Stay Kauai's guidebook
Sightseeing
Hanalei is awesome!! Lots to do including surfing, stand up paddling, kayaking, hiking, etc. In addition, there are restaurants such as the Dolphin, BarAcuda, Hanalei Gourmet & the Hanalei food trucks.
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Hanalei
Hanalei is awesome!! Lots to do including surfing, stand up paddling, kayaking, hiking, etc. In addition, there are restaurants such as the Dolphin, BarAcuda, Hanalei Gourmet & the Hanalei food trucks.
Open 10:00am - 4:00pm Thursday - Saturday. Reservations required
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I-Lighthouse yaseKilauea
3580 Kilauea RdOpen 10:00am - 4:00pm Thursday - Saturday. Reservations required
Sleeping Giant
Great hike! Lots of shade. Fantastic views of the Eastside
Ukubukeka kwesango seWaimea
Insane views, amazing hikes
Queens Bath
Kapiolani LoopGreat spot for summer months only -- nice hike, can be crowded
Rent a bike or a bicycle built for two and cruise along the coast of Kapaa Town. Look for whales, stop at a shady pavilion for a picnic, or stop at one of the restaurants along this multi-use path. Great for walking and jogging too!
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Ke Ala Hele Makalae Path
Kauai Multiuse Path(Ke Ala Hele Makalae)Rent a bike or a bicycle built for two and cruise along the coast of Kapaa Town. Look for whales, stop at a shady pavilion for a picnic, or stop at one of the restaurants along this multi-use path. Great for walking and jogging too!
Absolutely stunning spot! It’s a long hike to the falls, but so worth it. Accessed by the Hanakapiai trail - summer months only! The trail is too slippery during the rainy months so please use caution!
Please note, to access the Napali Coast by foot, you must make reservations at go haena .com
Hanakapiai Falls
Kalalau TrailAbsolutely stunning spot! It’s a long hike to the falls, but so worth it. Accessed by the Hanakapiai trail - summer months only! The trail is too slippery during the rainy months so please use caution!
Please note, to access the Napali Coast by foot, you must make reservations at go haena .com
The most amazing thing you’ll do on Kaua’i! See dolphins, turtles, go snorkeling, and learn about the beautiful island. We recommend Capt Andy’s and Holo Holo Charters.
Please note, to access the Napali Coast by foot, you must make reservations at go haena .com in advance.
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Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
The most amazing thing you’ll do on Kaua’i! See dolphins, turtles, go snorkeling, and learn about the beautiful island. We recommend Capt Andy’s and Holo Holo Charters.
Please note, to access the Napali Coast by foot, you must make reservations at go haena .com in advance.
Kalalau Lookout
Kokee RoadAlso known as Stone Dam, this trail is a great way to get your steps in and take in stunning sights!
Wai Koa Loop Trail
2723 Kuhio HwyAlso known as Stone Dam, this trail is a great way to get your steps in and take in stunning sights!
Food scene
BarAcuda has a cool ambiance, really nothing like it on the island. The food is consistently good and the staff is fun. City life in Hanalei :)
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Bar Acuda
5-5161 Kuhio HwyBarAcuda has a cool ambiance, really nothing like it on the island. The food is consistently good and the staff is fun. City life in Hanalei :)
Love this place! Super yummy bites - open for lunch only and closed Tuesday/Wednesday
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Fresh Bite Kauai
5100 Kuhio HwyLove this place! Super yummy bites - open for lunch only and closed Tuesday/Wednesday
Hanalei Bread Company
5-5161 Kuhio HwyGreat spot for morning coffee and freshly baked bread!
Sushi Girl Kauai
2484 Keneke StGreat local spot for sushi :) Casual, picnic table seating
LOVE!! My favorite juice bar on island. Closed on Sundays.
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Akamai Juice Company
5-5134 Kuhio HwyLOVE!! My favorite juice bar on island. Closed on Sundays.
Great place for coffee and breakfast or lunch. If you're at Kai Bar, please stop by our office to say Hi. Stay Kauai is located 4 doors down.
