Top 16 Things To Do and Eat in HAWAII: KAUAI TRAVEL GUIDE from a Hawaiian: Travel & Eat Like a Local

Aloha 🤙 today we are adventuring to the Hawaiian island of Kauai (Known as the Garden Isle). We’ll visit top attractions. The Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls, and a few beaches bring someone’s dream of Hawaii to life. We also share some local gems and eat like a local. Did I mention the old towns that are nostalgic too? There’s just a lot to do and eat here in Kauai. So without further ado, we start with the most stunning waterfall in Hawaii. Are you ready? (Nod yes please) Then let’s get started🌈😋!
Timestamps Kauai Travel Guide:
Intro - 0:00
1. Wailua Falls - 0:54
2. Wailua Shave Ice - 1:40
3. Waimea Canyon State Park - 3:00
MENTION: Kauai Kookie Bakery and Kitchen - 4:00
4. Kalalau Lookout - 5:09
5. Hamura Saimin - 6:03
6. The Kilauea Lighthouse - 6:43
7. Tip Top Motel Café and Bakery - 7:30
8. Ha’ena State Park - 9:53
9. Hanalei Town - 13:36
10. Hanapepe Town - 14:46
11. Poipu Beach - 15:59
12. Da Crack and the Puka Dog - 16:19
MENTION: Da Crack - 18:18
13. Queen’s Bath - 19:45
14. Wishing Well Shave Ice and Other Food Trucks - 21:55
MENTION: Holy Grail Donuts - 23:42
15. Hanalei Valley Lookout - 25:18
16. Garden Island Barbeque and Chinese Restaurant - 25:54
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Here are all the places and eats from this video (in order of this Kauai's Food and Guided Tour)
1) Wailua Falls
Address: Wailua River State Park. Kapa’a, Hi 96746.
Hours: Every day from 7am to 6:45pm.
Admission is free. Parking is free but limited.
2) Wailua Shave Ice
Address: Kauai Village Shopping Center. 4-831 Kuhio Hwy, Kapa’a, Hi 96746.
Hours: Every day from 11am to 8:30pm
Lava Flow with Snow Cap $8.50
Ube $7.50
Dragons’ Blood with Snow Cap, Haupia Foam, and Li Hing Powder- $10.00, Frozen Hot Chocolate with Snow Cap $8.50
3) Waimea Canyon State Park
Address: Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, Hi 96796.
Hours: Every day. No actual hours but be safe if you come here before sunset and after sunrise.
MENTION: Kauai Kookie Bakery and Kitchen
Address: 2-2436 Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo Hi 96741.
Hours: Every day from 6:30am-8pm
Ube Mochi $4.50
Peanut Butter Cookies $4.95
Website: Kauaikookie.com
4) Kalalau Lookout
Address: Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, Hi 96796.
The lookout is at the very top of Waimea Canyon State Park. Approximately an 8-mile drive uphill from the Waimea Canyon Lookout. Hours: Every day. No actual hours but be safe if you come here before sunrise and sunset.
5) Hamura Saimin
Address: 2956 Kress St, Lihue, Hi 96766. Hours: Sunday and Monday 10am to 9:30pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday- 10am to 10:30pm, and Friday and Saturday- 10am to 11pm
6) The Kilauea Lighthouse
Address: 3580 Kilauea, Hi 96754. Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. The Lookout over the cliff is open every day. Parking is free but limited.
Website: www.kauairefuges.org
7) Tip Top Motel Café and Bakery
Address: 3173 Akahi St, Lihue, Hi 96766. Hours: Every day from 7am to 1:30pm except for Monday (closed). Small Order Oxtail Soup $17.44, Double Pancakes $8.99 and add Bananas $0.99 and Macadamia Nuts- $1.99. Fried Rice Loco Moco- $13.99
8) Ha’ena State Park
Address: 6CC9+8R Wainiha, Hawaii, Kapa’a, Hi 96746. Hours: Every day from 6:30am to 5:30pm with Ke’e Beach. The Kalalau Trail- Every day from 7am to 6:30pm. 2 miles from the entrance of the Kalalau Trail is Hanakapiai Beach. Hawaii residents park and get in free with a Hawaii State or Driver’s License. For non-residents, please visit goheana.com
9) Hanalei Town
Address: Ching Young Village Shopping Center. Jojo’s Shave Ice. Every day from 11am to 7pm. Tropical Breeze (Large)- $8.45 and Lilo and Stitch- $5.70.
10) Hanapepe Town
Home of Lilo and Stitch!:)
11) Poipu Beach
The best beach on Kauai's southern coast!
Website: poipubeach.org
12) Da Crack and the Puka Dog
Food from Da Crack
Pork Tacos- $11.96 and Guacamole- $2.95.
Hawaiian Puka Hot Dog- $9.00
Website: www.pukadog.com/
Instagram: @pukadogkauai.
13) Queen’s Bath
Hours: Every day and no set hours but to be more on the safe side, please only go during daylight hours. Please know your physical limitations and wear proper hiking shoes.
14) Wishing Well Shave Ice
Every day from 10am to 5pm except for Tuesday (closed). The Works Acai Bowl- $15.00. Instagram: @wishingwellshaveice.com.
Holey Grail Donuts
Monday (Closed) Miso Honey Donut- $4.00 and Ube Donut- $4.00 Instagram: @holeygraildonuts
15 ) Hanalei Valley Lookout
Address: Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, Hi 96722. Parking is free and limited.
16) Garden Island Barbeque and Chinese Restaurant
Address:4252 Rice St. Lihue, Hi 96766. Hours: Every day from 10am to 9pm except Sunday, 11am to 9pm. Gau Gee- $7.75, Fried Chicken and Roasted Duck- $16.95, Beef Chow Fun- $15.95, and Roast Pork- $17.95

