Often described as “heaven on earth,” Hawai’i easily earns a top spot on the bucket list of most avid travelers. With year-round tropical weather, dramatic coastlines, exotic beaches, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountain ranges, each of the islands offers something unique—whether you’re chasing adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both.
Having visited all four of the main inhabited islands more than once, I’m excited to share my personal take on the must-sees, must-dos, what to avoid, and what’s overrated. This series will be broken down into four parts—one for each island—to help you choose based on your travel style and taste.
Oahu and Maui are the most visited and offer convenience, shopping, and nightlife, but also come with bigger crowds and more commercialization. Big Island is quieter, wilder, and best known for its volcanic landscapes (there was even an eruption during our last trip in May—but we were on Oahu at the time and didn’t feel a thing). Then there’s Kauai—the Garden Isle—our absolute favorite of the four, thanks to its untouched beauty, relaxed pace, and breathtaking scenery.
In this first part of the series, I’ll focus on Kauai and why it completely stole our hearts.
- 🏡 Where to Stay in Kauai
- 🌿 Must-See in Kauai
- 🌺 Must-Do in Kauai
- 🚫 What to Avoid in Kauai
- 🤷♀️ What’s Overrated in Kauai
- 🌅 Best Sunrise & Sunset Spots on Kauai’s North Shore
- Final Thoughts
Nicknamed the Garden Island, Kauai is by far the lushest and most laid-back of the Hawaiian islands—and it has our hearts. With dramatic cliffs, secret beaches, misty rainforests, and a slower pace of life, it’s the kind of place where you can truly unplug and feel like you’ve stepped into a living postcard. If you’re looking to connect with nature, dodge the crowds, and soak up genuine aloha spirit, Kauai is the island for you.
🏡 Where to Stay in Kauai
If you haven’t read my guide on 🏡Where to Stay in Hawaii: Your Ultimate Island Guide, then have a read to decide where to best set as your base.
🌿 Must-See in Kauai
Nā Pali Coast
If there’s only one thing you do in Kauai, make it the Nā Pali Coast. Towering cliffs plunge into the Pacific, waterfalls spill down the mountainsides, and sea caves line the coast—it’s absolutely jaw-dropping.
Best ways to experience it:
- Boat Tour: We took a sunset catamaran cruise that included dinner—and it was a memorable experience. Our cruise didn’t include snorkeling, but there are plenty of options that include snorkeling activity as well. On the way out, the captain sailed at a leisurely pace, making a few stops so we could watch pods of dolphins play in the water. Dinner was served on the way back, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in beautiful colors. The return trip was faster and a bit rougher due to the wind, but it added a touch of adventure to an already magical evening.
- If you tend to get seasick, then the trick is to stay outside/above deck where you get a lot of fresh air and a clear view of the horizon. Wearing an anti-nausea bracelet or patches does help. There’s also an Asian remedy to reduce motion sickness by chewing ginger. Fresh ginger of course works best, but if you can’t find fresh ginger or it’s not convenient, then the dried ginger also works.
- Helicopter Ride: Yes, it’s pricey. We personally haven’t taken any helicopter tour (out of fear), but those who have taken the rides say they are totally worth it!!
- Hike in the Hāʻena State Park: Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trail on the Nā Pali Coast. At about 1 mile in, you’ll get to see the Nā Pali Coast from above.
- Drive to Pu’u O Kila Lookout and Kalalau Lookout at the Koke’e State Park. Perhaps being overshadowed by the Waimea Canyon, this state park somehow is not highlighted in many vlogs and reviews that we’ve seen. No hiking is needed; these 2 lookouts provide sweeping views of the coast and the Kalalau Valley.
Waimea Canyon – “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
Red-rock canyon meets lush jungle. Go early to beat the fog and the crowds.
Top Spots:
- Waimea Canyon Lookout
- Puu Hinahina and Kalalau Lookouts
- Waipo’o Falls Overlook
Waterfalls
Kauai boasts numerous stunning waterfalls with easily accessible roadside views.
- Wailua Falls – known for its double-tiered cascade and easy access.
- Waipoo Falls – a majestic 800-foot waterfall in Waimea Canyon.
- Opaekaa Falls is located in Wailua and offers a scenic lookout with picnic tables and restrooms.
- “Red Dirt” Waterfall – this little cascade has a spectacular setting in the midst of bright red dirt in the Waimea Canyon, along Highway 550 at marker Mile 23. “Red Dirt” falls is seasonal; the flow depends on rain.
There are many more beautiful waterfalls in Kauai, but hiking is required or they can only be seen from the helicopter.
