Heading to the Garden Isle? You’re in luck! We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the top things to do in Kauai during the summer. Whether you want to spend your days relaxing on the pristine beaches, admiring the natural beauty of the island, indulging in island fare, or experiencing our rich culture, you’ll find all our top recommendations right here. Dive into summer fun in Kauai and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
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Kauai Dining
Kauai is home to a wide variety of delicious restaurants. During the summer months, reservations are a good idea to ensure your ocean view table is secured. Plan ahead, as some of these prime dining destinations can be fully booked 2-3 weeks in advance. Here are a few Kauai restaurants you may want to visit during your visit:
Keoki’s Paradise
Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Keoki’s Paradise is an exceptional choice for delicious cuisine and tropical drinks. Order a signature Mai Tai or Lava Flow for a unique cocktail experience while you dine on delicious BBQ, seafood dishes, and shareable Pupus like coconut shrimp, ahi sashimi, and their famous prime rib bones.
Merriman’s Fish House
Located on an old Hawaiian plantation, the Merriman’s Fish House serves up Hawaiian cuisine in a charmingly elegant setting. This restaurant features a farm-to-table concept, meaning virtually all the ingredients in your meal have been locally and sustainably produced. Try the chateaubriand of Hawaii-raised beef with a side of truffle parmesan fries and pair it with one of their craft cocktails. With a stacked live music calendar, incredible views, and excellent Hawaiian dishes, you’ll love each delicious moment here.
Duke’s Kauai
Named after Duke Kahanamoku, a native Hawaiian, six-time Olympic medalist, and the father of modern-day surfing, Duke’s Kauai is a beachfront restaurant full of island favorites. Enjoy a fine dining atmosphere at the upstairs restaurant, or come fresh from the beach and hang out at the casual Barefoot Bar downstairs. With an extensive menu that covers everything from roasted lobster to filet mignon, there’s something for every palate. Don’t forget to save room for a slice of hula pie!
Beach House Restaurant
The Beach House Restaurant is an oceanfront, fine-dining experience you won’t want to miss! Enjoy Hawaiian flavors fixed up with ingredients sourced from local fishermen, ranchers, and farmers. This gorgeous restaurant is a perfect destination for a romantic evening or dinner with family and friends.
Kauai Farmers Markets
If you want to pick up some local produce and delicious island-fresh ingredients, head to one of the farmer's markets on Kauai! Find a market that offers fresh-grown produce that you can take home to your Kauai vacation rental and include in a recipe of your own. Farmers' markets also feature hand-crafted items and hot food that you can enjoy right at the market!
The Hanalei Farmers Market on the North Shore is open Saturday mornings and features produce, hand-crafted items, and more. Another popular Saturday farmers’ market is the Kauai Community Market. Held at the Kauai Community College, it features fresh produce, delicious hot food, artisan goods, and more. Don’t miss out on this great way to support Kauai’s local economy and try unique island-made goods.
Attend a Luau
Another top thing to do in Kauai during the summer is to attend a Luau. Our recommendation is the Smith’s Garden Luau. A family business for more than four generations, Smith’s Garden Luau upholds the tradition of this Hawaiian celebration. Enjoy a delicious pa‘ina (feast) complete with kalua pig, teriyaki beef, and poi. And, of course, a Luau isn’t complete without music and dancing. You’ll witness the beauty of the Hawaiian hula, Tahitian drum dances, and even a Samoan fire knife dance. Again, these experiences tend to book up fast, so it is best to get a reservation far in advance!
For a luau experience that comes with all the above and more, the Luau Kalamaku at the Kilohana Plantation invites guests to spend the day exploring the grounds and end with a festive celebration. You can take a plantation train tour, visit the Kilohana Rum Distillery tasting room, browse made-in-Kauai items at the on-site market, and even go on a safari ride where you see exotic plants and orchards.
Kauai Beaches & Hikes
Kauai’s summer weather makes getting outside a fun vacation activity, especially with gorgeous areas like Poipu Beach, Waimea Canyon, and other world-famous landmarks.
Enjoy the ocean when you visit any of Kauai’s beaches. Specifically, Hanalei Bay is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, with stunning views of Bali Hai and a two-mile crescent-shaped beach.
The bay is an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and surfing. Stay on the beach to watch the sun go down from this picturesque Kauai beach! Brennecke’s Beach is another popular spot for families looking to spend a day on the beach. Easy-going waves make it a perfect spot for body surfing and even snorkeling!
If you want to explore inland, head to Kōkeʻe State Park or the National Wildlife Refuge. Both locations offer a variety of hikes ranging in difficulty level and provide stunning views along the way. Take in the sweeping Kalalau Valley and keep an eye out for local birds, native plants, and insects that you may be able to spot during your hike.
The Napali Coast is great for folks who want to take their adventures to the skies. You can book a helicopter tour and capture epic photos of rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls, and areas only accessible via air or boat. No matter what kind of summer fun in Kauai you’re looking for, you can make it happen.
Start Planning Your Summer Kauai Vacation
The island of Kauai is one of the most beautiful Hawaiian Islands, and as such, your vacation here will be one to remember. Explore the best of summer in Kauai when you book a stay in a Suite Paradise vacation rental. Find oceanfront vacation rentals, rentals with ocean and garden views, and private homes for your entire group to enjoy a stay together.
And remember, when you book directly with us, you’ll get the best rate on your rental. That’s because, unlike third-party services like Airbnb, we’ll never hike your price with hidden fees. Browse our available Kauai vacation rentals and book your summer getaway today!