[@loganmccullough987]

This man has eaten more shaved ice in one trip than I have in my whole life. Addiction

[@SeanKaleponi]

Hahaha please check out my other Shave Ice Vids Logan🤙😁

[@loganmccullough987]

@@SeanKaleponi my wife and I are going to Kaua’i in 12 days. Hope it lives up to the hype! Hahaha

[@CH-nb3nz]

​@@loganmccullough987how was it? We are going in August.

[@loganmccullough987]

@@CH-nb3nz the shaved ice was really good, but i didn’t LOVE it. Kaua’i in general though, 12 / 10. But watch out because everything opens at like 10am and closes at 3pm. If you like doing things at night, wrong island. If you like trails, HIGHLY recommend the Awa’awapui trail

[@CH-nb3nz]

@@loganmccullough987 thank you!! I'm not really a night person. This is why I picked this island.

[@hugodo5606]

I been to Kauai and immediately fell in love with this island. The locals, the vibes, and the sceneries are probably the best of any places I have ever been. Thanks for sharing your experience, Sean! It's nostalgic to see all the places I visited and can't wait to visit again soon.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Hugo!! I have to agree with you on that. Scenary, locals, vibes are all my favorite on this Hawaiian Island. I'm glad this video brought back some good memories and .. Mahalo for watching🤙👍🌈

[@carolynstoner5315]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😅.😅 😊 😊😊how

[@mattgurin6168]

You know it's definitely a review by a local when you feature Hamura saimin. I lived on the North shore in Wainiha Valley throughout the 90s, and cannot go pass or through Lihue without eating saimin. You definitely featured all the great places to eat. Best lau lau I ever had was in Kekaha. Ho, making me so hungry 🤙🏼

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Matt!! I have to go back and try Hamura. Was so disappointed it was closed when I went. Hope you get to go back and try the ono foods🤙👍

[@mattgurin6168]

@@SeanKaleponi yea Sean, gotta get back. No substitute for Hamura's fo sho. However, you do have Young's fish market !!! Don't know how close you live to town but we used to come from Haleiwa also for Young's. Is town get waves, definitely going to Young's. I was fortunate to have a dual residence on the North shore of Kauai and Oahu also, miss it bad

[@kiiliah]

Wailua falls is a place I hold close to my heart. Every day, for years there was a local man weaving hats and baskets out of Lā’i (ti leaf)or lauhala at Wailua Falls...in loving memory of my beloved grandfather

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo 808.Kill3iah for sharing your story about the local man weaving at Wailua Falls! Love hearing about the old stories and the ppl associated with our Historic places. Rest in Love to your Grandfather. Aloha👍🤙

[@hawaiian1234]

Oh wow! Can't wait to go Kauai. I liked how you guys included the food , activities, and still informative and entertaining all at the same time! Mahalo for another great video🤙👍🌈

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Crucial Thinker for always supporting our channel and for your kind words! We try to include as much as possible . Activities, food, then repeat! Lol. Have a good day!🤙🌈👍

[@alant.541]

Never been to Kauai. Hopefully, one day. Looked like you two were on an extended honeymoon. Thank you for sharing this adventure. 🤙

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Alan! Mahalo for watching! And yes , we were on an extended honeymoon here and loved it in Kauai. Hope your able to come here soon!👍🤙🌈

[@teresah411]

Kauai has really changed from the sleepy little island I visited over 20 years ago! Watching your video, I want to go back! Loved the video!❤

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Theresa!! Mahalo for always supporting this channel! Hope you have a great trip when you go back to Kauai!🤙

[@ChrisKellyDrums]

Love Kauai, visiting Hanalei was the highlight of my trip. I love that town so much

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Chris!! Hanalei is a lovely town. Def a highlight for sure. Mahalo for sharing. 🤙🌈

[@frk.friborg7138]

Putting two and two together. I think you have a soft spot for cookies and your wife🤣 Love y’all relationship. I plan to come back to Hawaii soon and this is so helpful. LOVE THE VIBES!!💗

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Frk. Friborg! Hahaha Wife 1st, cookies 2nd! Lol. And yes, I love cookies and glad I got to see my favorite cookie shop here. And yes, enjoy Hawaii when you do come here. Mahalo for watching!:)🤙🌈😋

[@tl5748]

Thank you for the tips! I'll be there in a month. Can't wait!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha TL! Mahalo for watching and enjoy your time next month in Kauai.🤙

[@annchee1329]

Wow- love your inter-island visit ; Thanks for the latest food finds, shaved ices looks just awesome ;

