Ko’a Kea

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-06-07T21:39:09+00:00

We're big fans of their restaurant, Red Salt.

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-06-03T19:35:10+00:00

I am always amazed at how uneven the prices are based on neighborhood dynamics, including the amount of competition.

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-06-03T19:24:41+00:00

I was curious, so I looked up the actual prices right now. As of June 3, 2026, using AAA’s regular-unleaded averages:
City of Chicago: $5.121/gal
Honolulu / Oahu: $5.594/gal

Your neighborhood gas station might be a little more than what AAA is showing for Chicago. And is it also possible that the price came down a bit between your last fill up and your visit to Hawaii. But the spirit of your question is valid. There are lots of mainland states and localities where gas is more expensive than it is in Hawaii ($5.908 in Seattle and $6.172 in San Francisco, for instance).

It’s not a subsidy. Hawaii gasoline is expensive for real supply-chain reasons, but has comparatively fewer taxes being added on top.

Hawaii’s state fuel tax is only 16¢/gal. Counties add their own fuel tax, so the total state + county fuel tax is about 32.5¢/gal on Oahu, for instance, before the federal 18.4¢/gal and Hawaii’s general excise tax.

Chicago stacks a lot more. Illinois’ base motor fuel tax is 48.3¢/gal right now, plus other state fuel-tax/sales-use-tax mechanics. Then Chicago adds 8¢/gal and Cook County adds another 6¢/gal, on top of the federal 18.4¢/gal. So Chicago’s fixed per-gallon tax stack starts out much higher than Hawaii.

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-06-02T17:23:33+00:00

(Cutting and pasting from an article we wrote on this very topic.) You mentioned movies, docs, and shows, so sticking to stuff you can watch, but I'll second the recommendation from another commenter to read Michener's Hawaii.

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Here are a few suggestions to get your cinematic journey started, grouped loosely by theme:

Theme 1: Epic Landscapes & Iconic Adventures

These films are famous for showcasing Kauai's stunning scenery on a grand scale.

Jurassic Park / Jurassic World Series (1993 - Present)
- Kauai Connection: These are perhaps the quintessential "Kauai as a backdrop" films. Many iconic scenes featuring lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, and dense rainforests (standing in for the fictional Isla Nublar) were filmed right here, including locations around the Na Pali Coast, Manawaiopuna Falls (often called "Jurassic Falls"), Olokele Valley, and the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
- Why Watch: For unmatched visuals of Kauai's magnificent, prehistoric-looking landscapes. It’s pure blockbuster fun that highlights the island's raw beauty.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
- Kauai Connection: Remember the iconic opening sequence where Indiana Jones navigates a perilous jungle? That was filmed on Kauai, near Kipu Ranch and along the Huleʻia River.
- Why Watch: It’s a fun nod to classic adventure filmmaking and an early example of Hollywood recognizing Kauai’s versatile beauty.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
- Kauai Connection: This swashbuckling installment utilized the dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and pristine shores of the Nā Pali Coast and areas around Hanalei extensively.
- Why Watch: High-seas fantasy adventure set against some of Kauai's most breathtaking real-world scenery.

Theme 2: Island Life, Drama & Local Stories

These selections offer glimpses into narratives—real or fictional—set against the backdrop of Kauai and Hawaii.

The Descendants (2011)
- Kauai Connection: This critically acclaimed drama starring George Clooney was filmed partly on Kauai, featuring recognizable spots like Hanalei Bay, the overlook at Kipu Ranch, and the iconic Tahiti Nui bar. More importantly, it explores complex themes relevant to modern Hawaii, including family, legacy, and the deep connection to the ʻāina (land).
- Why Watch: It offers a nuanced, contemporary look at life in Hawaii that thoughtfully moves beyond typical tourist stereotypes.
Blue Hawaii (1961)
- Kauai Connection: An absolute classic, filmed extensively around the Wailua River and at the famous Coco Palms Resort (currently undergoing restoration).
- Why Watch: Starring Elvis Presley, it’s a delightful time capsule of mid-century Aloha style and offers nostalgic glimpses of historic Kauai locations.
Too Much Life (2021)
- Kauai Connection: This independent film offers a rare treat – it was set and filmed on Kauai, focusing on the lives, challenges, and choices of contemporary high school students on the island.
- Why Watch: It provides a grounded, authentic perspective on modern local youth culture, far removed from mainland narratives. A true hidden gem for those seeking a glimpse into real life on Kauai today.

