There are certain things that just symbolize Hawaii – surfing, coconut trees, flower lei – but none as iconic as hula dancing. Beyond the grass skirts and bright flower lei that we often see in images of Hawaii, the art of hula has a deeper meaning, passed in traditions that have continued for hundreds of years.

Before the written language existed, hula and oli, or chants, were performed as an oral record of history, genealogy and mythology by the early Hawaiians. The ancient hula, called hula kahiko, connected the Hawaiians to the land and their gods. Much of the hula was performed to pay honor and respect to the ruling chiefs. Hula implements and instruments were also used in this ancient form of hula, such as the ipu, or single gourd drum, or the uli uli, feather gourd rattles shaken simultaneously with hand movements. Interestingly, in the ancient days, most hula was performed by men.

The hula that most people are familiar with is called hula auana. Hula Auana is a modern hula usually accompanied by instruments such as the ukulele, guitar or steel guitar, and its purpose is mainly to entertain. The term auana (ow-wan-ah) means “to wander” and it is not uncommon to find a single hula dancer cover an entire stage with her graceful movement. Many of the songs are performed in both the English and Hawaiian language, while musicians perform a mele (song).

Learning to dance the hula is a treasured tradition in Hawaii, passed down from generation to generation. Children at a young age often join a hula school, called a halau, where they learn songs, chanting and dance at their weekly practice. Those who are especially skilled dancers are given the honor of being invited to compete in a hula competition.

On Kauai, numerous events and festivals showcase the hula throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Mokihana Festival, a week-long event held in the fall to celebrate of Hawaiian culture. If you are fortunate enough to be on Kauai during this festival, the three-day hula competition between all of the top hula schools on Kauai and from neighboring islands is one you won’t want to miss.

We also highly recommend attending a Hawaiian luau for three simple reasons:

1. Hawaiian food
2. Mai tais
3. Hula!

A Hawaiian luau is a big party, where food is prepared in an underground oven called an imu, and then served buffet style. While you eat, drink and be merry, you are treated to a live hula show. The Aulii Luau at the Sheraton Kauai Resort is highly recommended and one of the only oceanfront luaus in Poipu. The show features award winning performers Urahutia, who dazzle with a lively performance under the twinkling night sky and tiki torches illuminating the dining area. The Aulii Luau is held on Monday and Thursdays year round and Saturdays during the summer and winter holidays.

Another noteworthy luau in Poipu is the Grand Hyatt Kauai Havaiki Nui Luau at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. Held next to their salt water lagoon, hula dancers and musicians perform on islands in the middle of the lagoon. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau is a cultural delight, with traditional lei greeting, all you can eat buffet, Hawaiian crafts and demonstrations and of course Hula lessons! The luau is held every Sunday and Wednesday evening.

Free Hula Shows in Poipu

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Can’t commit to a three-hour luau? That’s okay because there are free hula shows all around Kauai! Poipu Shopping Village offers free live hula shows every Monday and Thursday at 5 pm in their courtyard. Young children love this open air courtyard where they can run and play and also dance along to the music. Keoki’s Paradise restaurant has live music with a hula dancer from Wednesday to Sunday night in their main dining room.

To experience hula in Hawaii and watching the precision of the hula dancers’ intricate movements is enough to give you goose pimples. In Hawaii, we call it “chicken skin.” And while it may be intimidating to watch all the beautiful hula dancers expertly perform the motions, don’t be afraid to give it a try! Your greatest vacation memory may be that time you learned to dance the hukilau on the beach in Kauai, with a mai tai in your hand and a flower tucked behind your ear.

Known as the Garden Island for its lush tropical landscape, Kauai is also home to countless waterfalls that complement other spectacular sites around the island including Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. A few of these gorgeous falls are easy to get to, and others take a bit of effort to experience. Here is our top 5!

Waipoo Falls

Waipoo Falls is a glorious 800-foot waterfall in Waimea Canyon. You can see the falls from various lookout points along Highway 550, the road that takes you up to the museum and park. You can also snap magnificent pictures of the canyon from the Waipoo Falls Trail hike, a 3.2-mile roundtrip hike, which is located just off the highway between mile markers 14 and 15. While you will not see the falls up close in their splendor, this easy and popular hike will take you through rain forests and canyon rims ending at the top of the waterfall in a Awaawapuhi Ginger lined stream. The trail is considered easy/moderate, and is kid friendly for children that enjoy a great adventure outdoors.