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Ann Chee!! Mahalo for always supporting our channel! And the food is so good here. Shave Ice too!:)😋🌈🤙👍

[@cwarrking]

this Local Boy who lives on the mainland is so grateful to escape with your videos...sigh get me to my Aina fast! ALOHA!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Cwarrking!! Glad another local boy is watching from the States. Hope your able to come back and visit soon. Take care and thanks for watching bro🤙

[@lazygirl2481]

Sean and Nhi, you guys made my day!🌞This makes me laugh, hungry and eager to travel. Great job!!!👍

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Lazygirl!! Awww your comments made my morning!! Mahalo for watching and your kind words!.Def motivates us😋🤙👍🌈

[@beckyequalsme]

Sean thank you for all the tips! I just went to Kauai for the first time and was overwhelmed planning what to do, and so i ended up just taking notes from your video and did a lot of the things you did! The oxtail soup at tip top was 🔥 and the saimin at hamura saimin was Soo good too! Thanks! I love your videos

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Becky! Mahalo for watching and Im glad you had a great time in Kauai and this video helped. I haven't had Hamura when I went but next time. I'm kind of jealous of you. Lol. I appreciate your words and I hope you have a great weekend. 👍🤙😋

[@michellejosefoodandtravel]

Aloha Sean! Mahalo for these tips as we plan to go back to Kauai next year to check some of these other spots we missed out on. We just did a day trip but will definitely plan to stay longer to catch these spots!! Especially loved watching all the ono Grindz!! 🤙🏽😋

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Michelle and Jose!! Yes, please do stay here a little longer. Kauai is a little more laid back than Oahu but soo much to do!:) and look forward to seeing your guys KZbin video when you come here and eat the local grindz. Mahalo for watching🤙👍🌈😋

[@warhub7035]

Okay we'll be there this Thursday for 4 days! Your vid is our guide ! Thanks!😊

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Warhub!!! Enjoy your time on Kauai❤️🤙

[@jesuscerda6179]

Wow 😮 thank you for this videos I can't wait to be there and go to some of these places

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Jesus! Enjoy your time in Kauai when you do go and Mahalo for watching 👍🤙😋😁

[@JJ_Magnificent]

My 2nd fav island after Molokai, currently on the big island but miss Kauai so much.. So good to see thank you so much ❤

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha JJ! Awwww , I still have to visit Molokai! Enjoy your time on the Big Island and I appreciate your kind words! Mahalo for watching🤙👍🌈

[@ChristopherTeli]

Thank you for sharing! Your work brought so much joy! Mahalo!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Chris for your kind words. Aloha🤙

[@jessicahudson5884]

Going in a month for the first time & I plan on checking out a lot of the places you recommend. Thank you! Love your video & vibes

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Jessica!! Please enjoy your time here when you visit. One more month is soon👍 Mahalo for your kind words🤙

[@Jimzilla7]

I enjoy the real in depth video! I’ll be visiting Kauai for the first time for a week in May! Can’t wait to experience the Na Pali coast!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Jimzilla!! Mahalo for watching and you're gonna love Kauai when you visit. May is just around the corner. Enjoy the Na Pali Coast. Most breathtaking view I've seen🤙👍

[@pppppplll780]

Love your channel it makes me want to travel to Hawaii. People are so hospitable and friendly, beautiful sceneries and outrageously good food. I’m a big supporter of small and local business and will definitely put hawaii and all the places u recommended on my bucket list.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha PPP!! Mahalo for watching and I appreciate you wanting to support local !! We have a lot of friendly ppl but some aren't too nic but overall, yes friendly and lots of beautiful scenery!!:):) I hope your able to visit soon!:) 🤙🏝

[@Cruisingfoodies]

Love it guys! I haven't been over in years so it was nice to see some familiar spots and new ones!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Gina for watching. It was so good to to Kauai. Look forward to your vlog when you guys go!:)

[@aeriebel2650]

I’m planning for Kauai now! 😍Thank you Sean for another awesome video. Hopefully will see you again there too😆🤙🏾

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Ae!! Hope you have a great time in Kauai! And Mahalo for always supporting this channel. And would look forward to meeting you again! Take care friend👍🤙🌈

[@arlenedisneydreaming6816]

Thanks for all the great recommendations, Sean! We’ve only been to Kauai once during our honeymoon cruise and 1 day there certainly was not near enough! Hope to be back there soon. Mahalo for all the amazing content! ❤🤙🏼

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Arlene!! Mahalo for watching and , Kauai is beautiful. I hope you get to spend more time there. I love the old school feel throughout the island and I'm sure you will too!:)🤙👍

[@9to5runner]

Love your Hawaii videos! They bring back many fond memories and makes me miss Kauai ❤

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Jacked Jack! That was the goal of this video, help ppl visiting, or bring back fond memories! Glad it brought back good memories here. Mahalo for watching🤙👍

[@janeenchingcuangco8669]

Another superb video Ikaika and Nhi! You make things so clear by adding maps! Your videos always leave me wanting to try all the foods you guys eat 😆

[@SeanKaleponi]

