In March I traveled to Hawaii for the fourth time. This year, Michael and I went for two weeks so we spent one week on Hawai’i and one week on Kauai. We hadn’t been back to Kauai since the first time we went to Hawaii, and on that trip we were only there for three nights, so we didn’t do it justice.
Plus, you can never have to much Hawaii, really.
Kauai is amazing! There are so many things to do and beaches to explore, and it’s a smaller island so it’s very quick and easy to get around. A rental car is a must.
In no particular order, here is part one my favorite things in Kauai that you should check out if you find yourself on the island.
#1 ‘Anini Beach
Beautiful beach on the North Shore. Crystal clear water. There was also a view Kilauea Lighthouse on the cliff off in the distance, which we had been planning on visiting but couldn’t because it was temporarily closed.
#2 Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park
Waimea Canyon has been called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The park offers numerous lookouts with stunning views.
If you continue on through Waimea Canyon State Park you end up in Koke’e State Park which also has some amazing lookouts offering views of the Kalalau Valley.
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t the greatest when we were there so we didn’t end up hiking as much as we had planned and some of our views were obstructed, but we were lucky that the mist cleared at the Pu’u o Kila Lookout that we were able to see down to the coast.
#3 Poipu’s Beaches
Poipu offered some delightful beaches, close to restaurants and beach gear rentals. We spent some time at Poipu Beach Park and were lucky enough to spot some monk seals coming ashore here.
I also unintentionally swam with a sea turtle here! One poked its head out of the water nearby while I was swimming and I was super excited! I was also slightly terrified that a shark might be nearby looking for lunch.
#4 Hanalei Valley and Bay
More beautiful scenery from. There’s a lookout of the Hanalei Valley where you can see the taro fields. A little further down the road a fabulous view of Hanalei Bay, but there’s nowhere to stop, so drive slow around the turn and take it in!
Of course, you can also walk along the beach at Hanalei Bay or take surf lessons. And be sure to check out the Aloha Juice Bar. I had the most delicious caramel macadamia nut milkshake from there.
#5 Eat Tacos
If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life, it would be tacos. Kauai seems to love their tacos too, as it seemed like there was no shortage of taco restaurants. Check out Island Taco, Tiki Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, and Monico’s Taqueria. Yum yum!
#6 Salt Pond Beach Park
A great place to relax or go for a swim. For us, it was convenient because it was on our way back from Waimea Canyon and we stopped here for a swim, but it would be a great beach to spend the day at!
Stay tuned for part two of my Kauai favourites!
A Freckle in Time 
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