Hanakapiai Falls

By far the most difficult to get to, the Hanakapiai Falls hike is impressive. After driving to the end of the road on Highway 56, park in the lot fronting Kee Beach and head out on the 2-mile Hanakapiai Trail. This is a very popular trek on the island so we suggest going early in the morning. For the first 2 miles you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast as you traverse on switchbacks along the coastline. Once you arrive at Hanakapiai Beach, it is an additional 2 miles upstream to the falls. The trail can be rough in spots, but the 300+ foot waterfall at the end of the tramp is definitely worth the adventure. This experience is not recommended for small children due to the terrain and difficulty of the hike.

Wailua Falls

You can leave your hiking boots behind for this breathtaking display of Mother Nature. Wailua Falls, a double-tiered waterfall, is located just north of Lihue and is the most easily accessible on Kauai. Head north from Lihue on Highway 56 and take a left on Maalo Road in Hanamaulu. After traveling uphill for approximately 3 miles, the road ends at the parking lot of the falls. You may recognize the prestige of these falls as they were used in the opening credits of the 80’s hit show, Fantasy Island. This adventure is definitely recommended for families with small children as there is no hiking involved. The views are just a short walk from the parking lot.

Secret Falls

Named Uluwehi Falls, but known to locals and visitors as Secret Falls, are an extremely popular adventure on the east side of the Garden Island. The trailhead to the falls is located up the Wailua River and requires water transport to get there. You can travel via kayak or canoe and there are several companies in the area that you can rent from, or you can always book a guided adventure. Once you land your boat at the entrance to the trailhead, you hike up to the falls on a trail that can be extremely muddy and slippery. Hiking boots are not recommended. We suggest either going barefoot, using sport sandals or tabis. If you travel at a relaxed pace, it takes about 45 minutes each way. The is a great family friendly adventure for children that don’t mind paddling up the river and getting a little dirty on the trail.

Opaekaa Falls

Opaekaa means, “rolling shrimp” Supposedly the stream was full of shrimp and so they aptly named the dazzling waterfalls after them. Like Wailua Falls, this majestic site is easily accessible and requires no hiking. Simply turn up Kuamoo Road (580) from highway 56 and travel up the hill to the lookout that is located adjacent to the parking lot on the right hand side. There are many photo ops from this location, as well as from across the street where you are treated with views of the Wailua River Valley. Families with children all ages would enjoy Opaekaa Falls as the views can be seen from a brief walk from the parking area.

So pack up the car, choose your destination and you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Garden Island.

Interested in a hiking tour to see these and other great hikes around Kauai?  Check out https://hikingtourskauai.com/

Kauai Marriott’s “Weather Station”

The “Garden Island” of Kauai wouldn’t be as green, its soil as fertile or the people as appreciative of the abundant sunshine if it weren’t for a few tropical rain showers every now and again. Sometimes throwing on your “slippers” (flip flops) and a light jacket is the most refreshing change of pace, reminding us all that you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain. If you’re looking for great rainy day activities on Kauai, look no further! We’ve put together a list of our top 10 favorites.

1. Museums

Have you been saving your trip to the museum for a rainy day? Well now’s the perfect time to go. If you haven’t yet had the privilege of exploring one of Kauai’s many historical museums, the charming Old Koloa Town Historical Center is a good place to start. Learn about the island’s rich historical past as Hawaii’s first sugar plantation through real life artifacts, photographs and memoirs.

A few others we recommend: Grove Farm Homestead & Sugar Plantation Museum, Kauai Museum and Koke’e Natural History Museum. Taking a day to better learn and appreciate the history of Kauai is a fun and rewarding way to help keep the island’s rich ancestry alive.

2. Kauai ATV

If you’re a thrill-seeking adventure enthusiast we recommend checking out Kauai ATV. When it comes to Kauai ATV tours, the wetter the better. With guided explorations available daily on the south side of the island, Kauai ATV will get your heart racing as you explore waterfalls, jungle landscapes, movie locations and a 1/2-mile tunnel through the Ha’upu mountain range.

3. Shop ‘Til You Drop

Poipu is chock-full of amazing boutiques, shops and clothing stores and there’s nothing like a little rain to make the crowds disappear! From the shops along Old Koloa Town to the Poipu Shopping Center and The Shops at Kukuiula, shoppers can “brave” the elements and find some of Kauai’s best jewelry, clothing, artwork and local souvenirs.

4. Dine Out

Let the hardest decision you have to make today be that of what kind of food you’re going to eat. Many south side restaurants (such as Keoki’s Paradise, Tortilla Republic, and the Beach House Restaurant) provide an indoor / outdoor seating area which is perfect for watching passing showers at a warm and dry distance. We recommend trying the local flavor – such as fresh fish with homegrown greens and a handcrafted cocktail to seal the deal. We’ll cheers to that!