Thanks Janeen! I remember you said the same thing about the Maps in our 10 hikes video so we remembered to do it on this one too. And yes, hope you try some of the food places next time you go to Kauai😋. Thanks for watching🤙

[@kristinedouglas9751]

We have a trip planned for march. Thank you so much for your very informative video. We are so excited. I will be watching this a few more times and making notes & reservations as needed. We are looking forward to the great local food spots you have shown.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Kristine!! Enjoy your vacation in March with all the great sight seeings and I'm glad you found this video useful! The food spots were so good!:)😋🤙

[@laurahodges4697]

We've been about 15 times and are going again soon. It's our favorite island! And, while I'll not be spending $4 for a donut, there is an amazing Malasada place on the south-western side past Kauai Coffee a few miles that all the locals go to. They are amazing, less expensive and I'll bet better tasting! Also, there is more of a variety.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Laura !And 15 times !:) I wanna beat your record. Lol. I love it here and next time I will try that Maladada place on the Southwest. Mahalo for the suggestion!👍🤙🌈

[@dreamsnotthings]

Loved Kauai! Absolutely fantastic. We got some spectacular footage and more importantly created amazing memories!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Dreamsnotthings!! Glad you had an amazing time in Kauai. I like your username since I totally agree!:)

[@cynthiajimenez4387]

I just want to tell you I have gone back to your video like 20 times! Keep making these awesome informative videos!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Cynthia!!! Mahalo for watching 20 times!:):) Enjoy Kauai when you do go there and yes, were working on making videos right now:)

[@israelestonina5949]

Here we go….thank you for the vid. Will try to visit most of your recommendations in 3days :)

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Isreal!! Enjoy your time In Kauai! Mahalo for watching 🤙😋👍

[@maile4966]

Thank you so much for the recommendation. Had the roasted pork at Garden Isle and it was delicious! 🙏

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Mai! I'm glad you liked the Roasted Pork from Garden Isle. Soo good!!:):🤙😋

[@DollySeidell-zz6oj]

Love Kauai! Great information!🏝️

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Dolly! Glad this can help with your Kauai trip🤙👍

[@EricVelascoTrochez]

Sean and Nhi you guys are awesome. Loida and I appreciate your content on this one for sure. I see that you put alot of effort in this one. We appreciate you and your guys work. Lovely views. Thanks for taking us to the island. Sincerely, Eric and Loida

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Eric. We appreciate you guys always supporting us. We hope that your able to visit Kauai too!:) your comments keep us going when making these videos!🤙👍 Please tell Loida we said hi👋

[@samcha9448]

Great tips! I’ll save this one for when I visit Kauai.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Sam! Mahalo for watching and always supporting. Enjoy Kauai when you do go🤙👍

[@vitoriafarias5521]

I've been watching so many videos about kauai bc I'm going to visit in June.. the paint is: OMG this is from far the BEST VIDEO.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Vitoria!! Mahalo for watching and we're happy to hear that. We don't have any affiliate links or sponsors for Kauai so it was just our own experience!:)

[@wonton3338]

Thank you for all the tips

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Wonton for watching!😋🤙

[@foodieforgains]

Great to do list!!! Definitely saving it for our next trip. And it was very nice meeting you and your wife in Kauai ☺️

[@SeanKaleponi]

Nice to meet you Foodie for Gains and your bf!:) Looking forward to your vlogs!! Maybe we might bump into each other again!:) Aloha👍🌈🤙

[@lionmom6142]

How did you make me fall in love with Kauai? THANKS for another great episode! You make Kauai a wonderland and all the food look yummyyy!!! Can’t wait to go to Kauai next year! I will follow your travel and food itinerary and tag you on Instagram!👍🏼😁

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Lion Mom! Kauai is a wonderland and all the food was yummy!! And yes, please use this itinerary when you go next year. Enjoy and have fun!! 👍🤙😋🌈

[@wendlee007]

So glad I saw this video as we recently booked our 2nd trip to Kauai. It’s been a few years since our first trip and your tips are very useful. Mahalo 🤙 PS you and Nhi are so darn awesome together, keep up the great work!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Wendlee!! Im jealous that you're going to Kauai for a 2nd time! Oh I wanna go again too! Mahalo for watching and your kind words. Nhi says thank you! Please enjoy your next trip to Kauai🤙

[@jasnmykeats]

You already know the Ohana and I await braddah Sean and Nhi's video releases. 🤙🏽 Another great and informative video. We've been talking about island hopping as of late while the flights are reasonable. While Oahu will always be home, we've always wanted to see Kauai and the Big Island. You've given us a great guide into exploring Kauai local style. We'll be back home again next month. Will message you if you two lovebirds are free to get some grinds. Love watching the adventures! 👏🏽 Aloha Sean & Nhi! 👋🏾

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Jasnmykeats! Mahalo for always supporting us! And yes, I highly encourage Island hopping and am wondering why I haven't done it earlier. It was my first time interisland traveling and really enjoyed it. And yes, look forward to having a bite or two with you guys when you come back home. Please message me. Have a great weekend and see you soon🤙😋🌈👍

[@Danno6799]

