As a Poipu Beach seal, water is my life; rain or shine, I am one happy dude. Still, I recognize that you people enjoy the sunshine, especially if you are on vacation visiting my tropical home of Kauai. So, the question is, how do you make the most of every day of your vacation even when its raining?
I’ve talked about rainy day activities before because the “Garden Island” sees its fair share of rain, especially during the slower season (November – April). Still, you want to be prepared for rainy days any time of year you visit. I suggest using the time away from the beach to check out other aspects of the island that make Kauai wonderful. My friends at Kauai Exclusive suggest checking out Kauai specialty food stores. I couldn’t agree more. For foodies and non-foodies alike, this is a great way to fight the rainy-day-doldrums. Here are a few places to start….
Aunty Lilikoi Passion Fruit Products
Nothing says “island flavor” like passion fruit. At Aunty Lilikoi’s you can take home a taste of the island. Aunty Lilikoi’s create award-winning dressings, mustards, jellies, and syrups – all incorporating passion fruit. They are reasonably priced and incredibly tasty and creative. Stop in to find the perfect gift for a friend or family member or just stock up on the deliciousness yourself!
Location: 9875 Waimea Road, Waimea, Kauai 96796-0454
Open daily 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
866-LILIKOI (866-545-4564)
Kauai Coffee Company
I can just smell it now – coffee made in Kauai, at its finest. Stop in to the Kauai Coffee Company for a warm mug of local coffee to beat the rainy-day-blues. You’ll receive an education on how it is grown, harvested, and brewed as well. They offer free tours of their grounds and facilities so, if the rain lets up, you’ll have the perfect activity right at your finger tips.
Location: 870 Halewili Road, Kalaheo, Kauai 96741
Open: June 1 – August 31 9:00 am – 5:30 pm & September 1 – May 31 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (holiday hours vary, check website for details)
(808) 335-0813
Kauai Kookie Company
To find cookies with a twist, look no further than the Kauai Kookie Company. This place uses recipes that incorporate the island flavors of guava, macadamia nut, and others to create delicious and memorable cookies. A perfect pairing to your Kauai Coffee Company coffee.They also sell specialty items such as Taro (Poi) Sugar Crunchies. Need I say more?
Location: 1-3529 Kaumualii Hwy (Hwy 50), Hanapepe, Kauai, 96716
Open: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday – Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
(808) 335-5003
See! There’s no reason to let rainy days ruin your vacation. Take this as an opportunity to explore parts of the island you would have let slip away.
