Kauai, The Garden Island

We arrived in Kauai early in the morning and picked up the Jeep we rented through Turo, the perfect car for exploring the island’s rugged terrain. From the airport, we drove straight toward Hanalei, enjoying the incredibly scenic route along the North Shore, surrounded by mountains, taro fields, and waterfalls in the distance.

Our first stop was Haena Beach, a wide stretch of golden sand backed by lush green cliffs. We took a long walk along the shore, swam in the refreshing turquoise water, and explored the Maniniholo Dry Cave just across the road, a fascinating natural formation steeped in Hawaiian legend.

After our beach time, we stopped in Hanalei town for a casual lunch, enjoying the relaxed vibe, small shops, and local eateries that make this area so special. Later in the afternoon, we drove to Princeville, where we checked in to our Airbnb nestled on a quiet street with beautiful views.

Just down the road, we discovered that the famous Queen’s Bath was nearby, so we decided to go explore before sunset. The trail was moderately challenging, steep and muddy in parts, but the reward at the end was stunning: a series of natural tide pools carved into lava rock, where waves crash dramatically along the cliffs.

Historically, Queen’s Bath was a sacred bathing place for Hawaiian royalty. The natural pool fills with ocean water, creating a calm, clear space where aliʻi (chiefs and royalty) once came to relax and rejuvenate. It’s a place of great beauty and cultural significance, though also one that demands respect, conditions can be dangerous during high surf, so timing your visit carefully is essential.

After a day full of adventure, we returned to our Airbnb to unwind, cook a simple dinner, and enjoy the peaceful evening sounds of Kauai’s North Shore.

We woke up early and headed out for one of the most anticipated parts of our trip, a boat tour along the stunning Nā Pali Coast with Blue Dolphin Charters. As we cruised out, the morning sun lit up the cliffs, revealing layers of lush green valleys and waterfalls cascading straight into the ocean. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, massive sea cliffs rising thousands of feet above us, hidden beaches, and sea caves carved by centuries of waves.

Not long after leaving the harbor, a pod of dolphins appeared, swimming and jumping alongside the boat. It was such a magical sight, and the crew told us this is a common treat on morning tours. Later, we stopped at a secluded cove to snorkel, the water was crystal clear, full of colorful fish, and even a sea turtle passed by. Floating there surrounded by nature felt peaceful and surreal.

On the way back, we relaxed on deck, soaking in the views and feeling grateful for such a memorable experience. Seeing the Nā Pali Coast from the water is something we’ll never forget, it truly captures the wild, untouched beauty of Kauai.

For our third day, we decided to experience the Nā Pali Coast from a different perspective, this time, on foot. We drove early in the morning to Hā‘ena State Park, where the famous Kalalau Trail begins. This trail is world-renowned for its dramatic scenery and is the only land route that gives access to the Nā Pali Coast. Visitors need a reservation to enter the park, and there’s a small entrance and parking fee (around $5 per person and $10 per vehicle at the time of our visit). It’s best to book in advance, as the number of daily visitors is limited to protect the area’s fragile ecosystem.

The trail started off lush and muddy from the previous night’s rain, but the scenery made every step worth it. The path winds through thick jungle filled with ferns, tropical flowers, and the sound of distant waterfalls. As we gained elevation, breathtaking views of the coastline began to appear, steep green cliffs dropping into the deep blue Pacific, with waves crashing far below.

After about two miles of hiking, we reached Hanakapi‘ai Beach, a stunning spot surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. The beach itself has golden sand and a powerful surf, which makes swimming unsafe, but it’s the perfect place to rest, enjoy a snack, and take in the view. The river that flows into the beach created a calm freshwater pool where we could cool off before heading back.

The hike took most of the day, with plenty of stops to admire the scenery and take photos. It was challenging at times, muddy, slippery, and humid, but also incredibly rewarding. Being surrounded by such raw beauty and feeling so immersed in nature was unforgettable. By the time we made it back to the car, we were tired, muddy, and completely happy.

For our last day on Kauai, we set out to explore one of the island’s most breathtaking natural wonders, Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The drive to the canyon itself was beautiful, winding through red-dirt landscapes and lush forests, with lookouts offering stunning views at every turn. When we finally reached the top, the sight was unbelievably massive cliffs painted in layers of red, orange, and green, with the deep blue of the Pacific visible in the distance.

We decided to hike one of the trails inside the Waimea Canyon State Park, and it quickly became one of our favorite hikes ever. The path descended into the canyon, revealing panoramic views of the rugged cliffs and valleys that seemed to stretch endlessly. The contrasts of color, the rust-colored soil, bright green vegetation, and occasional waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, were simply mesmerizing.

As we continued deeper, we reached several lookout points where we could hear and see distant waterfalls shimmering in the sunlight. The most striking was Waipo’o Falls, a tall, graceful waterfall that drops more than 700 feet into the canyon below. Standing there, surrounded by the sound of birds and rushing water, felt surreal, like being in another world.

The hike was moderately challenging, especially on the way back uphill, but every step was worth it. Waimea Canyon perfectly captures Kauai’s wild, untamed beauty, a place that feels ancient and alive at the same time. It was the perfect way to end our trip, reflecting on how diverse and awe-inspiring this island truly is.