Fun Tip: Near the parking lot at Wailua Falls, there’s a longtime coconut truck that’s become a local favorite. Sipping on freshly cut coconut water on a hot sunny day is incredibly refreshing—truly hard to beat! Once you’ve finished the juice, ask the vendor to crack open the coconut so you can enjoy the tender meat inside. He even carves a spoon out of the shell for you—a clever and fun touch that makes the whole experience even more memorable.
🌺 Must-Do in Kauai
🌿 Nature & Adventure
Hāʻena State Park – Hike the Kalalau Trail
Considered to be the hardest and most dangerous hike in Hawaii; however, it is a must-do in Kauai!! The trail stretches from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach, with stops at Hanakapi’ai Beach, Hanakapi’ai Valley, Hanakapi’ai Falls, Hanakoa Falls and Kalalau Valley along the way. Read more on all you need to know about this famous hiking trail in my next post.
Waimea Canyon & Koke‘e State Park
The two parks are adjacent and offer different but equally stunning experiences. Waimea Canyon is often dubbed as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” due to its dramatic gorges, red dirt cliffs and waterfalls, while Koke‘e features lush green forests and offers stunning views of the Nā Pali Coast.
- Waimea Canyon:
- Hike trails like Canyon Trail to Waipo‘o Falls or explore lookouts.
- Do a short hike to the gorgeous two-tiered Waiale Falls. To get to the trailhead for this hike, take Waianuenue Avenue west out of Hilo. You will pass a large white building with a small parking lot on your left and immediately after turn onto a bridge overlooking Waiale Falls.
- Note that hiking down to the bottom is now officially closed and considered illegal.
- It is said that this waterfall is better seen on a helicopter tour rather than from ground level because from the air, you can clearly see the multiple tiers. We haven’t done any helicopter tours to offer a personal opinion.
- Koke‘e:
- If you can manage a moderately difficult hike, then Awa‘awapuhi Trail is a must! The hike is about 3 miles (one way), at which point you are awarded with a spectacular view of the sheer cliffs and canyons of Awa‘awapuhi and Nu‘alolo valleys along the Nā Pali Coast. If you’re a plant enthusiast, then the hiking trail is dotted with many different species of plants through the rainforest.
If you’re interested in doing other hikes in Waimea Canyon, visit waimeacanyon.org for more information.
Hanalei & North Shore Wandering
This town is vintage Hawaii at its best. Think surf shacks, smoothie trucks, and long beach days. Chill on Hanalei Bay, grab fresh poke from Hanalei Market, and just let time slow down.
Hanalei Bay
- What to do: Swim, surf, paddleboard, or just relax on the wide crescent beach.
- Why: A picturesque bay backed by lush mountains and waterfalls.
Queen’s Bath
Queen’s Bath in Princeville is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem, even though it’s not really a secret anymore. It’s a natural tide pool tucked into lava rock, with ocean waves crashing just beyond the edge. Sounds magical, right? It is—but it’s also not your average beach stop. It’s very slippery and the trail is often closed due to the weather and surf condition, even in the summer when we visited recently. Wear sturdy shoes and prepared to get dirty!
Queen’s Bath is in a residential neighborhood. On Google Maps, type “Queen’s Bath Trailhead” to get to a tiny parking lot near Kapiolani Loop.
The trail to Queen’s Bath is only about half a mile, but it’s steep, muddy, and can get really slippery. Like, hands-in-the-dirt, slipping-on-your-butt kind of slippery if it rained recently (which is like almost everyday in Kaua‘i!). You’ll pass a little waterfall on the way down. This is a good spot to catch your breath before the rocks.
(Photos below are from Google, to capture the conditions when it’s calm vs. high surf. Observe the conditions for a while before entering the bath. Beware that the conditions can change very quickly.)
Queen’s Bath is not always safe to swim. The ocean is unpredictable here, and waves can suddenly crash over the rocks, pulling people into the open water. Take the warnings seriously! People died here! If the surf is high (higher than 2-3 ft.), do not attempt to swim. Check the surf report before you go.
Queen’s Bath is beautiful and worth visiting when conditions are right. Just don’t underestimate the trail or the ocean. The rocks are sharp so bring your water shoes.
Photo from Franklin Arts
Kayak the Wailua River + Secret Falls Hike
- What to do:
- Paddle through jungle-lined waters
- Kayak to Secret Falls
- Boat tours to Fern Grotto
- Hike to a hidden 100-foot waterfall
Tip: Wear good water shoes—it gets muddy.
- Why: One of Hawai‘i’s only navigable rivers—tropical and serene.
🏝️Beaches to Explore
- Poipu Beach (South Shore): Great for families, snorkeling, and seeing monk seals.