5. Treat Yourself

While Mother Nature may be trying to give you a mud bath of her own, a deluxe Spa day might be more your style. From the Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt Resort to The Spa at the Koa Kea Hotel, enjoying a luxurious massage or treatment will most definitely keep your rain clouds at bay.

The knowledgeable staff at The Spa at the Koa Kea Hotel and Resort offers a variety of relaxing massages, wraps and facials and their services are even available outside the spa (such as in-suite – perfect for unexpected weather). If you’re looking to experience the tranquil Anara Spa, guests can choose from from lomilomi massages, facials, body treatments and a full hair and nail salon.

6. Stay Inside

Brew yourself a cup of Kauai coffee, get cozy and enjoy the sound of raindrops pitter-pattering outside. Or maybe watch a movie, read a book or try your hand at cooking an authentic Hawaiian meal (using fresh ingredients from the local farmer’s market, of course). Perhaps play a board game with friends and family and simply enjoy one another’s company. Sometimes the best R & R is spent in the comfort of your own home (or better yet- home away from home).

7. Visit the Kauai Escape Room

There’s no better way to get in some good family time on a rainy day than doing an escape room together.  Enter a room with your group, find clues and solve puzzles to unravel the mysteries of the room and escape within a set time limit.  The Kauai Escape Room is the first and only live action puzzle game on Kauai.  Located in Lihue.

8. Go hiking in a swamp

The Alaka’i swamp in Kokee is a fun trail for the family to not only get some exercise, but to have a lot of muddy fun doing it.  A total of 8 miles round trip, the trail empties onto amazing views of Hanalei. 

9. Learn The Hawaiian Culture

Immerse yourself in the Hawaiian culture. Get a feel for that “Aloha Spirit” everybody keeps talking about. Sign up for one of the many daily classes offered from local establishments (and hotels) teaching specialty classes such as learning how to make authentic flower leis, how to play the Ukulele or even taking a shot at Hula dance lessons. The best possible souvenirs that you can take home from Kauai are the wonderful memories of trying something new. 

10. When All Else Fails…Go West! 

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that while the heavens have opened their floodgates on the rest of Kauai, the west side is as bright and sunny as ever. This side of Kauai is known for offering an exceptionally dry climate (in comparison to the lush north shore). Here visitors can find towns like historic Waimea (Where Captain James Cook first landed), Kekaha and the world-famous Polihale Beach. Deemed one of the most secluded beaches in the world, Polihale is made up of several miles of white sand coastline with only a handful of daily visitors. Take the dirt road out, you won’t be sorry.

While any day on Kauai is a good day, rain or shine, we hope you find these activities helpful on your current or future visit to the island. We look forward to seeing you!

Image Courtesy Aloha Exchange

Beyond the four star hotel rooms, flowing mai tais, and lovely hula hands, there’s an entirely different side to Kauai that is wild, untamed and utterly refreshing.  The more adventurous at heart come to appreciate Kauai’s more rugged side, trading a heavenly bed for a carpet of pillowy sand, an ocean view room for a tent next to the ocean and a roof over their head for a ceiling of sparkling stars.  With consistent 70-80 degree weather and incredible sunsets, Kauai is a great destination for camping all year round.

State vs. County Camping Permits

There are numerous campsites where you can camp for nominal fees.  When it comes to camping permits on Kauai, there is a difference between a State campsites and County campsites.  Knowing when and where to get your permit is key.  Save time by using the State of Hawaii’s Wiki Permits website, https://camping.ehawaii.gov/camping/welcome.html,  to make your camping permit reservation and pay for your permit via credit card ahead of time.  If you are interested in a County campsite, you can mail in a permit application and payment ahead of time.  You can’t beat the prices, camping permit fees are only $3.00 per adult per night.  More information on County camping permits can be found at https://www.kauai.gov/Camping.

State Camping Areas

Polihale State Park

Locals have long favored Polihale State Park for weekend camping trips for a good reason – miles of white, powdery sand and towering cliffs signifying the entrance to the Na Pali Coastline is the idyllic setting for those who want to get away from it all.  Those who want to experience the magic of Polihale must really want it; the drive consists of miles of poorly maintained dirt roads that are not recommended traversing without four-wheel drive.  Rarely crowded and always sunny, there are campsites along the main road that offer pavilions, outdoor showers and bathrooms, or it is easy to set up the perfect spot on the beach.  A word of caution: strong currents and rip tides make Polihale a difficult spot for swimming, especially during the winter months when large north and west swells pummel the shores.  Many have drowned here.  Polihale is also very dry and hot, bringing adequate drinking water is a must.