My wife and I are in Kauai this week and we tried out the Garden Island Chinese restaurant. Best food we have had so far this trip!! You’re on point as always

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Danno! Mahalo for watching and please tell your wife we said hi. Garden Island Chinese Resaturant was so good we went twice! Enjoy the rest of your Kauai trip!:) Thanks again!🤙😋

[@WSAnderson]

Another brilliant video. Great advice, can't wait to check out the garden island bbq, it's the kind of place I would totally give a miss if I didn't have a recommendation to go check it out.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha WSAnderson!! Mahalo for watching and yes, we loved the Garden Island BBQ! The food was top notch for sure! Enjoy Kauai🤙

[@user-zh2ez6mq9v]

Just wanted to say thatnk you we are finishing our Oahu and Kauai vacation and the recommendations we were able to try were spot on really good we have tried other you tubers and food network recommendations and usually disappointing your recommendations are spot on i can tell you like to eat and do it right thank you

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Julio!! Mahalo for watching and glad you had a great time on Oahu and Kauai..We try to go to the best places. Just like the other KZbinrs, it may be good when we go.. but sometimes Staff changes or they don't hold the same prestige as before. But I'm glad to hear the places we recommended are still good. We appreciate your kind words and Happy Holidays!👍🤙🎅🎄

[@charlesdominguez439]

Sean, another cool video but brutha you cause me all kinds of problems... Now I gotta take everybody to Kauai... HA!!! Very nice once again 🤪🤙

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Charles!! Mahalo for always supporting our channel! And yes, please take everyone to Kauai! We had a blast! It's a good problem to have. Lol! 👍👍🌈😋

[@danielmelton7481]

Awesome video! I sent my mainland friend your video to help him plan his dream vacation.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Daniel! Thanks for sharing this video with your friend! Kauai is a dream vacation for sure😋👍🤙🌈

[@eatloveexploreArchnik]

Great video sir. We will be there on Sept. Very helpful. Thank you🤙🏽

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Eatloveexplorer! Enjoy your time here in September! Mahalo for watching🤙😋

[@wdwnutjm]

we had the most magical 4 days in Kauai in 2017 (sandwiched inside 2 short stays at Oahu). we're planning next year's vacation and I think we're going back!!!! so excited to try a lot of these places - the places you visit look like exactly the vibe we enjoy when on vacation!!! we burst out laughing when you said the best Chinese on the island- that restaurant was where the people at the airport recommended we go. it was our first meal in Kauai and set the bar for the GREAT trip!! Mahalo for such a fantastic channel

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Wdwnutjm! Glad you're Ohana had a great 4 days in Kauai and that you plan on coming back!:) and yes, the Chinese Restaurants is supposed good. We can't wait to go back and glad you guys are planning another trip back here. Mahalo for your kind words 🤙👍

[@wdwnutjm]

@@SeanKaleponi we actually booked the flights to Oahu this morning - we're going next summer. Your channel has been an inspiration- we're going to map out all the local spots and take the time to savor every second - MAHALO!!!!!

[@vivt3500]

What a superb video !! Great work Sean! Vivien 😊

[@SeanKaleponi]

Alpha Vivien!! Mahalo for always supporting our channel! Hope you visit Kauai soon!:)

[@bballerforever]

Oh man Sean! I’ve been to Kauai once before and I’m visiting again soon, you’ve given me ideas of new places to visit and refreshed my fond memories of places I’ve been. Sorry that Hamura Saimin was closed - that was the first night’s dinner for my wife & I, we just stumbled upon it and thought it was a dive from the exterior - delicious! Thanks for this and all your videos.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Bballforever! Mahalo for always supporting our videos! And nice to hear that Hamuras was your 1st night dinner for you and your wife! That's good memories and look forward eating at Hamuras when I visit for the 2nd time. Thanks for sharing. 🤙🌈😋👍

[@standingplain1]

Great Video - I wrote down a lot of notes. Taking my wife and 6 kids to Kauai for 10 days. You did a great job with your video and I see that you respond to nearly all the comments. Well done!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Jay!! Mahalo for watching and oh sounds like a blast with all 8 of you in your Ohana!! I try my best to respond to all comments because I do appreciate our viewers. Enjoy Kauai and glad I can be of some help👍🤙😁

[@SunnyIlha]

That Island so GREEN.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Sunny, I guess that's how Kauai got its name "The Garden Isle". It's so beautiful 🤙

[@morningglory1085]

Will be visiting Kauai this Spring! Will be my first time in Hawaii! Thank you for the tips! :)

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Heather!! Mahalo for watching and please enjoy your time in Kauai in Spring🤙

[@debramartinez9652]

Great video. Lots of information. Thank you.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Debra for watching 🤙👍

[@FoodFiend]

Aloha Sean and Nhi! What amazing views you captured and wonderful food you guys enjoyed. I haven't been to Kauai since I was a child. I'd love to go one day. Mahalo for taking us along. 🤙🤙🙏 You are the shave ice king! 🤣

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Misty!! We got lucky with some of the views and good weather. And I think you would love the foods here on Kauai. Hope your able to visit soon. And yes, I am in love with Shave Ice! Can't get enough😋😂! Hope you're having an amazing time at Disneyland!🤙

[@FoodFiend]

@@SeanKaleponi Mahalo Sean! We are back. I never edit while on vacation. That's a crime. 🤣

[@SeanKaleponi]

@@FoodFiend Lol!!

