Getting to Know the Real Kauai

GETTING THERE Fly from New Delhi to Honolulu via Tokyo on Japan Airlines (jal.com). Kauai is a 25-minute flight from here.

STAY

Cliffs at Princeville Guests at this North Shore resort can choose to leave Kauai a little better than they find it by volunteering for a beach clean-up activity. Suites from `30,634; cliffsat princeville.com

Lodge at Kukui‘ula This hotel offers excursions on its own outrigger sailing canoe. Cottages from `1,02,625; lodgeatkukuiula.com

Timbers Kaua‘i At this oceanfront resort, a former golf course has been turned into a 17-acre organic farm. Doubles from `1,68,489; timberskauai.com

EAT

Hamura Saimin Hawaiian noodle soup is the signature dish but it also serves a must-try lilikoi chiffon pie. Entrées `613–`996

Hanalei Bread Co. Locals line up for coffee and breakfast burritos at this cafe. Entrées `689–`1,072; hanaleibreadco.com

DO

Kauai Museum This Lihue museum’s mix of artefacts, paintings, and modern crafts showcases the island’s cultural heritage, with an emphasis on the royal family. kauai museum.org

Limahuli Garden & Preserve Located in one of the most biodiverse valleys in the Hawaiian Islands, this 1,000-acre expanse spotlights native plants and flowers. ntbg.org ― GDV