Kokee State Park

Not all Kauai camping spots are next to the ocean.  Kokee State Park’s campsites are located at 3,600 feet above sea level.  Kokee offers numerous mountain trails throughout the park, ranging from moderate or easy to extremely difficult.  Trails along the rim of Waimea Canyon, through the Alaka’i Swamp, or from the forest to a scenic point overlooking the Na Pali Coast are among the favorites.  Native bird watching is excellent in this mountainous area and also seasonal gathering of various fruits and trout fishing.  The weather in Kokee is usually 10 degrees cooler than sea level.

Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

Take a walk on the wild side, literally, to camp at Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.  The Kalalau Trail spans 11-miles long of traversing rugged coastline and lush valleys before arriving at the destination, Kalalau Valley and beach.  It is a challenging feat that should only be attempted by expert hikers.  In this valley where the ancient Hawaiians once lived, terraced campsites are set up next to the stream.  During summer, layers of white sand extend the shoreline turning the beach into your natural bed.  Six-miles into the trail is Hanakoa Valley, where campers can break up their trip, however no camping for consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa.  Camping at Kalalau Valley will take preparation and having the right camping gear, as well as plenty of supplies to get you through your trip.  There are composting toilets and rain shelters in some areas, and no drinking water available or trash service.  Keep in mind that there are limited camping permits available for this site and reservations can be made on the State’s wikipermit website a year in advance.

County Camping Areas

Anini Beach Park

Anini Beach on the north shore of Kauai is one of the best snorkeling and swimming beaches due to a long, protective fringing reef that fronts its shores.  With just over 12 acres of camping area, it’s easy to set up your little castle by the sea within the park and have close proximity to restrooms, showers, picnic tables and comfort stations.  The campground closes at 10 am on Tuesdays and reopens at noon on Wednesdays.

Haena Beach Park

With Mount Makana (Bali Hai) behind you and nothing but widespread ocean in front of you, camping at Haena Beach Park is heavenly at best.  The fact that it sits on a lifeguarded beach is an added bonus.  The Maniniholo Dry Cave is located right across the street, a fun site for children to explore.  The best time of year to camp at Haena Beach Park is during the summer months, when the north shore gets less rain and the ocean is calmer.  Winter swells make swimming or snorkeling difficult at this beach.  The campground closes at 10 am on Mondays and reopens at noon on Tuesdays.

Hanalei Beach Park (Black Pot)

Hanalei Beach Park, known as Black Pot, is a small 2 acre park set on the iconic Hanalei Bay.  The park is next to the Hanalei River, which is popular for kayaking and paddling boarding.  Fronting the campground is Hanalei Pier at the start of the 2-mile crescent shaped bay.  The park amenities include picnic tables, cold showers, bathrooms and parking nearby.  The campround is only open from 12 noon on Friday to 10 am on Sundays.  This is a very popular and often crowded spot for camping and beach goers, however if you don’t mind the crowd, Hanalei Bay is a spot that must be explored.

Lydgate Campground

Lydgate Campground is the only campsite on Kauai that has assigned stalls.  Think of it as your mini camping hotel.  Because of this, camping on the weekends at this site fill up fast.  The Lydgate Campground is located next to the Kamalani Bridge, play bridge for children with slides, and across from a beach known as “kitchens”.  Camping is only allowed from Thursday at noon to Tuesday at 10 am.  Amenities at this site include individual camping sites, a large pavilion for big groups, picnic tables, showers and bathrooms.

Salt Pond Beach Park

On the southwest side of Kauai, the six acre park at Salt Pond is adjacent to a large crescent shaped bay with a protective inner reef for safe swimming.  The keiki (children) pond, a small swimming area protected by a natural reef formation, is a favorite for families to splash around and play.  Numerous pavilions with picnic tables are located throughout the park, as well as bathroom and shower facilities.  The campground closes on Tuesdays at 10 am and reopens on Wednesdays at 12 noon.

Gear up for your camping trip

Planning a camping trip takes a lot of preparation, especially for those who plan to hike the 11-mile Na Pali Coast where convenience stores are roughly a day hike away.  Day packs, tents, beach towels are all necessary to ensure a successful camping trip.  Camping needs are always different around the world, depending on the location of where you are camping.  It’s always good to get a local perspective, make sure you have the right gear and are prepared for your camping trip.

Part of what makes Kauai so special is its local culture, and the local residents love camping.  If you want to experience Kauai in a truly authentic and local way, forgo the resorts and luaus and get in touch with your adventurous side by camping among the local residents at their favorite parks and beaches.  You will leave with experiences that money just can’t buy.