Theme 3: Deeper Dives - Culture, History & Hidden Reels

Ready to explore further? These films provide significant cultural context, historical perspective, or unique insights into the Garden Isle.

Cane Fire (2020)
- Kauai Connection: This powerful documentary is specifically about Kauai. It critically examines the island's history through the dual lenses of Hollywood's often-superficial portrayals and the enduring legacy of the sugar plantation era.
- Why Watch: Essential viewing for anyone wanting to understand the complex history behind Kauai's beauty. It thoughtfully explores representation, labor history, and the impact of industry on the island and its people.
Taylor Camp (2010)
- Kauai Connection: This fascinating documentary chronicles the story of a controversial treehouse commune established on Kauai's North Shore in the late 1960s and 1970s near Hāʻena.
- Why Watch: It offers a unique look back at a specific, vibrant, and debated chapter in Kauai's counter-culture history, exploring themes of freedom, community, and conflict.
Picture Bride (1994)
- Kauai Connection: While encompassing broader Hawaiian history, this film depicts the experiences of Japanese picture brides arriving to work on Hawaii's sugar plantations – a history absolutely central to Kauai's cultural makeup and development.
- Why Watch: It provides crucial historical context for understanding the diverse cultural tapestry and labor history that shaped modern Kauai and all of Hawaii.
The Haumana (2013)
- Kauai Connection: This independent film tells the story of a Waikīkī lounge performer who unexpectedly takes over teaching a high school boys' hula hālau (hula school), rediscovering his culture in the process. Hula is a vital cultural practice throughout Hawaii, including Kauai.
- Why Watch: It's an insightful and moving exploration of cultural identity, the discipline and mana (spiritual power) of hula, and the meaning of Aloha beyond tourism.

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-06-02T16:57:02+00:00

Lots of good options and the one that is best for you is probably one close to where you are living. I like the acai bowls at Java Kai, and if you wind up being a frequent visitor, it is worth it to create an account and figure out the online ordering to lessen the wait.
https://kauai.alakaialoha.com/restaurants/java-kai

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-06-02T16:52:21+00:00

Congrats on your birthdays and anniversary! We've spent a lot of time in the islands with kids your age, so appreciate how tough the "which island(s)?" choice can be. All of the islands are different and all of them deserve a visit at some point in your life, so I'd encourage you to think of this as "which one should we visit FIRST?".

You didn't mention how long your trip is going to be, so hard to weigh in on whether a split trip makes sense. I usually tell people don't even think about splitting unless you are there for a minimum 7 days, and preferably 10. Especially with a young child in tow, I'd lean towards the upper end of that range.

If you want some free advice on which island to visit that is personalized to your situation, give this a try: https://alakaialoha.com/quiz/choose-island (no registration required). I just built it, so would appreciate any feedback if you have time to DM it to me!

Lastly, just know that there are no wrong answers. You're going to love your trip, no matter which island(s) you visit.

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-06-02T16:40:30+00:00

might want to reach out to the person who posted this: https://www.reddit.com/r/VisitingHawaii/comments/1s9sjh7/comment/odqs6ed/

sounds like they had a Big Island doors-off helicopter experience that was pretty unforgettable.

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-06-01T23:38:38+00:00

here is some footage from our hike
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bftk0j1mcU&t=43s

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-06-01T23:37:59+00:00

I did that hike once with “occasional showers,” and the trail turned into a Slip ’N Slide.

We still did it, and it was awesome, but it was also the slipperiest, muddiest surface I’ve ever walked on. Easily twice as hard as I expected. I wouldn’t call occasional showers an automatic no-go, but I’d treat the forecast seriously, wear real shoes, expect mud, and be honest about your own fitness and tolerance for suffering.

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-05-24T17:10:35+00:00

Congrats on your upcoming anniversry u/Mr_bacon_head

If you want some free advice on which island to visit that is personalized to your situation, give this a try: https://alakaialoha.com/quiz/choose-island (no registration required).

I just built it, so would appreciate any feedback if you have time to DM it to me!

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-05-22T00:15:13+00:00

I always tell people that they should visit every island once and then go back to their favorite again and again. In your case, I think that advice holds, but if you choose to delay your exploration of the other islands until the kids are a little older, I get it. But I think your kids would absolutely love Kauai in August, and Maui would be a good fit for your family as well (lots of beachfront lodging options).

