Kauai Travel Forum

I am going to kauai in the end of may and i want to know what beaches are best for surfing? I am basically going to surf for a couple of weeks so i want to start learning about the different beaches now, so i can plan where to stay according to the best spots. Also, if you know of any local spots to eat or have a drink out fill free to share those tips as well.

Thanks so much,
Leanne

Aloha, Leanne!

Sorry, I'm not a surfer, so I'll leave that advice to the locals from Kauai. If you're looking for a local hangout for a late night something to eat, try Hamura's Saimin in Lihue. It's not easy to find, but they have the best saimin. It's noodles in a hot broth, with various additions, like pork or chicken, green onions, etc.

Another good place to eat is Hanamaulu Cafe, in Hanamaulu, a little area just on the outskirts of Lihue. Their chicken is great.

Don't forget to go cruising up the Waimea Canyon. Very beautiful drive into the mountains, with the colors of the canyon rivaling the Grand Canyon. Watch out for the wild pheasants and quail. If you want to be adventurous, see if you can rent a cabin up in Kokee on the mountain. It's very quiet and remote.

When you're in the water, watch out for sharks, which do exist, although attacks are rare. You might also see green sea turtles ("honu") and giant black manta rays ("hihimanu") with wing spans of 8 feet or more. Quite awesome.

Have a great trip!
Kahiwa

When we were on the island of Kauai we saw the most surfers on a beach close to the Princeville Resort on the north side of the island. When we were there in Feb. the waves were so rough that many of the surfers were trying it and coming back in. We talked to some of the guys and they were really nice.

Aloha. The beach near Princeville for surfing is Hanalei Bay. Waves break on sand bars. Bubba's, the best hamburger in Kauai, is only a block from the Bay. Further east is Keilia Beach sandbar break but there are sharp reefs around. Heading south on the east shore is Wailua Beach near the river, surfing is wind swell driven. South shore has some good summer surfing at Prince Kuhio beach (Centers) near Poipu and just past the Beachhouse Restaurant. Surf's up! Aloha oe.

The Ultimate Kauai Guide book will tell you everything you need to know about Kauai! www.wizpub.com

Don't know why I didn't think of this reply earlier. When you get to Kauai, just ask some of the locals. Cruise the beaches, look for waves, and ask the local surfers for tips. The waves change daily (and hourly), so it's best to just ask about the conditions when you get there. The north shores are roughest in the winter, and the south shores should have decent surf in the summers. Have fun!

If you will be here in the summer, south side, dont even bother staying up north, you will just be driving all day, every day for surf. The poipu area is our South Shore hot spot for surfing, but there are many other great summertime spots up to the east and down towards the west. Kealia, which was mentioned, is A big sand beach break on the east side that has waves almost daily generated by the tradewinds, can be fun, but mostly junky(again, the wind) south shore will be predominantly offshore, and we get south swells throughout the spring and summertime months. We actually surfed Acid drops in poipu yestaerday, nothing great a couple of feet and glassy though. BRING 30 SPF if you are haole, you will need it down there.
eat: grinds cafe in elelee, roys, beach house, keokis in poipu
scottys in kapaa and coconuts and mermaids, Java kai coffee
drink: the shack in kapaa, tahiti nui in hanalei, keokis in poipu.
there is abviouslly much more than this, but this should get you going. Aloha Nui Loa.
http://kauairealestateonline.com