Curator’s statement
Kaua'i is known as “The Garden Island,” and as soon as you arrive, you know why. It is full of luscious greenery and exotic flowers. The people here are truly amazing. When we hear the word “aloha,” we tend to think of "hello" and "goodbye" but it also means "love," and the locals truly live out the word with everything they do. Everyone is ohana here and it’s truly a magical feeling that I think everyone should experience.
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Things to do in Kaua'i
Must-dos:
See the Na’Pali coast by air or water. We did the Jack Harter helicopter tour without doors and it was my favorite highlight of the trip. The views are insane!
Rent ATVs and ride through the beautiful Kipu Ranch.
If you’re a plant enthusiast, don’t miss the botanical gardens at Allerton and McBryde
Take a sailing adventure with Captain Andy — highly recommend
Golfing, fishing, snorkeling and so much more
Beaches
Shipwreck Beach is right in front of the Grand Hyatt and is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise with fantastic sidewalks to take in the views.
Po’ipu Beach: Great swimming and very popular with children. You also have a great chance of seeing the sea turtles come onto the beach at dusk and swim back out into the ocean at dawn. This was pretty incredible to see.
North Shore: Hanalei is a favorite with lots of surfing and boogie-boarding.
Day trips
I would highly recommend renting a jeep, taking the top down and spending a day just cruising around the island to see all that it offers. Drive to the Waimea Canyon State Park and do some hiking, grab some lunch at a food truck, park and walk around Hanalei Bay (which is the cutest little surfer town) and check out all the shops and restaurants, head to the Hanalei Bay pavilion and watch all the surfers, drive to Secrets Beach and take the short, but steep hike down for breathtaking views and mean-looking waves! This is the perfect place to choose a day with zero plans and see what the magical island life is all about.
Places to eat & drink in Kaua'i
Breakfast hot spots:
Kountry Kitchen
Tip Top in Lihue (banana macadamia pancakes are to die for)
Olympic Cafe
Lunch spots:
Duke’s
Lilikoi
Lava Lava Beach Club
Tropical Taco
Dinner time=the best time:
The Beach House (views are 10/10)
The Plantation House (my favorite meal)
Tidepools
Keoki’s Paradise (open-air restaurant and fun ambience — get the hula pie)
Hukilau Lanai
Need to know
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation or a romantic adults-only getaway, Kaua'i has what you need. It is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Spend one day lounging by a pool or sunbathing on the beach, and the next hiking the Waimea Canyon and chasing waterfalls. You can have it all here.
Although going to Hawai'i in the summertime might be your first instinct, we experienced Kaua'i in January and the weather was fabulous! Highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s with sunshine every day. Don’t write off the winter season here.
Travel Advisor
Lindsay Mcknight
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Kaua'i. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Tammy Kiefer's guide, Epic Golf Trip To The Beautiful Island of Kaua'i, Hawai'i.