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The costs of getting to and staying in Kauai can add up fast. But making memories on the Garden Isle doesn’t have to be spendy. Take a break from the snorkeling lessons and seafood feasts to explore the island’s incredible natural wonders and cultural offerings at no charge. Here are three of our favorite free activities, from Spouting Horn and Sleeping Giant to the Kong Lung Historic Market Center.
Spouting Horn
In the Koloa district on Kauai’s South Shore, you’ll find a scenic blowhole that’s one of the most striking natural wonders on the island. Sea sprays occur when powerful Poipu waves are forced under the lava shelf and up through an opening in the rocky coast. Depending on the tide, the water can shoot as far as 50 feet into the air. We glimpsed a rainbow in the plume of water right before sunset.
It’s spectacular to watch and difficult to capture, so put down the iPhone and enjoy it. And be sure to listen, too. The phenomenon creates a hiss or roar with roots in Hawaiian legend. Long ago, a giant mo’o, or lizard, named Kaikapu got stuck in the blowhole while chasing a brave swimmer named Liko. To this day, you can see and hear Kaikapu’s angry breath.
The look out, which provides free parking, is also a great spot to look for whales during humpback season, which runs from December to May.
Details: Spouting Horn Park is open from 8 a.m. daily on Lawai Road, just past Lawai Beach.
Sleeping Giant Hike
You’ll spot this slumbering figure, also known as Nounou Mountain, from several vantage points in the town of Kapaa. The ridge got its name from its resemblance to a reclining green figure and a local legend about a giant who has yet to wake from his food coma. The East Trail is a 3.5-mile moderate-to-difficult hike located in the Nounou Forest Reserve, which is lush and brims with wildflowers and guava trees year round.
The trail, which provides plenty of shaded forest and views of Kalepa Ridge and Wailua Bay, features steady ascents and switchbacks with sweeping ocean vantages. Be wary of mud, which can make some of those turns and narrow drops slippery. The trail ends on the chest of the giant, where you can enjoy lunch at a picnic shelter with beautiful views of the Wailua River and, on a clear day, Mt. Waialeale crater.
Details: Sleeping Giant East Trail is located on Haleilio Road. From Kapaa, go south along the Kuhio Highway (Highway 580), then head east on Haleilio Road. The trail starts at a parking area adjacent to the Department of Water pump site.
Kong Lung Historic Market Center
Located minutes from the Kilauea Lighthouse, Kong Lung is one of the North Shore’s dining and shopping hubs, with 11 unique eateries and shops. Start with tropical danishes and lattes at Kilauea Bakery & Pizza then wander through the century-old buildings, taking in contemporary art at Black Dog Gallery & Goods and hand-painted bedding and sarongs at Coconut Style & Tugu.
To understand the significance of the historic market center, which was once a general mercantile for the Kilauea Sugar Plantation and its workers, check out the Photo Retrospective exhibit about life in the area pre, during and post-plantation era. It features more than 15 large outdoor displays with images and details. End your day with sips and eclectic small plates at the chic Palate Wine Bar.
Details: Hours vary. Open daily at 2484 Keneke St., Kilauea; http://konglungkauai.com
