of fuss and with plenty to do to make the day fly by. Even those without children will appreciate Salt Pond’s long stretch of white sand beach and calm, gentle water to soak up the Hawaiian sun.
Locals describe the different swimming areas at Salt Pond in three ways: 1) the main bay, 2) the baby pond, and 3) the airport side. The main bay is protected by an underwater reef that stretches across the opening of the bay to serve as a natural breakwater for waves and currents. The main bay tends to be deeper and is great for swimming laps. The baby pond is located to the right of the main bay, where a large natural reef formation created a calm and shallow pond area, making it easy for the little ones to run and play. The airport side of the beach park is to the left, located next to the airport landing strip. This airport side has a pond area that is also very calm and the best spot for snorkeling. To get to this side of the beach, we recommend parking in the large parking lot next to the Salt Beds and airport landing strip and walking out to the beach. Also note, there are no shower or bathroom facilities on this side and you will have to walk to the main beach park (about five minutes)
Now that you have the basic locations of Salt Pond Beach Park, here are 10 reasons why Salt Pond Beach Park is a great family beach
- Kids and parents can feel safe here – As one of the only lifeguarded beaches west of Poipu, Salt Pond is entirely protected by reefs for nearly year round calm waters. While Poipu is known for having summer swells, Salt Pond is almost never affected and continues to be a safe swimming area all year.
- Tide pool and underwater exploration – Colorful reef fish, moray eels peeking out of their swimming holes, spanish dancer starfish and black sea cucumbers are just a few of the creatures inhabiting the tidepools at Salt Pond. The baby pond is perfect for “reef walking” and looking for little hermit crabs living in the shallow tide pools. Just be cautious of the spiny sea urchins that sometimes live in holes in the reef. The airport end of the park is the best spot for exploring underwater with safe snorkeling, clear water and plenty of fish swimming around.
- Winter whale watching from shore – During the winter months, it is not uncommon to witness humpback whales that have migrated from the colder waters of Alaska frolicking offshore on Kauai. Salt Pond Beach Park is one of their favorite places to play. Humpback whales tend to stay close to the shoreline, even as close as a ½ mile. From December to April, look for signs of humpback whales, which include spouting, tail slaps and even a full breach out of the water.
- Favorable weather – It is almost always sunny at Salt Pond Beach Park! Even when raining in other parts of Kauai, you are almost sure to find sunshine and a cool breeze from the tradewinds, making ideal beach going conditions.
- Full of culture – Salt Pond Beach Park is one of Kauai’s most important cultural assets. Next to the park, local Hawaiian families practice the art of making Hawaiian salt. Hawaiian salt making is a sacred practice that has been passed down for many generations. Each family has their own designated area to make this natural salt, by forming salt beds out of clay and taking water from a large hole in the ground that is filled with sea water, similar to what happens when you dig a hole on the beach near the shore and water comes up out of the hole. The water is then transferred to a shallow pool, called a puna, where it becomes even saltier as it sits in the sun. Once the water is determined salty enough, it is poured by bucket into the clay salt bed to evaporate, Tiny salt crystals begin to form in the salt bed, which are gently harvested by scraping the bottom of the salt bed with a net. True Hawaiian salt from Salt Pond is not allowed to be sold in stores and was traded between families for other commodities, such as fish or wild game from the mountains. Sand, dirt and other things can contaminate the delicate salt and the saltmakers take their responsibility very seriously. Hawaiian salt making is a fascinating process, however you should always wait to be invited in by a family instead of simply walking in to the salt beds or watch from a distance as a way of showing respect.
- Amazing sunsets – Gather up the picnic blanket and stop at Living Foods Market for some snacks before heading out to Salt Pond to watch the evening sunset. Salt Pond is an ideal vantage point to view the brilliant pinks, oranges and yellow hues that light up the sky. During summer, the warm water temperature at Salt Pond is perfect for a refreshing sunset swim.
