Compared to other tropical travel destinations around the world, Kauai is definitely less crowded with visitors, but for the locals, it’s nice to have an occasional on-island getaway when the area gets busy. Some popular activities that locals like to do to escape for a while include camping at Polihale, renting a cabin in Koke’e, or taking a day trip to the other side of the island for surfing, hiking or a day at the beach.

Polihale Beach State Park, located on the west side of the island, is the longest stretch of beach in Hawaii: seven miles of white sand on the breathtaking Na Pali coast. It’s a great beach for picking shells, strolling along the beach, and watching spectacular sunsets. Locals enjoy going there during the day to enjoy the beach or camping overnight at one of the campsites on the beach. To rise with the sun with no one else around is an amazing experience.

Locals love to rent cabins at Koke’e State Park on the northwest side of Kauai. Spread over 4,345 acres on a plateau 4,200 feet above sea level, Kokee State Park is covered in forest, endemic Hawaiian birds, wild flowers, and hiking trails with views of Waimea Canyon, Kalalau Valley, Hanalei Bay, and more. It’s a magical, serene, and peaceful place that allows you to be one with nature and to appreciate all of its beauty. Locals particularly like to escape here in the summer months because the temperature is much cooler in Koke’e.