10 Things to Do in Kauai at Night

Kauai is an island with the best evening entertainment, as it is a destination suitable for young people, children, seniors, family groups, couples or solo travellers. After sunset, you'll still find plenty of things to do, including traditional shows for all ages. If you're looking for a more mature atmosphere, you might want to go out for drinks and explore the nightclubs in town.

You can also dine under the stars as you cruise the waters of the Wailua River, or venture out on a foodie tour of the best restaurants. Note that there are nightly festivals in the summer, which add a splash of colour to the island. If you're more of a laid-back kind of person, you can sign up for craft workshops or an open-air spa night. Here are 10 activities and places not to be missed if you want to explore Kauai by night.

Hawaiian parties are ideal for free souls, offering a lively atmosphere with traditional dancing and island music. People on Kauai know how to have a great time, especially during the Luau Kalamaku shows. This is a cultural show that will take you back in time to the past of the Polynesian people. It usually features hula performances, knife dances and delicious dishes ideal for dining.

All you have to worry about is enjoying yourself, as Kauai' s best Luau shows have all the amenities you need to have a good time. They are an authentic and unforgettable experience, with options from 152 euros. Relax with tropical drinks and local beer, while the show is set to Tahitian rhythms and energetic Carioca traditions. Occasionally, there is a photo session to immortalise the memory and a traditional fair with items from island artisans.

Kauai's sunset is beautiful, as the sky is bathed in majestic colours that wash over the island's hills. If you plan to spend the evening exploring its entertainment offerings, I suggest you start by enjoying the sunset aboard a sunset cruise. This way, you can explore the Wailua River for a glimpse of the local lifestyle. It's a peaceful and relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle of the resort.

I recommend planning your holiday in advance as these types of experiences sell out quickly. Some of Kauai' s best Luau shows are usually held aboard a catamaran, so you'll get two experiences for the price of one. As the sun's last rays of sunshine bid farewell to the island, the evening will take you through Hawaiian music and Carioca rhythms. Afterwards, you'll be treated to a dinner under the stars with traditional dishes and farm food.

Hawaiian food is quite an experience, in fact the island is full of dining options and you can stop for a bite to eat at any time. However, dinner is the most special time, where I recommend you choose carefully which place to try. There is variety and you'll find street stalls, restaurants and beachfront chiringuitos with menus, prices and locations to choose from. Food tourism connects you to Kauai's roots and is definitely one of the best things to do on the island.

Some of the best places to dine on Kauai include:

• Kauai Grill at the St. Regis: a luxurious restaurant open from 5pm to 9pm, here you can enjoy Kona lobster, a type of crab dipped in sauce.
• Oasis on the Beach: Located on one of Kauai's best beaches, right on the oceanfront. You can reserve a table online to ensure the experience. It's also a great place to eat under the stars or enjoy a beautiful sunset.
• Hanalei Taro & Juice Co: is a street food stand, located on the North Shore. It has been in the same family for at least six generations, so you can sample traditional dishes and learn about the history of Kauai.

Kauai is a bustling, multi-faceted island with a variety of nightlife that's not to be missed. Among them are annual festivals that offer parties and other activities until dawn. The highlights take place in February and July and are well worth a visit if you're looking for nightlife events.

Celebrate Hawaiian culture at Koloa Plantation Days

Ohana is a very important word in Hawaiian culture, as it means family. The Koloa Plantation Days Festival celebrates the coming together of communities as one big family with commemorative parades, traditional dances and other activities that extend into the evening. It is usually held in July with a varied cultural itinerary.

The festival has been celebrated since 1835, although at first it was just a small festival with Luau performances. Today it features outdoor barbecues, fishing activities, golf tournaments, tours of the ancient town of Koloa, family marathons and a craft fair. Every night there's usually a fire dance show on the plantations, plus there are children's zones, ideal if you're looking for things to do in Kauai with kids.

Experience the Waimea Town Festival experience

In February you can witness the entertaining activities of the Waimea Town Festival, which was first held in 1977. In fact, it's the oldest festival on the island, which usually lasts for eight consecutive days of partying. Events start early with 2k, 5k and 10k marathons. If you've worked up an appetite, you can sign up for eating contests that challenge you to eat as fast as you can.

There's usually a big street party that includes live entertainment, outdoor beer garden, island food and traditional dancing. Activities usually go on until dawn, so it's a great way to make the most of your Kauai holiday. Opening night is usually extra special, with themed events, cocktail parties, costume contests and food tastings.

Kauai has plenty of places to go out for drinks while enjoying the island's nightlife style. The bars and clubs offer a lively atmosphere, with late-night music and cocktail competitions. The parties are raucous and allow you to sample craft beers, accompanied by traditional snacks.