- You can even spend the night – Not only is Salt Pond a great daytime beach, it’s park, picnic, shower and camping facilities make it a great place to camp. An overnight camping permit from the County is required in order to camp overnight in the designated camping area. Also, there are several pavilions and comfort stations spread out throughout the park with barbeque grills and picnic tables. Check with the County Parks and Recreation Department as some pavilions need to be reserved with a small deposit, while others are first come, first serve.
- Wide open spaces and plenty of breeze – If you decide you need a break from swimming, there is a wide open grassy area in the middle of the park that is great for flying a kite, tossing a frisbee, throwing a football or just simply playing a game of tag. Best of all, kids can run around freely while parents can watch from the safe distance of a picnic table and get some much needed relaxation time in.
- Rarely crowded – While other popular visitor destinations on Kauai tend to get crowded, Salt Pond is one of those rare jewels with few crowds and ample parking. The entire park area is six acres with enough space to find your own little slice of paradise. The baby pond is the most popular and therefore the most frequented area, especially for families with young children. Which is great for kids to mingle and make new playmates. The main bay tends to be the least frequented area, which means that you can find a spot that is quiet and serene just for yourself.
- Location, location, location – Just a short 20 minutes drive from Poipu, Salt Pond Beach Park is easy to get to and often less crowded than some of Kauai’s other more popular beaches. Salt Pond is located on the southwestern point of Kauai in a town called Hanapepe, which prides itself on being Kauai’s biggest little town. A visit to Salt Pond is also a great opportunity to explore Hanapepe’s historic town, take a walk across the swinging bridge or attend the Friday Hanapepe Art Night.
Salt Pond Beach Park represents old Hawaii, with traditions that have existed there for families for over 100 years and a laid back ambiance that makes the day pass slowly and quickly all at the same time. Local families have been choosing Salt Pond Beach Park as their beach of choice for many years and many birthday and high school graduation celebrations have been celebrated there over the years. If you feel like exploring out of Poipu, we highly recommend spending a day at Salt Pond Beach Park.
Kauai Chickens
The Kauai Chickens® brand started almost a decade ago right here on Kauai by local boy Donovan Claytor. The vision for the brand was first of all, it had to be cool (not your typical souvenir) and second, it had to always be designed and printed on Kauai. And still to this day all apparel is printed and designed at our warehouse in Puhi. We are extremely grateful for all the local businesses and customers who continue to support us and buy our locally made brand! If you have any questions about Kauai Chickens® please contact Donovan at 808.245.7774 . Aloha.
Kauai’s Nightlife Combines the Best Cocktail Hours, Cuisine and Music in Poipu
Kauai’s night scene is growing with art nights, craft beer pubs, lounges and lively restaurants. Nightlife on Kauai seems to mirror the pulse of the island – it’s full of culture and local traditions and it is never too crowded
We often hear it repeated by visitors that they heard Kauai does not have as much to do at night as its neighbor island counterparts. Part of Kauai’s charm is that we do not have the busy city life as our island neighbors, however there is still plenty going on.
Kauai locals love to gather for an after work drink and catch up on the day just as much as everywhere else around the world. Kauai’s nightlife begins at pau hana, which in Hawaiian translates to “be finished with work.” Many restaurants and bars have live entertainment with special happy hour cocktail and food menus that are as friendly on your wallet as your taste buds. If you are still able to stay awake after spending the day adventuring through our beautiful island, here are a few recommendations to experience Kauai’s growing nightlife.
Kalapaki Joe’s Poipu
Calling themselves the westernmost sports bar in the United States, Kalapaki Joe’s Poipu always has something happening. Nightly live entertainment with local musicians, the largest variety of beers on tap on Kauai and a great menu make Kalapaki Joe’s Poipu the obvious choice for a night out. Kalapaki Joe’s Poipu is also the only bar on the south side of Kauai that televises all Ultimate Fighting Championship events on over 20 televisions throughout the restaurant in addition to broadcasting live sports all day long. Happy Hour is from 3 pm to 6 pm daily with specials such as $2 off all appetizers, draft beer and house wine and $5 selected cocktails. You can’t go wrong with $0.25 chicken wings and $3 fish tacos. If you decide to stay for dinner, their menu has something to please everyone, from burgers and sandwiches, salads, tacos galore, and big plates.
