Kauai, known as the “Garden Island,” is the ultimate escape into nature. Uninterrupted by tall buildings, Kauai’s gorgeous green lush mountains dip into carved out canyons contrasted by the most jaw dropping aqua blue ocean, make for the sweetest getaway. If you crave adventure then this is the Hawaiian island for you. With endless hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, a vast array of idyllic beaches and the greenest of landscapes, Kauai will fulfill the wanderlust in you. I spent 6 very magical days on this island and it was such a remarkably unforgettable experience that I can’t sop daydreaming about it! For a quick one stop reference guide to the best of Kauai read on and start planning your trip. I can tell you it will be one of the best decisions you will ever make!
Where to Stay
Kauai has four distinct areas to stay: North Shore, South Shore, East Side and West Side. Known as the sunniest part of the island, Poipu on the South Shore completely won me over! I wanted to have the best chances of the most sunny days and the least amount of rain, so the South Shore was the best pick for me. I don’t know about you but if I am taking a tropical vacation I want to soak up as much sunshine as I possibly can! Poipu has one of the best beaches on the island with great snorkeling as well as nearby shopping centers with plenty of restaurant options so you don’t have to wander too far at night for dinner.
The East Side is another great area to stay in. This part of the island is right in the middle of the action: most hotels, restaurants, beaches, lookout points, etc. If you are looking to be closer to it all then you will enjoy the East Side the most.
The North Shore is by far the most gorgeous part of the island and my absolute favorite to take day trips to, however, the beaches in this area are known to have dangerous, treacherous water certain times throughout the year, so while the ocean is breathtaking sometimes you can’t enjoy actually swimming there. Additionally, if you are traveling in the winter months, the North Shore gets the most rain, so just something to keep in mind depending what time of year you are traveling. Princeville is a great area in the North Shore with a bunch of cute shops and restaurants if you opt to stay that way!
The West Side is mostly taken up by mountains and is the least popular area on the island to stay.
Check out my accommodations section for more information on hotels and rentals!
Best Beaches
Kealia Beach
Situated on the East Side of Kauai, Kealia Beach offers a long stretch of stunning golden sand, perfect for sunbathers who want the picture perfect relaxing Hawaiian beach experience. When I visited in January the waves were ideal for both swimming and surfing! Be sure to check the flags and note ocean conditions before swimming, as many Hawaiian beaches can be calm one day and have swells the next!
Poipu Beach
With daily visits from Monk Seals and an abundance of fish and sea life just a few feet into the ocean, Poipu Beach situated on the South Shore of Kauai, is one of the best beaches on the island! Bring your snorkel gear and head to the east side the beach just after where the water breaks. It is here that you will see a variety of fish and maybe a sea turtle if you are lucky! Just to the left of Poipu Beach is a small cove called Brennecke’s Beach which is a great spot is great for boogie-boarding!
Shipwrecks Beach
Another stunning beach in Poipu, Shipwrecks Beach is quite easy on the eyes with aqua water and golden sand. The waves here make swimming difficult, although I still managed to get in for a quick dip in between the breaks. Shipwrecks Beach is perfect for advanced surfers or sunbathers who aren’t looking to swim. There is a trail here that goes north towards Mahaulepu Beach which I hear is worth going to just to see. I attempted to go directly to Mahaulepu Beach however, luckily I was warned by other beach goers that the water here is contaminated although there are no signs. I didn’t want to take my chances but it is worth sharing in case you wander that way.
Lawai Beach
This tiny beach, which only has a sandy shore during low tide is a wonderful spot for snorkeling. With limited parking be sure to arrive early and head right into the ocean for calm water and lots of fish! This is not your sunbathers beach however, it is a great spot for some morning snorkeling.
Baby Beach
Located about 1 minute drive past Lawai Beach, Baby Beach got its name, you guessed it: because it is perfect for babies! If you have small kids this secluded small inlet with shallow water is perfect to let your little ones get in without having to worry about deep water or waves.
