The “Garden Isle” of Hawaii, Kauai, is home to a mix of small businesses that add character to the island that’s bigger than (some) tourism. The following list of small businesses in Kauai, Hawaii includes locally owned shops, restaurants, tour services and artisans — all visitors who pledge to deliver authentic products and services that reflect the spirit of the island. Even when supporting these businesses doesn’t get you closer to the local culture, it certainly keeps the island’s economy and the people who call it home going. Now let’s take a look at some small businesses you definitely need to go visit on Kauai.
1. Hanalei Bread Company
Location: Hanalei, North Shore
Description: On Kauai’s North Shore, its wonderful fresh organic ingredients and love of sustainability make Hanalei Bread Company a beloved bakery and café. Their handcrafted pastries, artisanal bread, and menu of locally sourced produce, are favorites with visitors alike. Visitors can enjoy a lovely stop in the café with views of the lush grounds for a bench breakfast or lunch.
2. Kauai Juice Co.
Location: Locations all across Kauai
Description: First things first… Kauai Juice Co. is out there for its cold pressed juices created from native fruits and vegetables. Kombucha and health shots spritzed with vitamins or juices that they make from scratch. Helping Kauai Juice Co. support sustainable farming practices is a good way to get your daily dose of local flavor.
3. Aloha Spice Company
Location: Hanapepe
Description: Aloha Spice Company in Hanapepe is known for their Hawaiian salts, spices and seasonings blends. By using local ingredients they are able to develop flavors that are a literal representation of the Hawaiian Islands. Smoked salts to tropical rubs, Aloha Spice Company is for the food lover looking to bring Kauai to her table.
4. Menehune Fishpond Tours
Location: Lihue
Description: On this tour, this company will take you to explore the historic Menehune Fishpond, an ancient aquaculture pond once built a couple of centuries ago. Guide tours of the site show how Hawaiians managed the surrounding waters, and the significance it held in Hawaiian culture. Cultural preservation is the main focus for Menehune Fishpond Tours and they also offer an enjoyable educational experience to those wanting a glimpse into Kauai’s past.
5. Kapaia Stitchery
Location: Lihue
Description: Kapaia Stitchery is like the sewing and quilting enthusiast’s paradise of fabrics and Hawaiian prints. This store sells fabrics and patterns with colorfully designed cloth that draws local and tourist crafters who like to make Hawaiian dreams come true. Kauai’s artistic culture is borne out by this small business that’s been in operation for over 40 years.
6. Kauai Beer Company
Location: Lihue
Description: Kauai Beer Company is a family owned brewery with its lent to community and vibrant craft beers and locally inspired flavors. Brewed on site, the brewery serves a menu of beers and pub-style food, which are popular with locals and visitors, meanwhile. How fantastic is it to enjoy a craft beer here on Kauai and get a taste of Kauai local.
7. Tasting Kauai Food Tours
Location: Throughout Kauai
Description: Culinary tours further based on Tasting Kauai, are available for the visitors to get experience Kauai’s food scene. Guests will experience local farms, food trucks, and eateries to taste traditional Hawaiian dishes on the tours. Our tours are an immersive local flavor tour of Kauai and support small food businesses all along the way.
8. Hawaiian Organic Noni
Location: Kilauea
Description: This family owned farm in Kilauea specializes in organic noni products and offers tours that educate visitors about health benefits of noni, a fruit that’s native to Hawaii. Hawaiian Organic Noni manufactures skincare and health products from their noni fruit, grown and processed on their farm. If you want to get to know about natural remedies and support Kauai Agriculture, it’s a wonderful place to learn.
9. Island Soap & Candle Works
Location: Koloa
Description: Island Soap and Candle Works is a handmade soap and bath product company that has been around over 30 years. They offer products using local ingredients like Hawaiian coconut oil and Hawaiian beeswax and a true Hawaiian scent. For something scented and or relaxed from Kauai, this shop is a must.
10. The Local Kauai
Location: Kapa‘a
Description: The Local Kauai is a farm to table restaurant focused on seasonal, local sourced ingredients to provide Hawaiian inspired food. This restaurant is known for their sustainable practices as well as their delicious food — the rotating menu shows off the freshest produce from the island. This is a dining experience that will connect visitors with Kauai’s flavors and values.
11. Work It out Kauai
Location: Kapa‘a
Description: Work It Out Kauai is locally owned Gym in Hawaii that has Group Fitness Classes, Personal Training and Wellness Programs. Meeting locals while vacationing and staying fit is a great thing to do at the gym. To this they bring their team with an emphasis on a welcoming environment and personalised fitness plan.
12. Lilikoi Passion Fruit Products by Aunty Lilikoi
Location: Waimea
Description: Aunty Lilikoi is best known for her line of passion fruit based products: jellies, syrups and dressings. The small business that has taken root in Waimea is popular because of its flavor profiles and quality. Enjoying Kauai’s famous passion fruit is one of the ways you’ll be supporting Aunty Lilikoi.
13. The Right Slice
Location: Lihue
Description: Local ingredients baked into delicious pies, either sweet or savory – that’s the story of The Right Slice, a bakery. Locals have come to love The Right Slice because of the number of different flavors they offer; from mango to macadamia nut. But this charming bakery allows customers to bring a slice of Kauai home.
14. Banana Joe’s Fruit Stand
Location: Kilauea
Description: Also is this small family owned tropical fruit stand that has fresh tropical fruits, smoothies and the infamous frozen banana treat. A refreshing stop on a hot Kauai day and a great way to sample Kauai’s local produce, Banana Joe’s Fruit Stand is located by the Kauai Museum in Lihu’e, and all of the booths are filled with cooling tropical fruits.
15. Kauai Kookie
Location: Hanapepe
Description: Despite its just under 50 years, locals and visitors can’t get enough of Kauai Kookie for its delicious shortbread cookies and island inspired flavors. The flavors are all about tropical taste, very Kauai, and that’s why this is the bakery. They’re great for giving as a gift or souvenir.
Supporting Small Businesses in Kauai
Small businesses are important in maintaining Kauai’s identity and its economy. By choosing to shop, eat, and explore with local businesses visitors help ensure the island’s communities are benefiting from sustainable tourism. These shows exemplify the creativity and commitment of local entrepreneurs who are serious about Kauai’s special culture and environment.
From handcrafted goods to traditional Hawaiian flavors to eco-friendly experiences, Kauai’s small businesses offer just about everything, and everything with an island flair. Discover why each of these businesses on this list of small businesses in Kauai, Hawaii, adds something special to your Kauai visit.