Kauai

Affectionately known as the Garden Island, Kauai is beautifully draped in emerald green valleys, jagged cliffs aged by the elements, and sharp mountain spires. It is otherworldly with tropical rainforests, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls, and ethereal beaches consistently ranking as some of America’s most beautiful. The northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain, some parts of Kauai are accessible only by sea or air. There are so many things to experience: take a breathtaking private helicopter tour over majestic Manawaiopuna Falls, the Napali coast and fly into the Mt. Wai'ale'ale crater, a dormant shield volcano; go hiking in Waimea Canyon State Park; snorkeling and diving among rich marine life. Enjoy the freshest seafood while marveling at some of the best sunsets on the planet!

The dedicated LVH team ensures all guests receive the ultimate in service and satisfaction during their stays. LVH can arrange for private chefs, private jets, exotic cars, luxury yachts, and anything else you might require to make your vacation stay truly remarkable. Choose a one-on-one session with a certified yoga or pilates instructor, time with a private tennis pro to up your game, or complete pampering sessions with a massage therapist, hair stylist or barber, nail technician, and makeup artist.

Luxury home rentals, with full services and support, can be arranged to accommodate groups of varying sizes and are ideal for lavish events. A wide roster of specially curated properties makes up the lists of the world’s most exquisite vacation estates. No matter what your chosen destination, when you are seeking the best homes, you have the most elite selection from which to choose when booking your stay with LVH.

AREAS

Each neighborhood in Kauai is rich in beauty and history. These six areas all have something incredible to offer the luxury traveler:

Hanalei

Hanalei and the surrounding area are rich in natural beauty. Tall, lush, green mountains surround the small town with cascading waterfalls. Coral reefs protect Hanalei Bay, and along its two-mile stretch, beach lovers soak up the sun. Water activities include fishing, windsurfing, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating. You can enjoy this heavenly setting when they stay at Villa Juliet, a plantation-style beachfront main home complete with a spacious guest house. It's the zenith of privacy and seclusion.

Kalihiwai

Kalihiwai Beach is located at the head of Kalihiwai Bay, about 1.5 miles from the town of Kilauea on Kauai's north shore. Surfers love this area because of the shallow, underwater rock shelf extending from the cliffs providing one of the north shore's most famous surf breaks. The waves in the winter months are very steep and break quickly, and are only for expert surfers. During the summer months, the beach is a good spot for bodyboarding, beginner surfing, and shoreline fishing, all of which are easily accessible from Kaiholo Residence 3203 with its spectacular ocean view and incredible outdoor infinity pool.

Kilauea

Kilauea shares the name of the active volcano Kilauea on the island of Hawaii, making it one of the most fascinating areas on Kauai. There is no shortage of things to see and do, starting with a volcano walking tour. Some guests stay after dark to see Kilauea's last eruption light up the night sky. Other activities include hiking, biking, but one of the best has to be relaxing at Hale Ae Kai, a Balinese-inspired beachfront masterpiece on more than 15 secluded acres. Amenities include a cinema room, gym, office, outdoor infinity pool, and spectacular terrace. The villa is also an operating farm growing and selling various palm, coconut, citrus trees, and other exotic floral plantings.

Koloa

The Tunnel of Trees is just one thing that makes Koloa so unique. The area is home to Hawaii's first sugar mill. The town is home to lush rolling green pastures with grazing sheep and cantering, offers many fascinating shops and quaint eateries perfect for a date night.

Poipu

This resort community on the South Shore not only has fantastic scenery and one of the island's best beaches but an array of incredible restaurants, gift shops, and boutiques. Along the spectacular coastline, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, whether that's golf, scuba diving, fishing, or tennis. Low amounts of rainfall promise consistently beautiful days with spectacular starry nights.

Waimea

Waimea is famous for being the spot where Captain Cook first stepped onto the Hawaiian islands. It was also home to a sugar plantation and a center for early Christian missionaries. Today, it is a passage for visitors heading to the Waimea Canyon area, Kauai's grand geological chasm. As with most places on Kauai, the shopping in Waimea is terrific and unique.