Acai Bowls on The Non Stop
I have this obnoxious obsession with açaí bowls. I eat them on the regular and I heard Hawaii has the freshest and most amazing bowls so I basically had to try a different spot every day. Without a doubt Anakē’s Juice Bar has my vote for the best açaí bowl on Kauai! Just to give you a fair warning, most of these smoothie shacks close early so best to satisfy your craving by late afternoon.
Anakē’s Juice Bar
If you had to pick one place to get an açai bowl at every day, this would be my number one recommendation! I tried several places on the island and Anakē’s is the absolute best! The juice and smoothie bar is located in the back of a small grocery store and from the outside seems quite unassuming however, the quality of açai bowls is beyond amazing! This is coming from a girl who makes one every day! The Poipu Paradise was my favorite bowl. The fresh fruit is blended with peanut butter and almond milk and topped with generous amounts of fruit and granola. Not to mention the honey drizzle on the top was like icing on a cake!
Little Fish Coffee
Little Fish Coffee is a cute little spot in Poipu for an açaí bowl, coffee or a quick breakfast or lunch. Order from the window and grab a stool on the deck. Be careful of the chickens and roosters; they will be waiting eagerly for you to drop a piece of food! If are on the go and want a quick bagel or breakfast sandwich this is your spot! I had a delicious açaí bowl here that was large enough for two!
Kalalea Juice Hale
If you are looking for a local, fresh and organic açaí bowl Kalalea Juice Hale is another great option! Located on the northeast side of the island, Kalalea Juice Hale, a small barely noticeable smoothie shack is worth the pit stop! They offer smoothies, juices, shaved ice and coffee in additional to açaí bowls! We stopped here on our way back from the North Shore and it was the perfect place to stop and grab a healthy snack.
Coffee
Java Kai
I am only giving you one recommendation for coffee because Java Kai blows every other coffee shop on the island away! My suggestion is to spend the day at Kealia Beach and grab your hit of java before or after sunbathing. I ordered the iced mocha and it was dreamy! PS: I highly suggest perusing Shipwrecked Kauai boutique located next door. They have super stylish clothes and a great selection of bathing suits.
Hiking
Kalalau Lookout to Kalepa Ridge
If you are looking for some serious adventure and the most incredible view of the Nā Pali Coast, then I highly recommend hiking Kalepa Ridge Trail in Koke’e State Park. If I had to pick only one thing to do my entire trip this would be it! Kalalau Lookout point marks the beginning of Kalepa Ridge, however since this trail is unofficial there is no actual trailhead. Go to the left of the chain link fence, hop it and make your way onto the super narrow and very muddy path. The lush green vegetation will immediately envelope you. Be prepared for a muddy volcanic soil since Koke’e State Park gets an abundance of annual rainfall and is actually one of the wettest spots on earth. Never attempt this hike after or during the rain. I highly suggest wearing hiking boots or trail running sneakers as they have grips. Once the brush opens up the most jaw dropping panoramic view of the Kalalau Valley and the Nā Pali Coast will leave you completed stunned! I hiked 1 mile on this path and started to get pretty nervous with the steep drop offs. The trail is 4,000 feet up and the single file path runs along the ridge. Despite the level of danger it was totally worth it to experience that kind of beauty.
Pihea Trail
If you don’t want to risk hiking the Kalepa Ridge Trail then get another vantage point from the Pihea Ridge Trail. Phiea Trail is also located in Koke’e State Park and is conveniently situated near Kalalau Lookout. When leaving the parking lot head to your left to the Pu’u O Kila lookout point. If you don’t actually want to hike, I would still suggest walking in just past the official look out point to the left to enjoy the expansive views. I had the most magical moment on this trail when the clouds starting rolling in and literally swept over me. This out and back trail is 2.3 miles.
After you have finished your time enjoying the Koke’e State Park and Wailea Canyon State Park grab a coffee or snack at the charming Koke’e Lodge. I had some great company while a sipped on my iced coffee!
