The Most "Worth It" Adventures on Kauai

Known as the Garden Isle, the beautiful Island of Kauai radiates a tropical dream with lavish palm trees, tidal pools, and jaw-dropping waterfalls streaming down mountains beyond compare. Here you will find my personal favorite ways to explore the island and create everlasting memories!

1. Hike the Kalalau Trail

Though it may be a rigorous adventure, it's worth every mile and spec of mud on your clothes. The Kalalau Trail is a Kauai staple to experiencing the island's beautiful terrain and not too shabby of a view of the Nā Pali Coast. For about a 9 mile round-trip to the Hanakāpīʻai Falls, the trail is pretty consistent towards keeping a clear pathway, excluding a few river-crossings. Near the end stretch towards the falls, it does get a bit slippery with more of a rockery navigation so just be sure to take your time when the sound of the waterfall becomes more intense! 

2. Take a Boat Ride Down the Nā Pali Coast

When you think of Kauai, most people might picture those giant, vibrant green cliffs expanding along the shore that is often posted online, and that is the famous Nā Pali Coast. While you can drive & hike to look-out points of the coast, it is best to experience it on boat in order to fully take in the grand scale of a picturesque scene.

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3. Surf in Hanalei Bay

If you know the movie, Soul Surfer, you know Hanalei Bay. Located on the north shore of the island, this beach holds dreams of wanting to mimic Bethany Hamilton and Alana Blanchard jumping of the pier to shred some waves. Although there may not be "massive" waves to ride, Hanalei Bay is perfect for beginner surfers, like me, who want to first learn how to stand on the board and ride it to shore as the waves are normally gentle & calm. 

Although if you are not coming to Kauai to live out your Soul Surfer moment, Hanalei Bay is still a beach very worth while to spend the day at or come for sunset. If you're staying on the north side, it's just a quick ride to watch the sun drape down the mountains, illuminating a gold sky and a teal-blue ocean. 

4. Visit the Waimea Canyon

On our way to the south side of the island to take a ride down the Nā Pali Coast, my group and I stopped at the Waimea Canyon lookout and let me tell you, pictures do not do it justice! While many call it the " Grand Canyon of the Pacific" it is truly an impeccable sight looking out to the landscape of peaks and waterfalls that go beyond a definition of grand. 

5. Take a Trip to Tunnels Beach

To me, Tunnels Beach is what you imagine Kauai to be. The clear water with an aqua shade of blue matching the hues of the sky forms waves to a surfers dream. And the best part, mountains that lie right up against the sand to where the beach ends and even more beauty begins.