everything you want to know about kauai

all of the beaches are beautiful in Kauai. but, if you see surfers or locals parking on the side of the highway, disappearing into the woods somewhere.. follow them. there are some really cool hidden beaches in Kauai.

Hanapepe

the most southern part of the island and usually the warmest area. this is where we stayed in Kauai 

Salt Pond is a small beach but great for sunset and if you love looking for shells and sea animals, this is a good place to bring dinner and some drinks during the evening

driving from Wailua toward Hanapepe there is a turn off  / lookout that is Hanapepe Canyon. it's a pretty place to take in a bit of scenery and will only take a couple minutes. 

Waimea Canyon hikes

Waipoo Hike, this is the waterfall hike! moderate level, bring your bathing suit and as always water! 

Canyon trail is 3.4 miles round trip and ends at Kumuwela Lookout

Kukui Trail is challenging, very steep but worth it if you can handle it! you will hike down the Canyon through forest to the river and then its about a 2 hour trip back up the canyon. again super steep so make sure you have proper shoes. you will be using vines and trees to lower yourself down at many areas on this trail. there are also ridge lines for my fellow travelers afraid of heights. 

Waimea Canyon | 'The Grand Canyon of the Pacific'

you don't have to do a hike! rent a car and drive up. however, make sure you go to the top and hike down a bit from there. this area is usually wet, so it may be muddy. i wouldn't wear shoes you love... and if you're like me and live in flip flops, bring some hiking shoes or sneakers for this part.

be on the lookout at stop points, some have trails off of them. there's one lookout that is closer to the top, before the lodge / resturaunt, that you can climb up a trail to get a better view - again it is a ridge-line, be careful. 

Waimea

Kekaha Beach Park is amazing for surfing, it's clean and you can drive your truck up on it. and there is plenty of parking along side the highway 

Camping at Polihale was my favorite part of our trip. we spent two nights here. the beach, is gorgeous and you can setup with the ocean as your view or further back if it's too windy. we had a fire on the beach, walked down to go shelling and stayed up late to watch the stars. i've never seen stars like this, the night sky is unreal here. you do need permits! 

​Wailua Falls are just a small turn off the main highway (which is one lane, and ends up with a lot of traffic during certain times of the day). The hike is very steep but not challenging. I wouldn't recommend going if it is raining or just rained. you'll be using trees and roots to climb down and back up the entire way. 

North of Poipu is the Makauwahi Cave, we didn't get to do this but it's on our list for next time. we hear amazing things! 

Lidgate beach is great for driftwood! there's tons of it! i'm putting this on the list because Rob and I love making things from Hawaiian driftwood for out home. it's our souvenir to take home from the island. and we always get questions about the one we brought home from Oahu! Lidgate is a nice beach to walk as well. you can drive up a little ways to Hanalei to rent bikes and ride along the shore for a few miles too. 

North Shore

Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail: i really loved this trail, you can do it in flipflops. you'll start at the beach, walk over the cliffs, to a golf course, continue along the gold course and come down to a private beach along a horse trail. 

Okolehau  Trail is short but challenging. it begins at the Hanalei taro fields, beginning with a steep 1 mile hill to an overlook with breathtaking view of  Hanalei Bay and the north shore mountains. the trail continues on less steeply with more views of Hanalei Valley.

Hanakapiai Falls will take you about 2 miles along the seacoast to Hanakapiai Beach and then two more miles up the valley to a thundering waterfall and pool. the trail upriver is fairly challenging. 8-miles round-trip in all from the trailhead at Kee Beach

Anini Beach is gorgeous and where our friends almost got engaged, you can walk down the beach, and it's a great place for pictures in my opinion. you will find locals fishing there some days and boats being loaded into the water  

Secret Beach is not a secret at all. you kayak 2 miles to Wailua River and then hike about 1/4 mile to the falls. it's nice for a half day activity

Ho'opi'i falls are your best bet for a waterfall - two waterfalls actually. the hike isn't difficult but there are some steep areas. 

Hideaways / Pali Ke Kua technically who different beaches but only separated by a massive rock. 

Looking for a nice outfit for dinner or gifts to take home that aren't cheesy... i'd go to Princeville. there's really good food truck options for a quick bite while you spend a little cash

I don't really snorkel as much as I think my boyfriend wishes I did; but if you're into that, I'd recommend Pu’u Poa Beach which is below the St. Regis, and lined with reef. Poipu (not my favorite place - A LOT of tourists) but also good for snorkeling. I do recommend checking out Poipu at some point though, you'll see whales, sea turtles, and monk seals here. 

We heard great things about Queens Bath as well as the Sleeping Giant Hike! again didn't do these, Queens Bath was closed but they have both come highly recommended to us by locals of Kauai! 

Nā Pali Coast 

this area was closed when we went in February, and i am so bummed! so we haven't gotten to  do this area yet. however i'm putting it on the list because when we go back for our friends' wedding, we WILL be checking this off our bucket list! 

Kalalaua Trail  if you are afraid of heights... this isn't for you. just look it up on youtube, you'll understand why. it is 11 miles long and only recommended for experienced hikers. you can camp overnight if you'd like to bring camping equipment, but you will need a permit.  with that said, the first few miles are a great day hike for anyone! you will start at Ha’ena State Park and end up at Hanakapi’ai Beach.

noteworthy:

in Hawaii there are some really AH MAZE ING hikes and views but there are many that are truly dangerous. make sure you bring what you need, it may include flashlights, ropes, even spikes... i'm not kidding. you should always have water with you. and lastly, if it's even slightly drizzling, do not cross a body of water for a hike.