Entertainment

Citified vacationers joke that Kauai is the sort of sleepy little island that closes up entirely after sunset. That was probably true a few years ago, but the growing tourism industry has brought about more than a few changes to the entertainment and dining scene. But Kauai’s strong suit still lies in its traditional Hawaiian entertainment and in its daytime outdoor activities, which are diverse and widespread. Anyone who sticks with diving, golf and surfing in the daytime and luaus at night is likely to be more than satisfied.

Kauai By Day

Ocean Sports/Marine Adventures
The Pacific Ocean, in all its glory, provides all the entertainment that some people need.
Favorite swimming beaches include Anahola Beach Park on the Coconut Coast and the South Shore's Poipu Beach Park. On the West Side the beaches are gorgeous but desolate and often dangerous. On the North Shore, it's also best to be very careful, especially during the winter months, when swells can reach 20 feet. Never swim at Hanakapiai; this beach reports more drownings than any other place on the island.

Plenty of surf schools are located on the shores of Poipu and Kalapaki Beach. Kalapaki Beach Boys, Kauai Surf School and Learn to Surf are just a few of the companies that teach the island’s favorite sport. Not quite as Hawaiian as surfing, but nearly as popular, are body boarding and windsurfing. Anini Beach Park is one of the best spots for windsurfing on the island; it also has a well-reputed surf school.

Snorkel/scuba
The crystalline waters off the shore of Kauai offer great snorkeling and diving. Haena State Park is a popular snorkel spot, as is Ke'e Beach. Lydgate Park has the safest year-round snorkeling conditions. Snorkel Bob's rents out snorkel equipment for the day or the week.

Sailing charters
The coastal waters off Kaua'i are almost as popular of a hang-out spot as the beaches. Kauai Sea Tours, Captain Andy's and a number of other companies offer a variety of day and evening cruises. Holoholo Charters takes passengers to the Forbidden Isle for snorkeling and sunning. Z-Tour-Z combines snorkeling and rafting to create a unique adventure. Advanced divers can visit a variety of different sites with Dive Kauai, North Shore Divers and Seasport Divers.

Golf
Like its neighbor islands, Kauai is a golfer’s paradise, thanks to warm weather, frisky winds and breathtaking scenery. From Princeville to Poipu, the Kauai Lagoons to Kiahuna, the island offers some of the most technically challenging and visually stunning courses in the world.

Museums
Kauai's few museums offer historical and educational exhibits about the island. The easiest one to reach is the Kauai Museum, centrally located in downtown Lihue. The Kauai Heritage Center and Children's Discovery Museum are both located in Kauai Village Shopping Center in Kapa’a.

The rugged West Side of the island is home to two other museums. The new West Kauai Technology & Visitor Center traces the history of the island’s development, from the ancient mariners to the latest high-tech start-ups. The Koke'e Natural History Museum, located 4,000 feet above sea level in Koke'e State Park, offers educational videos, exhibits and short guided nature walks.

Shopping/galleries
Kauai’s luxury retail scene is not anywhere near the caliber of O’ahu or even Maui. It’s best to shop for souvenirs, handmade craft items and local products. Find quality local merchandise at Kauai Products Fair or the county-sponsored Sunshine Markets. Ching Young Village and Hanapepe Town provide a glimpse of the way Kaua'i used to be. Even large shopping centers such as the Coconut Marketplace and the Poipu Shopping Village are filled with local stores selling local wares.

Kauai By Night
When the sun goes down on Kauai, many people are too tired to do much besides eat dinner and go to sleep. But the people that still have energy can find something to do, even if it's just belting out karaoke tunes at a beach bar.

Performing arts venues:
Foremost in Kauai's local performing arts scene is the Kauai International Theatre. A big name indeed—but this 'international' theater only has 52 seats. It presents original and international plays throughout the year, and offers live music concerts on Wednesdays. Groups from the mainland and famous-name Hawaiian musicians often perform at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center. For a taste of Broadway, Pacific-style, the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort presents the dinner show A Nite of Broadway every Thursday.

Luaus:
Garnering the award for Most Authentic Luau is the nightly Kauai Coconut Beach Resort Luau. Gaylord’s at Kilohana Luau gets many peoples’ vote for the most picturesque setting. A few other luaus are presented around the island.

Free live entertainment:
The main lounges at the Hanalei Bay Resort & Suites, Kauai Coconut Beach Resort and Kauai Marriott Resort are great spots to enjoy Happy Hour, complete with live music and refreshing cocktails. Later at night, enjoy music while dining at Whalers Brewpub.

Free live shows are presented daily at the Coconut Marketplace at 5 p.m. The Kukui Grove Center has a show every Friday at 6 p.m., and the Poipu Shopping Village presents a Polynesian revue on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Movies:
Movie theaters are all over the island. There are cinemas at Kukui Grove Center, Coconut Marketplace, Kong Lung Shopping Center and a few other locations.

Bars:
All of the major hotels have a couple of upscale watering holes. Other popular nightspots include Waimea Brewing Company and Zelo's Beachhouse. Rob’s Good Times Grill is open till 2 a.m.—late night by Kauai standards. Karaoke, one of Hawaii's most beloved guilty pleasures, is offered at JR's Plantation Restaurant and Jolly Roger's.

So is that it? Not even close. A few pages can barely begin to describe all that Kauai has to offer. There are kayak trips down the river, hang gliding schools, carriage tours and SNUBA. There is keiki hula. There are day trips to Pearl Harbor.

And that, as they say, is just the beginning.

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