Kauai
Surfboards in Hanalei
When we decided to honeymoon in Hawaii, everyone we asked recommended Kauai, citing its comparatively smaller size but mostly emphasizing its beauty. And they were right: “the garden isle” is an incredible place of giant fern grottos, blooming flowers, perfect beaches, and the famous Napali Coast. Driving around the easily-navigable island brought so many vistas that reminded us of Jurassic Park, and it’s a perfect destination both for those who want to relax and others who want to get out and fill the day with activities. We planned our trip to be a blend of both.
Our primary recommendation is to transition between accommodations in different parts of of the island rather than picking one spot as home base and day-tripping from there. I cannot imagine, for example, staying in Poipu and trying to squeeze in Hanalei Bay as a day trip; you’d miss so much on the north side of the island, and you would need to build too much “car time” into your days.
For our trip, we spent three nights at The Palmwood in the northeast, then three nights in an Airbnb in Princeville (further west in the north shore); lastly, we spent three nights at the Grand Hyatt Kauai in the southern part of the island. We loved this sequence and enjoyed planning our itinerary around sites in the parts of the island closest to where we were staying each night. Though we usually opt for the cheapest rental car we can find, we splurged on a Jeep for this trip, and it was so worth it, not just in the happiness that it brought Drew, but it was great to take off the top and enjoy the sunshine and sea breezes, especially since none of of the roads are so high speed that the wind would be annoying.
It really was a magical place, one we’d love to return to one day. Check out our posts on Kapa’a, Kilauea, Hanalei, Poipu, Weimea, and the Napali coast and north shore beaches.
The Napali Coast from the Kalulau Valley lookout in Weimea Canyon
Sunset at the Hanalei Bay Pier
Our 10 Kauai Favorites:
In no particular order:
(Everything about) The Palmwood Inn
Fish tacos-Mochi ono tacos at the Sleeping Giant Grill, seared ahi tacos at Kilauea Fish Market
The Napali coast hike- first two miles of the Kalalau Trail
Snorkeling with sea turtles at Anini Beach (we rented snorkels from Kapa’a Beach Shop)
Blue Ocean Adventures boat tour of the Napali Coast- do morning tour (unless you want big waves)
Tahiti Nui bar in Hanalei- must try both the mai tai and the cucumber mint juice- perhaps with a shot of rum in it
Tunnels Beach for snorkeling, views, and drinking out of coconuts
Grand Hyatt Resort (except the fancy restaurants, which should be skipped)
Shave ice at Hee Fat general store (this was our favorite of all the ones we tried on the island, much better than the often-referred Wishing Well Shave Ice.)
Poke- Guerilla poke bowl at Makai Sushi, lobster poke at Ishihara Market in Weimea and avocado ahi bowl at The Dolphin in Hanalei
Honorable mention: Queens Bath, mini golf in Kilauea, Pink’s Creamery mac nut and kona ice cream (which way better than the more famous Lapparts), and the sunset at Hanalei Bay Pier
Drew in front of the great mural at the Lihue Airport
The entrance to Tunnels Beach
At Banana Joe’s Fruit Stand
Itinerary
Day 1- Afternoon arrival in Lihue, drive to The Palmwood
Day 2- North shore beaches
Day 3- Kapa’a and Kilauea
Day 4- Hanalei and beaches
Day 5- Kalalalu Trail (Napali Coast)
Day 6- Hanalei and beaches
Day 7- Hanalei to Grand Hyatt
Day 8- Pool day at Grand Hyatt
Day 9- Waimea Canyon and Napali Coast boat tour
Day 10- Pool day at Grand Hyatt; late night departure
The Grand Hyatt in Poipu
Walking towards the St. Regis in Princeville
Our first hotel, The Palmwood
Mini golf in Kilauea
The Aloha Roastery in Poipu