Keep in mind that partying on Kauai doesn't require formal dress, unless you're going somewhere fancy. In general, most people walk around the island in sandals, shorts and loose-fitting shirts. Some of the best options for getting from one nightclub to another include:

• Duke's Barefoot Bar is an open-air restaurant near the beach. It offers lively nights with contemporary Hawaiian music.
• Nawiliwili Tavern is a tavern open until 1:00 where you can play pool, do karaoke and enjoy the nightlife.

The West Kauai Technology Center is another place where you can explore Hawaiian culture through a nightly lei-making workshop. It's usually open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, but private, small-group experiences are offered every Friday. It is advisable to visit in person to find out about availability and opening times, and there are usually other attractions such as historical exhibits and tours of the local cemetery.

Learning to make these crafts is a relaxing activity, ideal if you are looking for a quieter night out. There are other similar experiences on the island that teach you how to dance Hulu and how to wear Hawaiian skirts correctly. Remember to keep a respectful attitude, as the locals are very wary of their ancestral traditions.

Forty minutes from Kauai is Hanapepe Art Night, a famous gallery that offers art nights. Here you can take an art and history tour of the island, which takes place on Friday nights between 18:00 and 21:00 hrs. During these hours numerous galleries remain open, with traditional performances and tours of the streets of Hanapepe.

Please note that the famous art nights are not exclusively craft shows, but also feature light shows, weaving exhibitions, designer clothing, food tastings and an exploration of the nearby villages. This is done under the starlight, which makes the experience even more special. This activity is offered at the Kapaa Old Town Art Walk on the first Saturday of every month, as well as in the heart of Kilauea on the last Saturday of the month.

Kauai is the perfect camping destination, in fact it's one of the most highly recommended in the Hawaiian archipelago. If you're looking for cheap accommodation, this option is ideal and offers a magical and unrepeatable experience. There are more remote and expensive options starting at 15 euros, located among the best local beaches and hiking areas. Some options include Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, Polihale State Park, Kokee State Park.

There are seven parks and reserves in the county, where you can stay overnight. Most offer overnight prices from 2 euros per person. I suggest you consider:

• Anini Beach Park: near the area you can go snorkelling, as well as see beautiful sunrises.
• Anahola Beach Park: the best place to camp like a real Hawaiian, away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy places.
• Lydgate Park: ideal for a day at the beach, then relax at night in the park's campground.

On Hawaii's fourth largest island, you'll find relaxing experiences for a night out with a difference. Before you go to bed, enjoy a pampering massage to renew your energy and rejuvenate your body. A variety of resorts offer the service, with Hawaiian treatments and healing experiences. Some of the best spas on Kauai include:

• Anara Spa: is a comfortable environment, where massages take place outdoors. You can sign up for pilates classes, relaxing baths, hot tubs and outdoor lava rock showers.
• Bamford Wellness Spa: a beachfront spa with sunset rituals and Hawaiian massage techniques.
• Nanea Spa: Massages are performed using products from an organic farm, with treatments inspired by the healing rituals of the early settlers.

Lei Day is an annual Hawaiian celebration that has been held since the 1920s, usually taking place every May 1. Lei is a type of traditional craft that varies from island to island. On Kauai, visitors are usually greeted with a warm greeting and offered a necklace of feathers, leaves, orchids or kukui nut. At night, the Garden Isle is filled with fun activities that honour this beautiful tradition.

You can enjoy barbecues, stargazing and singing by the sea. The origin of these necklaces dates back to the Polynesians of Tahiti, which were used to define a person's status or to seal peace between communities. They are usually given at birthdays, welcomes, graduations, marriages and funerals.

• Prepare your evening according to the weather and the area of the island you're on. In the mountains it tends to be cooler, while near the beach and certain canyons, there is more humidity and pleasant temperatures.
• If you plan to camp, book in advance to get the best prices and pitches with amazing panoramic views.
• Don't stay in the same area every night, especially if you plan to be on Kauai for at least 7 days This way, you'll be able to take advantage of more nighttime activities and get to know the local traditions in depth.
• In case you decide to rent a car, don't forget to close the windows every time you park. Kauai can experience rapid, sudden and heavy rainfall.
• Apply your sunscreen every two hours to protect yourself from the sun, especially at peak exposure times.
• Avoid beaches with caution signs, especially if you're travelling with children. They often have strong waves that can be dangerous if you stray from the shore. Also, choose bays that have lifeguards available.

Kauaia is a very large island, so it's a good idea to rent a car, especially if you want to go out at night. Some hotels offer private transfers, or reliable taxi lines. Public transport isn't as comprehensive, as it doesn't cover certain areas, so I wouldn't recommend it as much. For example, from west to east there are few lines available.

While walking around the island, be sure to follow pedestrian safety rules to avoid accidents. In general, the city is safe and you can travel alone without inconvenience. However, I suggest you keep your precautions in the hotel safe deposit box.