Kauai Highlights

So I just got over my jet-lag and I'm already ready to go back to Kauai! I can't think of more idyllic settings: lush tropical forest, beautiful golden beaches and  majestic sea cliffs. Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands so it's beauty has had more time to be perfected. Unfortunately, we only got to enjoy Kauai for one week but we got to do and see a lot so I thought I'd share our highlights with you.

BEST SHAVE ICE: First things first: I love shave ice (it's not "shaved" in Hawaii) so I was very excited to try the real deal while we were in Kauai. We tried 4 different places and we all agreed that our favorite was Jo-Jo's in Waimea. It was amazing! I got the triple berry special with vanilla ice cream on the bottom and vanilla cream on top and I loved it. My sister got the Haupia special which was coconut shave ice with macnut icecream on the bottom and coconut cream and coconut flakes on top and she said it was one of the best things she had ever eaten. Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture of Jo-Jo's to share with you but this is Wishing Well in Hanalei which was my second favorite but the lady there is really cranky.

BEST BEACH: We loved Tunnels Beach! To be honest, this is the beach we stayed at and we only visited 3 others very briefly but it was so perfect we never felt the need to go anywhere else. First of all, it has the back drop of the NaPali mountains and the famed Bali Hai. Second of all, it is surrounded by huge, half moon shaped reef about 1/8 mile off shore. This reef not only provides excellent snorkeling and diving, it also creates a barrier from the rough surf conditions and strong currents. You can snorkel right off the beach and see beautiful fish, colorful coral, eels, sea turtles and even sharks.


BEST & WORST HIKE: Hanakapi'ai Falls. This is a strenuous 8 mile trek along the Napali coast and then through a valley to a 300 foot waterfall. This hike is the best because it was absolutely one of the most scenic hikes I have ever done. It's also the worst because the trail is slippery, muddy, and steep with numerous stream crossings and I fell 3 times. That being said: it was definitely worth it! Also my nephews 4 and 7 did it with us and although it was tough at times for the 4 year old, we all lived to tell about it.

BEST VIEW: Kalalau Lookout on Waimea Canyon Road in Kokee State Park. This viewpoint offers beautiful panoramic views of the Kalalau Valley, seacliffs, and the ocean without doing a long, strenuous hike! And since there are picnic tables and bathrooms there, it's a great place for a picnic before you do some hiking.

FAVORITE EXCURSION: Wings Over Kauai. Bruce and Ellen are great! They really made our flight unforgettable. They are so hospitable and remembered all of our names and really worked hard to give us the best experience possible starting with the lei greeting, to the complimentary drinks, to the photo and cd of the flight, and then the sweet follow-up email when we got home. The flight itself is great, too but they really made it stand out from all the other flights available. Highlights of the flight are the famous Jurrasic park waterfall in the beautiful Hanapepe Valley, the vast Waimea Canyon, and the spectacular Na Pali coastline. Several of us did experience motion sickness so definitely take Dramamine just in case.

Summer Bishop - Marketing Support