Hanakapi’ai Trail and Ke’e Beach
Ke’e Beach is the last beach on the North Shore; the road literally dead ends here. The drive along the North Shore is truly unforgettable. Lush green terrain give way to views of pristine white sand beaches and aqua water. Ke’e Beach and Hanakapi’ai Trail are both accessible by the parking lot where the road ends. In winter months the rip tides at Ke’e Beach make swimming not only impossible but forbidden. Lifeguards are stationed on the beach and closely monitor the area to make sure no one attempts getting close to the water. With that being said you may think it is a waste of time to make it a point to see this beach however, you could not be more wrong! Ke’e Beach has the most crystal clear aqua blue water. Just sitting and looking into the ocean will leave you feeling awestruck. For an even better vantage point hike the Hanakapi’ai Trail for about a half mile and you will be rewarded with an even more gorgeous view of the ocean surrounded by evergreen vegetation. This trail has slippery rocky terrain so I would recommend wearing sneakers. Hanakapi’ai Trail is a total of 4 miles out and back and Hanakapi’ai Beach marks the halfway point should you decide to continue the remaining two miles to Hanakapi’ai Falls making a total 8 miles round trip. This trail is strenuous and slippery. Another precaution alert: do not attempt to swim at the beach. I have read horror stories of people getting swept away by the rip currents. The North Shore is known to be the most beautiful part of Kauai however, the ocean is the most treacherous.
Waterfalls
Waimea Canyon
Located in Waimea Canyon State Park situated before Koke’e State Park, Waimea Canyon Lookout is a must see! In one day I did Kalepa Ridge, Pihea Trail and Waimea Canyon Lookout since it is all off the same road. Waimea Canyon is nicked named the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and was formed by erosion and volcanic eruption. The gorgeous canyon runs 3,600 feet deep, boasts red, orange and brown hues and has an impressive waterfall that drops further than the eye can see. It amazes me that two adjacent state parks can have such contrasting terrain.
Opaeka’a Falls
If you want to see a waterfall with no leg work then Opaeka’a Falls is perfect for you. After a long day at the beach I wanted to get a little sight seeing in but I was too tired for a hike, so driving up to Opaeka’a Falls was the perfect way to end the day. The waterfall is located on the East Side of the island in Wailua and is part of the Wailua River. The waterfall drops 150 feet and is surrounded by dense greenery.
After taking in the view of Opaeka’a Falls drive across the way to another look out point. This side gives you the Wailea River view!
Accommodations
Rental – VRBO #487383
I was debating whether to stay at a hotel or at a rental when I was planning my trip to Kauai but ultimately VRBO #487383 in the Nihi Kai Villas won me over. This rental has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a nice sized kitchen and living area. There is also a washer and dryer which comes in handy! The patio just off the living area has a partial view of the ocean and makes for a great spot to watch the sunset. The condo is located in Poipu and sits across the street and up the hill from the beach. Brennecke’s Beach and Poipu Beach are just down street in walking distance or there are a few parking lots across the street. Just taking the super short walk from the condo through the gorgeously landscaped property is enjoyable! There is a pool and hot tub on property and plenty of parking. The condo came with a cooler, boogie boards, beach chairs, a beach umbrella and snorkeling gear. I don’t know about you but no hotel offers all of these conveniences for free! The rental agency was super responsive and made booking a breeze. I highly recommend this rental!
Hotels
St Regis in Princeville and the Hyatt in Poipu are the most amazing resorts on the island! Should you decide to stay at a hotel these are my top two picks. If you don’t stay at one of these hotels, they are great to visit for dinner or drinks. The Hyatt had live music on Saturday and the band was so ridiculously good plus the restaurants on site have serious ambiance.
Car Rental
Upgrade to a jeep it; just do it! What better way to cruise the island than with an open view and wind in your hair! Plus, if you are an adventurer you will appreciate being able to easily manage driving through mountains, dirt roads and rugged terrain without worry. I can 100% tell you it was worth it and made my trip feel more like an adventure.
Kauai / Jill E. Gallien / February 19, 2018
