Kauai is a unique island where outdoor activities take center stage. Some of the many outdoor activities found on Kauai include hiking, surfing, standup paddleboarding, kayaking, ATVing, ziplining, horseback riding and more. These are not the activities for your everyday urban watch. On Kauai, you need a timepiece that stands up to the elements. Below are some of our favorite choices for watches to wear on Kauai.
Luminox
It’s the brand of watch we use here at Kauai Surf Co. In fact, we have several Luminox watches that we wear all over the island, from the Alakai Swamp Trail to Queen’s Bath. You’ll never have to worry about a Luminox watch. The watches are tough, water resistant and suitable for all types of serious water sports. They contain tritium inserts that provide nighttime luminescense. We always get ours with water-friendly rubber or silicone bands. Popular Luminox models include the Navy SEAL EVO Colormark, the Scott Cassell Quartz Watch, the Sea ANU (Authorized for Navy Use), and the Luminox Recon (with compass markings).
Casio G-Shock
Casio G-Shock watches are rugged and affordable no-nonsense timekeepers. Many styles can be found for under $100, though special models can run more than $1,000. Though affordable, the watches are feature-rich, with stopwatches, alarms, backlights, world time and more on many models. Casio’s G-Shock G-Lide Surf Watch features water resistance to 660 feet (suitable for recreational scuba diving), a tough red-resin case and a durable mineral window. The Military Series features large cases, anti-skid buttons and a rivet bezel design that adds more strength to the case. If you’re going to be in the mud, and there’s lots of it on Kauai, Casio’s Mudmaster might be right for you. And this Casio Rangeman is almost as green as Kauai.
Nixon
Nixon has an extensive line of surf watches, including smart watches that provide real time data on tides, swells, waves, surf breaks and more. Popular surf models include the Ultratide, Supertide and Unit Tide. For a more traditional look check out the Descender Sport and Nixon Ranger models.
Bathys Hawaii
Kauai watchmaker Bathys Hawaii builds limited-edition, dive-style watches that hold up to the tough conditions of Hawaii. The timepieces are created by hand in Switzerland, then subjected to rigorous tests that simulate conditions at 200 meters below the ocean surface. The few that don’t pass the tests are crushed. Only the strong survive.
TAG Heuer
For a touch of luxury, TAG Heuer’s Aquaracer series watches combine precision Swiss timekeeping with rugged durability. The watches are perfect for the island’s casual and active lifestyle. You probably won’t want to expose these beautiful (and expensive) watches to too much saltwater and red dirt. But for general island wear, you’ll be in perfect style and ready for all the moisture the island can throw at you.