Things to do in Kauai, Hawaii (HI): The Best Historic Sites

April 18, 2022 Mollie Coke

Relaxing and pristine Kauai (the Garden Island) is the least commercially developed of the Hawaiian islands. Waterfalls, scenic drives and more than 60 beaches dot the landscape. Some beaches have great snorkeling, others offer child-friendly tidal pools and some are perfect for all kinds of water sports. Dry-land activities include hiking the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coastline, taking a day trip to Waimea Canyon and experiencing life on a sugar plantation at Grove Farm Homestead Museum.
Restaurants in Kauai

1. Ka Ulu O Laka Heiau

Kee Beach, Kauai, HI
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Ka Ulu O Laka Heiau

2. Lawai International Center

3381 Wawae Rd, Kalaheo, Kauai, HI 96741-9529 +1 808-639-5952 [email protected] http://www.lawaicenter.org
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
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5.0 based on 59 reviews

Lawai International Center

Reviewed By Kmm808

My family has lived within 10 minutes of this place for over a hundred years and never heard about it!! My son found it online and just happened they were doing tours this past Sunday. They offer you tea and cookies, homemade by the "aunties" that volunteer there. Then there is a presentation about 30 minutes long about the culture and history of the place. It is pretty amazing!! It was raining a little, so they passed panchos out to everyone. Did I mention that this is all FREE?? By donation, but they don't ask you to donate. They just have little bowls out. We gave about $20 per person. The hike itself and visiting the pavilion takes about 30 minutes if you don't stop walking. It is built into the side of the hill and zig zags up and down the hill. If you have vertigo, or are afraid of heights, this is probably not good for you to do. Also not good for small children as their are areas with no handrails that is an easy 10 foot + drop. But if you are able to experience it, you will leave feeling at peace and lighter.

3. Kapaia Suspension Bridge

4438 Laukini Rd, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-8407 http://historichawaii.org/2014/02/19/kapaia-swinging-bridge/
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Kapaia Suspension Bridge

4. Pohaku-ho'ohanau and Pohaku Piko

Rte 580 Kuamo'o Rd Wailua, Kauai, HI 96746-1419 http://www.to-hawaii.com/kauai/ancientsites/pohakuhoohanaubirthstone.php
Excellent
50%
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25%
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25%
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

Pohaku-ho'ohanau and Pohaku Piko

5. Ke Kahua O Kaneiolouma

Koloa, Kauai, HI http://www.kaneiolouma.org
Excellent
65%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
13%
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4.5 based on 23 reviews

Ke Kahua O Kaneiolouma

6. Old Kaloa Sugar Mill

Mahaulepu Road, Kauai, HI 96756
Excellent
60%
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30%
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10%
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4.5 based on 10 reviews

Old Kaloa Sugar Mill

Reviewed By bobbG1856AC - Pioneer, United States

My wife and I rented two mopeds while vacationing in Poipu June 2017. While scooting around, we could see the Old Koloa Sugar Mill in the distance from the oldest Catholic Church. SO, we made our way to the abandoned Sugar Mill and found the gate to the backside of the Mill was wide open. There were no warning signs to stay out or "No Trespassing". We locked up our mopeds and left them near the open gate so anyone responsible for the mIll would know we were there. Being completely respectful to the property, the owner, the island, and the historical value of this amazing place, we cautiously wandered the Mill, taking the photos I uploaded. I love ghost towns, and to me, this certainly qualified as one. I'm willing to bet that if the owner/operator of this Mill were to hire a few employees to provide tours, they could charge people to come visit the place. I know I'd pay to go back, especially if there was a history lesson that came with the tour!

7. Kilauea Town

Kauai, HI
Excellent
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4.0 based on 2 reviews

Kilauea Town

A small town with historical churches and plantations.

8. Kilohana Plantation Estate

3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-9505 +1 808-245-5608 http://www.kilohanakauai.com
Excellent
48%
Good
34%
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Poor
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4.0 based on 817 reviews

Kilohana Plantation Estate

Built in the 1930's, Kilohana Plantation is a historic landmark and premier visitor attraction offering visitors and locals a glimpse into Kauai's past combined with assorted island-style activities, dining and shopping. Ride on our Kauai Plantation Railway, winding its way through the plantation's working farms and orchards. Learn about Kauai's history, enjoy the beautiful views and stop to feed the pigs! Take the afternoon to stroll the grounds and explore the 16,000 sq. foot plantation home. Stop in at Koloa Rum Co. for a rum tasting or for a full "Rum & Dining Experience." Visit the various artisan shops located around the grounds and both upstairs and downstairs in the home. Established in 1986, Gaylord's restaurant is a Kauai tradition. Set in the courtyard of the estate, it offers fresh, island-inspired food and beverages for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Make lunch a part of your fun afternoon on the estate or make reservations for a romantic dinner. Memorable by day, unforgettable by night. Or check out Happy Hour in the new Mahiko Lounge. Luau Kalamaku is Kauai's only theatrical luau telling the story of the original Tahitian voyage to the Hawaiian islands. An interactive experience, it offers all the exciting luau features including an imu ceremony, torch lighting, Polynesian knife dance and of course traditional music & hula. Choose one or all of the features that Kilohana Plantation has to offer. Open daily, you'll love the chance to see a piece of Kauai's history while experiencing the best of the island today!

Reviewed By asianguitarguy - South Pole, null

This is a great place to spend part of your day, especially with kids. As one of the larger attractions on the island, there are several fun things to do while on the property. First, I highly recommend the train ride. It's an enjoyable way to explore the property. It's also comfortable, interestingly narrated, and the stop to feed the animals is great fun. Second, this location is excellent for rum aficionados. Free samplings and a large selection are available for purchase. Finally, just wandering the giant house and the surrounding properties is a good time. There's so much to see in one place. We will definitely be returning next time we're on the island.

9. Kamokila Hawaiian Vllage

Hwy 580, Wailua, Kauai, HI 96746 +1 808-823-0559 http://villagekauai.com/index.html
Excellent
46%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.0 based on 249 reviews

Kamokila Hawaiian Vllage

Reviewed By c3pon - Hampton, United States

I actually found out about this rental spot from a reviewer on Tripadvisor, and he was spot on...RENT HERE!!! Best price, friendly local staff, SHORT (5 minute) kayak up to the trail to Secret Falls, then they show you where to kayak to get to a swimming hole with a ledge you can jump off! Also stop by Fern Grotto on they Kayak back. BEST DAY I had on the island was renting from here :)

10. Historic Kong Lung Market Center

2484 Keneke St, Kilauea, Kauai, HI 96754-5373 +1 808-828-0504 [email protected] http://konglungkauai.com/
Excellent
32%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
11%
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4.0 based on 56 reviews

Historic Kong Lung Market Center

The Landmark Before The Lighthouse Come experience the heart of Kilauea's community and history at the Kong Lung Historic Market Center. Here, the town’s plantation era merges with chic, contemporary boutiques, a bakery and coffee shop, jewelry stores, restaurants and market, and the Center's award winning Historic Photo Retrospective.

Reviewed By Y5034DYlindab

This place has a Bistro and a Bakery plus shops full of well made clothes, pottery, art and artisan items. This is a while away place. stroll, sit for tea or snack or even a meal. A feast for your eyes and taste buds. Friendly residents, visitors and shopkeepers.

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