Why Kauai is My Favorite Island

When planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, there are many things to consider.

Although similar in history and culture, each island has a personality of its own and boasts unique features that offer vastly different experiences. After many trips to Hawaii that involved visiting four islands (Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai), one island has captured my heart above the rest: Kauai!

Kauai earns its name of The Garden Isle honestly. It’s a beautiful tropical paradise with so much to do and see.

Here’s a list of my top recommendations for activities and food based on personal experience:

Poipu Beach

This is hands-down my favorite area to stay on the island. It’s about 30 minutes south of Lihue Airport and requires a trip through Tree Tunnel Road to get there. It boasts the most sun, and has great places to stay, dine, and shop. It also has great beaches with lifeguards, restrooms, good snorkeling, and many times- Sea Turtles! 

Napali Coast Boat Tour and Snorkeling

Take to the ocean surrounding Kauai with this boat tour around the Napali coast. From the comfort of a custom-built boat, guests travel through the Napali Coast State Park as the captain shares stories of the local history and culture.

After stopping for a snorkeling session and onboard deli lunch, guests make the return trip back to land. An excellent choice for nature lovers and the curious, this experience will delight both new and returning visitors to the island. 

Koloa Zipline

Get a new perspective on Kauai as you soar through lush forests and over the Waita Reservoir on the island’s longest ziplines.

While cruising across the 8-track course near Koloa, hang on to the handlebars or try some more daring acrobatic stunts with the hands-free ‘Flyin' Kauai'an’ harness. 

Lydgate Farms Chocolate Tasting

Discover how cacao is grown and chocolate is made on this immersive tour of Lydgate Farms in Kauai. Go on a guided tour of their botanical gardens to sample award-winning honey, vanilla beans, and lush tropical fruit.

You will also learn all about cacao, see how it’s grown, taste its ripe fruit, and discover how to turn raw cacao seeds into delicious chocolate. Over the course of the experience, you’ll taste items like chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, apple bananas, and dark chocolate. 

Hike the Sandstone Cliffs of Makawehi

Take the trail from the parking lot between the Hyatt and the Po'ipu Bay Resort golf course. Over 1/2 mile long shoreline hiking with breathtaking views.

Part of the trail has been destroyed by a landslide so you'll re-route on the golf course. Take your time, looking for fossils in the sandstone and enjoying the view! 

Kayak Wailua Kayak and Hiking to Secret Falls

Explore Polynesia’s only navigable stream on our fully equipped, stable, comfortable, and quality single, double, and triple kayaks. On your kayak adventure, you meander 2 miles upstream, where you first pass an old Hawaiian Village.

Secure your kayak at an island in the north fork and continue your expedition on foot through the pristine canyons and tropical rainforest of the Wailua River Valley interior to Uluwehi Waterfalls. 

McBryde/Allerton Gardens

Enjoy the greatest sites and stories of both Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden on this journey through Lawai Valley. Their expert guides will take you through the exquisite “rooms” and famous Morten Bay figs of Allerton Garden, named one of ’50 Places of a Lifetime’ by National Geographic Traveler.

Then, embark to McBryde Garden where biocultural conservation and critical plant research is growing right before your eyes! This is the only tour that takes you to beautiful Waihulili Falls nestled in the back of McBryde Garden. 

Lappert’s Ice Cream

Two locations on Kauaui: Poipu and Princeville.  All of their products are made fresh daily in small batches right in Hanapepe, Kauai. They continue to use only the finest ingredients, whether in our ice cream, coffee, or bakery goodies. And that passion for quality holds true for the Lappert’s Hawaii team as well — only the best. Many have been with the company since the beginning, because the concept of ohana (family) is integral to their success. 

Keoki’s Paradise

Great dining atmosphere with lagoon, waterfalls, and thatched roof booths. The food is great; open for lunch or dinner, but reservations are recommended for dinner. Located in the Poipu Shopping Village.

RipTides Shave Ice

You can't go to Hawaii without sampling the authentic Shave Ice! Choose natural syrups made from tropical fruit on the island, and make sure to get it over a scoop of Macadamia Nut Ice Cream.

Walk across the street to the beach and watch the waves while you eat.

They have weird hours so check to make sure they're open before you go.

Da Crack

A hole in the wall, literally. Order your food through the take-out window and take it back to your condo or the beach to eat. Located next to Kukui'ula Market, the line is usually long but moves at a good pace. Massive burritos, tacos, nachos, and bowls. Good comfort food.

Of course there’s many more things to explore and delights to sample on Kauai. If you really want to understand the magic of the island, you have to experience it for yourself! 

If you’re ready to fall in love with Kauai (or any of the other Hawaiian Islands), contact us here and Sweet Memories Travel will create your perfect Island get-a-way.