Happy Hour: Daily 3pm – 6pm
Menu: https://kalapakijoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/KALAPAKI_JOES_SUMMER2018.pdf
Keoki’s Paradise
If Kauai is called The Garden Island, then Keoki’s Paradise in Poipu is Kauai’s utopia. The entire restaurant is surrounded by blooming tropical flowers and lush greenery with a manmade island for musicians and hula dancers to perform at night. The restaurant offers traditional dining on one side and their infamous bamboo bar with local entertainment on the other. Two aloha hours are held daily from 3 pm to 5 pm and 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Serving ice cold 29° draft beers and fresh fruit juice tropical cocktails, Keoki’s Paradise is the perfect place for a nightcap. Don’t forget to finish off your drink with a hula pie, a macadamia nut ice cream pie in chocolate sauce and whipped cream on an oreo crust.
Happy Hour: Daily 3pm – 5pm , 9:30pm – 10:30pm
Menu: https://www.keokisparadise.com/menus/bar/
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler
The only restaurant located directly on Poipu Beach, Brenneke’s Beach Broiler features premium ocean views from their second floor restaurant. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights during their late night happy hour at 8:30 pm, Brennecke’s really ramps up with local bands playing classic rock & roll, contemporary rock and reggae music. Happy hour specials also include $20 pitchers of coladas, daiquiris and margaritas in strawberry, pineapple, mango banana and passion fruit flavors. A must try off the regular menu is the Dragon Fruit Mojito, made from Kauai Juice Company pineapple dragon fruit kombucha, tito’s vodka and fresh omao mint. There’s a reason over 1,000,000 people have tried the Brennecke’s World Famous Mai Tai, made with a secret blend of tropical fruit juices, gold rum, and dark rum float. Savory pupu specials include crispy coconut shrimp, ahi poke tacos and the Brennecke’s slider trio. Brenneke’s Beach Broiler is open daily until 11pm at night.
Happy Hour: Daily 3pm – 5pm , Thu, Fri, Sat 8:30pm – Closing
Menu:https://www.brenneckes.com/menu
Tortilla Republic Grill and Margarita Bar
Serving up Mexican cuisine with an island spin and using fresh ingredients, Tortilla Republic Grill and Margarita Bar at Kukuiula Shopping Center features a menu that is unexpected and full of flavor on Kauai. With a daily happy hour from 3 pm to 5 pm, diners can indulge in an appetizer menu affordable enough to try everything, including mexican street corn, chicken tinga tacos, pollo frito and nachos. You will want to wash all this deliciousness down with a few of their margarita varieties, such as the hydration margarita with coconut water or the spicy jalapeno margarita, both only $7 each, or cool off with $3 domestic beers, $4 mexican beer and $6 house wines. In addition to their happy hour, Taco Tuesdays specials include two chicken tacos for $8 or carne asada or fish for $10 and house margarita pitchers for only $38. Friday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm is Live Friday with music and on Saturday all bottles of wine are ½ off. Who doesn’t love a good margarita, live music and a fantastic sunset view!
