If you’re looking for new ways to explore the magic of Kauai, beyond relaxing on golden sandy beaches, swimming in crystal clear waters and simply taking in the tropical paradise that is the “Garden Isle,” you’ve come to the right place. For those seeking something off the beaten path, here are a few special experiences you’ll find near the sunny southside of beautiful Kauai island.
We’ve chosen to highlight Airbnb-sponsored classes, tours and adventures because they’re hosted by local experts and enthusiasts who are passionate about the island. They usually facilitate these experiences in small groups, helping you connect with the local culture, explore hidden gems and learn new skills in a more intimate, personalized way.
Here, we’ll delve into a variety of experiences – an exhilarating cultural adventure, a vibrant-color art class, meditative beachside yoga, surfing with aloha and a wild sea cliff hike. Read on to discover how these special activities can add an additional dose of magic to your Kauai trip!
Airbnb Experiences in Lihue
Polynesian Drum and Fire Dancing Class
• A two-hour experience
• Currently $44 per person
• Meet up at Kauai Inn in Lihue/Nawiliwili
Ready for a top-rated adventure and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn Polynesian drumming? Meet up at the Kauai Inn in Nawiliwili where your experienced instructor, Phil, will be guiding you and your companions on a magical rhythmic journey, with the promise of fire. No previous experience necessary!
Phil first explains the instruments and then starts with simple beats. In the online description, he makes it clear there’s no need to worry, even if you’ve never touched a drum before now. This teacher shares cultural knowledge regarding the role that drums play in the community and how they were used in ancient Hawaii.
According to the online reviews, Phil’s also a great storyteller who is patient, attentive, and engaging. He makes the practice accessible and fun. After an hour of drumming, it’s time to introduce fire dancing! The group practices wielding the tools without fire and then those who feel ready can try them ablaze. Phil is happy to help and creates a safe atmosphere. Men and boys will be working with the Samoan fire knife, while women and girls work with the Maori poi balls.
Most who participate say it’s an extraordinary experience and a unique way to immerse yourself in the culture! “A fabulous experience with learning not just about drumming and fire dancing, but also. . . how everything aligns through nature and the cultural practices,” says one reviewer. Other commenters describe the class as “exhilarating” and say it helps build confidence and community.
Phil describes himself as “a drummer, drum-maker and drum-teacher,” who has more than 10 years of experience. Working with both adults and children, he has a lot of experience with traditional beats and teaches fire dancing, too.
Reserve It Here
From Battlefield to the Stage. . . a Brief History
Can you imagine being able to dive in depths up to 1500 feet, or holding your breath for four to five hours while you sleep?
These amazing marine creatures are adaptable and resilient. When not migrating or nesting, they spend most of their time foraging in shallow reefs and bays, and basking on sandy beaches on the main Hawaiian Islands.
Somewhere between 900 and 1200AD in the South Pacific islands of Samoa, the fire knife dance came into prominence as a war dance. It was originally an exhibition of strength and battle capabilities done to rhythmic chants or songs. Dancers used a wooden, hand-held sword or club with boar tusks or shark teeth, called a nifo oti. In its modern expression, it’s most often accompanied by drums and other percussive instruments and combines dance acrobatics with twirling “knives” covered with cotton towels set afire. Interestingly, it wasn’t until 1946 when Uluao Letuli, a performer from American Samoa, added the exciting element of fire into the mix.
The Father of the Fire Knife
Long ago in New Zealand, Maori poi balls were originally used as a training tool for battle or hunting. By swinging the weighted balls, men developed wrist strength, coordination, and flexibility. Women also used poi balls to keep their hands flexible for weaving.
More recently, the balls were used as percussive tools by Maori women for imitating natural sounds and movements for the purposes of teaching and storytelling. They may sing or dance while swinging the poi and the balls make a very distinctive sound as they hit a dancer’s wrists, arms and body. The poi (or ball on a string) were originally made of flax leaves and the reeds of the raupo plant. Like the Samoan fire knife dance, it wasn’t until the mid-twentieth century that the poi were dipped into fuel and lighted on fire to add a mesmerizing new dimension to the art form.
Kauai Beach Resort Yoga
- A 60-minute experience
- Currently $30 per person
- Held at the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue
If sunrise yoga on the beach sounds like a great way to start your morning, check out the yoga classes happening at Kauai Beach Resort, located in Lihue near Kauai Beach.
