Kauai is a dream island, with lush landscapes, tons of fun activities, and an engaging and loving community that will welcome you with open arms and make it so you never want to leave! Which is why our guests keep coming back. in fact nearly 70% of our condos are booked year around from returning guests. It’s the reason for our “Mantra”, Relive The Experience. There are so many wonderful, fun and adventurous things to do all within a few minutes of our condos. Here is how to spend your first week in Kauai.
Do you want to feel like you are in Jurassic Park? Do you want to see some of the most pristine landscapes in the US? You will be on top of the world, above the clouds, and with the best views of the island up in the air. A helicopter tour on day one will not only help you appreciate where you are and how beautiful it is, but help you get a good idea of what there is to see, and where to go to see it!
Details:
Cost: Around $200 pp if you book the earliest morning flight on SunshineHelicopters.com and take a doors on flight. The flights with the doors off cost closer to $300 pp. As a frugal traveler I wasn’t sure I would get my value at the $200 price tag. But let me just say that it was the best $200 I spent all week. Spend a few less dollars on souvenirs, eat in your room a few extra times, donate plasma…do what it takes to make this happen. It is majestic, magical, and you will see parts of the island you can’t see any other way. My only regret: Not going door-less!
Time: The flights are usually about an hour, give or take a few minutes. We took off from Lihue and had to be there about 7 AM and finished around 9 AM.
What you should know:
If you really want to enjoy the insane beauty of Kauai, take a drive up the North Shore, and visit Queen’s Bath and Tunnels Beach!
Details:
Disclaimer: Many people have drowned at Queens Bath. Go when the tide is low, and do not push your limits. Large waves could smash you against the rocks, or drag you out to sea, so be careful.
This activity is free of cost.
A short, but treacherous hike will take you to the gorgeous Queen’s Bath area. This natural pool borders the ocean, and is filled with water from the waves, but is a fun place to take a swim. The views are incredible, the black lava rock a MUST SEE, and the experience magical. Just be careful!
What you should know:
What is a trip to Hawaii without a snorkeling trip? We went on the Niihau + Napali Super Tour. This is the one to take. It goes to both Niihau, also know as the Forbidden Island, and the Napali Coast.
Details:
The tour is about 7 hours. It went up the Napali Coast, and was amazing. The views were absolutely spectacular. You even get to go into a cave and under a waterfall! After the ride up and down the beautiful Napali Coastline, the tour headed over to Niihau where it anchored off shore, and we got to spend an hour snorkeling at the reef there. There were tons of fish for the viewing, an we even saw a few eel.
You get to eat breakfast and lunch onboard, and the food, while simple fare, was absolutely delicious. They also serve drinks, including alcohol, but no alcohol until after the snorkeling.
What you should know:
While you will likely want to spend more than one day at the beach, a visit to Hawaii should include a great beach day. And an amazing beach to visit is Poipu Beach. From where we stayed at The Villas at Poipu Kai (details below), the beach is about 2 minutes drive or 5 minute walk.
Details:
The beach is great for playing in the water, surfing, snorkeling, sun bathing, and more. There is one small inlet that is great for hanging out enjoying the water. You may even see turtles. Not far down you will see a rocky area, and this is great for viewing fish. A little further down the beach, and you will be in a great place for surfing and boogie boarding. There is even one area where the waves kind of butt up against each other, and you can walk between them to a little sandbar in the sea.
Just a bit further down is the Spouting Horn Blow Hole, a fun thing to witness while visiting Kauai. This blow hole is a fun naturally occurring attraction. You don’t need to plan much time for this, 15-20 minutes will be plenty to see it and even snap a photo or two
What you should know:
It is hard to say what my favorite activity was during my visit to Kauai. So while it changes day to day, and the helicopter ride was insanely amazing, the kayak tour always rates in my top 3.
Details:
You kayak about 5 miles, and hike about 2 miles in order to get to a magical waterfall, often called Secret Falls, where you can take a dip in the pool, and eat a lunch.
Your guide will tell you all about the plants, the views, and the history while you hike. You will be sure to love it.
What you should know:
Waimea Canyon is a must see while on the island. It is the island version of the Grand Canyon. You do not want to miss it. Drive to the very end and walk up to the look outs. It is absolutely beautiful. You will be standing with your head in the clouds, and some of the most majestic views known to man.
Details:
Waimea Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Itis a large canyon that is lush, has waterfalls, and many layers of rock and lava. It is approximately ten miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep.
Waimea canyon is located on the western side of Kauai.
What you should know:
This is a Hawaiian classic, am I right? And what an amazing way to cap off your vacation than with a literal taste of the islands, and entertainment featuring the history, story, and custom of the people.
When visiting Kauai you have a few options. Might I suggest Aulii Luau? It operates on Thursdays and Mondays, and is one of the best. It takes place on a beautiful beach. The dances are awesome, you will get to see 9 total dances. The food is fantastic, plenty of island fare, including Ono, Pineapple, and more! It is both fun and tasty.
What you should know:
There’s your first week on the island. We are just scratching the surface of all there is to do in and around Kauai. Please feel free to share with us your adventures and as always come stay with us at Kiahuna Beachside. We’d love to see ya!
Kiahuna Beachside Condominiums
2253 Poipu Parkway, Koloa, Kauai, HI 96756
800-937-6642 or info@kiahuna.com