- Tunnels Beach (North Shore): Ideal for snorkeling and sunset views. Note that parking is quite limited. There’s a very small parking lot only, so be prepared to park on the side of the road and do a little bit of walking. There’s an outdoor shower and a restroom. There’s usually a food truck parked here, although prices are pretty hefty! Otherwise, there’s no other food option. Down about half a mile, there are restaurants at the Hanalei center and Ching Young village.
- Polihale State Park (West Side): Remote, rugged, and magical for sunsets—but requires a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle.
The beaches in the North Shore are not crowded and just breathtaking!
(Photo was taken with iPhone)
🥾 Top Hikes
- Kalalau Trail (North Shore): Bucket list hike along the Nā Pali Coast
- Sleeping Giant Trail (East Side): Moderate hike with panoramic views of the island.
- Alaka‘i Swamp Trail (Koke‘e): One of the wettest trails on Earth—foggy, eerie. It is considered to be the “top” due to its uniqueness. Otherwise, Awa‘awapuhi Trail offers fantastic views.
🌸 Cultural & Local Experiences
- Kaua‘i Hindu Monastery: Peaceful, spiritual site with beautiful temple grounds.
- Kilohana Plantation: Ride the Kaua‘i Plantation Railway or visit for rum tastings.
- Lu‘au Kalamaku or Smith Family Garden Luau (Līhu‘e) or Aulii Lu‘au (Poipu): Traditional food, hula, and Polynesian stories.
Tip: Book early! The popular luaus are sold out early, especially during peak period. Typically, there are 2 shows: afternoon and evening. I think the evening luaus are better since some of them have fire performance.
🌊 Water Activities
- Snorkeling: Try Lawai Beach, Tunnels, or Anini Beach.
- Scuba Diving: For advanced divers, Ni‘ihau wall dives are world-class.
- Surfing Lessons: Hanalei or Poipu are good spots for beginners.
- Boat tours or sailing catamarans: Many depart from Port Allen to explore sea caves, snorkel, or enjoy a Nā Pali sunset.
Eat Like a Local
Some can’t-miss eateries, as recommended by our shuttle driver. Most of these are in the north shore, as we stayed in Hanalei and Princeville both times.
- 🍨Shave ice – You can’t spend a day in Hawaii without having a shaved ice – the Hawaiian way with ice cream base and snow-capping it! We liked these:
- 🍧 JoJo’s Shave Ice – they have locations in Waimea/Hanalei/Kapa’a. Jojo’s has the homemade mac nut ice cream, which is a level up from the usual-offered vanilla ice cream.
- 🍧Wailua Shave Ice in Kapa’a has very unique flavor offerings. What stood out for me is they top the shave ice with fresh fruits (no extra fee).
- 🍔 Big Nick’s – best burger
- 🐟The Fish Market – best poke 🥗 I had to reconfirm when the driver recommended “Fish market”, thinking it’s just a market. He claimed they have the most fresh fish, and therefore, the best poke bowl!
- 🥣Aloha juice bar – Açaí bowls are a popular treat in Hawaii, often enjoyed as a refreshing breakfast or snack.
- 🍦Pink’s Ice cream – best ice cream
- 🌭 Puka Dog, Poipu – touristy but delicious
- 🍽️ Tidepools, Grand Hyatt – for that splurge-worthy, romantic night out
🚫 What to Avoid in Kauai
Overstuffing Your Itinerary
Kauai is the place to slow down. Let go of the checklist. Some of our best memories came from spontaneous beach stops and roadside fruit stands.
Driving to Ha’ena State Park Without a Permit
You need advance reservations to access the Kalalau Trail, Ke’e Beach, or Ha’ena Park. I’ll have a separate post on this soon.
🤷♀️ What’s Overrated in Kauai
Fern Grotto
It’s pretty, but not jaw-dropping. The boat tour is mellow, but kayaking up the same river gets you a much richer experience.
Poipu Beach (Depending on Your Vibe)
It’s convenient, yes. Family-friendly, sure. But it’s also crowded and resort-heavy. For something more scenic and peaceful, try:
- Maha’ulepu Beach
- Tunnels Beach (great snorkeling and fewer people)
🌅 Best Sunrise & Sunset Spots on Kauai’s North Shore
The North Shore of Kauai is known for its lush mountains, dramatic coastline, and peaceful energy—but it also delivers some of the island’s most unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. If you’re staying in Hanalei, Princeville, or nearby, here’s where to go for golden hour magic (without needing to drive across the island).
🌞 Best Sunrise Spots – North Shore
📍 Princeville Lookout (Pu’u Poa Point)
This little gem sits at the edge of the Princeville resort area and offers a clear view east over the ocean. You’ll often find just a few early risers here, coffee in hand, watching the first light spill over the horizon and light up the cliffs. Quiet, peaceful, and a perfect start to the day.
