Self Drive West
Photo By TED FOLEY
Photo By TED FOLEY
Ask Ms Kauai
dba Ask Ms Kauai LLC
Recommendations for WESTSIDE
BREAKFAST
KALAHEO
Kalaheo Café Breakfast Sandwiches -- Omelets -- Griddles -- Fresh Fruit -- Anahola Granola
Menehune Food Mart Breakfast -- Lunch -- Dinner -- Desserts -- Local Snacks -- Kauai Kookies
**I like to Grab n Go to the Kukuilono Golf Course Parking Lot with a View
HANAPEPE
Midnight Bear Breads Croissants / Breads / Sandwiches / Pizza
Unko's Kitchen Local Style Food -- Mom n Pop Stop
WAIMEA TOWN
Gina's at Yumi's Breakfast Platters, Homemade Burgers, Specialty Sandwiches, Sweets & Treats
RECOMMENDATION
Stop By & Stock Up in Waimea Town before the Trip up to the Canyon
Cooler, Ice, F&B and most important . . Water! Water! Water!
Big Save
Bakery, Hot Food Deli, Sandwich Deli, Beverages, Groceries
WAIMEA CANYON / KOKE’E STATE PARK
One of (3) Major Island Features of Kaua’i, and the Highlight of the West Side.
HEAD WEST ON HWY 50 to HWY 550
From Lihue to Hwy 550 (1.0) Hour
From Poipu to Hwy 550 (35-40) Minutes
From Kapaa to Hwy 550 (1.5) Hours
From Princeville to Hwy 550 (2.0) Hours
Base of Hwy 550 to Kalalau Lookout (18) Miles
Best time for Photo Ops is earlier in the day, before the clouds roll in (11a – 2p) …it socks-in the area then you can’t see anything… and it gets dangerous to drive the curvy road.
There are several picnic areas with pavilions, and lots of hiking trails… please do not go on a spontaneous hike;
If You want to go hiking in the canyon area, Please PLAN Ahead !!
HIKING MAPS are available at Koke’e Lodge.
RESTROOMS available at the Main Scenic Lookouts and @ Koke’e Lodge
WARNING: NO RECEPTION for Electronic Devices.
Recommendation Drive UP Hwy. 550 – Stop at the Lookout Points on the way Up
Drive DOWN Hwy. 552 – the view of Niihau is better.
As of 4/19/21 – FEES: Admission - $5 pp / Parking - $10 Regular / $25 Commercial
VISIT Waimea Canyon State Park
POLIHALE BEACH
Once you come down Hwy. 552, you can head further Westward toward PMRF (Pacific Missile Range Facility) Military Base, where highly guarded missiles lay in wait on the beach.
**Base Access with U.S. Military I.D. Only
Polihale Beach – located further past PMRF; if you’re not going to hang out for a while, I wouldn’t recommend going… but if you DO Go, the highway ends, and the 5-miles of bumpy road to Polihale Beach begins. Be prepared with lots of water, protein snacks, sunscreen.
No Lifeguard / No Conveniences nearby / Rough Waters / Strong Currents
The facilities are not well maintained either; popular with locals:
Camping / Fishing / Surfing / 4WDing – if you’re not experienced, ASK !! Don’t Get Stuck !
On the Way Back from Polihale Beach, Checkout these Points of Interest:
Russian Fort Yup; Russians made their mark on this island
RESTROOMS Available
Hanapepe Salt Pond This is where the Ancient Hawaiian Salt Ponds are located
It’s a beach park with fishing / snorkeling / camping
RESTROOMS Available
Hanapepe Town Quaint little town; with old school style Mom-n-Pop shops;
Friday Night Art Walk–Shops stay open; Local Food Booths
Kauai Coffee Plantation A great little Pit Stop for Avid Coffee Lovers; SEE Kauai Coffee Tours
Roasting/Tasting Room, Eatery
RESTROOMS Available
Kukuiolono Golf Course One of my personal favorites; a “Hidden Gem” in Kalaheo with a 9-Hole Executive Style Golf Course, Cultural Gardens, Walking Paths and Spectacular Panoramic Ocean Views stretching all the way across the channel to the island of Niihau.
Bring a Picnic or Hangout at Pacos Tacos Mexican Restaurant
Open 7a – 6p
RESTROOMS Available
Ask Ms Kauai
dba Ask Ms Kauai LLC