Līhuʻe is visited by every single visitor who arrives on Kauaʻi since the main airport is located there. Among the numerous things to do in Līhuʻe, exploring the local attractions stands out as a delightful experience. Still, it is underappreciated as a location, behind well-known areas like Hanalei or Poʻipū. Many arrive at the Līhuʻe airport, rent a car, and then travel to another area of the island without ever looking around. We firmly believe that this is a mistake!
Līhuʻe, the capital of Kauaʻi, is a good and centrally located base for touring; some of the most reasonably priced hotels on the island, a wide range of local eateries, and plenty of surrounding events make this home base appealing. Our favorite activities in and around Līhuʻe are listed here. See our guide to things to do in Līhuʻe.
Golf
The Puakea Golf Course and the Ocean Course at Hokuala are two of the best things to do in Lhuae. The Wailua Municipal Golf Course is immediately north, technically in Wailua/Kapaʻa but just five miles from Līhuʻe.
Why go: Thanks to the mix of sunny days, seaside breezes, mountain and water views, green terrain, and a laid-back attitude, playing golf on Hawaiʻi is unlike anywhere else. This makes golfing one of the top things to do in Līhuʻe.
Visit the Hulia National Wildlife Refuge and engage in river kayaking.
Just minutes from downtown Līhuʻe, the national wildlife refuge along the Hulēʻia River provides visitors with access to witness a legitimate jungle ecology. Though closed to the public, the Hul’ia National Wildlife Refuge can be seen from an overlook maintained by the State of Hawaii at the old Menehune Fish Pond. Several outfitters provide kayak trips of the Hulēʻia River, and some—like Outfitters Kauaʻi—give the opportunity to get out, stroll about, and see waterfalls.
Why go: The vicinity of the Hulēʻia wildlife sanctuary emphasizes the well-rounded character of Līhuʻe and accentuates all the natural wonders—the river, the jungle, the waterfalls, the wildlife—still existing in and around Līhuʻe.
Kalapaki Beach
Kalapaki is the main beach in Lhu’e; you can walk there from several of the hotels. It is also a center for watersports, with surf shops offering board, kayak, and snorkel rentals. Those wishing to spend their days at the beach and lead the “resort life” should take into account lodging at one of the hotels nearby.
Why Go: Kalapaki has a little bit of everything, and you won’t have to travel far to get it. Because of its walkability, generally quiet waves, laid-back atmosphere, and stores and restaurants within the surrounding hotels, this is a fantastic beach for families. For those lodging at Līhuʻe, the beach day is simple yet lovely. Enjoying Kalapaki Beach is one of the must-do things to do in Līhuʻe.
Kauaʻi Bakery
The variety of cuisine Līhuʻe offers outside of the hotels run by the local people is one of its main features. Small, mom-and-pop businesses like the Kauaʻi Bakery abound around town, offering regional delicacies.
Why Go: The malasada is a Portuguese donut among the most well-known Hawaiian delicacies. You cannot leave Hawaiʻi without trying one; hence, visiting Kauaʻi Bakery one morning is absolutely essential. This is a delectable and unique experience in Lhu.
Kauaʻi Beer Company
Searching for a local bar? Nestled in the center of Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi Beer Company has grown to be both a gathering spot for locals and tourists. Its dining menu consists of beef burgers and vegetarian cuisine; its beers are small-batch and always revolving.
Why Go: Hawaiian artisan beer on a sweltering day—need we say more? Visiting Kauaʻi Beer Company is definitely one of the refreshing things to do in Līhuʻe. Students from Kauai Community College’s Digital Media Arts department have created a 2.5-minute movie about the Kauai Beer Company.
Kauaʻi Museum
We understand that Hawaii offers a variety of attractions that may distract you from visiting a museum. We believe that this is quite reasonable. If you want a little viewpoint on the island, though, we advise visiting the Kauaʻi Museum in downtown Līhuʻe to meet the royal families who formerly governed Kauaʻi and delve further into some of the island’s natural history.
Why Go: Though Kauaʻi was the first place Captain Cook landed in Hawaiʻi, his life-taking period on the Big Island is what people most remember. Kauaʻi was the lone island King Kamehameha neglected in his attempt to “unite” the others. Do you know how the inhabitants of ancient Hawaii survived and prospered? For visitors who drop by for an hour or two, Kauaʻi Museum boasts a wealth of history (including relics). Visiting the museum is one of the enriching things to do in Líhuʻe.
Kilohana Plantation
Originally a sugar cane plantation, the Kilohana Plantation today boasts a range of attractions and experiences, including many restaurants, the Lūʻau Kalamaku, and events stressing both the history and present use of sugarcane in the islands. Sugar cane farming has long been a part of Hawaii, dating back to the middle of the 1800s. Hawaii still farms sugar cane for local consumption, but not on a sizable commercial basis.
Why Go: Children will adore the Kilohana Plantation Train journey over the estate, learning about life on a sugar cane plantation and providing an opportunity to visit the family orchard and animal farm. Adults could want to visit Kōloa Rum, which uses sugar cane creatively and provides free sampling on the hour, every hour. Experiencing the plantation is one of the historical things to do in Līhuʻe.
Kīpu Ranch ATV Tours
A 3,000-acre privately owned cattle ranch in Līhuʻe, Kīpu Ranch welcomes visitors on site by ATV trips. The trips focus on discovering the ranch’s ecosystems, which include waterfalls, picturesque vistas, and ranch history and culture.
Why go: Kīpu Ranch is the place to experience the paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy, way of life if you’re seeking somewhere in Līhuʻe to escape it all and enjoy an adventure. This adventurous activity is one of the exciting things to do in Līhuʻe.
Lūʻaus
Līhuʻe features two lūʻaus: the Lūʻau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation and the Hawaiʻi Alive Lūʻau in the Kauaʻi Marriot Resort.
Why Go: Laus is a fun and family-friendly evening activity. Though the presentations aren’t usually Hawaiian, they offer an opportunity to experience certain gastronomic staples like kalua pig and poi, as well as learn many parts of Polynesian culture. Many shows feature an open bar, which accentuates the evening. Attending a lūʻau is one of the cultural things to do in Lūhuʻe.
Saimin
Saimin, a popular noodle dish, is plentiful in many of Lhu’s eateries. Despite its supposed savory and chewy texture, the saimin noodle bears a resemblance to ramen. People typically present it as a transparent broth-flavored soup. Originally from the plantation days in Hawaii, saimin is today’s preferred noodle soup, combining Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese cultures. Try some at Hamura Saimin, Kako’s Saimin, or Garden Island Barbecue.
Why Go: Although saimin is available on every Hawaiian island, Kauaʻi has a great concentration of choices, especially in Līhuʻe, so it seems even more popular there. If you ever visit O’ahu, don’t miss the Sun Noodle Factory, where they make saimin noodles nearby. Tasting saimin is one of the culinary things to do in Līhuʻe.