📍 Anini Beach
While it’s not a direct sunrise beach, the early morning light filters through the ironwood trees beautifully here. It’s a serene place to stretch, walk along the reef-protected shore, and catch the soft pink and orange reflections on the water.
🌇 Best Sunset Spots – North Shore
📍 Hanalei Bay
This is the sunset spot on the North Shore—and honestly, one of our favorites on the entire island. As the sun drops behind the ridgelines of Mount Makana (aka “Bali Hai”), the sky lights up in every shade of orange, pink, and purple. Grab a spot on the sand, watch the surfers ride their last waves, and just breathe it all in.
📍 Hideaway Beach
True to its name, the beach is secluded nestled beneath the cliffs of Princeville. Our shuttle driver recommended this as one of the best spots to see the sunset. There’s a small public parking here (maybe can hold about 10-15 cars). Otherwise, you can valet-park at the hotel next door ($50 as of Summer 2025). The beach isn’t the easiest to get to – this incident is a whole little adventure on its own!
As noted above, getting to the Hideaway Beach is a little tricky that had me in a panic!! There isn’t any sign. When asked, people just sort of pointed us to a direction and then we had to figure it out on our own!
From the small public parking lot next to the entrance of the 1 Hotel, walk toward the ocean—you’ll spot a bunch of trees and a little wooden sign that says “Kaumahina Trail.” There’s no real marked entrance; you just step over the white railing and follow a narrow dirt path downhill.
A few minutes in, you’ll come across a steep staircase, and at the bottom of that, there are two ropes to help you down a slope—and trust me, you’ll need them unless you’re planning to slide down on your backside (not recommended 😅).
Now here’s where things went sideways for us. There were four young hikers ahead of us, and we figured, “They look like they know where they’re going,” so we just followed. Rookie move. The ocean is directly ahead, and you have to choose: go left or right to get down to the beach. They went left, and so did we.
Bad idea.
There was no trail. Just a scramble over tangled tree roots and slippery cliffside vines, literally hugging the edge of the land with a drop to the ocean just a step away. I was clinging to tree branches, trying not to panic while the sun started setting. After about ten stressful minutes of slipping around with no beach in sight, I realized we were definitely lost.
Just as I was trying to find a way back up (with the help of two other strangers who showed up at the same time (who apparently also took a left) and literally grabbed my arms as I maneuvered around the tree roots and bushes), we made it back to the base of the slope with the ropes. We were this close to giving up and heading back when we finally looked the other way—to the right—and saw what actually looked like a trail. Sure enough, a short path led us straight down to Hideaway Beach.
Lesson learned: at the bottom of the slope with the ropes, go right!!
By the time we got there, the sun had dipped behind the clouds, so we missed the sunset we were hoping for. But the beach itself was quiet and peaceful, with just a few other people around. Even without the golden hour glow, the view was still stunning—and in a way, the whole adventure made the moment even more unforgettable.
The local shuttle driver who recommended this sunset spot to us calls it a hidden gem – well, it sure is hidden!! 😅
📍 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Next to the Hideaway Beach is the 1 Hotel. You don’t need to stay here to enjoy the view. Come in for a drink at the bar (parking is valet only for $50) and enjoy one of the best sunsets in the north shore!
📍 Happy Talk Lounge Restaurant & Bar
Google gives the place 4.3/5 rating, so food and drinks are average, but the sunset view here is amazing. This is also a recommendation from a local – our shuttle driver.
📍 Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach)
Tunnels offers a more secluded sunset experience. With dramatic mountain backdrops and fewer people, it’s perfect if you want something quieter and more immersive. Great for photographers, snorkelers (during the day), and anyone chasing that untouched island feel.
📍 Ke’e Beach
Located at the very end of the road on the North Shore (just before the Nā Pali Coast begins), Ke’e is a peaceful spot where the sun sets directly into the ocean in summer months. If you can snag a park permit, it’s a beautiful way to end a day of hiking or exploring Ha’ena State Park (if you’re riding the shuttle, the last shuttle pick-up is at 6:45pm, so you wouldn’t be able to catch sunset here.)
Tip for North Shore sunset lovers:
Bring a light jacket—it can get breezy in the evenings. And always check road and weather conditions during the winter, when the North Shore gets more rain and surf.
Final Thoughts
Kauai makes you feel small—in the best way possible. Towering cliffs, misty valleys, quiet beaches—it’s humbling, beautiful, and soul-soothing. It’s not the island for nightlife or flashy resorts. It’s the one you come back to when you need peace.
Making Memories 
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