Kaua'i Adventures

Kaua’i, the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, is a lush tropical landscape known as the Garden Isle, and for good reason. Days spent exploring the micro-climates and topography of its interior are complemented by relaxing beach days and the rich history of Hawaiian cuisine and culture in the communities along the island’s single ring road. While you might never need to leave the incredible amenities that The Club at Kukui'ula offers, you may also feel the call to explore this island's deep culture and myriad sights. Discover a variety of things to do on the south shore of Kaua'i on your own, or take advantage of our team of local experts to help guide your through an assortment of unique on-island adventures. Review our full guidebook of all our Kaua'i excursions. World class athletes and Kaua'i locals compose the staff at Huaka'i Outfitters, so whether you are looking for a challenge or want to try your hand at a new hobby, you're in expert hands.

Contact our Island Hosts:
GuestServices@kukuiula.com
(808) 742-8000

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    • A woman and a young girl walk together through shallow ocean water, enjoying a sunny day at the beach with small waves around them.
      • BEACHES

      Kukui'ula Harbor

      Just steps from the property, this protected beach is perfect for active days filled with paddle boarding, boogie boarding and kayaking. Kukui'ula Harbor also offers incredible views of Kaua'i's chromatic sunsets.

      • Three children in swimsuits are exploring a tidal pool on a rocky shore under a partly cloudy sky.
        • BEACHES

        Poipu Beach

        Once named the top beach in America, Poipu Beach is a beautiful crescent of golden sands ringed with tidal pools to explore.

        • A young boy is lying on a blue surfboard in the ocean, looking towards the shore under a partly cloudy sky with sunlight shining.
          • BEACHES

          Anini Beach

          A quiet gem on Kaua'i's north shore, Anini Beach is best known for its calmer conditions and family-friendly facilities

          • A motorboat with fishing poles is moving on the water with a clear blue sky in the background.
            • CRUISES & CHARTERS

            The Mahealani

            The Mahealani is Kukui'ula's very own 32′ Yellowfin boat. As a guest of The Lodge you can book it for customized half- and full-day excursions. Or for a more relaxing voyage, you can book it for a 2-hour sunset cruise.

            • A person wearing a patterned rash guard stands on the deck of a boat, looking through binoculars under a cloudy sky.
              • CRUISES & CHARTERS

              South Shore Holoholo

              Stay close to home with a half-day adventure that can include dolphin watching near Lawai Kai, Kona crabbing, a jaunt to Kipu Kai, snorkeling off the Caverns, or whale watching.

              • Two people are riding bicycles on a rocky coastal path, with a scenic view of the ocean and an overcast sky in the background.
                • HIKES & EXCURSIONS

                Maha'ulepu Hike

                The 7-mile coastline hike begins down the road from The Lodge at Shipwreck’s Beach (a local favorite) and includes the 'sunken garden' Makauwahi sinkhole.

                • This image shows a beautiful landscape with lush green vegetation, a distant ocean view, and partially cloudy skies.
                  • HIKES & EXCURSIONS

                  Koke'e Hike

                  Embark on a daylong adventure hiking the mountain trails of Koke‘e State Park, from 2 to 12-mile loops. Views include highland swamps, tropical rain forests, canyon rims, sheer cliff sides and ocean panoramas.

                  • A picturesque waterfall cascades into a serene river, surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
                    • HIKES & EXCURSIONS

                    East Side Hike

                    Daylong excursions can include the 173-foot Wailua Falls, Ho’opi’i Falls series, Kuilau Ridge, Moalepe Trail, and Nounou, otherwise known as Sleeping Giant.

                    • A person with a backpack sits on a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean, with a dramatic coastline and partly cloudy sky in the background.
                      • HIKES & EXCURSIONS

                      North Shore Hike

                      Beautiful waterfalls, waterways and switchback trails are highlights of daylong hiking trips to Okolehao Trail, Hanakapi‘ai Beach, Honopu, and the world of wonder that is the Na Pali Coast.

                      • The image shows a lush, green landscape with palm trees, a dirt path, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
                        • HIKES & EXCURSIONS

                        Aepoeha Hike

                        Stay on property with an easy 2-mile hike around The Farm with wonderful views of fresh flowers, tropical fruits and seasonal greens.