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Java Kai Bar Coffee Roasters - Kīlauea
2555 Ala Namahana ParkwayGreat place for coffee and breakfast or lunch. If you're at Kai Bar, please stop by our office to say Hi. Stay Kauai is located 4 doors down.
Amazing acai bowls, frozen yogurt, breakfast and coffee!
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The Spot North Shore Kauai
4280 Kuhio HwyAmazing acai bowls, frozen yogurt, breakfast and coffee!
Incredible filled malasadas (Portuguese donuts) on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7 am-noon
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Passion Bakery Cafe
4-356 Kuhio HwyIncredible filled malasadas (Portuguese donuts) on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7 am-noon
Great option for takeout or sit down breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fresh poke, baked goods and other grab-and-go meals. Good spot to grab groceries too!
Kilauea Market + Cafe
Great option for takeout or sit down breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fresh poke, baked goods and other grab-and-go meals. Good spot to grab groceries too!
Kilauea Bakery & Pau Hana Pizza has some of the best pastries on the island. This small business is a local favorite for good reason! Great coffee, bagels, pizza, salads, soup and sandwiches.
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Kilauea Art Night
2484 Keneke StKilauea Bakery & Pau Hana Pizza has some of the best pastries on the island. This small business is a local favorite for good reason! Great coffee, bagels, pizza, salads, soup and sandwiches.
Amazing breakfast! Friendly staff and yummy food
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Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company
2-2560 Kaumualii HwyAmazing breakfast! Friendly staff and yummy food
Kiawe Roots
2-3687 Ala Kalanikaumaka StGreat spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the South side
Yummy options for breakfast, lunch and dinner outside. Also a cute little market with fresh produce and groceries
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Living Foods Market
2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka StYummy options for breakfast, lunch and dinner outside. Also a cute little market with fresh produce and groceries
Their sushi burritos are delicious! There are four locations on island - Kilauea, Kapa’a, Lihue and Koloa
Kenji Burger Kapaa
Their sushi burritos are delicious! There are four locations on island - Kilauea, Kapa’a, Lihue and Koloa
Some of the best musubis on the island! If you love musubi as much as locals do, or just want to see what the hype is about, check this place out!
The Musubi Truck K A P A A
Some of the best musubis on the island! If you love musubi as much as locals do, or just want to see what the hype is about, check this place out!
Leong's Meat House
Their plate lunches are so good! Highly recommend for trying local food
Great seafood and classic American food with an island twist
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Wrangler's Steakhouse
9852 Kaumualii HwyGreat seafood and classic American food with an island twist
Big Monster Sushi & Thai- LIHUE
Amazing sushi and Thai food!!
Koloa Pizza Kitchen + Bar
One of our favorite pizza places on the island. Highly recommend!
Beautiful oceanfront restaurant - great for meat and seafood lovers
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Bull Shed Restaurant
4-796 Kuhio HwyBeautiful oceanfront restaurant - great for meat and seafood lovers
Da Crack
2827 Poipu RdSome of the best burritos on the island. They’re HUGE!!
Located in the back of the market next to Da Crack - some of the best acai bowls on the island!
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'Anakē's Juice Bar
2827 Poipu RdLocated in the back of the market next to Da Crack - some of the best acai bowls on the island!
Great ramen and ambiance. Reserve your table early as they book up quickly!
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AMA Restaurant
5-5161 Kuhio HwyGreat ramen and ambiance. Reserve your table early as they book up quickly!
Fantastic sushi, pupus, and ambiance! One of our favorite Hanalei restaurants
The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant
Fantastic sushi, pupus, and ambiance! One of our favorite Hanalei restaurants
Delicious sushi and Japanese food - more affordable than most places on the island
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Kintaro Japanese Restaurant
4-370 Kuhio HwyDelicious sushi and Japanese food - more affordable than most places on the island
A higher-end restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Resort. Great sushi and cocktails!
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Stevenson's Library
1571 Poipu RdA higher-end restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Resort. Great sushi and cocktails!
Lava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i PlOceanfront restaurant with great food and fun vibes!