[@SNGUYEN89]

WOOOAW seriously 🤩 how freaking stunning is This

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Sofia! You are always welcome to Hawaii! You have 2 friends already here that will show you around🤙🌈

[@lisaohara7493]

Another great video of what to do & eats! Wish I had this video when I went to Kauai in February! Kauai was beautiful but places in general closed early when I went. Ooh, the shave ice places you visited looked so onolicious! I'm bummed I missed those spots. I only went to the shave ice truck by the Da Crack Mexican restaurant. Next time you visit Kauai, I recommend Pono Market (poke), Mama Lucy (Filipino food) and Mark's Place (lunch plates). Sorry you couldn't taste Hamura Saimen. The saimen special & lilikoi pie is a must! Another reason to visit and make video!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Lisa!! That's the one thing we noticed too that places close early and open on select days. I'm sure you had a blast in February!:) The Shave Ice Spot was closed when J went to do Da Crack but it was slo around 5pm too when I went. I'll check out your recommendations next time and Hamura Saimin.and your right, another reason to make a a video here:) Mahalo🤙

[@urs-]

Ai yi yi!!! I was drooling through this whole video 🤤. Especially that Chinese restaurant at the end. What a beautiful trip. I love Kaua’i❣️. Sooooo…next stop, Kenya?! 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Urs Cruz!! Awww always good to get a message from you! And that Chinese Restuarant is now my fav one!! It was soo good with reasonable prices!:) Mahalo for watching. And the next video is our Kenya Wedding! Please stay tuned🤙👍😋🌈

[@germanfoodieinhawaii8145]

Just found you guys! We did almost the same tour in February!, except for some of the food places I love Kauai. So fun!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha German Foodie! Mahalo for watching and I wanna go back and eat more food. Esp at Hamuras. Hope you and a great time in Kauai💯😋🤙

[@johnfaulders9880]

I like that much of Jurassic Park was filmed on Kauai!!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha John! Jurassic Park is such a classic. Proud it was filmed in Kauai and Oahu too!:)

[@RodSwansmad]

Always watching 👀 Mahalo Sean and Nhi 🌴🌈🤙

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Rod for always supporting Nhi and I. And I appreciate that you support the other Local KZbinrs as well. .🤙👍 #supportlocal

[@kobemorales3046]

Ty for all your videos bro, keep up the conent. Helped with the vacation... you never said anytbing about the steak shack... keep them coming

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Kobe!! Mahalo for watching and Im glad this helped you out for your vacation! I'll eat at the Steak Shack next time for sure!👍🤙😋

[@ptech88]

My favorite place on earth. Being from Ma though its a long flight but so worth it

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Ptech! Def worth the long flight!! Old school Hawaii and sure your Mom is happy to see you😁🤙

[@monicahill171]

We will be visiting for the first time in two weeks and I am so glad I found your channel. I like to experience local food. I see your diet consisted of mostly shaved ice - duly noted that this is the survival food. lol. Can't wait to try out your suggestions, we will be there for 8 days .

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Monica!! Mahalo for watching and yes, so much good local food there. And yeah, I love Shave Ice obviously! And a cpl of the spots I wanted to try were closed so I just ate more Shave Ice. LOL. Enjoy your trip here in 8 days.🤙👍😋🌊

[@aymcheng8245]

very informative video! thank you

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Aymcheng for watching and glad this video helped🤙❤️

[@tinkerbellstwin]

Great video! More Kauai we loved it

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Lori! Well have a Kauai Shave Ice Video too!🤙👍😋🌈

[@tinkerbellstwin]

@@SeanKaleponi We love your videos ..keep them coming! Do you know if you have a day pass to Ke E beach are you able to be there for sunset or does the lot / beach close at a certain time? Thanks for all you do!

[@SeanKaleponi]

@@tinkerbellstwin Not sure but I would check goheana.com and I think they have all the answers there. and Mahalo for watching!🤙

[@KerryfromPauoa]

Ate the special of the day carne asada burrito, was massive, onolicious ❤, got a baseball cap for souvenir

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo for sharing Kerry. We love Da Crack and you mentioning the food gives me back some good memories!:)🤙😋

[@JR-bw3tr]

Ano ba Pare Sean , Another great episode 🤙🏻 , thank you so much again , maybe some day I can take my family on a visit to the Island's , to taste the locals food , but Until then , stay safe and healthy Pare 🙏🏻... much respect from the Ramos Family 🤙🏻 , here in Monterey California area 🌊.... Mahalo...

