kauai
Welcome to the Garden Isle - come explore one of the prettiest places on Earth ↓
beaches
Our trip to Kauai was surprisingly a very smooth trip (minus getting home). Everything just always seemed to work out and we got to see and experience so much. When I found out that our last nights planned camping spot was closed, I was a bit nervous. I had one other backup spot but couldn't remember much about it but off we went. And I am SO glad we did becuase the time we spent at Tunnels Beach was probably my favorite of the trip. It is located on the North Shore about one mile from the end of the road!
After spending time at Molo'oa Bay I decided that Bays just may be my favorite kind of beach. They always have the most perfect swimming conditions and the water is always sooo blue. Molo'oa Bay was not exception as the perfectly calm water and ocean blues invited everyone in to come play.
While on vacation it is so easy to rack up that credit card: trust me I know. As I grow up and have the urge to travel more, and maybe a little influence from my Finance 314 class, I now know the importance of planning a travel budget. While exploring the islands there is one huge expense we have to give up: hotels. We try to camp every night and then splurge one night on a hotel to reward our selves for bracing the wild! One of the nights we set up camp at Anahola Beach on the East side of Kauai!
Can we just take a second to admire?! And my pictures hardly do it justice. Hanalei Pier Beach Park is so beautiful and here for many to enjoy! From adventure seekers jumping from the bridge, families picnicking on the pier, or paddlers and snorkels across the water, their is something for all beach goers.
Welcome to Salt Pond Beach! Nicknamed for its salt collecting ponds, this beach has a ton to offer! It sits on the south side of Kauai between Kaumakani and Hanapepe. It is right next to the Port Allen Airport so at the right time of day you may even catch a few takeoffs!
hikes
After my second trip to Kauai and making it 4 miles on this beautiful trail, I thought it was time to update this post! However, I decided to just make a brand new one that's super organized, and full of everything you need to know about this amazing journey.
The Na Pali Coast has to be one of the most enchanting and magical places in the US. Twenty-two miles of unforgettable views and magic with every step. The Na Pali Coast has no road ways for those 22 miles and the only way to access this beautiful coast is by foot on the Kalalau Trail or boat.
Hopefully you are familiar with the Waimea Canyon now from my previous post if not catch up here! Inside this massive and amazing canyon is an 80 foot free falling waterfall called Waipoo Falls. Before getting to Kauai I did tons of research on what to do and I stumbled upon a website talking about hiking to the top of this waterfall. It actually sounded like a dream to me. But I wrote it down on my itinerary and did some more research to be sure. I tried to get as much info as possible to avoid surprises, but it still turned into a pretty spontaneous and adventurous time!
adventures
It is hard to believe a shore line could out-do the Na Pali Coast but coming to the Kileaua Lighthouse will surly take your breath away. Between the pure beauty of protective nature, the possibility of a whale watching, and seeing a historical landmark makes a stop here more than worth it.
Aloha from the Garden Isle! This island is home to some of my favorite spots in all of Hawaii like Queens Bath and Tunnels Beach. After my latest trip to the Waimea Canyon, I just may have to add the Red Dirt Waterfall to my list! This stunning mini fall is a true eye catcher and defiantly worth the stop.
The Na Pali Coast just might be the most magical place on earth. Home to unreal sea cliffs + waterfalls, turtles, dolphins, and sea caves for starters. I truly think it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and seeing the coast with Blue Ocean Adventures is the best way possible.
The Garden Isle is a hidden pacific gem. This island is full beauty everywhere you look - from soaring cliffs, unique beaches, unreal canyons, and stunning waterfalls - Kauai will blow you away. Check out 10 fun things to do on Kauai below!
Chances are if you have heard or read anything about the island of Kauai before, you have probably heard of two things: the Na Pali Coast and Queens Bath. And no matter what pre-conceived notions you have about either of them, go and see and experience them! They are just as magical as Instagram makes them out to be. Queens Bath is a giant Tidepool located on Kauai's North Shore in Princeville.
I was so anxious to go to Kauai and see the Waimea Canyon for my self. I had recently seen it a few times on Instagram and was memorized by the fact there was a giant canyon on an island. It seemed to good to be true! It was the first item on our list once arriving on kauai. We got settled in our car and started the almost 2 hour dive from the airport to the opposite side of the island to Waimea.
One of the best things about Kauai (although their is many) is how many abundant and stunning waterfalls their are. Opaekaa Falls is located on the east side of Kauai about 15 minutes from the Lihue Airport or 5 minutes from Wailua Falls. It is totally worth going if you have your own rental car and are down to drive around and explore some!
This is a real place on Earth and it is magical. Wailua Falls is actually a very touristy spot: as it should be. Its beauty should be seen by all! Heading North on Kaumualii Highway you will see plenty of signs pointing to the falls, and your GPS is also sure to take you there, it is pretty much a straight shot!
Check out the Top 5 Best Adventures here on Maui! From the Road to Hana to Nakalele Blowhole there is surly an adventure here that will blow your mind.
The Road to Hana is one of the most iconic adventures in Maui. Check it off your bucket list and check out some of the best Summertime stops on the Road to Hana below. Make sure to pack your swim suit and camera because this drive is unlike anything you will ever experience!
Maui already has some of the coolest experiences in the world from Nakalele Blowhole to Road to Hana, but swimming at this beach may just take the cake! What if you could be surrounded by 10+ Sea Turtles and fish galore? Well at Hanakoa'o Beach it is alll possible!
I love watching the sunset in Hawaii. No matter where its from, it is always tropical and magical. One of the best sunsets I have seen in Hawaii was from Mt. Haleakala in Maui. The old volcano in Haleakala National Park is home to one of the best viewpoints for sunrise and sunset.
Imagine watching the sunrise above the clouds on an island in the Pacific ocean. Well let me tell you-- it's possible, and as amazing as it sounds. Haleakala National Park is located on Maui is an experience that should be on your bucketlist
Check out some of the best places for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert on Maui. Packed full of amazing food and iconic restaurants you will be sure to find a new favorite here on the Valley Isle.
Maui is not short on amazing snorkeling. From the top rated private island of Molokini to Turtle Town, you will find your self in underwater moments from Finding Nemo. Black Rock Beach located in the heart of Lahaina will have you breathless, literally!
They don't call us the Rainbow State for nothing! One of my favorite things about Hawaii are the rainbows, I love how they appear out of thin air most days and light up our sky. I was lucky enough to get a perfect rainbow when I went to Baldwin Beach Park on Maui.
Chasing waterfalls may have become one of my favorite activities sense living in Hawaii. After planning a fun short trip back to Maui I knew I wanted to find some new things to do. I read about a cool waterfall in the Bamboo Forest that was mostly only viable after rainfall. It has just rained the day before so I was stoked to go try!
Sea Glass Beach is located on the South Shore of Kauai about 10 minutes from Salt Pond Beach. It is such a unique beach because the sand is mostly made up of Sea Glass! Sea Glass is made from broken bottles, windshields, flasks or anything glass really. The movement of the ocean smooths it out over time and add this frost like finish to it! It is truly amazing.