Another high-end restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Resort. Delicious seafood and super nice ambiance
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Tidepools - Grand Hyatt Kauai
1571 Poipu RdAnother high-end restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Resort. Delicious seafood and super nice ambiance
Such a great spot to have dinner at sunset! The food is great and the staff is friendly!
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Hualani's Restaurant
3770 Ala Oli StSuch a great spot to have dinner at sunset! The food is great and the staff is friendly!
One of the most beautiful spots to have breakfast or dinner. Located in the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Breakfast buffet has delicious options!
1 Kitchen
One of the most beautiful spots to have breakfast or dinner. Located in the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Breakfast buffet has delicious options!
Another restaurant at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Sushi, cocktails and pupus. On the expensive side, but fantastic ambiance!
Welina Terrace
Another restaurant at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Sushi, cocktails and pupus. On the expensive side, but fantastic ambiance!
Some of the best boba drinks on the island. Grocery options and quick meals also!
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Island Country Market At Coconut Market Place
4-484 Kuhio HwySome of the best boba drinks on the island. Grocery options and quick meals also!
Avalon Gastropub
2555 Kuhio HwyAmazing food, cocktails, and great vibes!
Amazing Thai food! The Thai tea is so refreshing and tasty and the food is so yummy!
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Lotus Garden Chinese & Thai Cuisine
54280 Kuhio HwyAmazing Thai food! The Thai tea is so refreshing and tasty and the food is so yummy!
Some of our favorite acai bowls! Great shave ice too with lots of organic, real fruit syrups
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Wishing Well Shave Ice
5-5080 Kuhio HwySome of our favorite acai bowls! Great shave ice too with lots of organic, real fruit syrups
Fish Bar Deli
Amazing pupus and cocktails!
Great surf & turf options and beautiful sunset lookout for dinner!
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Duke's Kauai
3610 Rice StGreat surf & turf options and beautiful sunset lookout for dinner!
Rainbeau Jo's
Amazing bagels and coffee!
Now called Wake Up Delicious in Hanalei. Yummy breakfast and local dishes!
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Trucking Delicious
Aku RoadNow called Wake Up Delicious in Hanalei. Yummy breakfast and local dishes!
Grocery/Farmer’s Market
One of our favorite places for healthy/natural groceries. Always has organic and fresh produce!
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Papaya's Natural Foods
4-901 Kuhio HwyOne of our favorite places for healthy/natural groceries. Always has organic and fresh produce!
Another one of our favorite places for healthy/natural groceries. Friendly workers and great organic options
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Hoku Foods Natural Market
4585 Lehua StAnother one of our favorite places for healthy/natural groceries. Friendly workers and great organic options
One of the best places to get organic and natural foods on the North Shore. Has a great juice bar!
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Healthy Hut Market & Cafe
4280 Hookui RdOne of the best places to get organic and natural foods on the North Shore. Has a great juice bar!
Kilauea Market + Cafe
Good grocery options, fresh poke, and takeout or sit down food
Should have everything you’ll need during your stay. The largest market on the north shore with natural, organic and traditional options
Foodland Princeville
Should have everything you’ll need during your stay. The largest market on the north shore with natural, organic and traditional options
Living Foods Market
2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka StGreat natural foods market on the South Side!
Convenient spot for grocery options and quick food
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Island Country Market At Coconut Market Place
4-484 Kuhio HwyConvenient spot for grocery options and quick food
So many amazing vendors sell here! Baked goods, produce, and other goodies!
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Anania Hou Farmers Market
Kuhio HighwaySo many amazing vendors sell here! Baked goods, produce, and other goodies!
Waipa Farmers Market
55785A Kuhio HwyAnother great Farmer’s Market option!
Lawai Market
3586 Koloa RdCute little market with everything you need + acai bowls & smoothies!
Great farmers market for those staying in Hanalei! Walking distance from houses on Weke rd
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Hale Halawai’s Farmer’s Market/Cultural Festival
5299C Kuhio HwyGreat farmers market for those staying in Hanalei! Walking distance from houses on Weke rd
Beaches
AMAZING views!! Great hike! Permits for parking and/or hiking in Haena State Park are available online
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Hanakāpī‘ai Beach
AMAZING views!! Great hike! Permits for parking and/or hiking in Haena State Park are available online
Tunnels Beach
Must see!! Great snorkeling spot during the summer months
Super amazing views - can have dangerous surf during the winter months so PLEASE be careful!
