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Hawaii: Kauai

Lush green landscape on the side of the road in Kauai

When we arrived at the Kauai dock, we got on a bus to explore Waimea Canyon. Kauai is known as the Garden Island and you immediately get why it's called that when you arrive. The island is so lush and green. Driving up to Waimea Canyon, there were so many plants and trees alongside the roads. Our bus driver even pulled over at one point so we could get out and admire the beauty of Kauai. Once we arrived at Waimea Canyon, the view was phenomenal. It was like being at a lush Grand Canyon. In my opinion, it's worth a visit to Waimea Canyon if you travel to Kauai.



After our tour concluded, we stopped at a restaurant in town for lunch. This is where I fully experienced Hawaiian beef. I ordered a Hawaiian burger and the burger was delicious. If you eat meat then you should try Hawaiian beef because it tastes different from beef in the continental U.S. After eating my burger I ordered some ube cheesecake, which was so tasty. Personally, I'm obsessed with ube, so I try and order anything ube when I see it. Feeling full, we headed back to the ship to relax.


Coffee cup that says 'The Jammin' Banana' with a surfing banana on it

The next morning, my brother and I walked along the beach and then went to get coffee at the Jammin' Banana. I ordered a chocolate banana latte and it was so good. I wish I could go back just for that latte. The rest of the group met up with us and we walked around the courtyard gardens of the Marriot Hotel and saw koi fish. This was the only time on my whole trip, visiting four Hawaiian islands, that I saw a nene, which is the official Hawaii state bird. After walking around the garden, we headed to the beach to lay out. It was warm out but the clouds kept coming and it would sprinkle occasionally, so eventually we just went back to the ship. It was the 4th of July, so that evening we watched fireworks from our cruise ship, and that concluded our time in Kauai.



The ship headed back to Oahu and that finished my adventures in Hawaii, the 50th state.


 
If you want to visit Kauai, here's a list of possible things to see and do:

  1. Na Pali Coast: Explore the rugged Na Pali Coast by hiking the Kalalau Trail (permit required), taking a boat tour, or enjoying a helicopter ride. This stunning coastline features towering sea cliffs, lush valleys, and secluded beaches.

  2. Waimea Canyon: Dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon offers breathtaking panoramic views of deep valleys, waterfalls, and rugged terrain. Drive up Waimea Canyon Drive for several viewpoints and hiking trails.

  3. Hanalei Bay: Relax on the crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay, one of Kauai's most picturesque beaches. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply soak in the views of the lush green mountains surrounding the bay.

  4. Wailua River and Fern Grotto: Take a boat tour or kayak along the tranquil Wailua River to see the Fern Grotto, a natural lava rock cave adorned with hanging ferns and tropical foliage. The area is steeped in Hawaiian history and legends.

  5. Kalalau Valley: Take in the stunning views of Kalalau Valley from various lookout points along Koke'e State Park. The valley is known for its sheer cliffs, lush vegetation, and the challenging Kalalau Trail.

  6. Spouting Horn: Visit Spouting Horn in Poipu, where waves create a natural blowhole that shoots water high into the air. It's a mesmerizing sight and a popular spot for photos.

  7. Napali Coast Boat Tour: Explore the inaccessible coastline of the Na Pali Coast by taking a boat tour. Many tours offer snorkeling opportunities, dolphin sightings, and chances to see sea caves and hidden beaches.

  8. Kauai's North Shore Beaches: Besides Hanalei Bay, explore other beautiful beaches along Kauai's north shore, such as Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach) for snorkeling, Lumaha'i Beach for its dramatic scenery, and Ke'e Beach for sunset views.

  9. Kauai's Waterfalls: Discover some of Kauai's stunning waterfalls, such as Wailua Falls (easily accessible by car), Opaekaa Falls (viewable from a lookout), and the lesser-known but beautiful Ho'opi'i Falls along the Kuilau Ridge Trail.

  10. Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge: Visit the historic Kilauea Lighthouse, perched on a dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The nearby wildlife refuge is home to nesting seabirds, including albatrosses and frigatebirds.


If you want more suggestions on what to do in Kauai, I suggest you check out the Hawaii tourism website.

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