Kauai (aka the Garden Island) is the oldest island out of the whole Hawaiian chain. The island is lush and exotic. Kauai does not have any active volcanoes and is the best island (in my opinion). We gave some recommendations for the Big Island (here), so now we are ready to give you our recommendations for Kauai. What did we have fun doing? What recommendations do we have for our readers?
We have been to Kauai a few times (Zach more than myself) thanks to his parents. They have a timeshare here, so we usually go with them. The first time I came to Kauai was right after I studied abroad in Spain. I flew back to Austin, Texas for one night and then flew to Kauai the next day! Talk about jet lag! But I instantly fell in love with the island. We are sure you will too!
Favorite things (in order):
- Na Pali Coast – The only true way to see the coast is by boat or helicopter, that way you can get the true vastness of the coast line. The cliffs and valleys are incredible. You can look at a picture, but seeing this place with your own eyes is next level. You can read more about how to see the Na Pali Coast here in a blog post I did a few weeks ago.
- Tunnels Beach – This beach has a spectacular backdrop and the snorkeling is next level. There are various places you can park, but we like finding one of the little alleyways to park in. They give you the closest parking to the best snorkeling spots at the beach. The drive down to Tunnels is incredible and a fun thing to do by itself. Don’t be a jerk and walk out on the coral. Find a small sand spot to walk on and swim out. Don’t walk out on the coral until it gets deep enough. If you decide to go snorkeling, we love renting our gear from a little surf shop in Hanalei. We get it for the week and use it at various beaches during our stay. If you go to Hanalei, walk around, do a little shopping and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls coming down the mountains behind this quaint town.
- Waimea Canyon – The drive is very windy but the canyon views are amazing. The Grand Canyon of the Pacific is a sight to behold. There are a few lookout points, but we liked to just pull off on the side of the road and have a private viewing area. The end of the road is one of the wettest places in the world and a gorgeous lush ocean view at the Pu’u O Kila Lookout. If you are a hiker, bring your hiking boots and do a few trails while you are up there.
- Queen’s Bath – Visit at your own risk! This “bath” is one of our favorites to visit. In the winter especially, Queen’s Bath is very dangerous because of the high tides, strong current and large rogue waves. But the two times we have gone in the summer, it was not bad and we felt safe. Still be wary of rogue waves that can wash in the bath and pull you out to sea. After a hike down a dirt path (very slippery mud after a rain), you take a left once you get down to the lava rocks at the ocean. Keep walking until you come upon this beautiful bath. Teeming with ocean life, we recommend you bring your snorkel gear.
- The Beach House – Make a reservation for around sunset time. The food is good and the sunsets here are perfect. You can sit on their grass lawn and watch the surfers or the usual wedding and sip on a mai tai while you wait for your table. Reservations recommended. Also, bring some cash, because valet is the way to go here. And bring your good camera. The staff is happy to help take your picture.
Have you been to any of these places? What were your thoughts? Anything a must-see?
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Mahalo,
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