The daily practice is led by Anya at 7 a.m. on the oceanfront lawn of the resort, overlooking the east-facing shore to welcome the day! The class starts with meditation to bring awareness to this calming outdoor experience and then moves into a gentle yoga flow.
One reviewer appreciated the fact that Anya requests input regarding poses or areas of the body that need special attention. Another student commented that it’s a great way to begin your tropical vacation, especially after a long flight.
• This class is suitable for all ages and levels of experience.
• Practice will commence — rain or shine.
• Dress in comfortable clothes and wear sunscreen.
• Bring water, and a yoga mat or beach towel.
• Meet Anya in the resort lobby and get ready to greet the day in paradise!
Anya believes in the healing power of yoga and nature and has been teaching yoga on the beach for more than 12 years. Her goal is to create a magical Kauai experience that will bring you deeper into your practice, relax your body, and expand your mind.
Reserve It Here
Airbnb Experiences in Koloa
Surf, Peace and Aloha
• A 90-minute experience, with photos
• Currently $150 per person
• Surfing on the south shore or east side, depending on conditions
Is catching a wave on your Hawaii wish list? Kauai is one of the best places to surf in the world, with excellent surf breaks and warm, clear water. Come join an experienced sports teacher who can guide you in this quintessential Hawaiian sport!
Your host, Hakan, has been teaching various sports for 20+ years and believes surfing is a great way to spread the aloha vibe. Aloha can mean many things, including respect and reverence for the ocean, the waves, and each other. Reviewers are impressed by this teacher’s warmth and welcoming presence.
Kahalu’u Bay is a common destination but if you’re an advanced surfer, another spot can be chosen. After going over some basic information and safety guidelines, you’ll practice on the shore for a little bit. Afterward, you’ll have about an hour to catch some waves.
Related: The Best Excursions On The Island
Previous students appreciate Hakan’s calm, encouraging attitude and say he’s patient with good communication skills – making him the perfect host for beginners, as well as those with some surfing experience. He’s also a superb athlete and one reviewer commented on how safe she felt in the water with his guidance. Another reviewer states, “He gets you right into the water, which is a big plus for surfing lessons, which can tend to be a lot of time on the beach. And you just can’t get a feel for it until you’re in the water.”
Hakan has a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and has extensive experience teaching tennis, soccer, surf and swimming. A former professional soccer player, he says surfing has been his passion for the last decade and he’s traveled to Bali, Mexico and Portugal to surf. Before moving to Hawaii, he previously hosted surfing experiences in Venice Beach, California.
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Kauai Kaha Ki’i Creations – Alcohol Ink Painting
• A two-hour experience
• Currently $40 per person
• Located in Koloa, near the Waita Reservoir
For those with an artistic nature or those who would simply be open to playing with color, alcohol ink is one of the most vibrant new mediums. These alcohol-based pigments are fast drying and waterproof but can be re-wet with alcohol, allowing the original piece to be manipulated in unique ways.
In each two-hour class, you will join up to three others and can make four 5” x 7” paintings. Your teacher, Halai, will show you a few techniques in the first 20 minutes, allowing you to use those tools in your creations during the rest of the session. For those who would like a more structured painting experience, Halai can show you how to create specific scenes. She provides 50+ colors of inks.
Not only is this a top-rated and well-priced activity, it’s great in terms of flexibility and freedom. Halai offers free cancelations up to 24-hours beforehand and it’s a great activity for anyone 10 years old and older. Feel like dropping off the kids or teens for some painting fun? Going on an intense hike or adventure and need something less strenuous to preoccupy others in your group? Sign right up!
Juices and water are provided, and weather permitting, you’ll be painting al fresco under the shade of a large puakenikeni tree beside a water garden with orchids and anthuriums – sounds like paradise. . . .
Some tips for the class:
• If signing up a child, please select “Adult” as there is no price difference or variance for children.
• Private sessions and events are also available at an additional charge.
• Kama’aina discounts are available with a Hawaii ID — please ask for details.
Reserve It Here
Many excellent reviews point to Halai being a delightful teacher who is patient, welcoming, helpful and encouraging. Most found it to be relaxing and fun. And most everyone feels they made surprising and beautiful artwork – and have cool mementos to bring home!