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo to the Ramos Ohana!! We appreciate your kind words and for always supporting us!! And yes, please do take the Ohana to come here to Kauai. I love this island. Aloha to you from Oahu to Monterey California!🤙👍🌈

[@LisaLisa-nf8dp]

Thanek u for a great video.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Lisa for watching!!🤙👍🌈

[@ManypossibilitiesGaoLY]

I’m coming there in May and can not wait to devour the island

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha G24yang!! Please enjoy all the local eats in May😁😋🤙👍

[@ericbishop3468]

Ho! I like try! Spent my life on O'ahu, finally get to Kauai in two weeks. Thanks for the local gems, look like here already.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Eric from one Oahu resident to another! Enjoy Kauai and yes, so much local gems. Mahalo for watching🤙👍

[@piperlani]

Great video 👍🏼🤙🏼

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Piperlani!👍🤙🌈

[@RRODSTARR]

perfect...now i'm hungry

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Rrodstarr! Please eat up and support local🤙😋

[@andrianmagcalayo3011]

TYSM! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@SeanKaleponi]

Thank you Andrian for watching!!🤙😁

[@babylicee4479]

Oh that Chinese restaurant would be my one and only spot for food..looks authentic

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Baby Llcee!! Chinese Restaurant I gotta say is the best one I've been too in Hawaii!🤙😋

[@Seek_Him]

😂Love your running partners ❤

[@SeanKaleponi]

My running partners are awesome!! Mahalo🤙😀

[@sundoobie]

Heading out to Kauai next week and think I am getting shave ice first thing straight from airport LOL

[@SeanKaleponi]

Hahah Mahalo Sundoobie! Would've went to Hamuras Saimin but they were on vacation! Enjoy the Shave Ice😋🤙

[@eudaiane.cavalcante]

Your Videos are the best

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Daiane!! Mahalo for your kind words!:)🤙

[@HawaiiJapan808]

Yeah sean. My island 😁

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha HawaiiJapan! You live on an amazing island👍🤙

[@patrickchilds9620]

Tip Top invented both the macadamia nut pancake and the macadamia nut cookie. Other must try items there are the beef stew and the cheeseburger deluxe. The bento is pricey, but big enough for 2 on a picnic.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Patrick! Mahalo for letting me know that the Mac Nut Pancake and cookie was invented there. So much good food on the menu that we want to try on our next trip! I'll try the Bento next time. Merry Christmas!🤙🎄

[@tidaltarot]

Loved this video! I’m a local from Kaua’i and next time you guys should try Waipouli Deli & Restaurant. Super local comfort food spot in Kapa’a. A favorite for sure!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Naomi! Mahalo for watching and Im glad to be hearing this from a Kauai local resident!🤙Gonna take your suggestion and try the Waipouli Deli and Restaurant next time. Mahalo🤙👍

[@tidaltarot]

@@SeanKaleponi Mahalo Sean! :) 🤙

[@donnaschnell2740]

I love Kauai - it is my favorite island by far. I lived on Oahu for many years but would visit Kauai. Thank you for the ideas on places to go for great local food. It is so very sad that big agriculture companies are using massive amounts of pesticides on the island - more than any other place in the states. It is poisoning the island.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Donna. Mahalo for watching. That's sad that there are bug agricultural companies doing this in Kauai. It's so beautifulful and old school there. Hope it stops now. 👍

[@tEEonE]

What a great video guys! We've spent a bunch of time in Kauai over the last few years and are actually considering to buy a home there... oh.. sidenote; We're Danish, and picked up on Nhi's very hidden Danish accent right away (but it kinda got verified with the very Danish T-shirt)... Hej hej fra Chicago ;)

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha tEEone! Mahalo for watching and awesome if you guys move there. It's so peaceful and relaxing! And Nhi was happy to hear that fellow Danes are watching and commenting. We met a couple from Denmark there and we talked for a bit. She was happy to see your comment!:) Happy Holidays!:)🤙👍🎄

[@mustloveeyeshadow7799]

Great video. Lots of amazing suggestions. We just arrived I Kauai 2 days ago and some of our planned activities fell through so I have been looking for some alternatives. If you are in the Lihue area and like coffee and pastries I would recommend trying the Aloha Roastery. Delicious coffee and amazing pastries. Not a huge selection but anything made with the croissant dough is delicious. Frankly some of the best croissants I have had outside of France. For more local type fair we have enjoyed Chicken in a barrel. There are multiple locations but the BBQ/smoked chicken was delicious. I'm envious of how crispy the skin was yet the flesh tender and juicy.

[@mustloveeyeshadow7799]

Also the Anaina Hou Farmers market on Saturdays was wonderful. Amazing selection of local fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. Just remember to bring your own bags.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Mahalo Mustlove Eyeshadow and I appreciate all your suggestions. I have left Kauai but I will be back and def gonna try the Aloha Roastery, Chicken in a barrel, and the Anaina Hou Farmers Market. A good local style farmers market would be nice. Hope your having Ana amazing time in Kauai right now. Take care👍🤙🌈

[@yourarpitkushwaha716]

There is beautiful monastery there

[@SeanKaleponi]

I'll have to check out the monastery next time I'm there

[@KerryfromPauoa]

Just had the small oxtail soup with extra ginger and parsley, way better than Garden Isle BBQ.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Kerry, Mahalo for watching our Kauai Video. Is this in regards to Tip Top Cafe Oxtail Soup?

[@greidypuig8223]

Been looking for This kind of content about Kauai on KZbin and so glad I found this video! Exactly how I envision my trip this spring! Thank you so much. Question: what part of the island did you base yourself off of?

