Falling in Love with Kauai

Sheraton Kauai: best resort!

Kauai completely stole my heart on this trip, easily claiming the top spot as my absolute favorite Hawaiian island after having visited three of them. We spent a glorious week immersed in the quiet, peaceful magic that makes Garden Isle so legendary. From the moment we checked into our resort, everything was top-tier: our king oceanfront corner room provided sweeping views of the Pacific, and we even had a front-row seat to watch the hotel’s evening luau right from our private balcony. Between the superb service, delicious property dining, and serene atmosphere, it was truly a flawless celebration in paradise.

View from our room

Sheraton Kauai Resort

The absolute highlight of the trip was taking my very first helicopter tour to soar above the iconic Na Pali Coast. Seeing those emerald-green ridges, jagged sea cliffs, and hidden waterfalls dropping into the ocean from above was an unforgettable, bucket-list experience. We also rented a car to explore the island’s incredible outdoor scenery at our own pace. Driving down to Poipu Beach was a treat—watching the local sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals basking on the shore was amazing, but grabbing a famous Hawaiian hot dog from Puka Dog across the street and enjoying it at Poipu Beach Park was just as fun and memorable.

Helicopter tour (highly recommend!)

Sea turtles on Poipu Beach

Our island road trips took us to some of Kauai's most dramatic natural wonders. Heading up to Waimea Canyon State Park, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," we were treated to breathtaking, panoramic views of deep red canyons and lush green valleys. On the way up, we made a quick stop at the famous Red Dirt Waterfall, where the intense, vivid red soil contrasting against the water made for an incredible photo op. Every drive across the island felt like stepping into a postcard.

Waimea Canyon State Park

Red Dirt Waterfall

To top it all off, we spent a day at Polihale State Park, which proved to be one of the most stunning and serene places I have ever set foot in. Because it requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate the bumpy dirt road and full self-sufficiency for the day, it remains remarkably secluded. For most of the day, there was only one other family on the entire expansive stretch of sand—until a couple of 4x4 Jeeps drove up the coast. Watching the endless beach stretch for miles, backed by towering sand dunes and the massive, steep cliffs where the Na Pali Coast begins, was the ultimate way to wrap up a perfect birthday trip.

Poihale State Park

Don't forget to get some shave ice!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Kauai page.