Is it really that beautiful? We’ve been asked that question a lot since our recent return from Hawaii. There’s a sense of intrigue and utter infatuation with this remote chain of U.S. islands that is even more amplified with us east coasters, isn’t there?
In case you were wondering, the answer is unequivocally YES. JUST YES. It is THAT beautiful.
Kauai is as breathtakingly stunning as some of the most remarkable and exotic places we’ve ever visited. Its raw natural beauty rivals the likes of faraway Bora Bora, its photogenic charm and ridiculous vistas are parallel with that of Santorini, and its striking lush greenery radiates like the emerald rolling hills of Ireland.
I can honestly say that Hawaii has never been super high on my most wanted travel list. Of course, I’ve always wanted to go, I mean, I would think you’d be hard-pressed to find many people who don’t. But if you know me or read my blog at all, then you’ve probably realized by now that T and I are often drawn to more exotic and cultural locales like Bali and Turkey, and to us, Hawaii never seemed to fall under that category. A planned trip to California’s Wine Country with friends was ultimately the impetus that led us to finally make the trip to Hawaii, and I will be forever grateful for this. We fell in love with Hawaii, in fact, we both loved it more than we ever thought we would. While I’m not sure if or when we’ll return–let’s face it, it’s super far, crazy expensive, and there are just too many other places we are dying to visit–we couldn’t have enjoyed Hawaii more.
In short, Hawaii is amazing.
We split our time between Kauai and Maui, two incredible islands that are as spectacular as they are different. Below is how to spend four blissful days on Kauai, Hawaii’s Garden Island.
Waimea Canyon
The Pacific’s answer to the Grand Canyon, the stunning Waimea Canyon is as impressive as it is immense–nearly 10 miles along and 3,000 feet deep. The canyon’s rainbow-like hues and jaw-dropping views from the various lookout spots are insanely gorgeous.
The windy drive up the canyon is filled with twists and turns and took us well over two hours, including the numerous lookout stops and our own exploring. The canyon was a highlight of our time in Kauai–a must-do on the island!
Sail & Snorkel The Na Pali Coast
The pure and unparalleled beauty of the Na Pali Coast is other-worldly–a natural phenomenon that you truly have to see to fully appreciate its splendor and grandeur. Fifteen miles of rugged coastline comprised of towering jagged cliffs and a striking contrast of rich colors and textures, Na Pali Coast is one of the most extraordinary examples of Mother’s Nature’s gifts to the universe that we have ever seen.
Dolphins viewing while aboard the ship
We used the company Capt Andy’s Sailing Adventures and it was one of the best tour companies we’ve ever used. We opted for the Star Na Pali Snorkel BBQ Sail excursion: 5.5 hours aboard a 65′ luxury catamaran complete with sailing, snorkeling, breakfast, lunch, and unlimited wine and beer. From the moment you check in to the moment you step off the boat, the staff does everything humanly possible to make your trip enjoyable, accommodating, and relaxing. We’ve been on countless sailing and snoring excursions, and this was hands-down the most exceptional service we’ve ever experienced. One of the highlights of our entire stay in Hawaii–cannot recommend enough!
Thing to know: If you are even the slightest prone to sea sickness, take all the medicine, wear all the bracelets, do all the things you need to do. The waves can be extremely rough and the ride was rather bumpy at times. There were a few passengers who got sick on the tour, so make sure to plan ahead and take precautions before sailing.
Live Your Best Life in Hanalei
Ain’t no day like a Hanalei day. You know Hanalei. You’ve been singing all about it ever since you first heard the song, Puff the Magic Dragon. It’s as magical as they say and was easily our favorite spot to hang, eat, and frolick (sorry, I just couldn’t resist–way too easy) in all of Kauai. From lush natural wonders around every corner, to pristine beaches, fabulous restaurants, and soul-satisfying yoga studios, I could probably live in Hanalei. Albeit, I’d be broke AF, but at least I could enjoy the views, ocean, and sunshine for free!
Practice at Yoga Hanalei
All smiles and shameless selfies at Hanalei Beach
Chasing Waterfalls
While I doubt Kauai will ever beat Iceland in a waterfalls contest (at least if I were a judge, it wouldn’t), the island boasts a number of magnificent falls. Of course some are easier to get to than others, and we, um, may have ventured to the easier ones. The majestic Wailua Falls are known to be the most accessible falls on the island, as they are visible right from the road.
Wailua Falls
Opaekaa Falls are also super easy to see from the road, but we didn’t find them quite as impressive as Wailua.
Opaekaa Falls
The major one that we missed out on was Secret Falls, which are supposed to be incredible. You can’t always do it all, now can you? Sometimes you’re too busy drinking bottomless glasses of Rosé or sun worshipping at the beach. Not enough hours in the day–you know, that kind of thing. But you should go. You should definitely go and then tell me all about it!
Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach gets a lot of hype, and it’s true, there’s no denying that it’s beautiful, but then again we didn’t go to one beach in Hawaii that wasn’t incredible. We liked Poipu Beach, but we loved Hanalei.
Where to Eat
bar acuda
Our best meal while in Kauai, Bar Acuda serves innovative and locally-souced tapas in a sexy and sophisticated environment. The restaurant is conveniently located in the heart of Hanalei. Favorites include the burrata and watermelon dish, kale and blackened ahi salad, and cucumber salad with crispy chick peas.
TAHITI NUI
This local dive bar offers nightly Hawaiian music and surprisingly really good food. Popular with locals and visitors alike, Tahiti Nui offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere in Hanalei to sit back and enjoy some island fare, drinks, and live music. And fun fact: it was featured in the film The Descendants. We really loved the vibe here.
Food Trucks & Stands
One of my favorite things about Hawaii is its food trucks and stands scene. Various stalls, stands and trucks pop up along the side of the road specializing in everything from tacos to poke to shave ice. Many boast local Hawaiian dishes made with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. A great way to try authentic cuisine while simultaneously eating on the cheap(er)–if you’re familiar with costs in Hawaii, then you know that cheap and Hawaii rarely go hand in hand.
Hanalei food trucks
Delicious fish tacos and house-made fried tortillas at Island Taco
Amazing sushi at Sushigirl
Decisions, decisions at the ever-popular and refreshing Jojo’s Shave Ice
Makena terrace at the St. Regis
We didn’t stay at the St. Regis and I had heard how amazing the hotel was, so I made a dinner reservation at Makena Terrace, one of the hotel’s premier restaurants. The hotel and restaurant are of course luxurious and imposing, but I’m not sure that I can say our meal was quite worth the matching price tag. Everything we ordered was solid, but not memorable enough to warrant the cost. My advice is to come here for drinks, as the ambience and sunset viewing is nothing short of spectacular, but I would personally eat elsewhere on the island.
Kalypso
Literally the only bad meal of our trip. Maybe I ordered wrong? This Hanalei spot is very popular and consistency receives good reviews. Not sure what happened here, but I think I ate the grossest fish tacos of my entire life here–and I have eaten A LOT OF FISH TACOS. I liken fish tacos to pizza, even bad ones are still good, you know what I mean? But not these–these were inedible–and I am not one for leaving uneaten fish tacos (or any tacos for that matter) on my plate. Just yuck.
Additional Things to Note:
RENT A CAR: Unless you plan on spending all of your time at your resort (and if you are, then really, why even make the trip all the way to Hawaii when there are surely closer and easier-to-get-to destinations?), I’m not sure there’s any other way to get around Kauai and truly see the island. We rented a Jeep Wrangler from Thrifty through Hawaii Jeeps–highly recommend renting a jeep for the quintessential island experience. Renting a car in Hawaii is expensive, and so is gas. By no means, don’t let this deter you–just be prepared–in all of our travels, it’s the most expensive place we have ever rented a car.
WHERE TO STAY: This is so contingent upon preference. The good news is that I’m not sure there is a bad area to stay in on Kauai. When I asked a number of people where to stay on the island, the overwhelming response was the North Shore, and we found it to be our favorite region of the entire island. One thing to note is that it’s somewhat well-known that if it’s raining in the northern part of the island, there’s a good chance that you’ll find sunshine the further south you go. We experienced this weather phenomenon (luckily) only one morning, so we were relieved that within a thrifty minute drive south, the rain was pretty much behind us. We rented a cliffside condo through Airbnb in Princeville, which is only a few short miles from Hanalei, and absolutely loved it. The condo was spacious, modern and conveniently located. Our hosts were lovely and the views and sunsets from our balcony were fantastic. Highly recommend.
Wonderful views and sunsets from our condo’s balcony
COSTS: Everything you’ve heard about Hawaii being ridiculously expensive is true. You didn’t really think this would be a budget trip, did you? BUT there are ways to do it more affordably of course. Eating at food trucks, stalls and stands is a huge way to reduce costs. Consider renting a house or a condo rather than opting for a high-end hotel. Bask in the natural beauty–it’s all free–the beaches, Waimea Canyon, waterfalls, hikes–they’re all free for the taking and exploring! Yes, I know, no real earth-shattering advice here, but I’d be remiss not to mention it, now wouldn’t I? What can I say? Expect to spend some money here, folks.
The Bottom Line
I think I’ve used pretty much used every possible synonym for beautiful that I can think of. Hawaii is a magical destination that is far away enough that it feels special and unique, yet because of language, currency, and other American aspects, it still feels familiar and easy for us mainlanders. The bottom line? If you can afford the trip here and have the time to make it worth your while, you may just find yourself falling in lush with beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, breathtaking, striking, imposing, incredible, spectacular, magnificent, arresting (ARRESTING! I haven’t used this one yet!) Kauai.
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