A reviewer named Justin commented, “I just wanted to share to guests staying in Poipu, you should definitely take a couple hours out of your day and enjoy this wonderful experience!!! My wife and I had the greatest time with Halai, our host, as she’s very kind, thoughtful, jovial and easy-going. She gently instructed us on the basics, and before you know it, beautiful art appears before your very eyes. Never thought I’d take an art lesson while on vacation, but am SO happy we did!! Mahalo Halai for the unforgettable experience!”
In her bio, Halai says she’s been a lifelong lover of visual arts and was inspired by the vibrant colors and landscapes that surrounded her growing up on Kauai. She earned a degree in studio art while also studying business/accounting. Being able to use bright “happy” colors and understanding how they work together is one of her greatest joys. To check out painting samples from her class, visit her on Instagram — ig@kauaikahakii
Walk Wild Sea Cliffs of Remote Coastline
• Three-hour experience
• Currently $475 per group
• Meet up near the Grand Hyatt Poipu in Koloa
This private hiking adventure follows one of the last remaining stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south shore in an area that is extremely rich in natural beauty and cultural history.
Your host notes the skill and activity level required for this adventure is on the lower end of the spectrum, but recommends that you be able to hike up to four miles on uneven terrain. Since this is a private tour, it can be totally customized based on your interests and experience level.
Host Jeremiah and his guides welcome groups of up to eight people, and children ages seven and older. Parents can also bring babies under two years of age. The use of trekking polls, if needed, are included and a thoughtful note says admission is free for people assisting guests with disabilities.
Related: Hiking Trails You Should Know About In Kauai
This gentle, and potentially long, stroll takes you through a small coastal forest, past open fields and along the edge of 40-foot lithified limestone cliffs, jaggedly overhung in thin slivers over the ocean. Hikers can feel the power of the ocean and smell the salt air as crashing waves explode below them. The compacting of air within the cliffs creates a special surprise. At a remote promontory, you’ll see awe-inspiring views in all directions! One reviewer noted the “beautiful views of the ocean, mountains, and a cave gave us great respect for the beauty and power of nature.”
This private tour includes nearby Makauwahi Cave Reserve, Hawaii’s largest limestone cave and richest fossil site. If going inside, be prepared to crawl through a smallish opening that quickly leads to a beautiful clearing with trees. You’ll also have the option to visit with giant land tortoises that are doing their part to help restore native plants. Fifteen percent of tour proceeds are donated to the reserve.
makauwahi cave
According to Makauwahi Cave Reserve, this uniquely preserved archaeological site is a living museum that supports native species conservation. On nearby abandoned farms and quarry lands, native plants and animals have returned in response to innovative restoration techniques. Acres of restored forests, dune vegetation and wetland habitat are home to almost 100 species of native plants, including many that are endangered. Endangered water birds and even an underground ecosystem of blind cave invertebrates are located here, as well.
The fossil-rich sediments of the cave are over 33 feet thick in some areas and have an unusual chemistry that preserves almost everything that fell inside over the past 10,000 years! A wide variety of animal and plant fossils can be found, and microscopic fossils — including pollen, spores, algae and even DNA fragments — number in the billions. Two decades of scientific research has yielded a very integrated picture of the entire prehistoric landscape and its changes over millennia.
What to bring:
• a small pack
• at least 1 liter of water per person
• a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• closed-toed shoes
• lightweight rain jacket or poncho
• camera (optional)
The reviews for this hiking experience are excellent with many noting the jaw-dropping coastal views and their wonderful guides who shared fascinating stories and cultural history along with their deep appreciation and knowledge of the island. Some hikers saw dolphins, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal and, in one video on their Airbnb page, you can see a ray in the water below! Reviewers also feel this is a good value and some got to enjoy freshly harvested coconut water, in addition to local fresh fruit, at their journey’s end.
Jeremiah, the founder of Kauai Hiking Tours, has been enjoying island life for the past ten years, including time spent on the other main Hawaiian Islands. He’s hiked every trail Kauai has to offer including and has been guiding tours in the US and internationally for almost 20 years. For additional information and for a “visual explanation” of some tours, please visit him on Instagram — @kauaihikingtours
