How to get the most out of your Kauai, Hawaii vacation
I don’t know about you, but it took us several (ahem, 50) years to finally pull off a once in a lifetime opportunity to go to Hawai’i, so we wanted to make the best out of every possible moment on our vacation. And realistically, even if you’ve been there before, it’s ideal to get the most out of the experience. Think of this as advice from one friend to another, based on our favorite experiences during our limited time there. This blog article focuses on Kaua’i. Look for a future one on how to get the most out of your time on Maui. So in no particular order (other than number 1, which is number 1 for a reason)…
Take a Helicopter Tour! While expensive, this is the best way to see the island, especially if you are not staying very long. We only had 3 full days there. We took Island Tours Jurassic Falls Adventure. My recommendations: if you are into waterfalls and/or Jurassic Park, this is THE tour to see, as it is the only one tour that lets you out to explore these falls. Also, no matter the helicopter tour you take, wear dark colors. This was our only sunny day on the island and unfortunately in some pictures you see the reflection of my super white skin in the photos. This small inconvenience impacted the quality of my photos,but not my trip, as it ultimately helped me to focus more deeply on the experience itself, and less on holding the camera up to my face. That said, if you are a professional photographer, you may want to consider booking a private tour on a helicopter with no doors.
Day trip to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. We rented a car (necessary for the islands) and downloaded the Shaka app before the trip which pointed out the best stops on the drive. We had so much fun and witnessed many stunning views, until we got to the top, where the weather got more and more foggy and rainy. TIP: look at the forecast before you go so you pack appropriately for the day (hiking shoes that can get muddy) Don’t let it stop you, but use the information to make adjustments as needed. In our case we still went all the way to the top, and focused on the humor of a view looking like we were inside a cloud.
Visit charming Hanapepe, Stop at Aloha Spice Co., Pacos Tacos, & Good Vibes shave ice (try the pineapple, coconut, and mango!) This was a very colorful and friendly small town with many cute shops, and a tasty roadside lunch. You know it’s good, when you see the locals lining up as well. TIP: To eat healthier and save money, stay in a condo, and make some meals there, such as a hearty breakfast (eggs or other protein), pack snacks (fresh fruit) and consider making dinners or getting portable food to bring back) . Enjoy one special meal a day, such as the fish tacos and shave ice (soooo much better than I even imagined.!)
Explore the beaches! Some favorites for us were Waipouli Beach, which was near our hotel, and where there was a seal camped each morning. We also enjoyed the Glass Beach, Poipu Beach, and several others. TIP: Since mornings are easier to handle with the time change, grab some coffee and be sure to watch the sunrise every morning- it’s a great way to wake up and start your day!
Plan a romantic evening in Poipu. This was the day of our wedding anniversary, and a friend had recommended the Beach House at sunset; this was unbelievable!!! The views were amazing, they had the best mai tai on Kawaii, and the meal was incredible! After dinner we walked along the beach in the twilight. TIP: Make reservations well in advance of your trip!
Experience tastes from local makers; We ventured to, and tried Kauai coffee, Lydgate farms chocolate, Koloa Rum. (best rum on our trip!), and Nani Moon Meadery. It was a great experience!
Enjoy the local foods; some favorites were the spicy ahi tuna poke bowl at Pono Market, specialty coffees at Java Kai (coconut milk latte), and Tiki Tacos- we ate there twice!!; they had homemade salsas, generous servings fresh made thick corn tortillas, and were filled with local grown veggies, and locally raised meats- we especially enjoyed the pork and fish.
Drive to Wailua Falls & Wailua River State Park. It was an easy walk on a rainy day; yet we were still able to enjoy the views!
Relax and enjoy the vibe, the slow pace, and the aloha spirit present on this less touristy island. In slow traffic I found myself looking around- noticing rainbows everywhere, and the local “wildlife”, which is mainly birds, plus goats and chickens walking along the road.
Talk to the people you meet, not just other tourists, ask questions, share your excitement. We were invited to see a home being built because we looked up someone local we had taken a dome-building class with in Minnesota. People are passionate about what they are able to share with you if you just take the time to ask them about their lives and listen.
If you have the opportunity to travel to Kauai, I hope you get as much out of it as we did. Please share your experiences, so others can benefit from what you learned.