RESTAURANTS

With the freshest ingredients, locally sourced produce, and seafood right out of the ocean, Kauai has some of the best restaurants in the country. LVH has selected these eight for your consideration:

Bar Acuda

Fresh ingredients are the heart and soul of Bar Acuda. Honolulu Magazine says, "Imagine the casual, country feel of Europe's Mediterranean regions. It's dinnertime. Friends and family line a long table to dining 'al fresco' under the stars. Conversation and laughter float through the air. Wine flows. The season's latest harvest or catch gets passed around. Welcome to Bar Acuda."

The Eating House 1849 Koloa

This plantation-style restaurant from celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi is inspired by the original farm-to-table cuisine of ancestral Hawaii. Forbes says the menu is "an interesting amalgamation of Southeast Asian, American and Hawaiian favorites like kampachi sashimi, corned beef Ruebens and huli huli (Hawaiian barbecue)-style pork belly prepared with a touch of haute cuisine finesse." Located in Koloa, The Eating House 1849 Koloa is a fantastic destination for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

Hukilau Lanai

The lure here is a hearty menu virtually all locally sourced from Kauai whenever possible and the other surrounding islands when not. Dishes are expertly prepared and presented. Four to five seafood specials are offered nightly; try the coffee-spiced candied ahi or the hebi (short-billed spearfish) when available. The mushroom meatloaf also packs a savory punch, thanks to grass-fed beef and Big Island mushrooms.

JO2

JO2 transforms nature's bounty into exquisite dishes incorporating heirloom vegetables grown in Kauai and the freshest ingredients from the sea. The tiny but chic dining room has a neutral palette making artful presentations of brightly-hued greens, sauces, and glazes pop. Chef Jean-Marie Josselin's seared Hokkaido scallops or the locally caught blackened opah are deliciously fulfilling but save room for the yuzu lemon cheesecake.

Merriman's Kauai

You will find gourmet pizzas and burgers highlighted on the menu at Merriman's. The thin-crust organic wheat pizzas come with island ingredients such as roasted Hamakua mushrooms or kalua pork with grilled pineapple, as well as classics such as pepperoni and sausage. Burgers feature local grass-fed beef and lamb, although the turkey option with Asian pear, white cheddar, and arugula is also popular.

Palate Wine Bar and Restaurant

A fresh and hip concept, Palate serves a distinguished wine selection and intriguing mix of small-plate-style food. The wine and tapas tasting room provides you with a unique experience. You can also try the cheese board with crostini and fresh fruit. Palate takes pride in selecting wines from small, esoteric wineries worldwide and strives to create the ultimate in food and wine pairings. The environment is unpretentious yet stylish.

Red Salt at Ko'a Kea

Award-winning cuisine celebrating island flavors is what Red Salt at Ko'a Kea is all about. Enjoy modern cuisine at this restaurant in Poipu with dishes like Vanilla Bean-Seared Mahi, Ahi Tartare, and the decadently layered Red Salt burger. For vacationers who want to leave the Kauai luxury rentals for breakfast, Red Salt is the place to go. They feature tropical takes on traditional Poipu breakfast dishes, such as lobster benedict and lemon-pineapple soufflé pancakes, recently featured on the Food Network.

Tidepools

The romance of Kauai is front and center at Tidepools. Picture enjoying a delectable meal sitting in a thatch-roofed bungalow above a koi-filled lagoon at the bottom of a waterfall. Local ingredients inspire contemporary Hawaiian fare. The seared Hawaiian Ahi with sweet onion daikon warm vinaigrette, with truffle pea tendril salad, is a favorite. Cocktails with a local spin like the pineapple mint julep are worth a try.

THE ARTS

Hawaii is rich in culture. An appreciation of the arts can be found everywhere on the island. In Kauai, these four venues are particularly interesting and worth a visit:

Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art

Each piece of Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art merges spirituality with aesthetics and has ritualistic, ceremonial, or practical functions. This gallery feels more like a museum with pieces fashioned by local artists. The gallery is a must-visit for history lovers and those searching for authentic, unique, and expensive gifts.