Happy Hour: Daily 3pm – 5pm
Menu:https://tortillarepublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Happy-Hour-Menu-081218.pdf
Kiawe Roots
With inventive flavors that blend a taste of the south with the local traditions of Hawaiian cookouts (the Kauai term for barbeque), Kiawe Roots has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors. Names after the invasive and very thorny Kiawe Tree, its mesquite wood has become popular for barbecuing and smoking food. Happy hour specials include Grilled oysters with tamari (gluten free soy sauce), kiawe chili water, lomi tomato and Chicharon, a popular international snack made of crispy pork skin, calamansi mango vinaigrette and cilantro. You will also want to try the pimento cheese potato skins, smoked carpaccio arugula salad and coconut luau dip, an dip made from sauteed taro leaf and coconut milk and served with taro chips. All beers are $1 off and house wine and specialty cocktails are $2 off. Happy Hour is daily from 3 pm to 5 pm with dinner to follow from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Happy Hour: Daily 3pm- 5pm
Menu: https://eatatkiawe.com/happy-hour/
Merriman’s Fish House
Celebrity chef Peter Merriman showcases his farm to table cuisine at Merriman’s Fish House, many with gluten free and certified organic options. 90% of products used at Merriman’s Fish House are locally grown or caught through sustainable only methods. The happy hour menu includes kalua pig and sweet onion quesadilla, coconut, sweet corn, and clam soup, and fresh island ahi poke. Don’t forget to try the Merriman’s Mai Tai for $8, made from Lahaina Rum, Orgeat and honey-lilikoi foam. Merriman’s wine by the glass selections are also 25% off and draft beer is $3 off. Happy hour is from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Stay for dinner and enjoy live music nightly from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Happy Hour: Daily 3pm- 5pm
Menu:https://www.merrimanshawaii.com/fish-house/happy-hour/
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
The ever popular Ruth’s Chris steakhouse is now on Kauai at Kukuiula Shopping Center in Poipu, with happy hour at The Bar from 4:30 pm to 6 pm. Their happy hour is broken up by two menus, there is happy hour from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm with half-off appetizers such as sauteed New Orleans style barbecue shrimp, broiled mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat, seared ahi, crispy fried calamari and veal osso buco ravioli and special prices on beer, wine, well drinks margaritas and martinis. From 5 pm to 6 pm is their prime time menu, a three-course pre-fixe menu ranging from $54.95 to $64.95 which includes a salad, their signature steak entrees and side dish, ice cream, sorbet or white chocolate bread pudding for dessert.
Happy Hour: Mon-Sun 4:30pm – 7pm
Menu:https://www.ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/kauai/menus/happy-hour-menu/
Poipu Dolphin Sushi
Open for dinner from 5:30 pm to 9 pm, The Poipu Dolphin is part restaurant, sushi lounge and fish market all in one. They call their sushi menu “over the top” simply because it is. Family style eating is recommended here with sushi rolls made large enough to share and sample their many varieties, such as the Flyin Hawaiian, a tempura battered sushi filled with spicy softshell crab, avocado, thinly sliced white and green onion, wrapped in soy paper and topped with hamachi or the Hanalei Roll with shrimp tempura, avocado, tobiko and spicy aioli and topped with local ahi, tempura flakes and unagi sauce. Dine on the sushi bar to watch their masterl sushi chef prepare the freshest sashimi and sushi right before your eyes and share his secret tips. Don’t forget to stop by the fish market for your next day’s meal, open from 10 am to 7 pm and offers a large selection of locally caught Hawaiian fish and seafood, freshly made poke and sashimi, and premade meal selections.
The Lanai
The Lanai restaurant in Kukuiula Shopping Center highlights sidewalk style patio seating with courageous cocktails and snacking on delicious bites. Their happy hour, from 3 pm to 5 pm daily, is the perfect way to take a break from shopping or cool off from a day at the beach. Draft beers are $3 with $7 wines by the glass. Happy hour menu offerings include avocado croquettes with spiced aioli and pickled mango, panko crusted brie complimented by pineapple chutney, local honey and served with crostini, and apple pesto pizza with candied onions and macadamia nuts. Their signature cocktails all have funny and unique names, such as the “Just Landed,” invented to help you transition to island time, the “Staycation,” a combination of hendrick’s gin cucumber, fresh basil, lemon and simple syrup described as hoping you won’t know what day it is, and the “Intoxicated Opinion,” made with whiskey, local honey syrup,a dash of pineapple and splash of water. If you and your group are feeling brave, try the “Shaka Bowl,” a 48 oz. bowl of coconut rum, passion fruit and strawberry puree, natural li hing powder, and lemon and pineapple juice mixed in a volcano bowl. You each will get individual straws to share this large and wickedly delicious cocktail.
Happy Hour: Daily 3pm- 5pm
Menu:http://www.thelanaikauai.com/happyhourinpoipu/
Within Kauai’s small towns is a night life full of fun, great music, mouthwatering cocktails and cuisine, all done with a local flair. We dare you to try out some of these options and then tell us there is nothing to do.