Have you ever dreamed of vacationing to the Garden Isle of Hawai’i?
Or maybe you already have an adventure-seeking, jungle-filled trip on the books?

Well, today I’m going to share how we spent a week here along with my tips, favorite spots + recommendations for the island of Kaua’i. Pack your bags + let’s get going. . .

Rum Tasting at Koloa Rum Company

First stop: Koloa Rum Company! It’s about 15 minutes from the airport and the staff was a ball. We love sampling local favorites and hey, free tasting?! We’re in! Great first stop!

A Curated Lodging Experience in Kauai | The Palmwood Bed & Breakfast

For the first part of our trip, we headed north east just past the town of Kapa’a to Kilauea. We checked into this secluded, charming bed and breakfast tucked away in the mountains!

Read more about our stay at The Palmwood here.

Most Northern Part of the Hawaiian Islands | Kilauea Lighthouse

This stop was an unexpected one! Actually, we were trying to find the Queen’s Bath one morning and ended up stumbling upon a sign for the lighthouse. With our hearts vested in the east coast, both Aaron + I love a good lighthouse view. We took the turn and after soaking in these fine views and watching a whale breach right off the shore, we were happy we did.

Incredible Hike on the North Shore | Queen’s Bath

*WARNING* Queen’s Bath is extremely dangerous, especially in the winter months. Be careful!
The trail is very muddy (nearly slipped down the entire hill!) and there have been many deaths in this natural pool.
Especially if you are traveling during the winter, the surf can be extremely high + rouge waves DO HAPPEN.

Please do you research, check the surf, talk to locals and then make a plan to go.
If you’re planning to go while visiting, read this first.
Please be safe! We were lucky and it was absolutely beautiful and calm when we went. It was the highlight of my trip!
It’s stunning and worth checking out but I don’t ever encourage risking your life for an adventure.

Hiking The Na Pali Coast | Kalalau Trail

The striking cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast are probably what Kaua’i is best known for. I know the stunning aerial shots of this coastline are what sparked my interest years ago. Hiking the Kalalau trail was beautiful, challenging and awe-inspiring.

This trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged Nā Pali Coast. We had our hearts set on hiking to the Hanakāpīʻai Beach two miles in, although the trail traverses 5 valleys over 11 miles before ending at Kalalau Beach. Since I got sick upon arriving to the island and with HIGH surf preventing any swimming at the beach, we ended up not trekking the full way to the beach (we plan to next time).

The Kalalau Trail is hands down one of the most incredible hikes on earth.
Wondering if the trail is open today? Click here. 

Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas | Kauai Hotel in Princeville

While we were exploring the north shore, we stayed at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas and LOVED IT!
It was just Aaron + I, although we kept thinking about how these villas would be ideal for families or groups.

The kitchen was awesome + furnished with everything we needed (dishes, glasses, wine opener, soap, etc) and the suite was HUGE! Tons of space to relax, big bathtub and separate shower. . . not to mention a big cozy bed.

There was a family friendly pool + an adults only pool closer to the ocean. The whole resort was lovely and we truly enjoyed our stay at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Also, something to note is that we were very close to everything. We were just a 15 minute drive to Hanalei and right in the center of Princeville.

We dined at the Nanea Restaurant one of the nights and I have to say, we had the luxury of eating the best poké we’ve ever had.
I was so surprised! I love poké and eat it often but this was like BUTTER. So fresh, soft, well flavored and incredibly delicious.
The rest of our meal was equally amazing, we both indulged and left really pleased.
But that poké – I will remember it forever! I’m so glad to finally tell someone that, I’ve been dreaming about that dinner ever since. 

The Town of Hanalei | Iconic North Shore Town

When I think of Kauai, I always think about the wonderful stories I’ve heard about Hanalei.
It was awesome to finally see the famous pier, walk the shops and take in the views of this iconic place.
Aaron surfed Hanalei Bay, we ate at a few different places and visited as many of the beaches as possible.

Kauai North Shore Beach Recommendations:

Tunnels Beach
Hanalei Bay
Haena Beach
Wainiha Beach

Sunset at Tunnels Beach | Kauai’s Best Beaches

As mentioned above, Tunnels Beach was one of our very favorite beaches on Kaua’i! We made it there for sunset one night + boy, were we in for a SHOW! The clouds were lit up with shades of peach and blush. The waves were gentle and soothing. It was magnificent. Not to mention, on our drive back to the Westin Princeville, we witnessed the moon rise over Hanalei Bay.
It was absolutely UNREAL.

Touring Na Pali Coast By Boat | Kauai Activity

I’m pretty sure this was the highlight of Aaron’s trip, if not the Kalalau trail. We were so excited for the opportunity to see theNā Pali Coast from the water! Aaron found Cody of Go Blue Adventure on Instagram + looking back on it, we’re so glad we did. He’s fifth generation raised on Kauai and he was a wealth of knowledge. He shared the history or a personal story around every curve, bringing the coastline alive.

