10 Things to Do in Kauai at Night

Kauai is an island with the best nighttime entertainment, as it is a destination suitable for young people, children, seniors, family groups, couples or solo travelers. After sunset, you'll still find plenty of things to do, including traditional shows for all ages. If you're looking for a more mature atmosphere, you might want to go out for drinks and explore the nightclubs in town.

You can also dine under the stars, while cruising the waters of the Wailua River, or venture out on a culinary tour of the best restaurants. Note that in summer there are night festivals, which add a touch of color to the island. If you prefer quiet plans, you can sign up for craft workshops or an outdoor spa night. Here are 10 activities and places you can't miss if you want to visit Kauai at night.

Hawaiian parties are ideal for free souls, as they offer a lively atmosphere with traditional dances and music of the island. On Kauai, people know how to have a great time, especially during the Luau Kalamaku shows. This is a cultural show that will take you back in time to the past of the Polynesian people. It usually features hula performances, knife dances and delicious dishes ideal for dining.

You'll only have to worry about enjoying yourself, as the best Luau shows in Kauai have all the amenities you need to have a great time. They are an authentic and unforgettable experience, with options starting at €152. Relax with tropical drinks and local beer, while the show inserts itself into Tahitian rhythms and energetic Carioca traditions. Occasionally, a photo session is offered to immortalize the memory and a traditional fair with pieces from island artisans.

Kauai's sunset is beautiful, as the sky is bathed in majestic colors that tuck the island's hills. If you plan to spend the evening exploring its entertainment offerings, I suggest you start by enjoying the sunset aboard a cruise ship. This way, you can explore the Wailua River to get a glimpse of the local lifestyle. It's a peaceful and relaxing experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the resort.

I recommend planning your vacation in advance, as these types of experiences sell out quickly. Some of Kauai' s best Luau shows usually take place aboard a catamaran, so you get two experiences for the price of one. As the last rays of sunshine bid farewell to the island, the evening will take you through Hawaiian music and Carioca rhythms. Afterwards, you can enjoy a dinner under the stars with traditional dishes and farm food.

Hawaiian food is quite an experience, in fact the island is full of gastronomic options and at any time you can stop for a bite to eat. However, dinner is the most special time, where I recommend you choose carefully which place to try. There is variety and you will find street stalls, restaurants and beachfront chiringuitos with menus, prices and locations to choose from. Food tourism connects you to the roots of Kauai, and is certainly one of the best things to do on the island.

Some of the best places to dine on Kauai include:

• Kauai Grill at the St. Regis: this is a luxurious restaurant open from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, here you can take advantage of tasting Kona lobster, a type of crab dipped in sauce.
• Oasis on the Beach: it is located in one of the best beaches of Kauai, right in front of the sea. You can reserve a table online to ensure the experience. It is also an ideal place to eat under the stars or enjoy a beautiful sunset.
• Hanalei Taro & Juice Co: is a street food stand, located on the north shore. It has belonged to the same family for at least six generations, so you can taste traditional dishes and learn about the history of Kauai.

Kauai is a very active and multifaceted island, with a variety of nighttime plans that you can't miss. Among them are the annual festivals that offer parties and other activities until dawn. The most prominent ones take place in February and July and are worthwhile if you're looking for nighttime events.

Celebrate Hawaiian Culture at Koloa Plantation Days

Ohana is a very important word in Hawaiian culture, as it means family. The Koloa Plantation Days Festival celebrates the coming together of communities as one big family with commemorative parades, traditional dances and other activities that extend into the evening. It is usually held in July with a varied cultural itinerary.

The festival has been celebrated since 1835, although at first it was only a small festival with Luau performances. Today it offers outdoor barbecues, fishing activities, golf tournaments, tours of the ancient city of Koloa, family marathons and a craft fair. Every night there is usually a fire dance show in the plantations, and there are also organized children's areas, ideal if you are looking for things to do in Kauai with children.

Dare to live the Waimea Town Festival experience

In February you can witness the entertaining activities of the Waimea Town Festival, which was first held in 1977. In fact, it's the oldest festival on the island, which usually lasts for eight consecutive days of festivities. Events start early with 2k, 5k and 10k marathons. If you have a hearty appetite, you can sign up for eating contests that challenge you to eat as fast as you can.

There is usually a big street party that includes live entertainment, outdoor beer garden, island food and traditional dancing. The activities usually go on until dawn, so it's a great way to make the most of your Kauai vacation. Opening night is usually very special, offering themed events, cocktail rounds, costume contests and food tastings.

Kauai is home to many establishments to go out for drinks while enjoying the island's nightlife style. The bars and nightclubs offer a lively atmosphere, with late-night music and cocktail competitions. The parties are raucous and allow you to sample craft beers, accompanied by traditional snacks.