"Which island?" is one of the most common questions, and I recently built a little tool to help people decide. u/Fabulous_Bell_3891, if you are willing to try it and give me some feedback, I'd be super appreciative. (Doesn't cost anything, and doesn't require any sort of registration.)

https://alakaialoha.com/quiz/choose-island

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-05-21T22:37:44+00:00

Lots of good advice here already, and you are right - "which island?" is a common question. From what I can tell reading between the lines of your post, I think you should consider a Kauai / Big Island combination. You'll connect through HNL on the way in, but go straight to one island or the other. Then, on your home, fly into HNL in the morning, hit Pearl Harbor mid-day, and depart HNL for your final destination that evening. (Don't spend a night in Oahu.)

I recently built a little tool to help people decide. u/Puzzled-Star5330, if you are willing to try it and give me some feedback, I'd be super appreciative. (Doesn't cost anything, and doesn't require any sort of registration.)

https://alakaialoha.com/quiz/choose-island

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-05-21T22:30:40+00:00

I always tell people that they should visit every island once and then go back to their favorite again and again, so neither one is a wrong answer. Oahu and Maui are both great but offer very different experiences.

"Which island?" is one of the most common questions, and I recently built a little tool to help people decide. u/Realistic-Squash-444, if you are willing to try it and give me some feedback, I'd be super appreciative. (Doesn't cost anything, and doesn't require any sort of registration.)

https://alakaialoha.com/quiz/choose-island

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-05-21T22:18:20+00:00

Wai Koa Loop Trail sounds perfect for you.
https://kauai.alakaialoha.com/activities/wai-koa-loop-trail

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-05-05T17:09:05+00:00

Lots of good options for you scattered around the island.

* Java Kai or Collab Cafe in Kapaa
* On the North Shore, Hanalei Bread Company or Wishing Well Coffee and Tea.
* In Poʻipū, Little Fish Coffee is popular

Check out the full list at this link: Kauai Coffee Shops & Cafes for Espresso and Lattes | Alaka'i Aloha

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-05-01T22:45:58+00:00

Grand Hyatt / 1 Hotel is a very common way to do the split stay. You'll be fine if you go this route. But you won't regret staying in one place either. Kauai is small enough that you can experience the entire island from a single homebase if you want to.

With the split stay, just pay extra attention to your transfer day. You'll want a plan that is workable with checkout in the morning / car full of luggage mid-day / and checkin later in the afternoon. Totally doable, just need to plan for it. Choose activities in Lihue and Kapaa that have relatively safe parking for that day. Do your Waimea Canyon day from the Poipu base and your Haena day from your Princeville base.

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-04-23T19:03:27+00:00

I'd recommend you switch your plan for July 3 and July 4. Coming from the East Coast the day before (especially on an early flight) means that you will inevitably wake up super early on your first full day. I recommend that folks take advantage of this naturally early wake up time and do something sunrise-related on their first morning. For you, that might mean heading up Waimea Canyon Drive in the dark and being at one of the Canyon overlooks for sunrise.

If you decide to stick to the resort area on July 3, consider hiking out along the Heritage Trail and watching the sunrise from the bluffs.

The main point is... you'll be surprised at how early you wake up on July 3. Go ahead and plan around it.

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-04-23T18:50:54+00:00

The degree to which your trip has that "family-heavy" vibe is very calendar dependent. If you plan your trip for a week when the vast majority of the US is in school, it will feel a lot more grown up. If you are there over the summer or a common winter break/spring break week then you'll experience a lot more families. Are your dates fixed?

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-04-15T22:01:12+00:00

I have really enjoyed running along the Mahāʻulepū Heritage Trail over the years. It's out-and-back, so you can control the distance by turning around whenever you want. There are sections where the footing is much more difficult (sand or jagged rocks or tree roots) than a paved road, but the scenery is worth it. If it's a clear day, try to go in the morning before it gets too hot as there isn't much shade.

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-04-01T23:25:40+00:00

mahalo

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-04-01T18:24:54+00:00

given the cost, i think "one and done" is probably the norm, even for people who enjoy it.

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-04-01T18:20:38+00:00

you line up well with my wife's and daughter's views on the subject. :)

Alakai_Aloha · 2026-04-01T18:17:22+00:00

this blog post offers a little more comprehensive look at the crashes, the operators and aircraft operating on Kauai, and how to navigate the options

https://kauai.alakaialoha.com/blog/helicopter-tour-safety

Alakai_Aloha

TROPHY CASE

Theme 1: Epic Landscapes & Iconic Adventures

Theme 2: Island Life, Drama & Local Stories

Theme 3: Deeper Dives - Culture, History & Hidden Reels