Kauai Museum

Visitors to the Kauai Museum will learn about the fascinating geological and cultural history of Kauai and Niihau. On display are some of the hundreds of Western and Hawaiian artifacts recovered from Haaheo O Hawaii ("Pride of Hawaii"), King Kamehameha II's luxurious barge, which sank off the North Shore in 1824. You will also learn about the island's volcanic origins through the arrival of Polynesian voyagers and the beginning of Western contact, including whalers and missionaries.

Kela's Glass Gallery

At Kela's, you will find hand-crafted pieces by more than 150 American fine glass artists. As a purveyor of contemporary glass art, Kela's Glass Gallery seeks out and finds outstanding blown glass art perfect to add to any fine glass collection.

Latitudes Fine Art Gallery

Lovers of art will find a gorgeous collection of photography here by Steve Munch and Stephanie Hogue. The gallery is filled with large, colorful, breathtaking images. You will have your pick of many coastal and wildlife photos with an emphasis on dolphins, seabirds, and seals. Munch and Hogue have been creating beautiful images and photographing many events for more than 20 years. In 2010, they began displaying their work in the Latitudes Fine Art Gallery.

NIGHTLIFE

The small island doesn't displease when it comes to entertainment after dark. Several bars have music at all hours. Here are five noteworthy choices:

Lava's on Poipu Beach

At Lava's at the Sheraton Kauai, you can enjoy spectacular sunset views on Poipu Beach while sipping a hand-crafted cocktail. Lava's puts a Hawaiian-style twist on the traditional bar and grill. Signature cocktails include a unique take on the mai tai, lava flow, frozen coco mojito, and the kama'aina mango rita.

Rumfire Poipu Beach

Found inside the Sheraton, RumFire Poipu Beach is a contemporary bar and restaurant experience with amazing views of the resort's Ocean Courtyard, Poipu Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. Offering nearly 180-degree ocean views from all 240 seats. Known for its exotic tropical cocktails, like mai tais, guava and coconut muddled drinks, mango mojitos, and lycheetinis, RumFire offers some of the most exciting cocktails on the island.

The Saloon

The Saloon is on the quiet south side town of Kalaheo. As its name implies, it keeps up with the heavy western theme that decorates the entire building. The Saloon is one of the few places for nightlife in this part of Kauai, so it gets busy with locals and visitors on nights when live music and karaoke are offered.

Stevenson's Library

Poipu's luxury nightspot offers sweeping views, delicious sushi, inventive cocktails, tropical drinks, aged whiskies, cognacs, ports, and live Island music nightly. The warm koa wood decor welcomes you with hand-carved sugarcane and pineapple detail as you enjoy your favorite beverages.

Tahiti Nui

This comfortable place welcomes those wanting to enjoy a tropical drink and great entertainment. Every night, there's some sort of activity: karaoke performances, bands playing local tunes, or impromptu dancing. Fun-loving patrons and a casual ambiance guarantee its appeal. This is a great place if you’re looking to get a taste of local life.

EVENTS

Some vacationers plan their trips during one of Kauai's many special events. Experience one-of-a-kind festivals, cultural performances, and musical events. These seven have much to offer:

Aloha Festivals

Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the US In 1946, Aloha Festivals began as "Aloha Week," a cultural celebration of Hawaii's music, dance, and history intended to perpetuate the islands' unique traditions. Aloha Festivals has become a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture. The event now encompasses some 300 events on six islands, including Kauai.

Coconut Festival

Celebrate all that is coconut with unique coconut crafts, coconut games, delicious coconut foods, and contests with some of the best crafters, artists, and entertainers in Hawaii. Enjoy non-stop music, taiko drummers, hula, and fun. Live music, and loads of fun for kids, too, with a children's stage and petting zoo. Cooking demos are offered by some of the island's best chefs.

Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival

The Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival every October in Kokee State Park pays homage to Queen Emma's journey across the Alakai forest and swamp. It features a three-day hula competition showcasing dancers from around the world.

Kauai Mokihana Festival

The Mokihana Festival brings together composers, dancers, and artists for a seven-day celebration of Hawaiian culture. The festival draws thousands of visitors and includes more than 70 performances. One of the festival highlights consists of the group hula competition, where a line of dancers don traditional print dresses and sway to the gentle strum of ukuleles. Others shake their grass-skirted hips to the strong beats of native drums.

Koloa Plantation Days

Koloa Plantation Days Celebration in July turns Old Koloa Town into a gathering place for food, entertainment, and a parade honoring Koloa's multicultural heritage. The many ethnic groups that came to Hawaii to work on sugar plantations, and the Hawaiians who welcomed them, are celebrated through music, dance, costumes, and food throughout this 10-day festival.

Lights on Rice Parade

The Lights on Rice Christmas Parade is held the first Friday in December to welcome the holidays. It is a must-see event that has grown to 60 floats and 3,000 performers. The success of this yearly event proves that snow is not necessary to make a Christmas parade magical.

Obon Dance and Festival

Various local hongwanjis (Jodo Shinshu sect Buddhist temples) fling their doors wide open, inviting all to partake in the Obon dance festivities, marked by a kaleidoscope of vibrantly colored hanging lights, bright orbs leading the way for the spirits to make their paths. The famed Bon Odori dances showcase revelers donning beautiful kimonos moving to the beat of thundering taiko drums as they make their ways in a spherical pattern around yagura platforms. Also to be enjoyed are cultural craft booths, ono (Hawaiian for absolutely delicious) Japanese fare, like savory udon noodles and Manju (a beloved traditional Japanese sweet treat).

ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES

Every island has its story. If visitors listen, the Hawaiian people say, those stories will speak to them. These stories reveal themselves through wide recreational opportunities, natural encounters and experiences visitors have while in Kauai. Here are four that might speak volumes:

Helicopter Tour over Kauai

Take a private breathtaking helicopter tour of Kauai. Be brave and fly with the doors open! You have that option. Either way, those who take off can expect to see the majesty of Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as "Jurassic Park" falls. See other sights in this jaw-dropping flight like the 2,000-foot Waipo'o falls and Napali coast with its 3,500-foot sea cliffs plummeting into the vast Pacific. The chopper will head to other locations, but the piece de resistance is flying into the Mt. Wai'ale'ale crater, a dormant shield volcano. Since it's one of the wettest places on the planet, you will see magical emerald green vegetation draped over the mist-covered mountain, with 3,000-foot cascading waterfalls filling each crevice. It's truly an awe-inspiring finish to a copter ride of a lifetime.

Sail the Napali Coast - Napali Coast State Wilderness Park

Sailing the Napali Coast in a private vessel is an unforgettable experience. This coast is one the most spectacular globally, and a private boat tour allows you to enjoy its unparalleled beauty without the maddening crowds. See the Kauai sea caves in the summer and watch the Humpback whales in the winter.

Wailua Falls

With its three spectacular segments, Wailua Falls is one of the few falls you can drive to, making it accessible for all. You may see people at the bottom of the falls where the water drops into a 30-foot deep pool. The best time for this Kauai drive is early in the day when crowds will be non-existent. Wailua Falls is just four miles inland from Lihue. The road is scenic past former sugarcane fields with beautiful mountain views.

Waimea Canyon State Park

Kauai is full of parks that are beyond stunning. Waimea Canyon State Park is one of them. Waimea Canyon is described as "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific." It's not as big or as old as its Arizona cousin, but you won't encounter anything else like this geological wonder in Hawaii. Waimea Canyon Lookout provides panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags, and deep valley gorges. The main road leads you to a lower lookout point and the main Waimea Canyon Overlook, offering Kauai's dramatic interior views. The route continues into the mountains and ends at Kokee State Park. There are numerous trails to traverse for both beginner and seasoned hikers.