Favorite Place: Kaua'i, Hawai'i
- LoAroundTheGlobo
- Jul 1, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 21
December 2013 & Summer 2014
December 2013: I loved Hawai’i so much the first time that I went back just six months later. My family and I stayed on Kaua’i, the northernmost island, over Christmas break. We rented a car, which is the easiest way to explore the island in a week, and stayed in a gorgeous resort near Lihue. One highlight was Waimea River, where we took a boat cruise and hiked to a waterfall that opened into a grotto. Surrounded by tropical flowers, mist, and wildlife, we felt completely immersed in the island’s beauty.
Driving around Kaua’i was a joy in itself—detours led to hidden caves, quiet beaches, and Waimea Canyon, known as the “Mini Grand Canyon” for its expansive red-rock layers. We visited Princeville and stopped at a local ice cream shack, windows down, feeling the warm, tropical breeze. On Christmas Eve, we celebrated on a beach with white sand, crystal-clear water, and a Santa in a red canoe handing out candy—a magical twist on the traditional “white Christmas.”
The views at Kalalau Lookout on the Na’Pali Coast were unforgettable. The green cliffs dropped into the Pacific, clouds wrapped around us, and rainbows danced in the mist. On Christmas morning, my grandma, brother, and I saw the Na’Pali Coast from a helicopter—an even more humbling perspective.
A friendly waiter from a local restaurant invited me on an adventure the next day to “Blue Hole,” an oasis accessible only through a dark tunnel via inter-tube. We floated into a serene valley, enjoying the sunshine and snacks. Other highlights included a traditional Hawaiian dinner and show, and Polihali Beach, the westernmost point in the U.S., where we watched the sky explode with sunset colors and listened to the relentless waves crashing against the shore.
By the time we returned home, I was already planning my next visit.
Summer 2014: Six months later, I returned with my friend Morgaine for a two-week July adventure. We stayed at an Airbnb near Kapa’a, borrowing a car from our host, Evan, who also showed us a rocky beach where we jumped and flipped off a 15-foot platform.
We reconnected with friends I’d made on my previous trip, exploring hidden waterfalls in the jungle, cliff-jumping at Shipwreck’s Beach, and hiking Waimea Canyon under the emerging stars. One memorable evening, our “island car” broke down on the way down the mountain, and we laughed our way through multiple repairs with the help of kind strangers.
Other adventures included Wailua Falls, Opaeka’a Falls, zip-lining through the jungle into a hidden pond, and a fishing expedition requiring stealth and patience—qualities we clearly lacked, but the adventure was unforgettable. We ended our trip back at Polihali Beach, watching another breathtaking sunset and feeling like we were at the edge of the world.
By the end of the trip, we had grown attached to the puppies, the early-morning roof sessions, and the vibrant stories of other guests. Evan, our patient host, joked about our rowdy energy but confirmed we felt like sisters by the time we left. Hearts full, wallets empty, and spirits soaring, we departed with stories and memories that will last a lifetime.
Kaua’i is one of the most striking places I’ve ever visited. Between its lush landscapes, hidden adventures, and unique culture, it stole my heart both times. No matter when you go, the island’s beauty and sense of wonder never disappoint.
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To Do or Not to Do?
If it wasn’t already obvious: YES—go. You’d be hard-pressed to find an island more breathtaking than this. As a traveler, be mindful: take nothing, leave no trace, and respect the local culture and native inhabitants. Ask before you explore, follow their guidance on what to do and when, and travel thoughtfully. Protect the island’s beauty through considerate tourism, conscious consumption, and a spirit of gratitude—it’s one of the few places on Earth that will humble and inspire you at every turn.
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