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Kauapea Beach
Super amazing views - can have dangerous surf during the winter months so PLEASE be careful!
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Go early for parking at the pier!!
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Hanalei Bay
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Go early for parking at the pier!!
Turtles and monk seals often sleep on the shores here. Just please do not approach or touch them! It is illegal to be within 50 feet Hawaiian monk seals, a federal offense to touch them, and it is illegal to touch green sea turtles. Just enjoy them from a distance :)
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Poipu Beach
Turtles and monk seals often sleep on the shores here. Just please do not approach or touch them! It is illegal to be within 50 feet Hawaiian monk seals, a federal offense to touch them, and it is illegal to touch green sea turtles. Just enjoy them from a distance :)
Great for snorkeling. You’ll need reservations for Haena State Park to access this spot. Please be mindful of the reef and marine life!
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Ke'e Beach
Great for snorkeling. You’ll need reservations for Haena State Park to access this spot. Please be mindful of the reef and marine life!
Spectacular place to spend the day or camp. The sunset is unreal here! Purchase permits online. Please be mindful of other campers and locals and please clean up before you leave
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Polihale State Park
Lower Saki Mana RoadSpectacular place to spend the day or camp. The sunset is unreal here! Purchase permits online. Please be mindful of other campers and locals and please clean up before you leave
Awesome little spot to snorkel! Calm and relaxing beach with pavilions, trees and lots of fish to see
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Anini Beach
Awesome little spot to snorkel! Calm and relaxing beach with pavilions, trees and lots of fish to see
Beautiful little beach that meets the Kalihiwai river! Great for bonfires and all-day beach days
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Kalihiwai Beach
Beautiful little beach that meets the Kalihiwai river! Great for bonfires and all-day beach days
Nice little bay for a relaxing day in the sun. Just be careful of the Portuguese Man o’ War during windy/high tide days (similar to jellyfish - they’ll sting!)
Moloa'a Beach
Nice little bay for a relaxing day in the sun. Just be careful of the Portuguese Man o’ War during windy/high tide days (similar to jellyfish - they’ll sting!)
Waiohai Beach
Beautiful South Side beach next to a resort. Amazing sunsets and great spot to swim
Salt Pond Park Campground
Salt Pond RoadBeautiful spot to camp or just chill for the day!
Great spot for sunbathing! The waves can get rough/big, so swim with caution
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Shipwreck Beach
Great spot for sunbathing! The waves can get rough/big, so swim with caution
Activities
Our favorite Na Pali Coast tour company! They offer early morning and sunset tours that include lunch/dinner, drinks, snorkeling, and incredible sights
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Capt Andy's
4353 Waialo RdOur favorite Na Pali Coast tour company! They offer early morning and sunset tours that include lunch/dinner, drinks, snorkeling, and incredible sights
Kauai Backcountry Adventures
3-4131 Kuhio HwySo fun for an adventurous day!
Holo Holo Charters
4353 Waialo RdAnother amazing option for Na Pali Coast tours!!
Perfect for those looking for something fun, adventurous, and wild - and who don’t mind getting dirty!
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Kauai ATV
3477A Weliweli RdPerfect for those looking for something fun, adventurous, and wild - and who don’t mind getting dirty!
The perfect activity for horse lovers. Ride horses on a beautiful Kauai beach!
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CJM Country Stables
The perfect activity for horse lovers. Ride horses on a beautiful Kauai beach!
Rent a kayak and go straight to the Hanalei river. So peaceful with lush greenery, and a great workout!
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Kayak Hanalei
Kuhio HighwayRent a kayak and go straight to the Hanalei river. So peaceful with lush greenery, and a great workout!
Kayak Kaua'i
3 Kuhio HwyAwesome way to see the Wailua river and Secret Falls!
Rent surfboards and/or take surf lessons. Great for beginners or anyone looking to have a fun time!