That morning our boat was surrounded by about 400 dolphins  which was WILD.  After we went as far north as we could, taking in the striking cliffs, we turned back and were honored to see multiple whales right up close. Such a spectacular morning with Blue Ocean Adventure Tours!

While we were out there, we could easily see Ni’ihau (‘The Forbidden Island’) and Cody told us all about how vividly preserved the Hawaiian culture is on Ni’ihau + the pure blood line of the monarch.

Waimea Canyon | The Grand Canyon Of the Pacific

When we were planning our trip, this wasn’t that appealing to me for some reason. Maybe because I had grown up in the desert, seeing these types of natural wonders often, or maybe because we just visited the Grand Canyon this year – I’m not sure. But I’m so glad we did end up going! This canyon is mind blowing! How can such a vast valley exist on this little island? I was in awe!

Also, up Waimea Canyon is the Kalalau Lookout Point.

Tip: Go to the top of Waimea Canyon to the Kalalau Lookout Point FIRST. Even if you go early and stop to see the scenic points along the way, by the time you get to the top, the fog will be socked in and you won’t have any visibility of the breathtaking Kalalau Lookout Point.

Unfortunately, this happened to us! (We hope to take in the views next time) But while we were up at the top, we met this wonderful man who was actually from Ni’ihau (‘The Forbidden Island’). It was wild going from the boat out in the ocean, talking about this island, to up at the top of this mountain talking to someone who was born and raised there. 

The people of Ni’ihau live a very different lifestyle to that of a typical American household. There isn’t electricity, stores, internet, cellphones or cars and outsiders are not welcome. They still uphold Hawaiian traditions and speak Hawaiian as their first language.

The man spoke to us about the untouched nature of their island + showed us pure shells without pollution next to shells collected on Kaua’i. There was such a difference in color! It’s amazing how beautiful our earth is when untouched by man. Ni’ihau shells are precious and worth more than gold. Read more about them here: Shells From the Forbidden Island.

Opaekaa Falls + Wailua Falls | Kauai Waterfalls Worth Seeing

Wailua Falls and ‘Opaeka’a Falls are both stunning! 

Sheraton Kauai | Kauai Hotel in Poipu

After our adventure on the west side of the island, we headed towards Poipu to check in at the Sheraton Kauai. We went to the Poipu Market, where a farmers’ market was underway and found the sweetest woman selling homemade soup. Bless her heart, my aching throat so needed it!

We checked into the hotel + the view off our ocean-facing balcony was gorgeous! We started that evening with dinner at Rum Fire. Delicious! After a week of non-stop go, go, go around the island – Aaron + I welcomed a good night of sleep!

To get a fresh start, shake the cold I was fighting + take in the ocean views, we opted for the morning yoga class offered on property! Both loved it, great instructor and we were on the lawn just a few steps from the shoreline.

Something unique that I loved was that you can take hula lessons + lei making classes at the Sheraton Kauai. For those who are coming to the islands for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to try some of the sacred Hawaiian traditions for yourself.

After yoga, we threw on our suits and spent the whole day lounging at the resort. We had a poolside bungalow, had a few drinks, walked the beach and let ourselves unwind. Aaron got the most killer bloody mary, fully loaded with a burger on top. . . Keep reading to see the photo! It was nice to rest, relax and enjoy some time together. 

Shipwreck Beach | Best Kauai Beaches

Shipwreck Beach, located on the south shore near Poipu, was beautiful! I laid on the beach and read, Aaron hung up his hammock and we just lounged for a while. The cliffside on the left is really striking and just a short walk over! Still don’t know why it’s called Shipwreck Beach – hopefully we’ll find out next time!

We were really hoping to do some beach camping but both nights we went to set up camp, it was POURING. We were so bummed because camping on the beach on our last trip to O’ahu was a highlight! Instead, we camped in our car. Not so glamorous but we got up early both mornings and started our day with the sun!

Kauai South Shore Beach Recommendations:

Shipwreck Beach
Poipu Beach
Salt Pond Beach Park
Kekaha Beach Park

Kauai Food Recommendations + Local Favorites

✔ Kauai Juice Company
✔ Bar Acuda (incredible tapas!)
✔ Sushi Girl (sushi burrito for the win!)
▢ Koloa Fish Market (for awesome poké)
✔ Fresh Bite
▢ La Spezia Restaurant
✔ Tortilla Republic (delicious stuffed poblanos – vegetarian friendly)
▢ Beach House Restaurant
▢ Anake’s Juice Bar
✔ Eat Healthy Kapa’a

Shave Ice Places:

✔ Wishing Well Shave Ice – awesome aca’i bowls too!
▢ The Fresh Shave
▢ Loco Coco
▢ Tege Tege Shave Ice