Kauai has many signature tourist attractions. However, the locals (shopkeepers, construction workers, waitresses, itinerant surfers) have some secrets they don't publicize. During a recent trip with my husband, I met a few locals who shared their inside secrets. I'd like to pass (some of) them along to you. The rest, we're keeping to ourselves. 

We asked a surfer what beach he loved. Secret beach is on the North Shore of the island off Kalihiwai Road. Ask a local for directions. Most days there are less than 10 people on the beach. Warm lava rock pools are a short walk across the rocks toward the left. This is as close to near private as you can get on the island and is a quintessential photo op. Just remember, nudity is illegal on this Kauai beach.

The construction workers know that noodle shops are the best lunches on the island. On the East Shore of Kauai in Kapa'a, ask around for a local noodle shop. Authentic saimin noodles: under $5. Sitting next to 200 pound Hawaiian construction workers eating saimin: priceless.

An honest concierge knows that public golf courses in paradise are still better than a great private course on the mainland. Making a foursome with the locals on these courses means you've saved nearly $75 and made a few new friends.

On the West Shore, while everyone is going to Waimea Canyon, take a dirt road to the often overlooked Polihale. Although it's an off road trek (hey, you did get the insurance on the rental car, right?) at the northern end of the beach you can see the NaPali coastline cliffs (other than a boat or helicopter, you can't see this view any other way). There are also dunes nearly 100 feet high. We didn't do this. Not us. We wanted to see Na Pali up close. We took a 5 hour boat ride and snorkel tour and threw up the whole time. We finally did see the cliffs - on sporadic video footage at home.

The locals won't publicize their gems, but if you ask very specifically, they'll tell you where to go for (choose one: luau, boat tour, shave ice, beaches). Take their advice and discover Kauai's best kept secrets.

Advice from real traveler Vikki Spencer, who knows how to live like a local on vacation.  

One other way to live like a local is to rent a vacation home in Kauai, do your own laundry, make your own meals and get friendly with your neighbors.