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Greidy!! Mahalo for watching and yes.. just wanted to have a down to earth tour of Kauai. And.. I'm based out of Oahu🤙👍

[@gratssoccercards6879]

I’m headed to Kauai next week! Thanks so much for the vid Sean, looking forward to trying some of your recommendations

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Grats Soccer Card. Mahalo for watching and enjoy Kauai and some of these recommendations next week. 🤙😋🌈

[@tommyyoo5785]

I wondering if you planned on doing any video of the Big Island? We loved your Kauai series and love to see it from local experience. Mahalo

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Tommy, Big Island should be coming up early next year. I wanna do one for Big Island and Maui:) Mahalo for watching the Kauai series:) please tell your wife we said hi!:)

[@elijahjoe3820]

DA COOOOLEST VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Elijah!!! Always like hearing from you since you've been there from day 1. Hope all is well bro!!🤙👍

[@lizkim1546]

In Texas we call the Hawaii hot dog 🌭 a Kolache. We put cheese and or Jalapeños Must try

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Liz! I live Texas and wanna visit again. Cheese and Jalapeños sounds great🤙👍😋

[@andrewanderson5353]

Best Shakes

[@SeanKaleponi]

🤙😋

[@johnmcqueen4883]

A friend and I visited Kauai 21 years ago. Everything I remember still looks great (and updated). Just a couple things - without having heard anything about Hanalei we just found it to be, as you called it, totally laid back and chill, One of our favorite places on the island, would go back in a minute. Our original plan was for a week in Kauai, then a couple days in Oahu, but we liked Kauai so much we spent our whole time there. We were staying at a hotel by the Coconut Marketplace, but they wanted to charge us full rate for the additional days (the rate on the card on the inside of the door, the most they can charge). No way, so we went to the Tip Top Motel for three nights, incredibly cheap, at least at the time. No frills, but we didn’t need frills, it was perfect. The restaurant was, at the time, Japanese. I think they served an American restaurant, but we walked a few blocks to a little place called, I think, “Mom’s”, which was great. Anyway, thanks for bringing up all these memories!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha John for watching and I appreciate you sharing your time here in Kauai 21 years ago! I would have loved to see video back then. And although you didn't visit Oahu, it's not too late. I hope you can revisit here and come to Hawaii again. I stayed at the Tip Top Hotel too since it was the cheapest option and we weren't gonna be at our stay anyhow unless to sleep. The Restaurant downstairs was really good and I will check out Moms the next time I go to Kauai. Thanks again for your story. Have a great day🤙👍🌈

[@marcywong1947]

Great video! I’m looking forward to my visit to Kauai. 🍧🍜⛰🌺

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Marcy!! Mahalo for watching and enjoy your visit on Kauai when you do!:)🤙👍🌈

[@tandalat]

Sean, it's shocking that you didn't go to Pono Market in Kapa'a! Tasty stuff over there. Very popular among locals. We were there on the island a little over a month ago. Went to more or less the places you two did. Bummer that you couldn't get Hamura. Love grandma's and auntie's saimin there. Puka Dog is all about their sauces. Maybe, just grab a $1.50 dog from Costco, rush to Puka and ask 'em to hose it with their yummy Pineapple relish instead! :D

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Tandalat, I will def check out the Pono Market next time I'm in Kauai! I know, shame on me. Lol. And I was actually thinking about the Costco Hot Dogs when buying the Puka Dog. If there was a Costco in Kauai, I would. Mahalo for the tip🤙

[@jcwalrus]

Love you and your wife 's personality, so friendly and personable. Question, how many days does it take to film the vlog? I mean, you guys review a ton of food spots and I can't imagine you are eating all of the food in a couple days. Do you actually finish everything you order? How do you stay so lean with all the Ono-lishous food you eat?!!?! Aloha

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Joey!! Mahalo for your kind words!! It may take 4 to 5 days to film the vlog and we are on the go pretty much all day!:) and yes, we do eat everything we order! Takes some mental preparation and a lot of exercise after. Lol. But we don't eat like this all the time. 😋🤙👍

[@normandea]

Sorry you missed Hamura's Saimin, it's great! Pono Market is wonderful as well!

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha Norman Dea!! Next time I'll def go to Hamuras. And I'll take your suggestion on Pono Marker. Mahalo🤙👍😋

[@neochaser]

What a great video! I love how you dedicated a part of your video to shaved ice! Very helpful :) Quick question if you don’t mind, all the drone shots you did, can i assume they were ok, meaning you didn’t get hassled?

[@SeanKaleponi]

Aloha NeoChaser! And thanks, I love Shave Ice a whole lot😋 and I don't mind at all, well I got reported to the FAA and I got my Drone Liscence after. So yeah, I'll be more cautious in the future. Hope all is well🤙👍😋

[@gayleenkira5913]

Next visit, you must go to Konohiki Seafood in Lihue. You won't be disappointed.

[@SeanKaleponi]

Ill check out the Konohiki Seafokd next time when I go to Kauai. Mahalo for the tip Gayleen🤙😁