ShesSoSerene

Hello, friends!

If you read my last post, you’ll know that my time in Hawai’i was short. We were in Honolulu for business and made the decision to jump islands, because why not?! Yeah, we probably wasted some valuable time traveling between islands. Sure, we could have seen more in O’ahu. But, if work is flying you over 4,000 miles to this beautiful state, of course you’re going to lookup flights to nearby islands of paradise. Fine... it was greedy! Nevertheless, if you ever find yourself on the gorgeous island of Kauai and you’re looking for a few recommendations, here are my top must-sees and must-dos.

Let me start by saying that selecting another island to visit was no easy task. Each Hawaiian island is prettier and more impressive than the next, and they each offer something unique from canyons to volcanoes, to some unbeatable hike or waterfall. So, if you, too, are going through this wrack-your-brain decision, I feeeel ya! After several pros and cons lists and countless hours researching and reading reviews, we landed on Kauai simply for the sheer beauty and mystery of the Nā Pali Coast.

Nā Pali Coast

There are a couple different ways to soak up the majestic views of the Na Pali Coast: by foot, boat or helicopter. This 17 mile stretch of rugged coastline offers lush green cliffs in unearthly formations, cascading waterfalls, and miles of practically untouched earth to simply gawk at in awe (literal jaw-hits-floor style). Looking to explore the coast by foot? You’ll need to get as far north by car as possible in order to save your energy.

Ke’e Beach, the last beach on the north shore before you hit the Na Pali Coast, and the furthest north you can drive on the island. It’s a small beach, but thanks to the rocky reef it’s safe to both swim and snorkel. It’s also great place for those less daring or athletically capable to perch up, relax by the ocean, and wait for your return.

Kalalau Trail starts at Ke’e Beach and takes you 11 miles along the Na Pali Coast, but few people ever get that far. You need a state permit to go further than 4 miles in, and for good reason. The trail is extremely strenuous and even more dangerous. You can go 2 (not-so-easy) miles in and find Hanakapi`ai Beach (only accessible by this trail or boat). Or you can keep going another 2 (even more difficult and muddy) miles in and find a stunning  waterfall. If you are absolutely crazy and your athletic ability resembles that of an Olympian, you can hike to Kalalau Beach (permit required). I’m sure the views and satisfaction from self achievement alone are worth it. Maybe. Too many deaths recorded (and not recorded) for my taste. I personally made it about a whopping 1 mile in.

This was the first significant lookout point on the trail although you have views of the vibrant blue water practically the whole way in. The hike was straight up and pretty muddy towards the end, but I’d say it’s worth the trek to this point.

The best way to see the coast is by boat. We honestly thought we were getting a relaxing boat ride when we signed up for this excursion – a chance to sip on some wine and take really amazing pictures. HA! NOPE. Not even close. Although those exist in plenty, we selected Captain Andy’s rafting expedition, and were in for a rude awakening. This adventure isn’t for the fainthearted, but I promise it will be an experience unlike any other you’ll ever have. In the end, TOTALLY worth it!

We took a navy seal raft down the entire coastline, darting in and out of sea caves and under plunging waterfalls. I’d compare it to riding a bull. Or, like riding a roller coaster for several hours without a lap-bar restraint. You get the picture? But, we covered so much ground and saw some of the most dramatic landscape and utter beauty. Unfortunately, it was overcast the whole day and even rained for a good 15 minutes, but when it did a family of spinner dolphins came out to play – aaadorbs! 

Nu`alolo Kai is the archaeological site of an 800 year old fishing village only accessible by boat and permit. We got to stop here for a delicious Hawaiian lunch and to explore the old ruins. We even got to snorkel in the same thriving reef ecosystem that once supported these ancient Hawaiians. BEST PART OF MY WHOLE DAY? While snorkeling, I came an arms length away from a 300 pound sea turtle!!! I watched it swim around for 40-60 seconds before it took off with a quickness. It was…incredible.

Making Your Way Around The Island

The Blue Room is a wet cave near Ke’e Beach and is apparently extremely hard to get a good photo of with a phone (sorry for the awful ones above, but they were the only ones I got, and this place is certainly worth the stop). The way the light shines into this cave turns the water a neon blue color and casts a similar hue on the walls and ceiling, filling the whole space. It reminds me a lot of the Italian Blue Grotto. It’s an easy stop on your way in or out of beach.

Hanalei Town is your next stop heading back out on 560 (Kuhio Hwy) and the perfect little town for lunch and shopping with picturesque views of the nearby mountains, waterfalls and the frequent rainbow. Don’t pass on the shave ice – it’s a Hawaiian staple!

Hanalei Valley Lookout is a great place to pull over and take in the vast size of the valley and all it’s beauty. One of my favorite facts about this island is that 97% of the land is used for conservation and agriculture. It is so green, and natural, and wild. It’s easy to see how it earned the nickname, The Garden isle.

Queens Bath is the gem of Princeville. Second only to the Na Pali Coast excursion, it was freaking awesome (for lack of a better description)!! Princeville has a slew of fancy resorts and accompanying beaches, but if you’re there, Queens Bath is where you want to be. You park in the middle of a neighborhood and spots are pretty scarce. Finding the clearly labeled trailhead is easy. The trek down after a good rainfall? Not so much. I highly recommend water shoes as the trail can get extremely muddy. Should you slip in the mud (which I saw happen) you’ll pass a few waterfalls you can jump into and rinse off so that no one knows 😉 . You’ll likely find other adventurous friends on the way down or once you get to the natural tide pool. The jump in is exhilarating, and you’ll have just as much fun letting the tide push and pull you around the pool. I’d suggest bringing a noodle or float if you aren’t a great swimmer. *May not want to attempt this activity in winter*

Kīlauea Lighthouse is located on Kīlauea Point and offers incomparable views of the coast. Closed on Sundays and Mondays, this birdwatcher’s haven has a cheap $5 entry fee which goes towards protecting the area and all it’s wildlife. Depending on the time of year you go, this spot makes for the perfect whale watching too.

Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls are located in Wailua. Both are typically gorgeous and easy to see from the road making this a great stop if you are short on time. We were lucky enough to witness the aftermath of a large storm (yes, that was sarcasm). Wailua River was brown, Wailua Falls was brown, and NO ONE was getting in for a swim. If you get nicer weather, the trails are supposed to be easy and waterfalls ideal for swimming.

Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail starts at Shipwreck Beach in Poipu on the south side of the island and leads you to Maha’ulepu Beach. This trail is relatively easy but it gets VERY hot in the summertime. Make sure you bring enough water with you. If the surf isn’t too rough, there are some great tide pools along the way to jump into and cool off. We didn’t get so lucky.

The one thing we didn’t have time to do and really wish we had was Waimea Canyon. Located on the western side of the island, she’s considered the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Maybe next time! I hope you enjoyed my list of “must-sees” in Kauai. A visit here is truly a once in a lifetime experience and thoroughly nourishing for the soul. I’d say it’s a bucket list must!

Life is short, and the world is huge – travel on, my friend.