Every morning, Genelyn walks past three busy beaches before reaching her quiet spot where sea turtles outnumber tourists. After 23 years on Kauai, she knows exactly when to arrive for that perfect moment.
The staff at Kauai Shores Hotel loves what they do and loves Kauai. As part of our blog series, we asked them to share their favorite local beaches, hidden gem restaurants and recommended outdoor activities. Nearly 100% of the staff responded, showing the dedication to the guest experience and the love for their island in paradise.
Why Trust Our Team's Recommendations
A full 21% of our staff was born and raised on Kauai, knowing the island like the back of their hands. The other 79%? They’ve spent an average of 23 years of their lives on Kauai. This is what makes Kauai Shores Hotel a local hotel with authentic island culture at its heart. Speaking of islands and beautiful weather, Kauai has extensive beaches spread throughout the island, but some have a special place in our team’s hearts.
Salt and Sand: Our Favorite Kauai Beach Escapes
Genelyn's Family Beach Day Spot
Along with 16% of the staff, and by far the most named beach, our Front Desk Receptionist, Genelyn suggests Lydgate Beach located south of Kauai Shores Hotel and Wailua. “It is great for families as there is a lifeguard, so you are protected”.
Leonita’s insider tip: “Go early morning for sea turtles”
Sheldon's Sunset Beach
As elaborated in a previous article, staying on the east shore makes most of the island accessible. Sunrises occur right at your doorstep, while you may have to drive a little further for the sunset. Sheldon’s pick is Poipu Beach, located on the south shore. His tip: “Go in the evening to see turtles”.
Eat Like a Local: Restaurants Kapaa locals love
Food is the soul of a community, and while great restaurants exist all around, knowing the local spots always makes for a unique experience and takes the visitor that one step closer to understanding and feeling like a local.
Chevy’s “very packed but worth it” breakfast spot
In fact, this casual local spot gets mentioned by 1 out of 5 of our staff. Tip Top on Akahi St in Lihue, is described as a “casual local spot, great for breakfast”. Jennie, our general manager, specifically recommends the oxtail soup as a must try, while others point to Loco Moco for your iconic Hawaiian comfort food, especially after a long night out enjoying tropical drinks.
Pam's Kapaa Dinner Go-To
The Bull Shed was mentioned 6 times standing out for its excellent meat and seafood options. Located on the East Shore and a very short drive from Kauai Shores Hotel, this is an excellent option for a nearby dinner. As a multi-decade long resident of the island Pam, alongside our other team members suggest the prime rib as a top pick for your evening, highlighting the quality of the meat at this location.
Kauai Shores Hotel’s special mention
How could we write about food on Kauai without a special shout out to our own onsite partner, Lava Lava Club. Located right on premises with a long reputation of delivering the aloha island vibes many come to Kauai for in the first place, though our own Roi at the helpdesk specifically mentions that as a reason for this restaurant being his pick!
Creating Your Own Local Experience
Eating and relaxing is of course a mainstay on Kauai. But don’t sleep on the beauty of the island that expresses itself through slightly more strenuous activities.
How to Explore Like We Do
Our Assistant Hotel Manager, Priscilla, shared her passion for the Sleeping Giant, mentioning 3 different ways to get to the top and a strong suggestion to go on this easier hike early in the morning to get your heart pumping!
For those who prefer a drive, Chevy at the Front Desk, emphasizes the beauty of the scenic drive up Waimea Canyon. This can of course be combined with a hike, but he cautions this one is more for experienced hikers rather than the leisurely Sleeping Giant. This one is a full day outing, so prepare accordingly!
A geological wonder on the Wailua River
Sometimes, it’s not about the majority. When asking about hidden gems, only Jesse from maintenance took it literally and suggested the Fern Grotto on the Wailua River where ferns grow upside down from the ceiling of a natural grotto. It remained hidden from missionaries for centuries and was only rediscovered in the middle of the 20th century. While it’s taken some damage from weather, it remains a sacred place deeply tied to Kauai’s history.
Don’t sleep on the Food trucks
Hidden Gems? Only if you accept them hiding in plain sight! The vast majority of our team members pointed toward food trucks when prompted to share hidden gems. True to the island life, locals have embraced food trucks where excellent local cooks share their homemade meals with the public. Keep an eye out for these and when in doubt, ask any of our team to point you towards their preferred vendor!
Conclusion
Kauai has a richness that might seem obvious, but can also be forgotten when sitting in front of a beautiful sandy beach and enjoying the sunset. Our staff, many born and raised on the island and other multi-decade transplants love where they live and were more than happy to share with our readers what makes this place so special and unique. Any visitor to the island has opportunities to explore and interact with locals in intentional and unexpected ways that make the trip truly worth it.
FAQs
Q: How far in advance should we book dinner reservations at the local restaurants your staff recommends?
A: Most local spots don't take reservations. For breakfast, arrive before 8 AM to beat crowds. The Bull Shed is first-come, first-served, so arrive 30 minutes before sunset for best tables. Upscale restaurants need 2-3 days advance booking during peak season (December-March, June-August). Our front desk can help call ahead for you.
Q: Which beaches are best for beginners versus experienced ocean swimmers?
A: Lydgate Beach is ideal for beginners and families with its protected rock-barrier lagoon and lifeguard. Experienced swimmers should try Poipu Beach's open waters (best before 11 AM when trade winds pick up). Always check with our staff for current conditions.
Q: Do food trucks on Kauai accept credit cards, and where exactly can we find them?
A: About half accept cards, but bring cash to be safe. Find them at Kapaa New Town Park (Thursday-Sunday, 11 AM-7 PM), Safeway Kapaa parking lot for breakfast (from 6 AM), or behind Big Save Lihue for late night tacos (until midnight Friday-Saturday). Ask for "local style" preparation for authentic flavor.