Keep in mind that to party in Kauai, you don't need to be in formal attire, unless you're going to a fancy place. Generally, most people walk around the island in sandals, shorts and loose-fitting shirts. Some of the best options for getting from one nightspot to another include:

• Duke's Barefoot Bar: is an open-air restaurant near the beach. It offers lively nights with contemporary Hawaiian music.
• Nawiliwili Tavern: a tavern open until 1:00 where you can play pool, do karaoke and enjoy the nightlife.

The West Kauai Technology Center is another place where you can explore Hawaiian culture, through a nightly Lei making workshop. It is usually open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, however private experiences for small groups are usually offered every Friday. It is advisable to visit in person to inquire about availability and schedules, in general there are other attractions such as historical exhibits and tours of the cemetery in the area.

Learning to make these crafts is a de-stressing activity, ideal if you are looking for quieter evening plans. In addition, there are other similar experiences on the island, which teach you how to dance Hulu and how to use Hawaiian skirts correctly. Remember to keep a respectful attitude, as the locals are very wary of their ancestral traditions.

Forty minutes from Kauai is Hanapepe Art Night, a famous gallery that offers art nights. Here you can take an artistic and historical tour of the island, which takes place on Friday nights between 18:00 and 21:00 hrs. During these hours numerous galleries remain open, with traditional shows and excursions through the streets of Hanapepe.

Note that the famous art nights are not exclusively craft shows, they also offer light shows, weaving exhibits, designer clothing, food tastings and an exploration of the nearby villages. It is done under the light of the stars, which makes the experience even more special. This activity is offered at the Kapaa Old Town Art Walk on the first Saturday of each month, as well as in the heart of Kilauea on the last Saturday of the month.

Kauai is the perfect destination for camping, in fact it is one of the most recommended in the Hawaiian archipelago. If you are looking for cheap lodging, this option is ideal and offers a magical and unrepeatable experience. There are more remote and expensive options starting at 15 euros, located among the best local beaches and hiking areas. Some options include Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, Polihale State Park, Kokee State Park.

There are seven parks and reserves in the county, where you can spend the night without inconvenience. Most of them offer prices per night from 2 euros per person. I suggest you consider:

• Anini Beach Park: near the area you can snorkel, as well as appreciate beautiful sunrises.
• Anahola Beach Park: it is the best reserve to camp like a real Hawaiian, away from the hustle and bustle of the most touristic places.
• Lydgate Park: it is ideal to enjoy a day at the beach and then relax at night in the park's campground.

On Hawaii's fourth largest island, you'll find relaxing experiences for a different kind of night. Before you go to bed, enjoy a pampering massage to renew your energy and rejuvenate your body. There are a variety of resorts that offer the service, with Hawaiian treatments and healing experiences. Among the best spas on Kauai are:

• Anara Spa: is a comfortable environment, where massages take place outdoors. You can sign up for pilates classes, relaxing baths, hot tubs and outdoor lava rock showers.
• Bamford Wellness Spa: an oceanfront spa with sunset rituals and Hawaiian massage techniques.
• Nanea Spa: massages are performed with products from an organic farm, with treatments inspired by the healing rituals of the early settlers.

Lei Day is an annual Hawaiian celebration that has been held since the 1920s, usually taking place every May 1. Lei is a type of traditional craft that varies from island to island. Generally on Kauai, visitors are greeted with a warm greeting and offered a necklace of feathers, leaves, orchids or kukui nut. At night, the Garden Isle is filled with fun activities that honor this beautiful tradition.

You can enjoy barbecues, stargazing and oceanfront singing. The origin of these necklaces dates back to the Polynesians of Tahiti, which were used to define a person's status or to seal peace between communities. They are usually given as gifts for birthdays, welcomes, graduations, marriages and funerals.

• Prepare your evening according to the weather and the area of the island where you are. In the mountains it is usually colder, while near the beach and certain canyons, there is more humidity and pleasant temperatures.
• If you plan to camp, book in advance to get the best prices and sites with incredible panoramic views.
• Don't stay in the same area every night, especially if you plan to stay at least 7 days on Kauai. This way, you will be able to take advantage of more night activities and get to know the local traditions in depth.
• In case you decide to rent a car, don't forget to close the windows every time you park. In Kauai there can be fast, sudden and heavy rainfalls.
• Apply your sunscreen every two hours to protect yourself from the sun, especially during peak exposure hours.
• Avoid beaches with caution signs, especially if you are traveling with children. They usually have strong waves that can be dangerous if you go far from the shore. Also, choose bays that have lifeguards available.

Kauaia is too big an island, so it pays to rent a car, especially if you want to go out at night. Some hotels offer private transfers, or reliable cab lines. Public transportation is not as comprehensive, as it doesn't cover certain areas, so I wouldn't recommend it as much. For example, from west to east there are few lines available.

While walking around the island, be sure to follow pedestrian safety rules to avoid accidents. In general, the city is safe and you can travel alone without inconvenience. However, I suggest you keep your precautions in the hotel safe deposit box.