The Hawaiian Islands are one of my favorite travel destinations, and I’ve visited Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Big Island so far. Each island is its own adventure, and so distinct from one another. Just to list a few, Hawaii has lush nature, waterfalls, amazing beaches, incredible marine life, world-class surf, volcanos, a delicious cuisine and beautiful traditions – and the Aloha spirit is certainly real.
Our itinerary: Nā Pali Coast, Kalalau Beach, Kalalau Trailhead Park Pass, Kalalau Lookout, Waimea Canyon, Pihea Trail, Hanalei-Bay
Which Islands should you visit?
If you have the time, then I highly recommend visiting multiple islands and spend at least 4 days on each. The islands are only connected by inter-island flights, and you could maximize your time by flying into one island and leaving from another.
Traveling to Hawaii during the Covid Pandemic
Make sure to visit Hawaii’s official travel site for the most updated travel entry requirements. As of November 2021, vaccinated travelers are exempt from quarantine and don’t need to get tested. Local restrictions and limited capacities were partially still in place during the time of our visit, however, nothing that would impact your experience.
Kauai
On one of my latest Hawaii trips, we got to visit Kauai, also known as the Garden Island. Kauai is the most north-western inhabited island and is most famous for its Na ‘Pali coastline, the Waimea Canyon, and its beautiful Hanalei Bay – just to name a few.
Kauai is called the “Garden Island” for a reason, and the central mountain range is year-round covered in clouds, with some of the highest annual rain falls at 40ft. Rain showers across the island are typically rather quick, and it rains significantly more on the north shore, than in the dryer southern coast line. And this is exactly what makes Kauai so lush and green – don’t be discouraged by the weather; just pack a light rain jacket and enjoy the rainbows.
What to see
Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Kalalau Lookout, Kilohana Lookout, Hanalei-Bay, Wailua Falls, Opaeka’a Falls, and much more!
Why are there so many Chickens in Kauai?
One of my favorite things about the Hawaiian Islands is that there are no snakes or other dangerous animals. If there is no (land) animal that can hurt me, there is also no natural predator that will hurt all these chickens living on the island. You will get used to them rather quickly, and they are certainly part of the Kauai experience.
How to experience the Nā Pali Coast
The world-famous Nā Pali Coast is probably the number one reason, why you want to visit Kauai, and you must see it. There are a few different options on how to experience this coastline.
Nā Pali Coast by Land
The only option to explore the full Nā Pali coast by land is on foot, by hiking along an 11-mile hike (one way) to a deserted beach, called Kalalau Beach. This option requires proper planning, as there is no infrastructure on the beach and you have to bring your own tent, water and food. You also need to obtain a camping permit and buy your park pass in advance. If you are not ready for the full 22 mile roundtrip hike, then just explore the first two miles of the Kalalau Trailhead. You will get to explore a beautiful scenery along the coast and if you are up for it, then hike the additional 2 miles land-inwards and visit the Hanakapi’Ai Waterfalls (about 8 miles total roundtrip). Click here for more details about the Hanakapi’Ai Waterfalls hike.
Access to this trail is highly regulated and you won’t have cell signal once you get into the area, so make sure to plan in advance. Parking spots at the trailhead are limited and Parking Passes may sell out far in advance. Click here to purchase your pass in advance. If you end up with the “parking and shuttle” option, then make sure to double check the shuttle itinerary, as it only drops passengers off in the morning hours. Here is the Waipa Park and Ride Shuttle meeting location.
Your second option to see a glimpse of the Na ‘Pali coast by land, is the Kalalau Lookout and and Pihea Trail to the Kilohana Lookout. More info is here.
Nā Pali Coast by Water
There are many different options, and most boat excursions leave from the southern part of the island. We sought some extra thrill, and booked the Kauai Rafting Expeditions with Capt’ Andys. This was a 6 hour rafting tour to the Na Pali coast with beach landing and lunch at Nualolo Kai Beach. The zodiac fits 12 passengers and takes you on an exciting, but also choppy ride along the coastline. The small boat allows you to get close to some of the caves and is the only option to land on the beach.
Our alternative tour would have been an 8 hour catamaran tour with Holo Holo Charters that visits the Na Pali coast, and crosses the channel to the Ni’ihau island for a snorkeling stop at the Lehua crater.
Nā Pali Coast from the Air
Helicopter tours over the island of Kauai and the Na Pali coast are also quite popular and a great and fast way to experience the island.
Hanalei Bay
Whether you are staying in Hanalei Bay or just driving through, make sure to plan for a stop. The scenery of this valley is so magical with its steep mountains in the backdrop, the lush, green valley and the beach. A great photo stop is the Hanalei Bay Lookout and the valley lookout. Also plan for a stop at Haena State Park on your way to the Kalalau Trailhead.
Waimea Canyon, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Trail to Kilohana Lookout
Waimea Canyon is also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and is a must see on your Kauai tour. The Waimea Canyon can easily be accessed by car and offers different lookout options along the Canyon road and the Waipo’o Falls. After a few mandatory photo stops along the Canyon, continue driving to the Kalalau Lookout. Fingers crossed, that you are luckier than we were, and you get a beautiful glimpse of the Na Pali coast and the Kalalau valley with its beach (the 11 mile hike described earlier, ends at this beach).
If you are up for some additional hiking (regardless the length), then walk along the Pihea Trail with a few additional view points along the way. If you are up for the entire hike, and have the weather in your favor, then head all the way to the Kilohana Lookout. Our experience was quite muddy, and we walked about a mile in and back. Rain or shine, this hike is still worth it and just listen to mother nature on how far you can get. Kilohana Lookout Hike (7 mile roundtrip).
On your drive back, plan for a short visit of the Hanapepe swinging bridge and take a glimpse of the the Red Dirt Waterfall (glimpse from the car is also okay).
Wailua Falls, Opaeka’a Falls and Sleeping Giant East Trailhead
These stops are great half-day activities when arriving or flying out and can easily be reached by car (about a 20 minute drive from the airport). The viewpoints for both the Wailua Falls and Opaeka’a Falls are easily accessible and both can be visited within an hour. The Sleeping Giant East Trail is an easy 2 mile scenic hike with beautiful views.
Where to stay
We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Kauai on the southern part of the island, close to Koloa and Poipu. Distanced are relatively short and it will take you less than 30 minutes to the airport and about an hour to the north shore.
If you are looking to stay in the greener part of the island, then I can certainly recommend staying around Hanalei Bay or Princeville.
What to eat
My Hawaiian favorite is Ahi Poke and I will eat Ahi or any other Hawaiian local catch, every chance I get. Here are a few restaurant recommendations from across the island:
- Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt Kauai
- Foodland – yes, I’m talking about the supermarket! Try their Ahi Poke and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
- Kauai Juice Co – delicious juice options and I got to try my first Noni shot. Not the best taste or smell, but it’s a superfruit with high antioxidants and vitamin.
- Fish Market in Kilauea.
Beaches
Kauai has many great beach options and here are a few:
Northern coastline:
- Hanalei Beach
- Lumaha’i Beach
- Haena Beach and Tunnels Beach
Southern coastline:
- Poipu Beach
- Kiahuna Beach
- Shipwreck Beach
Western coast:
- Polihale State Park (access only by 4×4)
Shopping
My shopping bag included an Aloha Collection travel bag, some souvenir shirts and raw Noni juice from Kauai Juice Co. Other great items are sweets from Host or Honolulu Cookie Company, local rum from Koloa Rum Company, local jewelry, or art. And of course, some great photos and lasting memories.
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