                        • Two cyclists ride along a coastal trail with the ocean in the background, under a cloudy sky as the sun begins to set.
                          • HIKES & EXCURSIONS

                          Mountain Biking

                          Our Huaka'i Guides can hook you up with tracks close to home or head out to locations on the west and north sides of the island for more challenging adventures.

                          • A lone kayaker paddles on calm blue water near a lush, green coastline with a sandy beach and dense forests in the background.
                            • WATERSPORTS

                            Lawai Kai Kayak Excursion

                            Depart close to home from Kukui’ula Beach Park with a guided double kayak trip along the South Shore.

                            • A person is fishing from a yellow kayak, holding a fishing rod and a colorful fish they've just caught, with the ocean and a cloudy sky in the background.
                              • WATERSPORTS,
                              • HUAKA’I OUTFITTERS

                              Kayak Fishing

                              Combine two hobbies and take advantage of guided excursions to drop a line into shallows and deep water. Make a catch of the day and have it cleaned and prepared by ‘Umeke Kitchen + Bar.

                              • A person is paddleboarding on a sunny day in the ocean with a cloudy sky and a distant shoreline filled with greenery in the background.
                                • WATERSPORTS

                                Surf, SUP or Canoe Lessons

                                No matter your skill level, you can master your favorite water sport with 3-hour one-on-one sessions with top of the line trainers.

                                • A group of people is sailing on a traditional outrigger canoe with a large sail, on open waters, under a clear sky with land visible in the background.
                                  • WATERSPORTS

                                  Sailing Canoe

                                  Hop on board our stunning sailing canoe, Kailele. Spend a day traversing the South Shore waves and take part in the ancient Polynesian tradition dating back over 1,000 years.

                                  • Two children are running into the ocean with bodyboards on a sunny day at the beach, with some people and palm trees in the background.
                                    • WATERSPORTS

                                    Beach Day

                                    Be pampered at any of your favorite Kaua'i beaches. Huaka'i Outfitters will take care of all the set up and tear down of shade tents, gear, essentials and refreshements – all you have to do is show up in your swimwear.

                                    • A person with long hair, wearing a swimsuit, is seen from behind looking at a scenic coastal mountain landscape.
                                      • HUAKA’I OUTFITTERS

                                      Snorkeling

                                      Poipu Beach offers world class snorkeling just steps from Kukui'ula. A reef capped by a rocky point is home to vibrant corals, tropical fish and, if you're lucky, the endemic Hawaiian Monk Seal.

                                      • A scenic landscape featuring rugged mountains, lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a blanket of mist.
                                        • HUAKA’I OUTFITTERS,
                                        • HIKES & EXCURSIONS

                                        Hiking

                                        Hike the Awa'awapuhi Trail, nature's hidden symphony, where lush vistas and rugged cliffs sing in perfect harmony.

                                        • A person is standing on a paddleboard in the ocean, wearing a swimsuit and using a paddle under a clear blue sky with some white clouds.
                                          • HUAKA’I OUTFITTERS,
                                          • WATERSPORTS

                                          Surfing & Paddle Boarding

                                          PK's surf break is just down the street from Kukui'ula, and with waves breaking consistently this is a great go-to for locals and visitors alike. Another favorite for surfing is Kalapaki Beach near Lihue.

                                          • Two children are playing on a sandy beach with clear water and distant green hills under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
                                            • KAUAI HIGHLIGHTS

                                            Beaches

                                            The beaches on the south shore of Kaua’i are sun drenched and breezy in summer. Mahaulepu Beach is isolated and charming, near the end of the Mahaulepu Beach Heritage Trail. Poipu Beach is perfect for families and has been rated as the best beach in America. Hanalei Bay Pavilion, on the island’s north shore, is in the center of a two-mile crescent bay with facilities perfect for a day trip in winter. Fuji Beach, on the east side, is popular for exploring tide pools, while Polihale Beach on the west side is great for enjoying Kauai’s spectacular sunsets.

                                            • A person with a backpack sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean with mountains in the background on a clear day, ending the sentence.
                                              • KAUAI HIGHLIGHTS

                                              Hikes

                                              For hikers, there are two of the world’s most incredible trails to explore on foot on Kaua'i. The Na Pali coast on the north shore offers a multi-day backpacking route, or a day hike on the Hanakapi’ai Trail to a breathtaking waterfall with a rewarding swimming hole. On the island’s south shore is Waimea Canyon, “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific” with views deep into the earth, waterfalls, and rainbows. For paddlers, the Wailua River is a lush boulevard into the island’s interior. And on the south shore, adventure seekers can choose zip lines, horseback, or 4x4 excursions to get intimate with the open landscape.