Hawaiian Surfing Adventures
5-5134 Kuhio HwyRent surfboards and/or take surf lessons. Great for beginners or anyone looking to have a fun time!
Such a fun option to learn how to surf! Friendly and fun instructors who will get you standing on a wave in no time
East Side Surfing School Kauai
Such a fun option to learn how to surf! Friendly and fun instructors who will get you standing on a wave in no time
A beautiful, large course that is great for beginners or experts!
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Wailua Golf Course
3-5350 Kuhio HwyA beautiful, large course that is great for beginners or experts!
A higher-end course that is best for intermediate and expert golfers
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Kiahuna Golf Club
2545 Kiahuna Plantation DrA higher-end course that is best for intermediate and expert golfers
Such a stunning course! Beginner, intermediate and expert friendly. On the more expensive side, but totally worth it!
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Princeville Makai Golf Club
4080 Lei O Papa RdSuch a stunning course! Beginner, intermediate and expert friendly. On the more expensive side, but totally worth it!
So fun for a family day! Learn about plants and animals of Hawai’i while trying to get that hole in 1!
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Kauai Mini Golf & Botanical Gardens
5-2723 Kuhio HighwaySo fun for a family day! Learn about plants and animals of Hawai’i while trying to get that hole in 1!
A beautiful and authentic luau. Learn about the sacred culture of Hawai’i by watching beautiful hula and trying delicious, authentic Hawaiian food.
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Smith Family Garden Luau
3-5971 Kuhio HwyA beautiful and authentic luau. Learn about the sacred culture of Hawai’i by watching beautiful hula and trying delicious, authentic Hawaiian food.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Plan a spa day at the amazing Bamford spa!
Purchase a day pass and spend the day at the amazing pools or treat yourself to a day at the Anara Spa
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Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort And Spa
1571 Poipu RdPurchase a day pass and spend the day at the amazing pools or treat yourself to a day at the Anara Spa
Awesome bike rental spot in Kapa’a! Perfect for biking the Kealia bike path
Hele on Kauai Bike Rentals
4-1302 Kuhio HwyAwesome bike rental spot in Kapa’a! Perfect for biking the Kealia bike path
Pedal & Paddle
5-5190 Kuhio HwyGreat spot for renting bikes and surf/snorkel gear
Izeluleko zedolobha
Ukuzulazula
Rent a car!
You’ll definitely need a car to enjoy the island to the fullest. Try Turo for more affordable options!
Bhukha ngaphambi kokuthi uhambe
Na Pali Coast boat tour
Highly recommend booking a boat tour before your vacation as they can sell out!
Bhukha ngaphambi kokuthi uhambe
Dinner reservations
Try to book dinner reservations for the high-demand spots such as Bar Acuda, AMA, Hukilau Lanai, Duke’s, and Bull Shed before your vacation (they can book up weeks in advance!)
Okufanele ukupakishe
Pack for outdoor activities and warm & rainy weather
We recommend bringing warm-weather clothes as well as a rain jacket and waterproof/resistant shoes. Bring sunglasses, hats, shoes for outdoor activities, flip flops, and swimwear of course!
Ukuhamba nezingane
Renting baby gear
Some of our homes have pack n plays, but we do not have other baby gear. Should you need a high chair, a crib, or other items, Babylicious rents everything you’ll need!
Imikhuba namasiko
Please do not disturb any wildlife
We know how beautiful the wildlife is throughout the islands, but please be sure to enjoy them from a distance. Do not approach or touch any wildlife as you may harm them or yourself (it’s also against the law!)
Imikhuba namasiko
Please buy sunscreen on the island
Hawaii recently banned the sale of sunscreens with chemicals that are not reef-safe (oxybenzone and octinoxate) so please be sure to only bring reef-safe sunscreen or purchase sunscreen once you’re on island!
Imikhuba namasiko
Be mindful when snorkeling/swimming
Please be sure not to step on any coral or reefs while snorkeling or swimming as this can significantly damage the marine ecosystems!