                                              • The image shows two bowls of poke, a dish featuring raw fish pieces on rice, garnished with green onions and other toppings, on a tropical leaf.
                                                • KAUAI HIGHLIGHTS

                                                Food Scene

                                                Locally grown ingredients take on new meaning when you’re on a 552 square mile island. Kaua’i boasts deep agricultural roots, and the cuisine is a paradigm of Hawaiian culture. Restaurants by Roy Yamaguchi and Peter Merriman are in The Shops at Kukui’ula, while more traditional eateries on the south shore showcase noodle bowls, laulau, loco moco, poke, and musubi. There is also a vibrant food truck scene on the east shore, excellent shave ice all over the island, and the popular Kaua’i Juice Co. has three locations.

                                                • A person is sitting on a wicker couch outdoors, making floral arrangements with various flowers on a wooden table in front of them.
                                                  • KAUAI HIGHLIGHTS

                                                  Arts & Culture

                                                  The Arts & Culture scene on Kaua’i is anchored by the Kaua’i Museum as well as the Grove Farm Sugar Plantation and Museum in Lihue. Each summer, Bon Dances are held at the Japanese Buddhist temples around the island. In the fall, there are hula competitions, and slack key guitar and ukulele competitions are a regular fixture in Hanalei.

                                                  • A restaurant with a tropical ambiance, wooden steps leading to the entrance, palm trees, and lanterns adorn the pathway under a sign reading “Merriman’s.”
                                                    • KAUAI HIGHLIGHTS

                                                    The Shops at Kukui'ula

                                                    Island guests and locals alike frequent The Shops at Kukui`ula, Kauai's premier shopping, dining and fine art destination. You can get your retail therapy in as you walk along beautiful tropical Plantation architecture. The center is home to dozens of unique shops and boutiques perfect for finding that special gift. Enjoy award winning restaurants, browse through contemporary art galleries and experience free cultural events.

                                                    • An ocean geyser erupts near the shoreline, with people observing from a rocky coast; a rainbow is visible in the mist, ending the sentence.
                                                      • KAUAI HIGHLIGHTS

                                                      Spouting Horn

                                                      Be amazed as Kauai’s South Shore comes to life at Spouting Horn blowhole. The spectacular blowhole is one of the most photographed spots on Kauai, and for good reason! The salty ocean waves channel through a natural lava tube along the coast and releases a giant spray of water that can reach as high as 50 feet. Listen in as the roar and hiss of the traveling water has long been the lore of a Hawaiian legend, Kaikapu.

                                                      • The image shows a close-up of a papaya tree with several papayas growing. The background features more trees in a sunny setting.
                                                        • KAUAI HIGHLIGHTS

                                                        National Tropical Botanical Gardens

                                                        Surround yourself in global and native greenery at the National Tropical Botanical Garden. This not-for-profit institution is dedicated to discovering, saving, and studying the world's tropical plants and sharing what is learned. The large Kaua'i property consists of thousands of species from throughout the tropical world that have been respectfully gathered to form an amazing collection that is unparalleled anywhere else. Learn more about the continual research happening on site or simply take in the beauty of the vast living treasure of plants.

                                                        • A serene landscape with palm trees, lush greenery, and a distant mountain range under a clear blue sky, creating a tropical and peaceful atmosphere.
                                                          • KAUAI HIGHLIGHTS

                                                          Nearby Attractions

                                                          The Lodge at Kukui’ula is conveniently positioned on Kaua’i’s sunny south shore. The beautiful natural blowhole of Spouting Horn is less than one mile from the clubhouse, and some of the best views of it occur right from the Kukui’ula property. Next door is The Shops at Kukui’ula. With a beautiful array of local and internationally acclaimed stores and restaurants, there is something for everyone. Visit on Wednesday evenings for the weekly culinary market to enjoy a special taste of Kaua’i. On the other side of Kukui’ula’s property is the National Tropical Botanical Gardens (NTBG) and Allerton Gardens. Dedicated to preserving tropical plant diversity, the NTGB works hard to protect native and at-risk species and is home to the largest assemblages of endangered native Hawaiian plants and breadfruit cultivars in existence.